[mikes750]

I've been looking for a midsize SUV and have decided on a Highlander. The current generation (2008-2012) is really very comfortable.
But I am a mechanical guy and would love to know what kind of mechanical problems people are having with theirs?
I don't care about placement of cup holders and small 3rd row, these are things we all know going in.
I'm thinking of passing on the first year of a new model because the "issues" are still being resolved. So 2008 is out.
So if you have a 2009, 2010 or 2011 Highlander, let me know WHY you love it and let me know WHY you hate it.
Good, Bad or Ugly.

Thanks in Advance.

 

[dtown40]

So far, my only gripe with my 2012 is the 3rd row seat that I will never use. It takes up valuable storage space, that I could be using. There are kits to modify this, but the expense is not worth it to me. Otherwise, this is a great automobile. I am very happy with my purchase.

 

[sweeneyp]

I've been looking for a midsize SUV and have decided on a Highlander. The current generation (2008-2012) is really very comfortable.
But I am a mechanical guy and would love to know what kind of mechanical problems people are having with theirs?
I don't care about placement of cup holders and small 3rd row, these are things we all know going in.
I'm thinking of passing on the first year of a new model because the "issues" are still being resolved. So 2008 is out.
So if you have a 2009, 2010 or 2011 Highlander, let me know WHY you love it and let me know WHY you hate it.
Good, Bad or Ugly.

Thanks in Advance.

:welcome: to TN! :thumbsup:

mechanical problems....honestly there really isn't anything major. There is the rubber oil line that fails and VVT-I valve issue (rattling on start-up threads) on the 08's 2GR-FE...but since you ruled out the 08, there really isn't anything major (in terms of powertrain issues) that come to mind. The powertrain on the highlander is a pretty bullet-proof combination IMO.

exterior:
nothing huge really comes to mind here.
-There is a lack of a plastic protective lip at the edge of the rear bumper (along the edge of the flat part at the tailgate). It is VERY easy to scratch the paint on the edge when loading the tailgate. (I know from experience :facepalm. They make (as an accessory) a cover that protects that.
-Tire are going to be very expensive when its time to change if you go for a highlander equiped with the 19" tires, and the stock Bridgestone Duerler H/L 400's are no good at all.

interior:
-the door panel arm rests can crack if you put to much weight on them (they split down the middle, the length of the arm rest, the cover is still in one piece, but the plastic support under it is broken in 2)

Thats about all I can think of

Here are some older threads you might want to look through, and don't hesitate to ask if you have more Q's :thumbsup:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/122-2nd-generation-2008/389270-likes-dislikes-thread.html

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...ould-go-back-time-would-you-buy-hl-again.html

 

[onezerosix141]

^
*nod* What he said


Sent from Autoguide iPhone app

 

[itsahog]

So far, my only gripe with my 2012 is the 3rd row seat that I will never use. It takes up valuable storage space, that I could be using. There are kits to modify this, but the expense is not worth it to me. Otherwise, this is a great automobile. I am very happy with my purchase.

Why does the 3rd up space? Makes no sense to me..... They fold down. If not in use you get all the storage they take up, but you have the option of the 3rd seat if needed. We love our HL, although we have only owned it a short time. We did lots of research and so far so good. Good luck. :thumbsup:

 

[sweeneyp]

Why does the 3rd up space? Makes no sense to me..... They fold down. If not in use you get all the storage they take up, but you have the option of the 3rd seat if needed.

Non-3rd row HL have a pretty massive storage compartment below the cargo floor. I perosnally would much rather have that as I haven't once used the 3rd row. The highlander lacks a lot of hidden storage capacity without that.

 

[itsahog]

Non-3rd row HL have a pretty massive storage compartment below the cargo floor. I perosnally would much rather have that as I haven't once used the 3rd row. The highlander lacks a lot of hidden storage capacity without that.

I never knew they were available without 3rd row seats.... learned something new. :facepalm:

 

[sweeneyp]

I never knew they were available without 3rd row seats.... learned something new. :facepalm:

Its very rare to not have it. Sport/SE and Limited models come with it standard IIRC, and only the most basic of base models don't have it.

 

[TrailDust]

Non-3rd row HL have a pretty massive storage compartment below the cargo floor. I perosnally would much rather have that as I haven't once used the 3rd row. The highlander lacks a lot of hidden storage capacity without that.

I never knew they were available without 3rd row seats.... learned something new. :facepalm:

Its very rare to not have it. Sport/SE and Limited models come with it standard IIRC, and only the most basic of base models don't have it.

This is true, which is why I swapped my seat out as fast as I could. Seems kind of stupid in an age of offering consumers choices, that Toyota doesn't offer a non-3rd row seat option for all trim lines. :disappoin :thumbsdow

Sweeney, sounds like you need to do a swap yourself.... BTW, thanks for posting up those links earlier, you beat me to it....:thumbsup:

 

[mikes750]

Thanks to all and Thanks for the knowledge sweeneyp.

More info on the rubber oil line please? Which oil line are we talking about? Is this only on the 2008?
I'm pretty happy with the 2GR-FE, already looking forward to that oil change, 6.4 Quarts? :ugh3: Really?
But the tranny scares me a bit. Who the hell needs that ridiculous manual shift option. Just a more complicated and more expensive tranny to fix or replace. It's Not a stick, it doesn't work like a stick why put it in a car like this.

I'm already thinking of spraying the edge of the rear bumper with Rhino lining. :thumbsup:
I'm looking for a FWD instead of the AWD and perfectly happy with the stock 17" wheels so tires should not be a problem. I'm one of those people that don't see the attraction in huge rims. No Toyo A20's or Bridgestone Duerler H/L 400's - Check.

I'm also going to be one of those that pull the 3rd row. It may take a few months but I will post some pictures of the contraption I rig up if the storage bin is too expensive or if I can't find someone to swap with.

Many Thanks to all. You guys are fast.

 

[sweeneyp]

Sweeney, sounds like you need to do a swap yourself....

:lol: yeah I REALLY want to, but I see myself regretting it later down the line. :facepalm: It would be the perfect place to install my amps (and possibly a secondary battery) instead of under the seats.

More info on the rubber oil line please? Which oil line are we talking about? Is this only on the 2008?

The line was the oil supply hose for the rear bank's VVT-I actuator. The rubber portion of the hose was degrading/failing and that would cause the engine to drain/spray all its oil out very fast. Toyota issued a recall and replaced the line with a new "improved" rubber line. It only effected Japanese built 08 Highlanders with the 2GR-FE (Toyota started building 08's halfway through in Indiana and it didn't effect those), and of course mine was on that list :facepalm: :lol:. The rubber line was replaced with an all metal line on the newly built Highlanders after that. This effected a lot of Toyota vehicles with the rubber hose (Rav4 was another victim), but with the new recall hose/new metal line, there haven't been any issues coming up.
This is what would happen:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1.../404158-warning-2008-highlander-oil-leak.html
Look here for more info on it:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/122-2nd-generation-2008/316167-2gr-fe-engine-oil-line-failure.html

But the tranny scares me a bit. Who the hell needs that ridiculous manual shift option. Just a more complicated and more expensive tranny to fix or replace. It's Not a stick, it doesn't work like a stick why put it in a car like this.

:lol:, I kinda like it. Its handier than you think. I use it a lot for engine braking when I'm slowing down, keeps the brake pads lasting longer. Also when towing, its nice because on hills its easy to make the tranny downshift if you know your going to pass someone. (like you downshift to 3rd then hit the accelerator for instant acceleration, vs hit the accelerator, wait to shift, then move). And its good for keeping the tranny in a lower gear in general when towing. Its just like cars that have the P->R->N->D->3->2->1 in a row on the shifter, but instead the highlander puts it to the side and calls it a sequential shifter...same function, just easier to work. The transmission in the HL is nothing to worry about. Its been used for years in lots of toyota models (rav4, camry, avalon, sienna, lexus rx, etc..) and I haven't heard of any issues between those.

I'm also going to be one of those that pull the 3rd row. It may take a few months but I will post some pictures of the contraption I rig up if the storage bin is too expensive or if I can't find someone to swap with.

The OEM parts for the cargo bin are expensive, for all of them its more than $1k. Take a look at these links for more info on the 3rd row swaps
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...-replacing-third-row-seats-cargo-storage.html
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...ou-disconnect-3rd-seat-seatbelts-harness.html
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/122-2nd-generation-2008/287408-3rd-row-seat-swap-photos.html

 

[JMSinMD]

I use it a lot for engine braking when I'm slowing down, keeps the brake pads lasting longer.

I'd rather wear out a wear item such as brake pads than mess with the engine/transmission. Just my .02 cents.

 

[Ralph6410]

My only beef is with the limited space behind the 3rd row seats when they are in use. I came from a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan that had lots of room for suitcases etc behind the 3rd row. Except for that though this is an excellent vehicle (AWD Canadian base) and I have no regrets with my purchase.

 

[pinoybmr3]

Just got the 2012 HL SE model 3.5L and was amazed by the comfort and power, the only thing i don't like is the steering noise when turning fast and when i accelerate fast, the car is like going to the right, maybe because its a front wheel drive, other than that its a nice car.

 

[sweeneyp]

and when i accelerate fast, the car is like going to the right, maybe because its a front wheel drive, other than that its a nice car.

That's torque steer. Its what happens when you combine 270hp and FWD. Though I should say its pretty well controlled in the HL, some FWD cars I have driven REALLY pull when you punch it (FWD v6 rav4 for example, When you punch it that thing really pulls, probably because of its low curb weight, ~3500lb).

 

[grasskicker509]

just got a used 2011 limited w/tow package, jbl sound, crossbars, and running boards...wife and I are loving it so far

 

[sweeneyp]

just got a used 2011 limited w/tow package, jbl sound, crossbars, and running boards...wife and I are loving it so far

:welcome: to TN and congrats on the new Highlander:thumbsup:

 

[Gamester5]

Well I have had my 2012 HL V6 4WD, Blizzard Pearl for about 10 days and so far I am loving it. Good power, nice ride feel and just seems to fit me. I test drove MANY SUV's and this one just called out to me. I am a former Pilot owner and they are similar in many ways.

One thing I did notice in my short time of owning my HL is the lack of rain drain on the roof. Living in the Pacific Northwest it rains 9 months out of the year and when you open your door water drips on the seats.

I am sure I will have more comments and feedback later but this was all I could think about for now.

 

[seggers]

My first post and even before posting this forum was helping me out.

I leased a Silver/Black 2013 SE on the 9th. Came with a few extras like roof rack bars and door protectors (colour coded).

So far there are 2 things that are noticably different from my previous car. One is road noise and the other road sensation in the cabin. I came out of a Range Rover (air sprung and quite tall), so I expected as much.

I am looking forward to, on the other hand, 87 gas and 20+mpg average....

I do see one thing missing that should have been there. Rear distance sensors. A back up camera is fine, but why not the beep beep? And I agree with a previous poster that having to have 7 seats (well, let's face it, it's actually 4 + 3) is a pain.

Seggers

 

[sweeneyp]

Well I have had my 2012 HL V6 4WD, Blizzard Pearl for about 10 days and so far I am loving it. Good power, nice ride feel and just seems to fit me. I test drove MANY SUV's and this one just called out to me. I am a former Pilot owner and they are similar in many ways.

One thing I did notice in my short time of owning my HL is the lack of rain drain on the roof. Living in the Pacific Northwest it rains 9 months out of the year and when you open your door water drips on the seats.

I am sure I will have more comments and feedback later but this was all I could think about for now.

:welcome: to TN!

My first post and even before posting this forum was helping me out.

I leased a Silver/Black 2013 SE on the 9th. Came with a few extras like roof rack bars and door protectors (colour coded).

So far there are 2 things that are noticably different from my previous car. One is road noise and the other road sensation in the cabin. I came out of a Range Rover (air sprung and quite tall), so I expected as much.

I am looking forward to, on the other hand, 87 gas and 20+mpg average....

I do see one thing missing that should have been there. Rear distance sensors. A back up camera is fine, but why not the beep beep? And I agree with a previous poster that having to have 7 seats (well, let's face it, it's actually 4 + 3) is a pain.

Seggers

:welcome: to TN! So you want a reverse beep? Those things drive me crazy :lol:.