^ painting the 3rd gen HL with the lemon colored paintbrush is a stretch to say the least. many owners on here have very few complaints or issues with their vehicles. the '14 MY was a new model so there are always a few issues to sort out as we know, and it seems some have been addressed for '15 MY. i'm sure '16 MY will be better still.

and keep in mind that online forums cater to a select group who are typically more vocal/OCD (read: anal) than 95% of consumers. what we may call a problem will not even be noticed by most other folks. sure there are some legitimate problems, but show me a new model that doesn't have concerns. i believe very few of the problems seem to be with carry-over components from the 2nd gen.

my Infiniti G37S is a fantastic car, but even it has had thousands of dollars of warranty work done on it - rear timing cover (18hrs labor!), clutch slave cylinder, brake warping, sunroof panel, steering wheel trim, new ECM, and a few others...

i've read a lot of the discussion about all the "common" 3rd gen HL issues, and so far my only complaint are the fogging tail lights on the rear quarter panels - not the ones on the rear hatch. after 2 months it has been everything we had hoped and waited for, knock on wood.

 

^ painting the 3rd gen HL with the lemon colored paintbrush is a stretch to say the least. many owners on here have very few complaints or issues with their vehicles. the '14 MY was a new model so there are always a few issues to sort out as we know, and it seems some have been addressed for '15 MY. i'm sure '16 MY will be better still.

and keep in mind that online forums cater to a select group who are typically more vocal/OCD (read: anal) than 95% of consumers. what we may call a problem will not even be noticed by most other folks. sure there are some legitimate problems, but show me a new model that doesn't have concerns. i believe very few of the problems seem to be with carry-over components from the 2nd gen.

That's why it's in a form of a question versus a statement. I will admit, my wife and I really love the vehicle so far... only regret was not getting the Limited AWD (I have an XLE AWD). For the additional money, you get a lot more amenities.

I don't have any of the issues that everyone's been complaining about in the post. My only thought is whether or not it will surface later on.

I think for the price point, some of us can be on the OCD side... including yours truly. :wink:

 

The only problem that has cropped up on this forum that I would call significant is the rear hatch not opening. A speck of rust or a drone at a certain rpm don't qualify as significant issues.


The Highlander is a great ride and another great product from Toyota.

 

Nothing is perfect and let's take that in mind. Hell I've had a few Tundra's and the first model year Truck had some bug's but I learned. Would I buy the first model year ah "No". Our Highlander has been pretty good I've used the warranty on my bitch list and it worked but it also pays to review Toyota TSB's and check what issues you have too. Good luck with your new Highlander but I'll say this yes Toyota has issues from time to time. I just had my airbag recall on Tundra fixed but Toyota takes the time to listen sometimes but it does require some downtime be patient :grin:

 

Most people get on forums to complain, rarely to not, particularly in the HL forums. Problems seem more widespread than they are, plus it usually doesn't help to have 1 or 2 people really pushing it (no offense). You mentioned drowning, look at the poll in one of the threads, its a low number of people, however it seems like a lot without the poll. Take what you read with a grain of salt on the forum.

Also there are ALWAYS first year gremlins in cars. My 08 (first year of 2nd gen, entirely new chassis and powertrain unlike 3rd gen) was no exception, and it has serious issues like the 3rd gen has. Yall's tailgate get stucks, well mine snaps the power tailgate motor gears, bends the hinges and requires replacement of entire tailgate. Hmm lets see, there are the oil line time bombs, door panels that break when you breath on them, start up VVT-I rattle, final drive whine, dash rattle, I could go on. Most were fixed in the first year.

 

Don't completely agree with this Sweeneyp.....

If you recall, I was originally one of the biggest cheerleaders of the HL.... probably to some people's annoyance... with the unresolved issue I have had... I am sure that I am one of the 'complainers' to some people's annoyance.... but people deserve to know the good and the bad before they invest $45k and write checks for 4-6 years.

Personally - I like to read wide ranging experiences because it is helpful to formulate an overall feeling before a purchase.

I think that Taghauer was much maligned in hindsight.... he offered a realistic viewpoint and was eviscerated for it.... I proudly take has spot to offer some balance, since he disappeared.

 

I have VERY few miles on my '15 so far, and no issues (including wind noise, noticeable droning, tailgate issues, etc), but given the mileage, it is not surprising.
But I do have some history with 1st model year vehicles:

2004 Mazda 3 2.3L. Under 30k miles. This was a decade ago, but as I recall problems/fixes included: Bad strut bearing. Failed EGR system. Failed Fuel pump. Sudden loss of compression requiring a top end rebuild. Cause unknown. There were some others as well. Every time it went in for an oil change, they kept it a week.

2000 Ford Focus. Trim broke off randomly. Engine/Electrical system would shut off randomly often on the interstate. Ford never could fix it. Lots more issues, but it has been too long ago now to remember what they were.

That said, I also avoid buying 1st model year vehicles. To give them some time to find and fix the major issues.
I invite you to do some research on competitors. Such as on the engine being run in all the current GM SUVs - High rates of failure of the timing chain causing engine replacements. And our major issues are with a vibration, and the tailgate motors? Big deal.

 

DrummerDave - I get what you are saying.... but, you are citing an experience you had with Ford 14 YEARS ago.......and, it was a Focus.... an entry level econobox..... not a $45k car that was marketed by Toyota as a luxury automobile with an ultra quiet and smooth ride.... thanks to it's focus on eliminating NVH (noise - vibration - harshness)..... this is what they put out there, not me.

Some people are more discriminating than others, for sure.... but it's the discriminating crowd that force the manufacturers to step up their quality.... if not for us.... we'd still be driving the crap-boxes of the 80's..... so, I think a big thank you is in order. lol >

 

I see toddsta getting a lot of flack on the boards and I feel bad for his situation. There is a sick feeling you get when you research, make a deal, and then your hard earned money seems like a waste when the car is a lemon.

Are all HL lemons? Obviously not. But when it happens to you it's 100% sucky.

My experience came with a $80k mercedes that I dumped after just 3 mos of ownership it was such a piece of trash. Makes me sick. We literally threw away $20,000. What a nightmare.

That sick, bitter feeling could be eased if the manufacturer and service depts did anything resembling standing behind their products. And it's not better one brand from the next....friends have lemon lawed a BMW and now they're in the same process with a Ford. Another friend lemon lawed a Chevy.

We'll go ahead and take a chance on a 15 HL, just like we've taken that chance every time we've bought a new car.

In 25 years we've owned everything from a $12,000 Honda accord (drove it 80k miles, no issues) to $70k - $80k niche vehicles. The best track records in the past were a Toyota Land Cruiser and a Toyota Sequioa. I'm hoping the HL will be reliable!

 

I don't think it's right to call an entire model run a lemon. Only individual vehicles are lemons. For every model ever made, from the most expensive to least expensive, you will find examples that were problem-free for hundreds of thousands of miles and examples that were junk as soon as they were driven off the new car lot.

Reliability studies like those from Consumer Reports, JD Powers and others just give you an idea of the likelihood that you will end up with a trouble free car. But even if you buy the most reliable model and everyone agrees that it is of the highest quality, you still have a chance of getting a lemon. And if you're the one stuck with the lemon then it certainly sucks.

Manufacturers know this and I'm sure they have established an acceptable rate of buy-backs and "I'm never buying another Toyota as long as I live" type of customers. Forums like this one are great at sharing information, comparing notes, solving problems and venting your frustrations, but at the end of the day no matter how many people visit this site it just doesn't matter to Toyota at all because it will have no measurable impact on their sales or bottom line. People tend to overestimate their value as individual customers to large companies.

 

Well said Vinny68. Car forums like this aren't a reflection of the population or owners of said vehicle. It's a mere <minuscule> fraction of it.

 

Reliability studies like those from Consumer Reports, JD Powers and others just give you an idea of the likelihood that you will end up with a trouble free car.

Consumer Reports - yes (with some reservation). JD Powers - No. Their data is pretty much useless.

Every line of vehicle, there will always be some that have problems. The ABSOLUTE BEST AND MOST RELIABLE vehicle ever made never had a year without some of their vehicles experiencing some MAJOR problem. It's never happened in the history of making cars. The best ones are around 1%. 1% means that 1 in 100 will have some sort of problem and that's considered the top mark.

Honda and Toyota have the best reliability rating for the past two decades. So far what I've seen with the HL - it's in line with past Toyota's.

 

I don't know about you but Honda customer service suck's I hated our 2006 Ex coupe accord v6 Navi we purchased new it was traded on a Toyota Product but I'll say this my last words to Honda corp was see you :grin:.
My biggest issues with Honda is the dealerships in the Metro Atlanta suck and the service is horrible give or take and Honda flat out doesn't care. Also the Cr reports on Honda are not good anymore lot's on problems on the Civic line from horrible paint quality to recalls. My coworkers Civic Si paint is faded on her Black coupe looks bad for it's year . My truck looks better and it's older I mentioned to her about the recall on the paint but she is trading it in soon and doesn't care.

 

Have owned mine for almost a year - call it an extended test drive if you like. Overall it is great vehicle - have lately started appreciated how much torque and power the engine provides for something this big. It has great road presence and good interior utility.

No vehicle is perfect. Spend some time on other car forums and you'll see the same occasional sentiments expressed by the OP.

 

I'll agree that no one individual customer has any significant SHORT-TERM measurable impact on the goings-on of any car manufacturer, however large or small. Having worked for a car manufacturer who thought people should kiss the ground that their highest levels of management walked on, and personally seeing the near-demise such audacity had on that company, I don't believe for a moment that Toyota or any other manufacturer can continue to operate with impunity because they think their business is not susceptible to the detrimental effects of diminishing quality and the slow but sure erosion that has on market share, and hence profit. Because it takes time, a lot of big companies fail to take notice of the when and how their heavy handed business practices will be the root cause of eventual, but certain, market corrections.

Toyota is the new GM, but one could search high and low and not find one person high within that organization willing to admit they are in the midst of a slow but certain downward spiral. The bill's in the mail, the market is in motion, but nobody within the massive financial conglomerate that Toyota has become will take notice until heads at every level of the company start rolling.

BTW, in no way do I consider my '15 HL a lemon. It's actually a pretty nice vehicle with a few lone hiccups. So far in its early life, I've been fortunate enough to escape the tailgate issue and 1,750 RPM harmonic distortion. However, its JBL head unit cannot retain audio settings worth a crap. I could care less how Toyota fares long-term, but I care intensely that they stand behind the legal warranty obligation they took on when an insignificant customer like me drove a car off the lot of one of their insignificant dealers.

Ask Hyundai Motor America how insignificant one buyer is, when in 2011 they were selling as many Sonata's as they could produce for a couple grand off MSRP, at best. Four short years later, HMA has had to continuously infuse artificial momentum into their business in the form of $2K rebates and 0% financing on every Sonata they've produced in the last two years. Yes, market corrections are slow to happen and hard to spot, but a bunch of insignificant car buyers and the money they pump into these companies are the least common denominator that no carmaker can do without if they are to continue getting fat, whether that company is Hyundai, or GM, or Toyota.

My HL is far from perfect, but it's not a lemon. The 2015 CR-V Touring my wife was really stuck on just got hit with a recall amounting to a short-block engine replacement due to improperly torqued connecting rod bolts. We took delivery of one last October. We got ten miles down the road after completing the deal, and I told her to turn around and head back to the dealer, as the entire engine was vibrating heavily on slow take-off and sitting at red lights. Thank God I pushed hard, to the point where they backed the deal out of their system, gave me back my trade, and returned my certified bank check. I still have the VIN on that CR-V, and it is in fact within the range of VIN's for this major recall when I ran it through Honda's website today. Speaking of heads rolling, the CEO of Honda just had to step down, and his job will go to a mid-level engineer. Shortly before the announcement (like a month before), it was reported he would take a two month hit on his annual pay to show remorse for the lack of quality that surfaced on his watch. I guess the Board of Directors for Honda didn't buy his attempt at remorse.

 

Toyota is the new GM, but one could search high and low and not find one person high within that organization willing to admit they are in the midst of a slow but certain downward spiral.

There would have to see a lot more going on within Toyota before I'd make that statement. GM's big demise was the FACT for years they didn't care about selling cars or trucks. They were finance guys who thought the big money was in GMAC financial services. The vehicles were just vessels to sell GMAC financing.

Second - If there's a problem in a desing or production it takes Toyota no more the 2 years to fix the problem when it starts showing up. GM had a major problem with intake manifold gaskets. Took them almost 14 years to finally solve the problem. Their ball-joint problem they had on their trucks lasted a couple decades. I could go on and on and on.

I'm not seeing that same disregard to customer problems as GM has. Time will tell.

 

GM's big demise was the FACT for years they didn't care about selling cars or trucks. They were finance guys who thought the big money was in GMAC financial services. The vehicles were just vessels to sell GMAC financing.

Interesting argument, and I'm not saying it's right or wrong. Sure didn't feel that way to me when weld spatter burned through my Kevlar gloves and sleeves and into my skin in the years I welded at GM.

Couldn't the same argument be made of Toyota and TMCC?

 

I don't know about you but Honda customer service suck's I hated our 2006 Ex coupe we purchased new it was traded on a Toyota Product but I'll say this my last words to Honda

Honda dealerships are independently owned and the way they run their business has NOTHING to do with Honda corp. I know a dealership(s) in NY that has Honda, Chevy, Chrysler, Volvo all under one dealership. There is ONE service area for all the dealerships.

My dealings with Honda dealers has been very positive. But then again...they didn't see the dealership much. My 84 GMC pickup....numerous trips for warranty work....then many repairs until I finally sold with less then 120k miles.

 

That might work with you but it doesn't work with me Period. I called corp about this so called incompetence and you know what Honda mentioned they don't get involved "Excuse me" what's the damn point on having customer service if you can't find a happy middle ground.This isn't the first time I've had issues with Honda (motorcycle ) sucks too and this is the treatment you get wonderful . I'm not a return customer and I know a few others with similar issues. Honda Sucks I've had some problem with Toyota but they are always fair and balanced with Honda it's take it or leave it. Honda doesn't know how to address issues well they blow them off it's been a huge concern with a lot of my friends too some of whom also mentioned Honda treats women Rude. This attitude is a huge concern I've never forget going on the first Oil change on the New Accord and the dealership refusing to service it because you have to have some appointment for an Oil change WTF this is Honda Not Lexus No loaner is provided or Free Oil change Period give me a break. Nothing like a Wasted 45min trip to be refused service this is crazy that was My first issues with many other problems with service i'll not mention.

 

This 2015 highlander limited awd is the nicest car we have had. I have had Chevys fords hondas nissans and several Toyotas including a matrix, Corolla, tacoma, prius and this one so far after7 months is my favorite!

 

I called corp about this so called incompetence and you know what Honda mentioned they don't get involved "Excuse me" what's the damn point on having customer service if you can't find a happy middle ground.

No...you completely missed the point...ALL dealerships are independent. You had the same problem with your (Volvo, Chrysler, GM, Nissan.....) dealership you'd get the exact same response from corporate.

The fair dealing is from the individual dealership NOT the manufacturer.

 

Really that's Odd because with Toyota we have a regional zone manager that get's involved with calls from Corp and a follow up with case numbers I'm in the (SET region) Southeast Toyota Dis. Trust me i know the system rather well:grin: and used it been a repeat Toyota buyer for a long time now. Toyota has always been very helpful with concerns at Dealership and it's the only company that follows up on calls. For that reason above you know where my business has been. Let's not even go into Lexus they spoil you rather well with Free Loaners, Coffee etc etc by with me it's attention to details and calling you on a first name level. I don't expect them to kiss my ass I just want the respect and Communication levels to be fully explained. In this business it's not hard to figure out with Honda that's lacking Big time. If I was in charge of Honda I would be focusing my attention on Service and follow up and that lacks No doubt :grin:

 

I would vote no on the lemon question. No significant issues with my HL after 11K miles and one year of ownership. I watch for the issues that others are having on this forum and can't report any for mine.

I did recently take our Sienna in for toyota care service at our local dealership and can sadly report that I think the service department is going down hill, which is a concern for me. My long time service writer who took the time to listen to any concerns that I had on my vehicle has left and now we are in the "get em in, and get em out" phase of service delivery. Hope that turns around for my dealer, because if I ever did have a concern about my 14 HL, then I want to know that my dealer support and service is spot on. Feeling less confident about that issue lately.

 

Really that's Odd because with Toyota we have a regional zone manager that get's involved with calls from Corp and a follow up with case numbers I'm in the (SET region) Southeast

Zone manager is NOT corporate and the do NOT set policy. Just because YOU had ONE problem with Honda doesn't mean it's corporate policy. It just means you have a poor dealership and dealer zone.

I know MANY people who own Honda's...and NONE have had your experience. Kinda suggests that there isn't a corporate policy doesn't it.

 

I don't know why you want to disagree with me about Honda But Like i mentioned many friends have the same types of issues just because your fine with them doesn't mean Honda has Problems. The problems with Honda are like i stated they don't care when problem arise against bad customer service and it's generally a Huge issues with Honda it's very well known. Paying over 30k for the top of the Line Accord EX coupe with some issues and a Horrible service with Honda corp who doesn't give a shit about it's dealerships puts a damper on it's rep with me and many owners/friends.

Here's what Toyota does that set's them apart from American Honda and I'll explain this in full detail because you don't seem to understand the my logic :grin:

1.Call 1-800-go-Toyota

2.Speak with the customer service center and file a complain and get a case number.

3.Problem is forwarded to a Regional manager who contacts Dealership manager and the case is reviewed.

3.Receive call from Dealership and customer is advised on outcome (yes or No) etc etc.

With Honda it goes like this.

1.Call is reported doesn't go anywhere sits on a server and when you call them back they state they don't get involved so what's the point on having a customer service? Please enlighten me on how things can be handled differently because the problems are Corp Honda has No input on how to handle incompetent service professionals or lack of. Like i stated before it's Not rocket science on this business you lead follow or get out of my way it's that simple.For that reason I will Never ever buy anything from Honda again.

Honda Con's

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ira-israel/why-i-will-not-buy-anothe_b_4957006.html


"Honda's customer service sucks. I suggest that Honda direct all of its employees to purchase a pair of Warby Parker glasses and a pair of sneakers from Zappos to see what great customer service feels like. My Warby Parker lens were scratched and Warby Parker replaced them free of charge and even paid for shipping both ways. Zappos delivers shoes to my doorstep the next day and their customer service representatives always do their best to make sure that I get exactly what I want and need.

Brand loyalty is a commodity; making customers feel valued is an integral part of doing business in the new economy (in most economies, really) - particularly when it is always possible to find competitive prices on the Internet. When companies skimp on attentive and pleasant telephone representatives so that they can return short-term higher profits to their shareholders, this is an unsustainable business model. Similarly, many companies have tried to save money by automating customer service and this is often infuriating to the consumer."

 

I think your use of "lemon" word is a bit out of context here. Certain states have Lemon Law differently and they specifically state how a lemon car is determined. In your case, no, these are normal little issues that are NOT considered big problems overall. In a grand scheme of things, the car operates normal and function as it should. The minor caveats are bearable and dealers or Toyota themselves can't really do anything about them.

 

If it's a lemon then I must have the sweetest lemon on earth. 10 months in it is the nicest vehicle that I have ever driven and certainly the smartest with the driver tech stuff.

 

I don't know why you want to disagree with me about Honda

Because you're making generalities without FACTS. You say this happened to you and some of your friends so therefore it's Honda policy.

The problems with Honda are like i stated they don't care when problem arise against bad customer service and it's generally a Huge issues with Honda it's very well known.

Again generalizing without FACTS.

With Honda it goes like this.

1.Call is reported doesn't go anywhere sits on a server and when you call them back they state they don't get involved so what's the point on having a customer service?

And you know this for a fact that it happens to EVERYONE? Again you're generalizing.
Seems to be a theme. You do know what generalizing means?

 

Because you're making generalities without FACTS. You say this happened to you and some of your friends so therefore it's Honda policy.



Again generalizing without FACTS.



And you know this for a fact that it happens to EVERYONE? Again you're generalizing.
Seems to be a theme. You do know what generalizing means?

Without facts excuse me I don't need facts when the Customer service is so bad it's highly recognized on both ends that's a fact. Problems are alive and well with Honda you might want to do the research it's not the same company or even close to Toyota standards. My statements are pretty well reinforced on knowing how things operate and my friends 2013 accord paint issues on her 35k coupe with the taillights rubbing the paint on both sides. Want Pict I'll show that rubbing too odd I told her not to buy a Honda but she liked the design anyway and it's not a bad car. Honda fixed it after she made a huge write up to the Ceo but let me ask you something does it req this. You avoided the other questions I asked you above but go on a rant and say "it's my beef with Honda or my friends". It's clear you dismiss problems like we all have a rant to go off clearly that's not case Honda folks don't care about claims and put the blame on customers when clearly it's Not.
Going to call you out on your lack of knowledge evidently you never had issues but others have.


"And you know this for a fact that it happens to EVERYONE? Again you're generalizing.
Seems to be a theme. You do know what generalizing means?"

What Theme ? I'm direct you don't like what I state Move on real stories and real Problems just telling you facts use that information to understand how Honda really treats Customers.
Generalizing goes like this make general or broad statement by inferring from specific cases that I clearly mentioned above but how you perceive that information is entirely up to you.

Good day

 

To answer your question, NO. I have not been very active on here because I got tired of hearing all the negative that a few have with their Highlanders. I have had my 2014 Highlander Limited for one year and three weeks. I only have 7500 miles on it as I work close to home, but I can tell you it is a sweet SUV ! The only problem that I have had which is also a problem of a few others on here is the bushing noise coming from the suspension. It was aggravating , but after being lubricated with WD40, the problem cleared up. If you go to many websites and see car reviews, you will find that owners of the 3rd generation Highlander are for the most part very happy with their purchase, and most all the car websites praise the Highlander as well. If you look at Consumer reports, it is one of the view that have solid red circles across the board, which is above average in quality and satisfaction. While I feel sorry for those who are having major issues, I wish for them the best, but please don't turn people off from this great SUV just because you are having problems. I do agree that people need to know, but as I stated above, I did have an issue, but it is fine now. Some are on-going issues for others, but did you ever think of telling some positive great things about the Highlander? I think they will out-way the bad. There are a few people on here that really just need to get a new SUV and shut up about the Highlander if you hate it that much. I like to trade cars alot, and I have had 9 Toyotas, and they have been for the most part trouble free. I am very fortunate to have a dealership that knows me because I have bought so many, and they take care of me and treat me royally when I need something. I had a 2008 Highlander Limited, and the new 2014 gets much better gas. I average 19- 20 in town, and I have gotten 26 -27 on trips. It is a smooth, quiet machine, and I am proud to be the owner of one. Sure, I might move on to something else at some point...love the new sporty Murano, but if I do, it would not be because I don't enjoy the Highlander ...I just love cars ! I would recommend the Highlander to anyone, it is an awesome SUV.....READ THE POSITIVES ON THESE FORUMS AND CAR WEBSITES......they out weigh the bad.

 

Your 2014 is getting the same mpg as our 2011 . I would have figured with a new 6 speed it be slightly better. I know in 2011 Toyota changed oil requirements to Synthetic blend so it does slightly better figures but the v6 is the Same on both 2011 and 2014

 

I will be taking a trip soon...I will see what it does....my 2008 was only getting about 16-17 in town, so I'm pleased to often get 20 which is a big difference. I do love the 6 speed...awesome and quiet !