The 2002 Highlander has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.
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.
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.
"Experienced twice"
Anonymous, NC (2002 Toyota Highlander Base 2.3-L 4 Cyl)Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
""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)"Both rear window channels are prone for coming off. Leaving the windows inoperable."
Anonymous, FL (2002 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.0-L V6)AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
"resolved"
Anonymous, TX (2002 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.0-L V6)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.
"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)Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
"Could not pass smog test with faulty sensor."
Anonymous, CA (2002 Toyota Highlander Base 3.0-L V6)Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
"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)Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
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.
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 rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
"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)