2011 Toyota Highlander
Common Problems
Ranked from 73 federal NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
11 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Driver's side sun visor fails to stay up
20complaintsSafety riskOtherThe sun visor on the driver's side is stuck in a partially down position, obstructing the driver's view and creating a safety hazard.
Related recall: 13V123000
- 2
Sun visor failure obstructing driver's view
15complaintsHigh severityOtherDriver's side sun visor fails to return to upright position, obstructing vision and posing a safety risk.
Related recall: 13V123000
- 3
Automatic liftgate fails to operate properly
11complaintsMedium severityOtherThe automatic liftgate of the rear door does not open or close properly, leading to inconvenience and potential safety issues.
Related recall: 13V123000
- 4
Engine oil cooler hose failure leading to catastrophic engine failure
10complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine oil cooler hose ruptures, causing a sudden loss of engine oil and potentially leading to engine failure.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Vehicle speed control malfunction
8complaintsHigh severityOtherVehicle suddenly accelerates without warning, causing crashes and injuries, posing a significant safety risk.
Related recall: 13V123000
- 6
Rear door warning light malfunction
7complaintsMedium severityElectricalRear door warning light and display repeatedly indicate the rear door is open, even when it is not, causing inconvenience and potential safety issues.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Steering intermediate shaft failure causing clunking and steering issues
6complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering intermediate shaft fails, causing clunking noises and steering wheel movement issues.
- 8
Steering wheel imbalance and difficulty
6complaintsMedium severitySteeringSteering wheel is imbalanced, turning 5-10 degrees to the right, making steering difficult and potentially unsafe.
- 9
Power Steering Failure
2complaintsHigh severitySteeringPower steering fails, making it difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at higher speeds.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Service brakes fail to engage properly
2complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe service brakes fail to engage properly, causing the vehicle to drop off a retaining wall and resulting in a serious accident.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Steering Intermediate Shaft Binding
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe intermediate shaft in the steering column binds, causing a knocking and clunking noise when turning the steering wheel.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.