NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Toyota Highlander 4WD; the most frequently affected component is latches/locks/linkages — latch. Owners filed 139 complaints, most often about vehicle speed control. Among the 13 model years of this model in the database, 2001 ranks #9 for number of recalls.
Problem: Certain sport utility vehicles have a child protection lock (cpl) system on both of the rear side doors. When an operator of the vehicle closes the door very hard with the cpl lever set to the lock position, there is a possibility that the lever may contact the body panel, causing the cpl lever to move into the unlock position.
Risk: This condition could allow the door to be opened with the inside while the operator believes that the cpl was activated. If the door were opened from the inside while the vehicle was in motion, an occupant could fall out and be injured.
Remedy: Dealers will shorten the cpl lever. Owner notification began may 7, 2004. Owners should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Problem: On sport utility vehicles, there is a breather hose that attaches to the nozzle of the on-board refueling vapor recovery (orvr) valve, which is located on the topside of the fuel tank. The breather hose is attached with a clamp, whose "tabs" face in the upward direction. When the vehicle was crashed under the new car assessment program (ncap) test (i.e., 35 mph frontal barrier crash), the clamp "tabs" contacted the underside of the body due to movement of the fuel tank, causing the nozzle to break.
Risk: In the worst case, nozzle breakage could result in fuel leakage if the vehicle rolls-over after a high speed frontal crash.
Remedy: Dealers will rotate the specified clamp. Owner notification began september 23, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Problem: Vehicle description: sport utiity vehicles. The reservoir filler cap of the brake master cylinder may induce a vacuum, introducing some air into the brake master cylinder reservoir. This could cause abnormal brake noise and increased pedal stroke when the brakes are applied.
Risk: The increased pedal stroke will lengthen the stopping distance of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will bleed the air from the brake lines and replace the reservoir filler cap. Owner notification began july 30, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
What owners complain about
Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Vehicle speed control8 · 20%
Visibility7 · 18%
Air bags5 · 12%
Service brakes5 · 12%
Structure5 · 12%
Visibility/wiper3 · 8%
Power train3 · 8%
Engine2 · 5%
When complaints were filed
201012
20113
20128
20135
20143
20154
20161
20172
20181
20201
From owner complaints
I am the original owner of our 2001toyota 3.0 highlander. I also own a 2008 toyota tundra pickup and a 2008 lexus es 350. Our highlander has been exceptional vehicle. I have performed all the required maintenance on our vehicles since their purchase, oil changes, fluids levels, serpentine and power steering belts…
When 2001 toyota highlander is started when cold, below 30 degrees f, air bag light blinks until 1) car warms up 2) car is restarted. I have been told by dealer that when light is blinking, air bags are inoperable. Ordinarily this car is kept in a garage so it is not very often started when below 30 f. I believe this…
Anytime car is kept outside in temperature below freezing, the airbag light illuminates and stays on after car is started. It continues to stay on until temperature warms up and car is subsequently restarted. There are reports of a tsb on this known problem stating the airbag is non-operable while light flashes, but…
I have a 2001 toyota highlander and the passenger brake light will not brighten when you press on the brake, however it will come on when i turn on the lights. Apparently this is a common issue i am including a link to a discussion about this issue from several other…
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.