I believe that all Highlanders starting early-2009 came with the metal VVT-i line. Yours should be fine, but you might want to double check the build date. I'm 99% sure all 2010 models have the metal VVT-i line.

The other line is the oil cooler hose, you only have this one if you have the tow package. If you do, replace it ASAP.

 

I have an 09 with tow package - do I need to replace the "oil cooler hose?"

 

Yup,.....check to see if both are metal or rubber. Mine is a 2008, made in Japan, and when I first heard about the problem there was no recall so I just paid to have them both replaced. I also have the tow package. Drop by a dealer, they can check and see if by 2010 they had switched to all metal, my impression is that just after 2009 they did go to metal. It's possible if they need to be changed the cost might be covered by Toyota.

 

What ever you do, If you find metal lines are available, DO Not get an aftermarket!
they're crap. Cant tell you how many I've replaced with oem's cause they either have pin holes in the welds, the flanges arent level, or they just dont fit right causing people to what appears to have tried to bend them to fit and they end up leaking anyway.

 

Both lines are easy to find, there are posts on this site that show you where to look.. That way you will know what you need without relying on others..

 

I suppose it depends on the dealer. My friend works at a dealer and he said they just take care of them when they come across them, for free. I didn't know that when I got my HL and found out about the problem so I had already replaced mine myself before I talked to him about it.

Chris

 

Interesting. When I called my local dealer about it, they just referred me to Toyota's national customer service number. Of course they told me that Toyota would not cover the repair. This was about a week ago.

 

Sound like you need to or should call or drop into one or more dealers and see what they'll do for you. I ve no idea what they'd charge if its not covered. It appear from old posts when the blew were covered. LOL well we want to avoid that. LOL It is worth it for some to just pay for it if the only way. Clearly a time bomb. I'd run full synthetic oil in it as well.