1. Toyota Highlander
  2. Problems
  3. 2002
  4. Engine

2002 Toyota Highlander Engine Problems

11
Owner complaint records in our dataset

Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.

Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.

Among these 11 stored complaint records:

  • 0 indicate a crash
  • 0 indicate injury
  • 1 indicate fire

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
100–150k mi4
30–60k mi2
60–100k mi2
1–30k mi1

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • January 25, 2011 · 126,000 miles

    Engine

    I purchased a new 2002 toyota highlander from sierra toyota of lancaster, ca. I have experienced no problems with this vehicle until 25 jan. 2011 when the engine overheated while driving 40mph on city street. I took my vehicle to my mechanic and he informed me of a problem with the 2.4l 4cyl toyota engines in which some of the head bolts become loose/stripped where they attach at the engine block. I called sierra…

    Fire reported

    ODI 10378873

  • September 11, 2010 · 75,000 miles

    Engine

    Some earlier models of toyota's 2az-fe 4 cylinder engine are susceptible to sudden failure and are dangerous. The engine is widely used in toyota's popular camry, highlander, rav4 and scion tc models. Toyota needs to accept responsibility and investigate the engine. On 9/11/2010, 2002 toyota highlander's 2az-fe engine failed and left occupants stranded. Event took place immediately after exiting the highway. The…

    ODI 10361053

  • April 18, 2010 · 110,000 miles

    Engine

    My 2002 toyota highlander v6 broke down on the side of the road. I had it towed to the toyota dealership where they informed me that oil sludge has clogged my engine and i would have to have it replaced to the tune of $6000. I was shocked because i always got my oil changed well before the suggested 7500 mile mark. I did some research online and found out my car was part of a recall and class action suit. They never…

    ODI 10328086

  • October 29, 2008 · 134,871 miles

    Engine

    4 cylinder engine blocked warped where head meets block. Head bolts were stripped and could not be tightened down. Following link describes the problem we encountered with our 2002 highlander which has the same 2.4 ltr 4 cylinder engine as the camry. Http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/ camry/148454-camry-with-stripped-head-bolts/ all diagnosis and repair of our highlander was done at a toyota dealership in…

    ODI 10318846

  • June 1, 2008

    Engine

    In june 2008, i was driving when my engine apparently melted down. It went completely hot. I pulled over and there was what appeared to be coolant pooled under the car. Prior to this all scheduled maintenance had been done and there was no indication of any trouble with the car earlier that day. I later took it to my mechanic who said he had never seen anything like that in his life. The engine had literally melted.…

    ODI 10342377

  • April 2, 2008 · 124,000 miles

    Engine

    2004, my highlander was serviced for gel in the valve seals. On april 2, my car was brought to leith toyota because the car made a loud noise after being cranked and the oil light was on. As i drove a couple of miles, all computer lights came on and the car cut off. I was told testing was done and i had oil although it was not being pumped to the engine for some reason. (i have oil changed every 3,000 miles). The…

    ODI 10224522

  • February 16, 2007 · 77,000 miles

    Engine

    I have owned a 2002 toyota highlander 4 cylinder, 2wd. My car stalled on the road about tow weeks ago and i had it towed to a toyota dealer. I have taken very good care of my car and can provide some partial paper work of my maintenance. The dealer is telling me that i need a new engine, and my bill will go over $5000.00. It has only 77000 miles and no physical damage to the car (no accidents). I have heard about…

    ODI 10183833

  • March 1, 2006 · 54,000 miles

    Engine

    Past couple of months have seen smoke coming out of the tailpipe. Sludge has built up and clogged the pvc system and inside of the valve cover causing oil to sit inside and damaged the valve seals. Dealer wants to clean the sludge under the valve covers and replace the valve seals - cost of 3,900.00. *nm

    ODI 10151811

  • January 22, 2005 · 59,000 miles

    Engine

    Toyota highlander-2002-engine oil turned to sludge, engine just short of seizing-new engine installed. *jb

    ODI 10118295

  • November 17, 2003 · 20,000 miles

    Engine · Exhaust System

    Black smoke came out of the exhaust pipe, and vehicle consumed excessive oil. Dealership wanted to replace the valve seal and piston o-ring s, but the parts were on back order. *ak vehicle is at the dealership for repairs and consumer was asked to use a rental car since vehicle's parts for repair where not available at that time. Consumer received a call from dealer that vehicle was ready top be picked up. When…

    ODI 10055989

  • June 26, 2003

    Engine

    While traveling on the highway and without prior warning the vehicle was leaking oil underneath . *ak

    ODI 10025040