2005 Toyota Highlander Electrical System Problems
- 21
- 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 21 stored complaint records:
- 1 indicate a crash
- 1 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 30–60k mi | 8 |
| 60–100k mi | 5 |
| 1–30k mi | 3 |
| 100–150k mi | 2 |
| 150–400k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Electrical System
SHORT IN MASTER WINDOW SWITCH
ODI 11171122
Electrical System · Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota highlander. After the vehicle was started, the abs, traction control off, vsc, tire pressure, and emergency brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician was not able to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000. ...updated 09/28/15…
ODI 10732934
Electrical System
When i started my car i noticed the abs,brake,tire,trac off&vsc lites were all lit. I couldn't get a diagnosis from mechanic.these lights continue to stay lit. I don't know if it is safe. I have read at least a hundred of the same complaint on blogs.
ODI 10748243
Electrical System · Service Brakes · Wheels
Driving down the freeway the rear passenger wheel locked up. Had to cut across two lanes of traffic to the side. The wheel still totally locked when it had to be dragged onto a flat bed. Luckily there was no injuries. Still not 100% sure or what's wrong but guessing it has something to do with the traction/abs control system. They really should look into a recall because this seems to be a common issue. *tr
ODI 10701712
Electrical System · Vehicle Speed Control
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota highlander. The contact stated that the power windows failed to properly function for the front passenger side window intermittently and the rear windows failed to electronically close and open. The vehicle was taken to (texas toyota of grapevine, 701 e state hwy 114, grapevine, tx 76051, [redacted]) for inspection and diagnosis. In addition, the vin was included in nhtsa campaign…
ODI 11031470
Electrical System
Air conditioner, can be on the coldest seating and then turn extremely hot. Seems like when a bump is hit, it effects when this happens.
ODI 10717550
Electrical System · Latches/Locks/Linkages
For a few days the driver side door lock hesitated opening with remote key access. After a few days, it would not unlock at all. The key does not unlock the door either. I must enter on the passenger side to unlock driver side door. *tr
ODI 10491012
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System · Electrical System
This problem was for the heating and a\c. This website tells of the problem in the manufacture of the vehicle: www.devalcourt.com/2010/03/fixing-2004-toyota-highlander-ac-and-heat-issue/ . The way toyota made the wiring (too short for the dial) was faulty in that, after repeated use (who doesn't use their heating and a/c regularly?) the wires would break off causing a short. Whenever we drive over a bump in the…
ODI 10533495
Electrical System
Car loss control due to electrical power is gone. Car loss speed at 45mph and has to pull over and stop. Diagnosis latter found battery is good, but alternator is bad. In my case, battery was replaced 2 years ago. *tr
ODI 10424565
Air Bags · Body · Electrical System
On 7/23/2011 i was at a complete stop in my vehicle. I was hit from behind by a car traveling 70mph+ and pushed into a car in front of me. The air bag light went off, but air bags did not deploy.
Crash reported · 3 injuries
ODI 11039870
Electrical System
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 toyota highlander hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the inverter stalled. All the warning lights illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was able to be restarted but it would not move. The vehicle was towed where the contact was informed that the inverter had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. The vin was…
ODI 10365092
Electrical System · Steering
Toyota highlander 2005 - 4 cyl driving in the rain, over puddles of water that create a splash up to about 3/4 the height of the tire (passenger side), will cause the discharge warning light to come on and cause loss of power steering (hard to turn). Suddenly, the warning light will go off and power steering will return. This is my wife's vehicle and i just noticed this issue recently while driving in heavy rain.…
ODI 10343774
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System · Electrical System
2005 toyota highlander. Erratic temperature control from heater. When set on cool will suddenly blow hot air and vice versa. On-line complaints indicate this is a common problem resulting from defective control unit in this and other toyota vehicles over several years. The control know comes loose and then the wiring behind it breaks from the circuit board resulting in erratic air temperatures. I also have concern…
ODI 10329914
Electrical System
Heater/ac functions intermittently then fails completely. Well know problem where placement of ribbon cable to potentiometer breaks loose, partially (intermittent failure), then completely (total failure). Quoted cost at any dealership $900-$1,000. I did repair myself in one hour for a cost of $10. Quick search on the web uncovered many many of same incident and, fortunately, detailed repair instructions.
ODI 10371589
Electrical System
I wish to report a safety defect on my 2005 toyota highlander. When traveling at speeds above about 35 mph i cannot hear the turn signal clicker. I am 69 years old, but do not have any significant hearing loss. Not being able to hear the clicker sometimes causes me to leave the turn signal on when it should be off. Although i have not had any accidents due to this problem, it could cause other drivers to make…
ODI 10316177
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System · Electrical System
Heater runs erratically--blowing fine and then switching to cold air and then if i "jiggle" the control can get heat again. Had the dealer repair in fall of 2009 (about $95), but it has started acting up again. *tr
ODI 10331121
Electrical System
Toyota highlander 2005 4cyl. The heater control will only blow extremely hot air that makes the vents almost to hot to even touch. No events led up to this problem, though in researching online forums, other toyota highlander owners are having the same defect. I took it to my local toyota dealer and the service associate acknowledged this is a problem with this vehicle. The cost to repair is $899.00. This is…
ODI 10255546
Electrical System
Toyota highlander, 2005 yr, defective ribbon electrical cable between heat/air control on dash and computer in car. Heat on, hit a bump in the road and air conditioning comes on full blast or the reverse in the summer. Other reports on internet indicate same problem with 2001 & 2002 year vehicles. Comments are the electrical cable become hard and brittle with age and breaks or cross connects causing problem. Dealer…
ODI 10254917
Electrical System · Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 toyota highlander. While driving approximately 60 mph, the "low tire pressure" warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The indicator remained illuminated until the mechanism was turned off. The failure occurred whenever the vehicle was driven on the highway. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and observed that the tire pressure was not low in any of the four tires.…
ODI 10243408
Electrical System · Latch
Tl*- the contact owns a 2005 toyota highlander. The contact stated that the door locks on the vehicle did not lock when the vehicle is placed into gear. The only way that the doors lock was by manually locking them or pushing the power lock button. Once the doors were locked they could not be opened by the pull of the door handle only by the power lock switch or manually. The contact was told by the dealer that it…
ODI 10180617
Electrical System · Structure
Dt*: the contact stated since purchase of the vehicle the dashboard panel was black during the day. Shining a flash light on the dash is the only way the dashboard gauges can be seen. The gauges are not digital. The dealership determined the dashboard panel was not able to be read but this is how the vehicle was made. The dashboard worked properly at night.*ak updated 01/25/06. *jb
ODI 10147061