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    Toyota Highlander

    EPA MPG: 19 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2011 Highlander has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

    The 2011 Toyota Highlander has been recalled 5 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 2011 Toyota Highlander owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

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

    What Owners Say

    CD player

    "Volume control is sometimes erratic"

    Anonymous A., IL (2011 Toyota Highlander Unsure 3.5-L V6)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    "Driver window wont go down. I guess thats not major since the car still operates otherwise. But its very inconvenient not to be able to roll down your window! I have not gotten it fixed because the estimates Ive received have been from $1000 to $2000 just too much for me right now. Also the tire sensor light stays on all the time now. The first time it came on, I had the one sensor that was bad replaced. But when the light came on a few months later, I realized they were going to all go out one at a time. Since it cost almost 150 to replace the first one, I decided to just ignore the warning light and check my air pressure myself."

    Anonymous A., AR (2011 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "I can no longer context to Bluetooth. I figure that there must be a software update that is needed."

    Anonymous A., MA (2011 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Radio

    "I can only control the radio volume by using buttons in steering wheel and not radio volume knob"

    Anonymous A., MA (2011 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Problem started several years ago. The volume is sometimes difficult to control: either louder or softer."

    Anonymous A., IL (2011 Toyota Highlander Unsure 3.5-L V6)

    Climate System

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

    What Owners Say

    Evaporator

    "Started about 2 years ago, drivers side ac outlets were hotter then right side. A refrigerant leak had developed from the evaporator."

    Anonymous A., (2011 Toyota Highlander Base 3.5-L V6)
    Other climate system problem

    "The AC is not working per my state inspection. I do not plan to have it repaired."

    Anonymous, PA (2011 Toyota Highlander Base 3.5-L V6)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "We developed a slow leak in the somewhere system last year and slowly lost air conditioning. Winter came and went and now we have to address the issue again."

    Anonymous A., NY (2011 Toyota Highlander Base 3.5-L V6)

    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

    Other electrical system problem

    "The alternator is an integral part of the engine. Replacing the alternator required draining of the cooling system in the car requiring significant labor costs. I had to fine a dealer in the area that had a new alternator since my dealer seemed to have no interest in doing so and was happy to have me wait the one week for a replacement part to be ordered and delivered. I found a part at another dealership and the part was replaced in one day for $1100."

    Anonymous A., NY (2011 Toyota Highlander Base 3.5-L V6)

    "I have had to have all four power door lock actuators multiple times. They know the door lock actuators that were made in Mexico are junk. When they fail they prevent doors from locking or unlocking using the remote and interior buttons. I've replaced each door four times and three have failed again for the fifth time."

    Anonymous, FL (2011 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-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

    ""The tire pressure sensors started dying. We used pressure endcaps for about a year, but finally had the sensors replaced. We also replaced the full sized spare tire because of its age.""

    Anonymous A., CA (2011 Toyota Highlander Sport 3.5-L V6)
    Power steering

    "Electric steering pump went out and vehicle was very difficult to steer. Part was difficult for Toyota dealership to locate. Vehicle was finally repaired after 2 weeks."

    Anonymous A., LA (2011 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Cooling

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

    What Owners Say

    Water pump

    "Pre-empty Ely had water pump and belts changed. They were original"

    Anonymous, SK (2011 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "It failed completely within several days. Its replacement involved far too much work on other components such as air conditioning and other engine parts. This resulted in a repair costing many times more than it should have. Poor design."

    Anonymous A., MB (2011 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-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)

    "Paint peeling off in places at this time. At the time Toyota offered to fix at my cost the paint was not an issue"

    Anonymous, WV (2011 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    ""Paint started chipping, peeling, and flaking off in various spots on the Blizzard Pearl White paint. Toyota eventually repaired and repainted the areas affected.""

    Anonymous A., LA (2011 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    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

    Tailgate, hatch or trunk

    "Motor for the lift hatch failed. Too expensive to fix at this time. Hatch still useable manually"

    Anonymous, WV (2011 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Driveshaft or axle

    "2 seals leaked and needed replacement"

    Anonymous, CT (2011 Toyota Highlander Base 3.5-L V6)

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Rear passanger tire had a bubble"

    Anonymous, HI (2011 Toyota Highlander Base 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

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

    Engine Minor

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

    Brakes

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

    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.

    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.

    Noises/Leaks

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

    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.

    2011 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
    VISIBILITY
    Oct 22, 2015
    If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
    What should you do:
    Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
    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: 15V689000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1814284
    SEATS
    Nov 19, 2014
    Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
    Summary:
    Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
    What should you do:
    SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
    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: 14V743000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 3233
    EQUIPMENT
    Apr 09, 2013
    An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
    Summary:
    Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
    What should you do:
    Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
    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: 13V123000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 7525
    AIR BAGS, SEATS
    Jan 16, 2013
    If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
    Summary:
    Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
    What should you do:
    Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
    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: 13V014000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 3235
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