2004 Toyota Highlander recalls and problems
The 2004 Toyota Highlander has 5 safety recalls and 286 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2004 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2004 Toyota Highlander recalls
Recall 11V-539: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 11V-112: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 10V-499: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 06V-253: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: 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.
Risk: This condition may interfere with the accelerator pedal returning to the idle position increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
2004 Toyota Highlander problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 60 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 40 | |
| Steering | 36 | |
| Visibility | 21 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 20 | |
| Electrical System | 18 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 17 | |
| Engine | 16 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 15 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 15 | |
| Equipment | 10 | |
| Air Bags | 9 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 46
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 7
- Structure › Body — 5
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 5
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 5
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 5
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 4
- Tires › Tread/Belt — 4
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 53,126 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 2004 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 2004 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2004 Toyota Highlander: 11V-539 (engine and engine cooling), 11V-112 (vehicle speed control), 10V-499 (service brakes, hydraulic), 06V-253 (vehicle speed control), 04V-181 (latches/locks/linkages). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Toyota Highlander?
Owners report power train problems most often (60 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (40). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 53,126 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.