Two years old. Two months ago had the rear hatch "re-alligned" because it would not lock/open...kept going down and up and beeping like a friggin' dump truck. Today my wife is accross the state picking up our grandkids and it starts the same crap, in the rain, and is making loud clunking noises when going almost shut but not closing. I am starting to remember why we did not consider a Toyota for over 20 years after our '87 Camry transmission self destructed a month out of warrantee. Yeah, I know every make has issues, but the Explorer we sold had over 212K miles and NEVER had any issues. None. I thought we should get something newer in case something finally failed. Hah! The guy with our old car is happy as a clam with it.
Yes. Door button or fob actuated, but that's not the issue (I think). The pull-down/lock and latching mechanism is the problem. The hatch can be pulled up/down manually, but the lock and release/pull-down are still electric only. When the hatch arrives at the lower station, only one side pulls down and loud thumping/banging noises occur. I'm pretty sure the twisting of the hatch at that point are not improving the hatch integrity.
When we were shopping we looked at the HL and Venza side by side, and both have the same rear hatch system. I remember mentioning that the auto pull-down & locking mechanisms on several friends vehicles were a perpetual (and expensive) problem. I was shushed and told not to be so negative. And here we are.
The problem started about ten weeks ago, and was "fixed" by the dealer eight weeks ago. Now it's back and even worse, stuck unlatched in the rain. 0900 Monday I'll drive it 35 miles back to the dealer. Hopefully not too much water will enter in the meanwhile.
It's ok to be mad. I don't think anyone is happy to have issues. Espeacially with the price of a new car these days. At least you didn't get the new explorer. I was looking at a 2011 limited and read all the problems they are having. Your hatch is a minor problem compared to what those owners are going through. but, again it is annoying to have reoccuring issues.
After over two hours waiting at the dealer this morning... The electric motor/arm assembly that raises and lowers the rear hatch is shot. Part cost is over $1200. Not a typo. Shop manager can't authorize any option better than 50% cost share, but is supposed to call "higher level" for any other option. I thought I was going to explode, but bit my tongue, lips, and did not go into raging lunatic mode. Yet.
Oh yeah. Manager recommended for us NOT to use the hatch until repaired, as they aren't sure if it will open/close and latch. They had to use a big screwdriver to pry the latching mechanism to where they could get it closed properly. We can use the back window. How nice.
As I drove home, I kept thinking "Maybe somebody (with insurance) will rear end me and solve the problem".
After over two hours waiting at the dealer this morning... The electric motor/arm assembly that raises and lowers the rear hatch is shot. Part cost is over $1200. Not a typo. Shop manager can't authorize any option better than 50% cost share, but is supposed to call "higher level" for any other option. I thought I was going to explode, but bit my tongue, lips, and did not go into raging lunatic mode. Yet.
Yikes, as someone still on the fence about buying a Highlander, I'm getting a little spooked. Damn, on a 2 year old vehicle? Does 50% cost sharing mean what I think it means? Guessing you purchased used and there's no warranty? Sorry to hear about your troubles...
No, it was bought brand new and has been cared for very well. We've had it for 26 months. The issue started at about 20 months but was intermittant, and would eventually close after several tries. Out of warantee because of mileage- wife does like to visit the grandkids. I don't buy extended warantees as a rule but it is obvious to me now, my rule only applies to any brand except Toyota. The 50% cost share is for the part, not including labor, which would be over two hours...and tax of course. Still waiting to hear what the manager might hear from higher. Based on the dismal experience we had with Toyota customer service when the 1987 Camry transmission exploded (also bought new, failed at 30K miles-3 years old, exactly ONE DAY after the warantee expired), I expect a samurai stone face and cold shoulder. That repair cost me $3K. And then the AC compressor went the following year (the compressor cost over $800 in '92, even the parts guy was astounded). I can't make this stuff up.
The whole reason we bought the Toyota Camry was my GOOD experience with a 1978 Celica I had bought new (back before I was married). I never had any issues with that car, and I drove it hard for over 125K. I have always been meticulous regarding auto maintenance, and keep detailed records. After the Camry experience it was 2009 before I even considered going to look at another Toyota.
-Loudog, We didn't consider the new Explorer as it is a new design and figered the bugs weren't shaken out yet.
Do all of the Highlanders have the power back door? Is it possible to replace mechanism with a non powered latch. Yes, this means you no longer will have use of the power function. I usually open my door with the remote,but I close it by hand. Many of us on this list have bought Toyotas because of how much we loved our 70's or 80's Toyotas. I am still in mourning over getting rid of my 1989 Land Cruiser which served me well for almost 21 years but was badly rusted out. As you look at my cars in my signature my favorite for local travel is the Corolla.
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Dennis
2009 Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry, 1995 Corolla
Previous owned
1985 Camry, 1989 Land Cruiser, 1989 Corolla All-Trac wagon
A Canadian base 2011 does have the power back door. I shut it off though (switch in glove compartment). The remote in my pocket mixed in with change and.. I frequently find I must have inadvertently pushed a button as my doors are unlocked. I don't need my back door opening when I am not there. I have never experienced this problem with other remotes and wonder it the buttons are raised a tad too high, definitely a security problem in my opinion.
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08 4WD HL Limited, Magnetic Flint/Ash Leather, Toyo OC HT's 255/55/19's, European Horns, Extended Step Plate On Rear, DeBadged All Around. No NAV/DVD, OEM Hitch with Color Matched Fascia.Höen Endurance Amber Fog Light Bulbs.
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No, it was bought brand new and has been cared for very well. We've had it for 26 months. The issue started at about 20 months but was intermittant, and would eventually close after several tries. Out of warantee because of mileage- wife does like to visit the grandkids. I don't buy extended warantees as a rule but it is obvious to me now, my rule only applies to any brand except Toyota. The 50% cost share is for the part, not including labor, which would be over two hours...and tax of course. Still waiting to hear what the manager might hear from higher. Based on the dismal experience we had with Toyota customer service when the 1987 Camry transmission exploded (also bought new, failed at 40K miles-4 years old), I expect a samurai stone face and cold shoulder. That repair cost me $3K. And then the AC compressor went the following year (the compressor cost over $800 in '92, even the parts guy was astounded). I can't make this stuff up.
The whole reason we bought the Toyota Camry was my GOOD experience with a 1978 Celica I had bought new (back before I was married). I never had any issues with that car, and I drove it hard for over 125K. I have always been meticulous regarding auto maintenance, and keep detailed records. After the Camry experience it was 2009 before I even considered going to look at another Toyota.
-Loudog, We didn't consider the new Explorer as it is a new design and figered the bugs weren't shaken out yet.
If the problem initially presented itself while the warranty was still in effect, I think you should have a case that this is still a continuation of that problem and should be covered.
Yes, some of the 2011 Explorers have had their share of problems and some of the 2012's as well. You can now order the 2013 model for delivery in March but again, who knows if all the bugs have been worked out. Very happy with mine.
__________________ Lease Transferred - Canadian '09 HL Ltd, Classic Silver Metallic with Nav, ash interior, body side moulding, hood deflector, Camry trumpet horns, Philips X-Treme Power bulbs, Toyota 3 piece rubber floor and cargo mats.My 2011 Explorer Limited has arrived.
It's ok to be mad. I don't think anyone is happy to have issues. Espeacially with the price of a new car these days. At least you didn't get the new explorer. I was looking at a 2011 limited and read all the problems they are having. Your hatch is a minor problem compared to what those owners are going through. but, again it is annoying to have reoccuring issues.
I have a 2011 Limited and love it. A couple of minor issues that were covered under warranty. Biggest and most numerous complaint is about the MyFord Touch (MFT) system. A complete rewrite is being released in a Q1 of 2012 which hopefully will address most if not all issues.
The 3 Highlander Limiteds I had (02,06,09) were basically all trouble free but I do not regret getting the Explorer.
Peter
__________________ Lease Transferred - Canadian '09 HL Ltd, Classic Silver Metallic with Nav, ash interior, body side moulding, hood deflector, Camry trumpet horns, Philips X-Treme Power bulbs, Toyota 3 piece rubber floor and cargo mats.My 2011 Explorer Limited has arrived.
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My 2011 Explorer Limited has arrived.
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