2002 Toyota Highlander engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 31 complaints for the 2002 Toyota Highlander, 9% of the complaints on file. It is the 3rd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 31 9% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 100,000 miles 26 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 3 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 2 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 5 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 2 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 1 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 4 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 4 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 5 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 26 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 100,000 miles, and 38% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury.
What owners wrote
May 17, 2002, I was in a car accident with my 3 month old 2002 toyota highlander. I was traveling in the right hand lane on highway 80 west bound between davis, ca and san francisco ca at 8:30 am. According to the police report from eye witnesses, my vehicle left the roadway without any brake lights, went through a cyclone fence, continued .10 miles and down into a ravine. Brake lights never came on and the car never slowed. I was life flighted to the john muir medical center trauma unit.
Shortly after the second oil change, 10000 miles the exhaust system started making noise. It started as a loud sound from the muffler and now has become a rattling sound and loud exhaust noise. The banging/rattling sound is worst during left hand turns. Dealer stated we damaged the exhaust pipe and the brackets needed repair $175. The mechanic was unable to show me any physical damage to the exhaust system. I noticed the new highlanders have a different and smaller muffler which does not bang into adjacent parts.
Other problems reported for the 2002 Toyota Highlander
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 140 complaints
- Cruise control 31 complaints
- Body & structure 24 complaints