2002 Toyota Highlander
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 137 |
| 2002 | 301 |
| 2003 | 258 |
| 2004 | 286 |
| 2005 | 224 |
| 2006 | 275 |
| 2007 | 123 |
| 2008 | 403 |
| 2009 | 134 |
| 2010 | 216 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 182 |
| 2013 | 205 |
| 2014 | 135 |
| 2015 | 190 |
| 2016 | 109 |
| 2017 | 264 |
| 2018 | 263 |
| 2019 | 474 |
| 2020 | 307 |
| 2021 | 497 |
| 2022 | 233 |
| 2023 | 176 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
41% of complaints: visibility — 124 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield and electrical heating element.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING A TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, THAT WE LEASED ON 01/08/2002, WE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM: WHEN THE WINDOWS ON THE REAR DOORS ARE LOWERED, THE VEHICLE MAKES A VERY LOUD TURBULANCE NOISE AND VIBRATION OCCURS, THAT MAKES THE VEHICLE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20020305
10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING HOME THE CAR ACCELERATED ON IT,S OWN AND WAS UNABLE TO STOP WITHOUT REARENDING ANOTHER CAR WITHALL THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR AS A MECHANIC I REPAIRED THE BODY ON MY OWN AFTER MAKING REPAIRS I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR FROM THE SHOP I WORK...
NHTSA ODI report, 20171205
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE THROTTLE WILL STICK. DEALER NOTIFIED. *MR
NHTSA ODI report, 20021004
8% of complaints: structure — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body.
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
CRASH FIRE INJURY5% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 16 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THERE IS A BREATHER HOSE THAT ATTACHES TO THE NOZZLE OF THE ON-BOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE, WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE TOPSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. THE BREATHER H
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ROTATE THE SPECIFIED CLAMP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE
Campaign 02V208000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE A CHILD PROTECTION LOCK (CPL) SYSTEM ON BOTH OF THE REAR SIDE DOORS. WHEN AN OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE CLOSES THE DOOR VERY HARD WITH THE CPL LEVER SET TO THE LOCK P
Remedy: DEALERS WILL SHORTEN THE CPL LEVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 04V181000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Toyota Highlander — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (124 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V208000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V181000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Toyota Highlander is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota Highlander?
The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota Highlander have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.