2004 Highlander problems? anyone else?

[rdprx5]

I have a 2004 highlander I4 ~17,000 miles.....so far the check engine light came on twice (something about air/gas sensor, gas cap...) and now when I turn the wheel I hear noise coming down from the steering cloum (haven't taken to dealer yet) .....................just want to check who else is having problems-----should I trade to 2007?

[LifeTech]

As far as the 2007 is concerned...wait for the new 2008 redesign. Just makes more sense. The 2001-2007 was a long series run of the same design shape. I would like to have a new design H/L by now, wouldn't yu?

I initially wanted the new H/L and was waiting for the change in 2007 but found out in early 2006 that Toyota put it off till 2008, so I got a sweet deal on a new loaded 2006. I needed a new car and just couldn't wait for a 2008 H/L. I was borrowing my wifes Avalon for almost a year and she was getting antsy about me getting A car, period .

I found out by now that it is very hard to get a 2007 non-hybrid Highlander with EVERY option as my my 2006. Toyota, Kyushu, Japan, assembly plant is meeting production demand for the Hybrid units and all parts and options are mostly dedicated for the H/L Hybrids. Toyota is smart.

So, a Non hybrid Highlander Limited with Nav and Rear Seat entertainment equipped like my 2006 is a very rare piece to get and in fact all dealers saying I have more waiting than any Hybrid Highlander . What a switch from the last two years. People were waiting for 6 months to get a Hybrid H/L at sticker price or higher.

These current H/L's are not new stuff, I agree, and they are not PERFECT. Cause Toyota just never revamped the minor issues at the factory because of how old the series is. They just add TSB's for the dealer to deal with common issues.( noise and rattles etc.) but, it still remains popular as a Camry/Car based SUV.

The new 2008 H/L is reportedly going to look more like a crossover SUV rather than a "truck" style and will be based on the longer wheelbase of the Current Avalon chassis. (Still car based chassis) It will have a Dual VVT-I engine like all the Lexus engines of current.

The bigger/current Rav 4 replaced the Current Non-Hybrid Highlander size model . Toyota marketing at its best!




LT

[ferret]

Originally Posted by rdprx5

I have a 2004 highlander I4 ~17,000 miles.....so far the check engine light came on twice (something about air/gas sensor, gas cap...) and now when I turn the wheel I hear noise coming down from the steering column (haven't taken to dealer yet) .....................just want to check who else is having problems-----should I trade to 2007?

Like stated the 2007 is pretty much the same as what you have.

Re: CEL ( Check Engine Light ) there was a bad run of Oxygen sensors which affected a small amount of owners, you just may have been one of them. The Gas cap loose will also set the CEL which will reset on the 2nd or 3rd tank AFTER the cap is kept on tight. No need to go to the dealer for this if you are certain it was caused by a loose gas cap.

Re: Steering Clunk. Toyota released a TSB for the Camry a while ago. They replace the lower steering shaft ( the part with universal joints going thru the floor ). They just recently updated it to include the Highlander. It's covered by the 3/36 warranty so depending on when you purchased your 04, you may be covered. If not your looking at $500-600.

Hope this information helps you with your decisions.

[LifeTech]

Just a side note on the 2007 Highlander.

The Evap system was changed over to the 4-cyl. design and also the gas cap is not a twist lock type but the older design " screw in lock" design.


Probably in response to MIL's tripping because of poor twist locking gas caps?

[breugel]

I have a 2004 V6 with 60k on it. The only thing I have is the clunk in the steering but it is out of warranty so I live with it.

[LifeTech]

Originally Posted by breugel

I have a 2004 V6 with 60k on it. The only thing I have is the clunk in the steering but it is out of warranty so I live with it.

I wouldn't live with any type of steering related abnormality.

Warranty or No warranty I would get to the bottom of it.

I treat my steering like my brakes.

Please, for the safety sake of yu and your loved ones, look into it....and correct it.


LT

[Bones]

Based on the information in the TSB, is the steering shaft repair a SAFETY issue? I appreciate that steering is fundamental to driving, but not every "clunk" is an issue and any repair cost will be coming out of my pocket.

Thanks.

[LifeTech]

Originally Posted by Bones

Based on the information in the TSB, is the steering shaft repair a SAFETY issue? I appreciate that steering is fundamental to driving, but not every "clunk" is an issue and any repair cost will be coming out of my pocket.

Thanks.

We are in control of our own destiny.

This steering clunk just might be a nuisance to yu . Thats cool. And yu are probably the average Toyota consumer. I trust that Toyota would have been forced to handle the steering problem as an involuntary recall imposed by the Feds if it was serious.

I can be anal about anything safety related. I would rather play devils advocate and address this. Just my recommendation.

Others may disagree. That's ok too.
LT