2004 Toyota Highlander steering problems
35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2004 Toyota Highlander — 12% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Hello, I am the Buyer of the subject Vehicle, Upon doing my research, I found out several reports stating that The subject vehicle's 2.4L engine has manufacturing defect, that causes Head Bolts to get stripped/melt down in to oil causing Engine failures and Life threating risk in the middle of the…”
filed May 22, 2026
“While traveling through a highway construction zone my car suddenly became hard to steer, and my speed became greater, tried to (break) decelerate the car began sliding out of control-plowing into the road construction barriers part lodged in front passenger windshield. The car went through the…”
filed Sep 14, 2020
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Steering problems in other Highlander years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Highlander | 2 | 1% |
| 2022 Highlander | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 Highlander | 8 | 2% |
| 2020 Highlander | 4 | 1% |
| 2019 Highlander | 8 | 2% |
| 2018 Highlander | 10 | 4% |
| 2017 Highlander | 4 | 2% |
| 2016 Highlander | 6 | 6% |
| 2015 Highlander | 25 | 13% |
| 2014 Highlander | 4 | 3% |
| 2013 Highlander | 46 | 22% |
| 2012 Highlander | 46 | 25% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2004 Toyota Highlander
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.