Toyota / Highlander / 2011
2011 Toyota Highlander problems
Owners have filed 229 complaints about the 2011 Toyota Highlander with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 14.8% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of structure at 12.2%.
Complaints229
Crashes16
Fires0
Injuries10
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 14.8% · 34
Structure 12.2% · 28
Visibility/wiper 10.9% · 25
Electrical system 10.0% · 23
Engine 7.4% · 17
Power train 7.0% · 16
Unknown or other 6.1% · 14
Service brakes 5.7% · 13
Severity
Of those complaints, 16 describe a crash and 10 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 23 model years of the Toyota Highlander in this data, 2011 sits 17th by complaint volume. 2019 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 8 in the last three years against 27 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 52,500 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. When the contact moved the steering wheel, it made a loud abnormal popping noise. The noise grew louder when the vehicle was being driven at different speeds. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Steering
Clunking or tapping noise when turning left or right that can be felt in the steering wheel. Diagnosed by Toyota as "steering intermediate shaft binding." This is a known issue with the 2008-2013 Highlander. Advised by Toyota mechanic that it doesn't need to be fixed unless I prefer it not to knock or clunk when turning. Steering · reported at 99,000 miles
The steering in my Highlander has started making a popping and knocking sound when turning the vechicle. This seems to be a known design defect with this vechicle by Toyota and they should issue a safety recall. The noise is mostly noticeable at lower speeds when parking but it also occurs when the vehicle is in motion. Steering · reported at 90,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…