2004 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
- 286
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2004
Opened by NHTSA
21% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 286 complaints
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 | 278 |
| 2007 | 124 |
| 2008 | 403 |
| 2009 | 134 |
| 2010 | 216 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 182 |
| 2013 | 207 |
| 2014 | 136 |
| 2015 | 192 |
| 2016 | 111 |
| 2017 | 269 |
| 2018 | 267 |
| 2019 | 490 |
| 2020 | 317 |
| 2021 | 527 |
| 2022 | 257 |
| 2023 | 181 |
| 2024 | 42 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
21% · 60 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
Vehicle speed control
14% · 40 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-14
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Highlander. While driving various low speeds, the vehicle accelerated rapidly without warning.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-26
I was pulling into a parking space in a parking lot, going less than 5 miles per hour. As I turned into the spot, the car lurched ahead, so quickly, that slamming on the brakes still caused me to slide a bit.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-26
Also filed under Service brakes
Steering
13% · 36 reportsMost commonly citing column and rack.
Service brakes
9% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Visibility
7% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing power window devices and controls and defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
▮
2004Complaint volume 286 complaints filed for this model year.
-
R
2004-05-07Latches/locks/linkages04V181000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will shorten the cpl lever. Owner notification began May 7, 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
-
R
2006-07-24Vehicle speed control06V253000 On certain sport utility and hybrid vehicles, the two retaining clips for the driver's side forward center console can become loose. If both clips separate from the floor carpet cover, the cover…
Remedy: 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…
-
I
2010-02-16Recall queryClosed 2011-03-01 Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
-
R
2010-11-15Service brakes, hydraulic10V499000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 Avalon, model year 2004-2006 Highlander, model year 2004-2006 Lexus rx, and model year 2006 Lexus gs and is vehicles. Brake fluid containing…
Remedy: 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…
-
R
2011-05-06Vehicle speed control11V112000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, and model year 2004-2007 Lexus RX330, RX350, and RX400H vehicles. If the forward retention clip used to secure the…
Remedy: 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.
-
R
2011-12-31Engine and engine cooling11V539000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004 Avalon vehicles; 2004 and 2005 Camry, Camry Solara, Highlander, and Sienna vehicles, 2006 Highlander Hybrid; 2004 and 2005 Lexus ES330 and RX330; and 2006…
Remedy: 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…
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Toyota Highlander — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 60 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 40 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 36 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V181000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 06V253000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 10V499000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 11V112000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 11V539000 · Engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2004 Toyota Highlander reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Toyota Highlander is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota Highlander?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Toyota Highlander have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.