2005 Toyota Highlander
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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
- 224
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2005
Opened by NHTSA
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 224 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
24% · 54 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Vehicle speed control
18% · 40 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
I drove up hill, slowed, turned, and pulled behind truck to park off the side of the road. This was also uphill.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-06-14
Steering
12% · 26 reportsMost commonly citing column and shaft sector.
Electrical system
11% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer and switch.
Show complaint excerpts
All at once the windows, moon roof, blinkers, reverse lights, running lights and brake lights stopped working - also the automatic headlight function stopped working and we must turn on and off the headlights or risk draining the battery.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-09-18
Visibility
9% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system and power window devices and controls.
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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…
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I
2010-02-16Recall queryClosed 2011-03-01 Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
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R
2010-05-27Equipment10V035000 Gulf States Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These…
Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety…
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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…
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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.
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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…
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2016-07-14Seats16V396000 Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser,...
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Toyota Highlander — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 54 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 40 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 26 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06V253000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 10V035000 · Equipment
- Recall 10V499000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 11V112000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 11V539000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 16V396000 · Seats
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2005 Toyota Highlander reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Toyota Highlander is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Highlander?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Toyota Highlander have?
- 6 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.