2001 Toyota Highlander: engine failure

5 of the 137 complaints about the 2001 Toyota Highlander describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 4%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 15 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2021
5
2020
3
2019
2
2018
1
2017
5
2015
6
2014
1
2013
4
2012
3
2011
4
2010
2
2009
4
2008
14
2006
7
2005
3
2004
6
2003
22
2002
11
2001
5

What owners say

Filed Jan 26, 2015 · Engine · 90,000 miles · OH

Toyota had a problem with there 4 cylinder engines in camry and highlander with engine mountain threads pulling away for a three or four year period. My car started leaking oil about 90,000 miles when I took in to a dealer he told me about the problem and toyota did not issue a recall. I was told only fix is a new engine. They also had a problem with the catalytic converter also again no recall.

Filed Nov 25, 2009 · Engine · 76,000 miles · CA

While my 2001 toyota highlander was in operation the engine bolts pulled loose causing the engine to seize and be destroyed. The car was stopped at a light at the time and had it been in operation on the freeway could have caused a serious accident. The engine is destroyed and a new engine would cost $7000. I believe that there have been numerous incidents involving engine bolts on toyota cars and trucks and that toyota has always blamed other things and not addressed whether the bolts are defective or have not been installed properly. There are various references on the internet of customers having problems with the engine bolts on toyota vehicles..toyota has no explanation for what happened to my car. I believe it may be the installation of the bolts or the quality of them.

Filed Jun 8, 2008 · Electrical · 81,150 miles · FL

Toyota highlander 2001, using the cell phone charger in the power outlet the dashboard clock reset a couple times, the third time all power to the clock and the A/C dashboard controls was rendered inoperative, diagnosis revealed that the A/C amplifier was affected and the engine control module was affected both rendered inoperative, replaced the A/C amplifier but the dealer will replace the engine control module - all new parts. Waiting for the ECM.

Filed Feb 27, 2008 · Engine · 48,800 miles · WA

2.4 (4cyl) engine making noise, sounds like rod knocking. Toyota dealer said same thing. Engine blew up at 45 MPH. Oil was always changed at approximately 3000 miles. Used on highways and city streets. Contacted toyota corporate and they didn't seem to care. Out of warranty. Never heard of a toyota engine blowing a rod. This highlander was in ex. Cond. To sold as junk never buy another toyota again !!!!!!

Filed Aug 26, 2004 · Engine · MD · fire

While driving at 60 MPH. Suddenly the vehicle slowed down the speed, at the same consumer heard a noise coming from the engine. As a result, engine caught on fire. Vehicle was towed to the dealership, and mechanic determined the need to install a new engine. However, warranty expired.