What year did the Highlander have transmission problems?
The Toyota Highlander, a popular mid-size SUV, has faced transmission issues in certain model years. According to the information gathered, the Highlander experienced transmission problems in the early 2000s, specifically in the 2001 and 2002 model years.
Transmission Issues in the Early 2000s Highlander
The 2001 and 2002 Toyota Highlander models were reported to have transmission problems, including premature wear and failure of the transmission components. These issues were primarily related to the vehicle's automatic transmission, which was prone to slipping, hesitation, and even complete failure in some cases.
The transmission problems in the early 2000s Highlander were attributed to a few key factors:
- Faulty transmission design: The initial design of the Highlander's automatic transmission was not robust enough to handle the demands of the SUV's weight and power.
- Lack of proper maintenance: Some owners failed to follow the recommended maintenance schedule for the transmission, leading to premature wear and tear.
- High mileage usage: The Highlander was a popular family SUV, and many owners put high mileage on their vehicles, which contributed to the transmission issues.
Toyota acknowledged the transmission problems and offered extended warranty coverage for the affected Highlander models to address customer concerns.
Improvements in Later Model Years
In subsequent model years, Toyota made improvements to the Highlander's transmission design and manufacturing process to address the issues experienced in the early 2000s. These improvements helped to reduce the incidence of transmission problems in later Highlander models, though some owners may still have experienced isolated issues.
Overall, the Highlander's transmission problems were primarily concentrated in the 2001 and 2002 model years, and Toyota took steps to address the concerns and improve the reliability of the vehicle's transmission in later iterations.
Do Toyota Highlanders have transmission issues?
If you don't routinely and constantly change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your 2021 Toyota Highlander transmission will rapidly slip.
How much does it cost to replace a transmission in a Toyota Highlander?
The price of a new Toyota Highlander transmission could be over $3,500 depending on the car, however, transmission services such as fluid changes and a transmission fluid flush are considerably less expensive, in some cases costing less than $150.
What years of Toyota Highlander to avoid?
Q: What Toyota Highlander years should I avoid in the used car market? A: You should consider avoiding the Toyota Highlander from the years 2003, 2008, 2014, and 2015. These models have been identified as having more significant issues than other years.
How long will a Toyota Highlander transmission last?
For many car owners, the transmission may last the entire life of the vehicle, considering it can be about 200,000 miles before it needs to be replaced. However, factors can impact this like neglecting regular service. Toyota recommends that vehicles change their fluid between 60, 000 to 100,000 miles.
What year did the Toyota Highlander have transmission problems?
Frequent Issues Associated with Toyota Highlander Years
| Model Year | Common Problems | Repair Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Overheating due to coolant leak | $3,200 |
| 2008 | Transmission failure and recalls | Varies |
| 2010 | Oil consumption issues | Varies |
| 2014 | Engine performance problems | Varies |
What year did Toyota Highlander go to a timing chain?
| Model | Year | Belt / Chain / Gear |
|---|---|---|
| Highlander | 2001-2007, 2009-2014 | Chain |
| 2001-2007 | Belt | |
| 2008-2019 | Chain | |
| Highlander Hybrid | 2006-2010 | Belt |
Which Toyotas have transmission problems?
Key Facts. The recall impacts some 2022 Toyota Tundra pickups and Lexus LX 600 SUVs, as well as 2023 and 2024 Toyota Sequoia SUVs, according to the Associated Press.
What year was the most reliable Toyota Highlander?
Best Toyota Highlander Years to Buy Used
- The best choice is probably the 2008-2013 version.
- Launched in 2000, the Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV known for its reliability, safety, and comfort.
- Third-generation models of this family-friendly SUV grew longer and wider in 2014.
What's a good year to buy a Toyota Highlander?
The majority of Toyota Highlanders are genuinely dependable; the high-recall and complaint-heavy models mentioned above are the years to avoid buying a Toyota Highlander. Shop around in 2012 or 2018, however, as these are the best Highlander years yet.
What generation of Highlander is best?
Please note that we have ranked the following models based on most reliable to least reliable.
- 4 First Generation Toyota Highlander (2001-2007) Reliability Score: 88/100.
- 3 Second Generation Toyota Highlander (2008-2013)
- 2 Fourth Generation Toyota Highlander (2020-Present)
- 1 Third-Generation Toyota Highlander (2014-2019)
