2004 Toyota Highlander: engine failure

Filed May 22, 2026 · Engine, Steering · TX

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.

Filed Apr 6, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 103,500 miles · NV

Vehicle was driven normally and parked. While parked, owner noticed small leak under front axle, investigated and leak appeared to be transmission fluid or antifreeze. Owner drove vehicle next day, parked and noticed leak was larger. Owner took vehicle to dealer next morning and was told the head gasket was failing. Dealer said alternatives were to repair head gasket ($3200+), replace engine or buy another vehicle. Owner declined repair and took vehicle to independent mechanic, who confirmed head gasket leak and recommended either sealant ($250) or head gasket repair ($1200). Owner chose sealant. About four days after sealant fix, owner was driving vehicle and stopped at a starbucks drive-through. Minutes into the wait, the vehicles temp gauge began to climb rapidly. Owner revved engine and temp declined. Owner drove vehicle home and inspected engine, discovered coolant had begun to spray from overflow reservoir. Owner let vehicle cool. Next day, owner drove vehicle at modest speed across town, watching the temp gauge. Temp would increase incrementally, then decline, but no overheating appeared. Third day, owner did same, but this time, as owner approached his home, the temp gauge shot to red. Owner parked in driveway, opened hood and found overflow reservoir bubbling, coolant spray and overflow on frame. Prior to these incidents, about one year ago the owner had been told by toyota dealer that a few engine mounts were cracked and needed replacement, which was done. No other major repairs or issues have existed with vehicle. Vehicle is not 10 years old, its 103,500 miles has been generally light highway and short-distance city driving. Oil and other maintenance has been routinely performed.

Filed Mar 14, 2013 · Engine · 86,000 miles · CT

The engine overheated despite the no indication of high temperatures from the temperature gauge. We had it towed to the dealer who misdiagnosed it initially. We then drove it back from dealer (7 miles) to our home and it overheated again. Now the dealer says at a bare minimum the head gasket needs replacement ($3200) and it could new an entirely new engine. I don't know how this is possible at 86,000 miles. After doing some research I have found others with this problem especially 4 cylinders but it is not recall. Please help, I am unemployed and need this car!

Filed Feb 20, 2013 · Engine · 120,000 miles · KY

The threads in the engine block became striped leaking coolant into the engine/pistons. Recommendation was to replace the engine.

Filed Feb 10, 2011 · Engine · 78,000 miles · CT

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 toyota highlander. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact noticed that the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the cylinder behind the intake manifold was leaking and that she would need to replace the engine. The dealer advised the contact that since the vehicle was no longer under warranty they would not be able to provide her with any assistance. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was waiting for a response. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The current and failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

Filed Dec 20, 2010 · Engine · 151,000 miles · NH

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 toyota highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH the engine started to overheat and smoke. None of the warning lights appeared nor did the temperature gauge inform him that it was going to overheat. The vehicle was inspected by a independent mechanic who informed him that the threads from the engine bolt stripped and he needed to replace the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000. The VIN was unavailable.