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2011 Toyota Highlander visibility problems

36 complaints (20% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 50,100.

owner complaints
36
of this car's complaints
20%
typical mileage
50,100
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Sun/moon roof assembly
    1

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 visibility problems in other years

199720052010201520202026

Related recalls

Visibility: power window devices and controlsReported October 22, 2015 · 1,814,284 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
Risk
If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.

Recall number 15V689000 · Recall details

What 2011 Toyota Highlander owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Visibility · 210,005 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65-70 MPH on the interstate, there was a loud sound like a gunshot coming from the vehicle. The contact opened the sunshade and became aware that the sunroof glass had shattered. The contact pulled over into a parking lot and performed an online search about the failure. The contact learned that the failure was a known failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 210,005.

Filed Dec 1, 2021 · Steering, Visibility · 80,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the intermediate steering shaft was making an abnormal knocking noise while turning to the left or the right. Additionally, the driver’s side window failed to roll up or down because it was off track. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Mar 20, 2019 · Visibility · 96,000 miles · SD

Driver side sun visor stuck in down position, and will not move upward out of the way, obstructing driver's view. It can be moved to the side window, but then the side view is obstructed. I hesitate to try and force it up, because it feels like it would break and just flop around. Researching the problem, I have learned of many other owners of similar-vintage toyota highlanders who have experienced the same problem. The toyota dealer quoted over $300 to replace with a new part. This is safety issue that should be recalled by the manufacturer.

Filed Mar 1, 2019 · Visibility · 130,000 miles · VA

There is a known defect in toyota highlanders (2010 - 2013) sun visors. The visor no longer stays in either the upright or downward position. It is either at a 45 degree angle when placed in the "up" position or is in a position to slightly obscure visibility in the "down" position. Toyota offered a warranty enhancement (letter zf1) however I am now past the extended warranty period. This is a hazard in driving and would be hazardous to the driver should there be an accident - the visor would hit the driver in the forehead or face should there be an impact.

Filed Apr 27, 2018 · Visibility · 61,000 miles · NY

Driver side sun visor no longer stays up and blocks the drivers vision while driving. This seems to be a on going problem with toyota sun visors.

Filed Nov 10, 2016 · Visibility · 70,772 miles · GA

My driver side visor lost all tension. I had to either hold it up or tie it out of the way. I had it replaced at lowe toyota in warner robins, ga for $199.87. I would not expect a visor to tear up even for a 2011 model. It was a safety issue that needed to be fixed. I think there should be a recall on these visors and reimbursement for replacing them. Thanks, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 31, 2016 · Body, Visibility · 40,000 miles · OR

The driver side window is off the track and unable to roll up. Prior to the window falling off the track, the driver side window would make a popping noise and would rattle when going up or down. The issue is exactly like the 2010 the federal safety agency reference #10037962 and tsb reference #t-sb-0010-11.

Filed Sep 5, 2015 · Visibility · 40,000 miles · FL

Driver's side visor is broken and stuck at a 45 degree angle, and will not stay in the upright position, obstructing visibility when driving. This appears to be a design issue of this particular model, as there are many similar complaints once doing a simple internet search.

Filed Jul 24, 2015 · Visibility · 39,530 miles · OR

Driver's side visor won't stay close to the ceiling .

Filed Jul 10, 2015 · Visibility · 69,125 miles · GA

As I attempted to lower the visor on the drivers side, the mechanism broke and it would neither stay or or down - blocking visibility. I know a couple of my friends who own highlanders have had the same problem and the dealership I went to said that toyota was going to do some type of "extended warranty" to cover the cost. How do I apply for that?

Questions about the 2011 Toyota Highlander visibility

Does the 2011 Toyota Highlander have visibility problems?

Owners have filed 36 complaints about the visibility of the 2011 Toyota Highlander, 20% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2011 Toyota Highlander visibility problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 50,100 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Toyota Highlander visibility?

Yes, 1 recall: 15V689000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Toyota Highlander have the most visibility problems?

The Toyota Highlander model years with the most visibility complaints are 2002 (139 complaints), 2010 (42 complaints) and 2011 (36 complaints).

Other 2011 Toyota Highlander problems

Steering 34Body 27Electrical 23Engine 21Brakes 17Transmission 16Acceleration 12Airbags 8Lights 5Seat belts 4Driver assistance 3Tires 3Fuel system 1Locks 1Wheels 1

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