2011 Toyota Highlander: sudden loss of power

Filed Nov 26, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · NJ

1. The 3.5L V6 Engine (2GR-FE) failed due to the subsequent loss of lubrication caused by the rupture of the Oil Cooler Pipe (Rubber component), a manufacturing defect known under TSB T-SB-0201-11 (ZE2 Program). The failed engine is currently available for inspection by request at the independent service center before it is disposed of. 2. The defect causes a sudden and severe loss of engine oil. This creates a high probability of the engine seizing (losing all power) while driving at highway speeds, resulting in a complete loss of propulsion and placing occupants at severe risk of collision. 3. The failure was confirmed, not reproduced. The vehicle was initially diagnosed with misfire codes (P0300, P0301). New spark plugs and ignition coils were installed in an attempt to resolve the issue. As the misfire persisted, the mechanic performed a compression test, confirming catastrophic zero compression failure in cylinders 1 and 2. Professional diagnostics then revealed critical codes: P1603 (ECM Malfunction), P1604 (Startability Malfunction), and P1605 (Rough Idling). These codes confirm a severe internal engine issue, consistent with permanent damage sustained during the oil loss event caused by the ZE2 pipe defect in July 2024. 4. No, not physically inspected by the manufacturer. The manufacturer (Toyota Executive Office Case Manager) was provided with certified documentation of the failure, including the photo of the faulty pipe, maintenance records during our ownership, and the dealership purchase statement for the replacement part. Toyota refused to authorize a physical diagnostic inspection of the failed engine at a dealership before denying goodwill assistance. 5.Yes. The initial lubrication loss event on July 4, 2024, was preceded by a message displayed on the dashboard (followed by a second failure event in October 2025 indicated by a flashing Check Engine light and the Traction Control light).

Filed Dec 11, 2019 · Acceleration, Brakes · 158,298 miles · CA

Driving on a city street at about 35 miles per hour I was heading home with my kids (5 y.o. And 7 y.o.) when the vehicle decelerated and lost power while I was driving in traffic, I was fortunate that the care rolled long enough to pull over to a safe spot with my children and call for a tow. Lights that came on check hybrid system, check brake system, check 4wd system, and the check engine light came on. After the vehicle was inspected at toyota of cerritos I was informed that the master mechanic had to place a ticket with toyota motor company to figure out the issue due to all the codes that were logged after the diagnostic. Toyota motor informed mechanic it was hybrid inverter failure. This could of been a horrible situation had I been driving on the freeway and my car suddenly stopped function like it did on the evening of 11/05/2019.

Filed Dec 3, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 122,000 miles · VA

While driving on the highway in cruise control and no check engine light vehicle lost power steering speedometer readings. Reported ABS brake malfunction, brake malfunction. Over the next 45 minutes while in route to a toyota dealer vehicle intermittently lost power steering and speedometer readings. All malfunctions happened with no warning.

Filed Sep 16, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 85,000 miles · MI

My 2011 toyota highlander v6 awd suffered a sudden oil cooler pipe failure/rupture leading to catastrophic engine failure/damage at approximately 85,000 miles. This is a known defect with certain 2008-2011 highlanders and was the subject of a service bulletin and eventually a warranty enhancement (ze2) starting in 2014, but we were never notified of this issue via mail or by the toyota dealer at which the vehicle is regularly serviced. The vehicle was traveling on the highway when the problem occurred. The vehicle was then towed to the dealership where it was found that the sudden loss of oil had caused catastrophic engine damage due to a bent rod from running without oil. As this problem can lead to major safety issues due to sudden loss of power (not to mention the potential for several thousand dollars in damage if a complete engine replacement is needed) a mandatory recall should be performed.

Filed Feb 22, 2019 · Steering · 65,000 miles · FL

I came to a complete stop at a red light in my neighborhood, preparing to make a right turn. When I then began the right turn I lost power steering and could not straighten out the wheel, resulting in me running up onto the curb. I immediately let off of the gas pedal- luckily no one was behind me. I then gave the car gas again while turning the wheel back to the left, and suddenly the power steering was working again.

Filed Jan 23, 2019 · Steering · 112,000 miles · TX

Lost power steering while driving at 40 MPH on an access road entering the freeway and dash lights and radio cut in and out.