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Toyota Highlander 2004

The 2004 Toyota Highlander came with 2 engines: 2.4 L 4-cylinder, 3.3 L 6-cylinder. It gets 19 to 22 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA. 5 recall campaigns and 40 owner complaints are on record.

Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD AWD
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Toyota Highlander
Representative photo of the Highlander. It may show a different year or version. Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized and cropped

Specs

Engine
2,400 cc
4
Cylinders4
TransmissionAutomatic · 4 speeds
DrivetrainAWD
Dimensions (L × W × H)4,690 × 1,830 × 1,745 mm (184.6 × 72.0 × 68.7 in)
Wheelbase2,720 mm (107.1 in)
Curb weight1,670 kg (3,682 lb)
Body styleSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

Dimensions and weight: median of the 2 versions in Canada's official specifications (NHTSA vPIC). Each version differs slightly.

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Safety

Crash-test results across markets. They can vary by version and equipment.

NHTSA NCAP
Results · 2004 Toyota Highlander 4-DR.
🇺🇸 Local data

Fuel economy (MPG)

🇺🇸 Local data
City
18 MPG
Highway
23 MPG
Combined
20 MPG
Emissions
276 g/km
COâ‚‚

By version

EngineTransmissionDrivetrainCityHighwayCombined
2.4 L 4-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds AWD 18 MPG 23 MPG 20 MPG
2.4 L 4-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds Front-wheel (FWD) 19 MPG 25 MPG 22 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds AWD 16 MPG 22 MPG 19 MPG
3.3 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds Front-wheel (FWD) 17 MPG 23 MPG 19 MPG

EPA figures for each version sold in the U.S.

Recalls

5 campaigns🇺🇸 Local dataNHTSA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11V539000 · 2011-11-09 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO IDENTIFY WHETHER IT WAS PRODUCED BY THE U.S. SUPPLIER. IF SO, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULLEY WITH A NEW ONE AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING EARLY JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL 11V112000 · 2011-02-24 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

IF THIS OCCURS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY TEMPORARILY BECOME STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION RATHER THAN RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. A STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN UNINTENDED AND SUSTAINED VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE FREE OR CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER 10V499000 · 2010-10-21 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAL WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL 06V253000 · 2006-07-13 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

THIS CONDITION MAY INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO FLOOR CARPET COVER RETAINING CLIPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 24, 2006, AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY EARLY SEPTEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH 04V181000 · 2004-04-15 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE DOOR TO BE OPENED WITH THE INSIDE WHILE THE OPERATOR BELIEVES THAT THE CPL WAS ACTIVATED. IF THE DOOR WERE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, AN OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT AND BE INJURED.

DEALERS WILL SHORTEN THE CPL LEVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

5 campaigns🇨🇦 CA dataTransport Canada

It may not apply to vehicles sold in your country. Check with your VIN at the source.

Steering 2011397 · 2011-11-09 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles equipped with a 1MZ-FE or 3MZ-FE V6 engine, the crankshaft pulley may fail. The outer ring may become misaligned, or it may not properly rotate, causing noise and/or illumination of the discharge warning light. In addition, the power steering belt may become detached from the crankshaft pulley, which could result in a sudden increase in steering effort. A loss of steering power assist could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the crankshaft pulley.

Other 2011081 · 2011-02-24 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, if the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center console, is not installed properly, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the operation of the accelerator pedal arm. If this occurs, the accelerator pedal could temporarily become stuck in a partially depressed position, rather than return to the idle position. This could result in a loss of throttle control and a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the floor carpet cover with a newly designed version. Note: This campaign also covers vehicles which may have been previously included in recall 2006168 (Toyota 609).

Brakes 2010361 · 2010-10-21 · Transport Canada
Details

Certain vehicles use brake fluids containing polymers that act as lubricants for certain brake system components. If during vehicle maintenance, brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers or only small amounts, part of the internal rubber seal located at the end of the brake master cylinder piston may become dry and may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp. If the brake warning light has illuminated and the vehicle continues to be operated without refilling the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir, the driver will begin to notice a spongy or soft brake pedal feel and braking performance may gradually decline. This will increase the stopping distance, increasing the likelihood of a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder seal with a newly designed one.

Other 2006168 · 2006-07-11 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, due to the improper installation of the retaining clips for the floor carpet cover located in front of the center console, there is a possibility that the clips may become loose. If both clips separate from the floor carpet cover, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal, causing interference with the accelerator pedal rod. In the worst case, the accelerator pedal may become stuck in a partially depressed position when returning to the idle position. Correction: Dealers will install new clips.

Other 2004127 · 2004-04-07 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, if the rear side doors are closed very hard with the Child Protection Lock (CPL) lever in the lock position, there is a possibility that the lock lever may contact the body panel due to insufficient clearance, causing the CPL lever to move into the unlock position. This condition could allow the doors to be opened with the inside door handles while the operator believes that the child protection lock was activated. Correction: Dealer will shorten the CPL levers.

Common problems

40 reports🇺🇸 Local data

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote.

STEERING,ENGINE 2026-05-22 · NHTSA

Hello, I am the Buyer of the subject Vehicle, Upon doing my research, I found out several reports stating that The subject vehicle's 2.4L engine has manufacturing defect, that causes Head Bolts to get stripped/melt down in to oil causing Engine failures and Life threating risk in the middle of the road.

AIR BAGS,WHEELS Crash 2024-10-09 · NHTSA

My car malfunctioned my tire locked up while I was driving on the high way causing me to spin out of control and skid all the way into a guard rail totalled my car out and not one air bag went off

AIR BAGS 2024-02-16 · NHTSA

The passenger airbag occupancy sensor in my car has stopped sensing a passenger has been stuck on "OFF" for the past 2-6 months (I believe) even when an adult is sitting in the seat. I don't know exactly when this problem began because there was never any warning light or error message which is a massive safety overs…

STRUCTURE 2023-10-27 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front bumper inadvertently detached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the front lower bumper covers had been attached with mounting tabs and that the bumper assembly had…

SERVICE BRAKES 2021-01-04 · NHTSA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND PRESSING TO BRAKE PEDAL, THE PEDAL FAILED TO RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO EXCEED 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN I…

STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) Crash 1 injured 2020-09-14 · NHTSA

WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH A HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION ZONE MY CAR SUDDENLY BECAME HARD TO STEER, AND MY SPEED BECAME GREATER, TRIED TO (BREAK) DECELERATE THE CAR BEGAN SLIDING OUT OF CONTROL-PLOWING INTO THE ROAD CONSTRUCTION BARRIERS PART LODGED IN FRONT PASSENGER WINDSHIELD. THE CAR WENT THROUGH THE DITCH BECAME AIRBORNE T…

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Crash 1 injured 2018-11-26 · NHTSA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING. UPON APPLYING MINIMAL PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, A DUMPSTER, AND ALMOST STRUCK A GROUP OF …

SEAT BELTS 2017-09-08 · NHTSA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE FABRIC MATERIAL STRAP BECAME FRAYED AND SHREDDED AT THE BUCKLE LOCATION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (ATLANTIC TOYOTA IN…

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2017-07-11 · NHTSA

THE TRANSFER CASE IS LEAKING AFTER ONLY 68000 MILES. THE LEAKING OIL DROPS OVER THE HEATED EXHAUST PIPE WHICH CAUSES FUME IN THE CABIN THROUGH AIR CONDITION AND FAN

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES 2017-04-07 · NHTSA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR. THE TRACTION CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE, VSC, AND BRAKE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V499000 (SERVICE BRAKES), BUT THE REMEDY FAILE…

ENGINE 2017-02-12 · NHTSA

MY TRAC OFF LIGHTS, ENGINE AND OIL LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I WAS DRIVING TO WORK. I WORK FAR FROM HOME SO I TOOK IT TO THE VALVOLINE NEAR MY JOB TO CHECK THE OIL. I DIDN'T WANT TO DRIVE MY CAR HOME IF THERE WAS NO OIL. THEY CHECKED THE OIL, UNDERNEATH MY CAR AND SAID EVERYTHINGWAS FINE AND TO TAKE TO MY MECHANIC TO CHEC…

ENGINE 2016-09-13 · NHTSA

THE OUTER RING OF THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY HAS PULLED AWAY FROM THE INNER RING CAUSING DAMAGE TO ALL SYSTEM AND CAN AFFECT STEERING. THIS ALREADY HAS A RECALL FOR MY MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR, BUT NOT FOR MY VIN NUMBER. IT SEEMS STRANGE THAT THIS EXACT SAME THING THAT HAS THE RECALL AFFECTS MY CAR, BUT REPAIR IS NOT COVERED…

All 40 reports, grouped by component

Questions

What engine does the 2004 Toyota Highlander have?
The 2004 Toyota Highlander came with 2 engines: 2.4 L 4-cylinder, 3.3 L 6-cylinder.
What is the fuel economy of the 2004 Toyota Highlander?
It gets 19 to 22 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA.
Does the 2004 Toyota Highlander have recalls?
5 recall campaigns are on record. The latest concerns Engine And Engine Cooling (2011-11-09).
What are the common problems of the 2004 Toyota Highlander?
40 owners have filed complaints, most often about Engine.

Other years

Which Toyota Highlander year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Other models by Toyota

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