Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Toyota Highlander. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase of the vehicle. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 123,000. It was later discovered upon checking Carfax that the mileage was 254,000.
2005 Toyota Highlander electrical problems
25 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 57,770. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 25
- of this car's complaints
- 11%
- typical mileage
- 57,770
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Instrument panel: speedometer/odometer1
- Instrument cluster/panel1
- Ignition: switch1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Toyota Highlander electrical problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
On February 16, 2010, the federal safety agency's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V‑388, 10V‑017, and 10V‑023.the federal safety agency also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, the federal safety agency requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to the federal safety agency pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V‑112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V‑113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V‑388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V‑115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After the federal safety agency opened RQ10-003, the federal safety agency launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.the federal safety agency launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.the federal safety agency enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on the federal safety agency's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the federal safety agency on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).the federal safety agency's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. the federal safety agency did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.
RQ10003
What 2005 Toyota Highlander owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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. It's interesting to note that the flashers work, but the blinkers do not. The wipers, radio, cruise control, etc. are all fine. It appears all fuses associated with these items are intact - I don't know how to check the viability of the relays, but have been told it could be a relay and or a ground wire. I've purchased a new multifunction blinker headlight replacement switch AND a master window replacement switch to see if this will resolve the issue - but the fact that it happened all at the same time concerns me that it could be electrical or wiring. All the wires under the dash are intact.
Short in master window switch
On 7/23/2011 I was at a complete stop in my vehicle. I was hit from behind by a car traveling 70mph+ and pushed into a car in front of me. The air bag light went off, but air bags did not deploy.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota highlander. The contact stated that the power windows failed to properly function for the front passenger side window intermittently and the rear windows failed to electronically close and open. The vehicle was taken to (texas toyota of grapevine, 701 e state hwy 114, grapevine, tx 76051, (817) 329-5949) for inspection and diagnosis. In addition, the VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v112000 (vehicle speed control) and the contact was uncertain as to when the dealer may provide the repair. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was excluded from an electrical recall to service the power master window switch failure for the windows. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.
When I started my car I noticed the ABS,brake,tire,trac off&vsc lites were all lit. I couldn't get a diagnosis from mechanic.these lights continue to stay lit. I don't know if it is safe. I have read at least a hundred of the same complaint on blogs.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota highlander. After the vehicle was started, the ABS, traction control off, vsc, tire pressure, and emergency brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician was not able to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000. ...updated 09/28/15 *bf the consumer stated the vehicle would lose steering control as if the vehicle was going to lose power. The consumer stated it would happen on an intermittent basis. Updated 10/06/15
Air conditioner, can be on the coldest seating and then turn extremely hot. Seems like when a bump is hit, it effects when this happens.
Driving down the freeway the rear passenger wheel locked up. Had to cut across two lanes of traffic to the side. The wheel still totally locked when it had to be dragged onto a flat bed. Luckily there was no injuries. Still not 100% sure or what's wrong but guessing it has something to do with the traction/ABS control system. They really should look into a recall because this seems to be a common issue.
This problem was for the heating and a\c. This website tells of the problem in the manufacture of the vehicle: www.devalcourt.com/2010/03/fixing-2004-toyota-highlander-AC-and-heat-issue/ . The way toyota made the wiring (too short for the dial) was faulty in that, after repeated use (who doesn't use their heating and A/C regularly?) the wires would break off causing a short. Whenever we drive over a bump in the road, the A/C shifts to heat or the heat shifts to A/C. We used to remove the cover of the knob and tighten the hex nut there, but now that doesn't work. This is especially worrisome in the winter when the defrost shifts to A/C and the front window starts to "fog" up. This makes for extremely dangerous driving and inhibits your ability to see clearly and navigate the roads. This should be considered a design flaw by toyota and should be recalled. Please note, on the website mentioned above -- there are many more year models (2001, 2004 were also mentioned) that are affected by this. Thank you!
Questions about the 2005 Toyota Highlander electrical
Does the 2005 Toyota Highlander have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 25 complaints about the electrical of the 2005 Toyota Highlander, 11% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2005 Toyota Highlander electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 57,770 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2005 Toyota Highlander electrical?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Toyota Highlander have the most electrical problems?
The Toyota Highlander model years with the most electrical complaints are 2019 (56 complaints), 2010 (53 complaints) and 2015 (52 complaints).
Other 2005 Toyota Highlander problems
Transmission 51Acceleration 39Visibility 28Steering 26Brakes 24Engine 14Airbags 9Lights 9Body 8Tires 8Fuel system 6Seat belts 6Locks 4Wheels 4Suspension 3Driver assistance 2Seats 2
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