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    Toyota Highlander

    EPA MPG: 20 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2005 Highlander is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2005 Toyota Highlander has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    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 2005 Toyota Highlander owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "After 20 years it failed and needed to be replaced"

    Anonymous, CO (2005 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)

    ""The past year(s) it was having problems. It barely passed the smog certification for Califyin 2023. My mechanic said it will not pass the smog test this November. I will need to replace both catalytic converters, about $2,500. That's a lot to spend on a car only worth $3,500.""

    Anonymous, CA (2005 Toyota Highlander Base 3.3-L V6)
    Other/unsure

    "sensor in engine failed and was replaced"

    Anonymous, CO (2005 Toyota Highlander Base 3.3-L V6)

    "Struts"

    Anonymous, UT (2005 Toyota Highlander Base 3.3-L V6)

    "Rust and one of the power windows does not work"

    Anonymous, NJ (2005 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)

    "car uses a lot of oil. I have replaced the pcv valve and change the oil and filter every 5000 miles. A highway trip for 150 miles uses a quart of oil. Normal driving around uses less oil. There are no leaks but the tailpipe tip has black soot but you never see any smoke."

    Anonymous, MA (2005 Toyota Highlander Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Alternator went out while on a road trip. Repairs done by CarX were done incorrectly and the wrong alternator was installed. Had to take the car to our local mechanic who installed the correct alternator."

    Anonymous, IL (2005 Toyota Highlander Unsure 3.3-L V6)

    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

    Other steering/suspension problem

    "This car has survived 20 northeast winters along the coast. One of the control arms finally rusted out rendering the car undriveable. Repair was extensive because the rear crossmember needed to be removed. All is well after the repair"

    Anonymous, NY (2005 Toyota Highlander Base 3.3-L V6)
    Power steering

    "Replace power steering pump"

    Anonymous, IA (2005 Toyota Highlander Base 3.3-L V6)
    Power steering leaks

    "Power steering leak around the master cylinder. Repaired by mechanic; no further issues."

    Anonymous, PA (2005 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)
    Shocks or struts

    "Cracked strut, replaced all."

    Anonymous, OR (2005 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)
    Wheel bearings

    ""Noticed noise like running snow tires on pavement in September, drove 800 miles to move to another state. It got louder on long drive, took it to mechanic immediately when I arrived and repaired. Fixed it within a month after I 1st started hearing noise. I had it inspected by dealership monthes prior to travel, but had not noticed noise then.""

    Anonymous, AL (2005 Toyota Highlander Base Unsure)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Automatic climate control

    "Temperature control is faulty and cost to repair is excessive."

    Anonymous A., GA (2005 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)

    "The temperature control stopped working, and I was told its a broken wiring harness into the control board"

    Anonymous, MA (2005 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)

    "Temperature control knob work"

    Anonymous, MA (2005 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "A/C was not cool enough. Mechanic put refrigerant in; was temporarily cool; but then went back to blowing hot air. Mechanic put a dye in the refrigerant so that he can follow up; but he will not attempt repair until next Spring."

    Anonymous, PA (2005 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "My Highlander is Arctic White and started losing bits of paint on the hood. Toyota wont cover it and now the hood is missing half the paint."

    Anonymous A., FL (2005 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)

    "Was a recall on the heated seats in which dealership fixed the recall"

    Anonymous, FL (2005 Toyota Highlander Base Unsure)

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Exterior lights (other than headlights)

    "Tail light on passenger right side rear is not working"

    Anonymous, (2005 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)
    Keyless entry

    "Driver side front door intermittently fails to respond to the open/close button on the vehicle remote fob."

    Anonymous, BC (2005 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "There is a water leak overhead from somewhere around the sun roof that started 2 years ago. Took it to Toyota Dealership in Grants Pass Oregon last Fall. They said drain was cleared but rainwater still comes pouring in."

    Anonymous, OR (2005 Toyota Highlander Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "This generation of highlander has a design flaw where the sunroof drain tube directs water into the door sill. The door sill drain eventually gets clogged with dirt and water backs up into the driver and passenger side floor. The dealer couldn't solve the issue. I found a youtube video of someone who re-directed the drain hose through a hole in the floor. It was a 15 minute repair and problem was solved."

    Anonymous, NY (2005 Toyota Highlander Base 3.3-L V6)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Other major transmission & clutch problem

    "Transfer case went out, cost $2000 to replace with a used pary"

    Anonymous, OH (2005 Toyota Highlander Unsure 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    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

    Fuel pump

    "After 20 years it failed and was replaced."

    Anonymous, CO (2005 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    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.

    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 Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    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.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    2005 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    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
    SEATS
    Jun 02, 2016
    If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
    What should you do:
    SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V396000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 7749
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Nov 09, 2011
    IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Summary:
    TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.
    What should you do:
    TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO IDENTIFY WHETHER IT WAS PRODUCED BY THE U.S. SUPPLIER. IF SO, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULLEY WITH A NEW ONE AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING EARLY JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
    For more information:
    OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V539000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 420326
    VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
    Feb 24, 2011
    IF THIS OCCURS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY TEMPORARILY BECOME STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION RATHER THAN RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. A STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN UNINTENDED AND SUSTAINED VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Summary:
    TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 LEXUS RX330, RX350, AND RX400H VEHICLES. IF THE FORWARD RETENTION CLIP USED TO SECURE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, WHICH IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE CENTER CONSOLE, IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM.
    What should you do:
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE FREE OR CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
    For more information:
    TOYOTA SAFETY RECALL BOA LEXUS SAFETY RECALL NO. BLC.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V112000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 769379
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Oct 21, 2010
    A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Summary:
    TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 LEXUS RX, AND MODEL YEAR 2006 LEXUS GS AND IS VEHICLES. BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING POLYMERS IS USED THAT ACTS AS LUBRICANTS FOR CERTAIN BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
    What should you do:
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAL WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
    For more information:
    OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V499000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 728544
    EQUIPMENT
    Feb 03, 2010
    THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
    Summary:
    GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
    What should you do:
    DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
    For more information:
    OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V035000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 271417
    VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
    Jul 13, 2006
    THIS CONDITION MAY INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Summary:
    ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND HYBRID VEHICLES, THE TWO RETAINING CLIPS FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE FORWARD CENTER CONSOLE CAN BECOME LOOSE. IF BOTH CLIPS SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING INTERFERENCE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ROD.
    What should you do:
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO FLOOR CARPET COVER RETAINING CLIPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 24, 2006, AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY EARLY SEPTEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
    For more information:
    TOYOTA RECALL NO. 60F AND LEXUS RECALL NO. 6LD.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 06V253000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 367594
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