2002 Toyota Highlander recalls and problems
The 2002 Toyota Highlander has 2 safety recalls and 301 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2002 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2002 Toyota Highlander recalls
Recall 04V-181: Latches/Locks/Linkages
Problem: Certain sport utility vehicles have a child protection lock (Cpl) system on both of the rear side doors. When an operator of the vehicle closes the door very hard with the cpl lever set to the lock position, there is a possibility that the lever may contact the body panel, causing the cpl lever to move into the unlock position.
Risk: This condition could allow the door to be opened with the inside while the operator believes that the cpl was activated. If the door were opened from the inside while the vehicle was in motion, an occupant could fall out and be injured.
Fix: Dealers will shorten the cpl lever. Owner notification began may 7, 2004. Owners should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Recall 02V-208: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: On sport utility vehicles, there is a breather hose that attaches to the nozzle of the on-board refueling vapor recovery (Orvr) valve, which is located on the topside of the fuel tank. The breather hose is attached with a clamp, whose "tabs" face in the upward direction. When the vehicle was crashed under the new car assessment program (Ncap) test (I.e., 35 MPH frontal barrier crash), the clamp "tabs" contacted the underside of the body due to movement of the fuel tank, causing the nozzle to break.
Risk: In the worst case, nozzle breakage could result in fuel leakage if the vehicle rolls-over after a high speed frontal crash.
Fix: Dealers will rotate the specified clamp. Owner notification began september 23, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
2002 Toyota Highlander problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 124 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 31 | |
| Structure | 24 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 24 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 16 | |
| Power Train | 15 | |
| Unknown or Other | 14 | |
| Air Bags | 13 | |
| Electrical System | 13 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 12 | |
| Equipment | 10 | |
| Engine | 7 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 11
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 6
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 4
- Visibility › Windshield — 3
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 3
- Air Bags › Frontal — 3
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 3
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Windshield › Electrical Heating Element — 3
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2002 Toyota Highlander complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Toyota Highlander years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Toyota Highlander: 04V-181 (latches/locks/linkages), 02V-208 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Toyota Highlander?
Owners report visibility problems most often (124 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (31). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.