2004 Toyota Highlander: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Jun 19, 2012 · Transmission · 15,000 miles · FL

Since I purchased my 2004 toyota highlander v6 it has very rough shifts. The transmissions seems to hesitate and lag when I try to accelerate during normal driving speeds, (I feel like I am on a carnival ride). I have had it to 3 different dealership in florida & they all say the same thing ("that this model drives like that" & it's the way you drive") funny though when the mechanic drove it, with me in the car he said that it was the transmission. The underwriters in service think because I'm a women, it's the way I drive. I love my car but, this problem needs to be addressed by toyota & fixed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Filed Jun 4, 2010 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · MA

My 2004 toyota highlander v6 at time has very rough shifts. The transmissions seems to hesitate and lag when I try to accelerate during normal driving speeds. This has happened when I was going 20 to 60.

Filed Mar 6, 2008 · Steering · 15,000 miles · CO

2004 toyota highlander limited steering system looseness, clunking. The steering system exhibits excessive freeplay and clunking. A defective part was replaced under warranty but needs to be replaced again. The vehicle has less than 30,000 miles on it.

Filed Feb 27, 2008 · Steering · CA

Highlander recently received 30k service at toyota dealer. Car mileage was approximately 29k. The service advisor reported that the intermediate shaft in the steering column was making a clunk type sound and should be replaced. He believed highlanders and tacoma's had been having a problem. He did not think the part would break but that the part had been redesigned and will need to be replaced.

Filed Dec 30, 2007 · Steering · 39,000 miles · FL

I noticed a clunking noise and "sensation" in the steering wheel when traveling at a slow speed especially when turning corners or on a bumpy road. In december, 2007 I took the highlander to the dealer and was first told that it was not a problem and just needed some lubrication. When I questioned the service manager further about the possibility of it being dangerous, I was told that it "could be a problem and that the steering shaft should be changed". I was told that the column could "lock up", causing loss of steering. After further questioning, the dealership gave me a copy of the toyota technical service bulletin dated february 2006, obviously toyota was well aware of the possible danger, I was also told that it was not an unusual problem. They would fix the problem at a cost of $450 to me since the car was no longer under warranty. My warranty expired in may of 2007, almost a year after the technical service bulletin was issued. It appears that toyota purposely has not issued a recall in order to save money. Those of us who own a 2004 highlander are now out of warranty and out of luck. Since this is a potential danger and toyota was aware of the problem for well over a year, I believe that toyota should be responsible for all needed repairs and a recall issued.

Filed Dec 24, 2007 · Steering · 53,126 miles · ME

Bout my 2004 highlander 3 months ago, used, with 46k miles on it. I took it to my mechanic last week to get the oil changed and tires rotated. He took it for a drive and said that it won't pass inspection in 3 months because of the steering. There is a clunk in the steering, which I never thought was abnormal but he said it is. He also said there is a service bulletin out on it. I called the dealer and made an appointment for next week. I seriously had better not have to pay for this.

Filed Apr 29, 2006 · Steering · 15,000 miles · NY

Noticed free play and a clunking in steering wheel @15,000 miles. More pronounced on turns with bumps. Complained to dealer about condition and they said it was the steering shaft had excessive play in shaft joint. Had to wait over 1 month for the part to arrive. Steering shaft assembly part#45220-48150 was replaced.

Filed Mar 18, 2006 · Steering · 45,000 miles · FL

I own a 2004 toyota highlander v6. At 45,000 miles, I noticed a clunking sensation in my steering wheel. Long story short, toyota said it was a failed u-joint and had to replace my steering column assembly (part # 45220-48150) at a cost of $490 to me. Not covered by 5 yr/ 60000 mi drive train warranty or 3 yr/36000 mi either. I learned in an edmunds.com highlander owners' chat room that I am not alone. Several people commented they have the same issue. The problem also occurs with camrys (which has the same chassis). The other owners complain of a long part backorder which sounds like this may be a widespread problem. Does this qualify for a recall and could I get my $490 refunded if so? Thank you.

Filed Jun 22, 2005 · Transmission · 12,000 miles · PA

At apprx. 13000 miles on a 2004 toyota highlander, noticed increasingly rough shifting from the automatic transmission. Vehicle often hesitates when shifting, then surges into next gear, causing unpredictable ride. Throughout the gears, vehicle seems to be hunting for gears, upshifting & downshifting at odd times, causing a rough, unpredictable ride. Took it back to the dealer and they 'recalibrated' the tranmission, however, this didn't seem to rectify the problem.

Filed Sep 30, 2004 · Transmission · 172 miles · CA

Toyota 2004 highlander purchased new on 7/1/04 has transmission surging and drivetrain "clunk" when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd gear. Dealer has replaced transmission to no avail and claims it is part of "fly-by-wire" desing by manufacturer.