Anyone else have this experience?

Does it really matter? You need a radiator no matter what other people’s experience is/was.

 

Smartass! Maybe I should have asked if anyone else has had this experience, and what the diagnosis was! I'm 99% sure it is the radiator, but thought that maybe someone would KINDLY confirm.

 

Not uncommon with any radiator that old, seams let go or the o'ring under the tank leaks, even cracks near hose fittings. You can use a pressure tester and check the cooling system (get a loaner from a local parts store). Nothing really hi-tech, just a good visual inspection. Radiators are surprisingly inexpensive, I'd go with Denso or Koyo. Check Rock Auto and find one that fits your needs and budget.

 

Highlander 2015 140k here. Have the same going to replace radiator. Seems like a massive job. Just replaced plugs, massive job as well. Certainly much less reliable and very difficult IDY, compare to my mercedes

 

TQR has a YouTube video which I followed. If I recall, the hardest part was fitting the assembly back into the engine bay. Might want to invest in some of the plastic clips, as those always seem to break! Overall the job went smoothly. I also Flushed the coolant system following The Car Care Nuts instructions. Good Luck!

I forgot to mention that I did go with a Denso Radiator. So far so good!