Exhaust
Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
What Owners Say
"Both rear window channels are prone for coming off. Leaving the windows inoperable."
Anonymous, FL (2002 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.0-L V6)
2002
Toyota Highlander
EPA MPG:
NA
EPA MPG:
NA
RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
Reliability
Overall Reliability
The 2002 Highlander has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2002 Toyota Highlander owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Suspension/Steering
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
What Owners Say
"Tire was flattened due to rusted steel wheel. All wheels need replacement due to serious rust."
Anonymous A., MA (2002 Toyota Highlander Base 2.3-L 4 Cyl)"Experienced twice"
Anonymous, NC (2002 Toyota Highlander Base 2.3-L 4 Cyl)Body Hardware
Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
What Owners Say
"The tailgate struts that open the tailgate lost pressure resulting in the tailgate partially opening which resulted in painful head banging on the tailgate - Ouch!"
Anonymous, NC (2002 Toyota Highlander Limited 2.3-L 4 Cyl)Engine Minor
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
What Owners Say
"In the last year or so I noticed that the car burns oil at highway speeds, for example after 4-5 hrs it will require up to 2 qts of high mileage oil"
Anonymous, FL (2002 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.0-L V6)Climate System
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
What Owners Say
"resolved"
Anonymous, TX (2002 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.0-L V6)Fuel System/Emissions
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
What Owners Say
"Could not pass smog test with faulty sensor."
Anonymous, CA (2002 Toyota Highlander Base 3.0-L V6)Engine Major
Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
Electrical Accessories
Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
Engine Electrical
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
In-car Electronics
Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
Drive System
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
Engine Cooling
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Brakes
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
Transmission Major
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
Transmission Minor
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Paint/Trim
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
Noises/Leaks
Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
2002 SUVs Reliability
No Data Available
Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability
information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for
about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential
trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes,
to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Apr 15, 2004
THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE DOOR TO BE OPENED WITH THE INSIDE WHILE THE OPERATOR BELIEVES THAT THE CPL WAS ACTIVATED. IF THE DOOR WERE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, AN OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT AND BE INJURED.
Summary:
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE A CHILD PROTECTION LOCK (CPL) SYSTEM ON BOTH OF THE REAR SIDE DOORS. WHEN AN OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE CLOSES THE DOOR VERY HARD WITH THE CPL LEVER SET TO THE LOCK POSITION, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE LEVER MAY CONTACT THE BODY PANEL, CAUSING THE CPL LEVER TO MOVE INTO THE UNLOCK POSITION.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL SHORTEN THE CPL LEVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
For more information:
TOYOTA RECALL NO. SSC 40B.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
04V181000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
366572
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Jul 30, 2002
IN THE WORST CASE, NOZZLE BREAKAGE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE IF THE VEHICLE ROLLS-OVER AFTER A HIGH SPEED FRONTAL CRASH.
Summary:
ON SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THERE IS A BREATHER HOSE THAT ATTACHES TO THE NOZZLE OF THE ON-BOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE, WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE TOPSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. THE BREATHER HOSE IS ATTACHED WITH A CLAMP, WHOSE "TABS" FACE IN THE UPWARD DIRECTION. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS CRASHED UNDER THE NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) TEST (I.E., 35 MPH FRONTAL BARRIER CRASH), THE CLAMP "TABS" CONTACTED THE UNDERSIDE OF THE BODY DUE TO MOVEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK, CAUSING THE NOZZLE TO BREAK.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL ROTATE THE SPECIFIED CLAMP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
For more information:
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
02V208000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
154593
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
""For about a year (I'm slow to respond to car issues because I'm on a limited budget), the car was sluggish and getting worse with acceleration, that is, it was taking too long to get moving at a reasonable speed when starting up from, for example, sitting at a red light. I don't fully understand the system, but I believe my mechanic said there are three (or maybe like 3-in-1?) catalytic converters in the exhaust system and 2 of them were, well, dead (my wording not his). Once those were replaced, it was remarkable how much better the car ran - I can accelerate up a highway ramp quickly and reliably now and no longer have to drive only on the slower back roads. I have no complaints about any catalytic converter system that has lasted nearly 23 years. Thanks.""
Anonymous A., NC (2002 Toyota Highlander Base 3.0-L V6)