2005 Toyota Highlander Engine Problems
NHTSA has 50 owner complaints about engine problems in the 2005 Toyota Highlander, 22% of all 224 complaints for this model year. That is #6 highest engine complaint count among 21 Highlander model years. These complaints report 18 crashes, 2 fires, and 5 injuries. Median mileage at failure: 51,496 miles.
- Engine complaints
- 50
- 22% of 224
- Crashes reported
- 18
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 5
- Median mileage
- 51,496 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
When 2005 Toyota Highlander engine complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 16, 2005, latest Feb 8, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2005 Toyota Highlander
- NHTSA 11V539000Nov 9, 2011Engine420,326 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004 avalon vehicles; 2004 and 2005 camry, camry solara, highlander, and sienna vehicles, 2006 highlander hybrid; 2004 and 2005 lexus es330 and rx330; and 2006 lexus rx400h vehicles manufactured from june 1, 2004 through march 31, 2005, equipped with the 1mz-fe or 3mz-fe engine. The amount of adhesive agent applied between the outer ring and the torsional rubber damper (inner ring) in the crankshaft pulley may be inadequate. If the adhesive is insufficient, there is a possibility that the outer ring may become misaligned and it may not properly rotate with the inner ring, causing noise and/or illumination of the battery discharge indicator light.
Risk: In some cases, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley which could result in a loss of power steering and a sudden increase in steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the crankshaft pulley to identify whether it was produced by the u.s. Supplier. If so, the dealer will replace the pulley with a new one at no charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during early january 2012. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
- NHTSA 11V112000Feb 24, 2011Engine769,379 vehicles
Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 highlander, highlander hybrid, and model year 2004-2007 lexus rx330, rx350, and rx400h vehicles. If the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center console, is not installed properly the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm.
Risk: If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may temporarily become stuck in a partially depressed position rather than return to the idle position. A stuck accelerator pedal may result in unintended and sustained vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the floor carpet cover with a newly designed one free or charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during march 2011. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
- NHTSA 06V253000Jul 13, 2006Engine367,594 vehicles
Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
On certain sport utility and hybrid vehicles, the two retaining clips for the driver's side forward center console can become loose. If both clips separate from the floor carpet cover, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal, causing interference with the accelerator pedal rod.
Risk: This condition may interfere with the accelerator pedal returning to the idle position increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the two floor carpet cover retaining clips free of charge. The recall began on july 24, 2006, and should be completed by early september 2006. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Engine complaints by Highlander model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2005 Toyota Highlander have engine problems?
- NHTSA has 50 owner complaints about the engine in the 2005 Toyota Highlander, 22% of all complaints for this model year, including 18 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 51,496 miles.
- Which Toyota Highlander year has the most engine complaints?
- The 2008 Toyota Highlander has the most engine complaints (121), compared with 50 for the 2005.
- Is there a engine recall for the 2005 Toyota Highlander?
- Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2005 Toyota Highlander concern the engine: 11V539000, 11V112000, and 06V253000.