2005 Toyota Highlander: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2005 Toyota Highlander? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 225 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2005 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2005 Toyota Highlander trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2005 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2005 Toyota Highlander has 225 owner complaints, 35 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Highlander
- Model year
- 2005
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 225
- Crash-related complaints
- 35
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 23
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2005 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Unintended Acceleration
Steering Defects
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Unintended Acceleration, Steering Defects. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2005 Toyota Highlander?
The 2005 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2005 Toyota Highlander
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain for any signs of issues or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, acceleration, and steering components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported problem areas.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain for any signs of issues or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, acceleration, and steering components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported problem areas.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2005 Toyota Highlander, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2005 Toyota Highlander are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and unintended acceleration categories, with a notable number of crash-related reports. The data suggests potential issues in these areas, but the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of the complaints warrant caution.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints are the most frequent, with 51 reports.
- Unintended acceleration accounts for 39 complaints, the second-highest category.
- There are 35 crash-related complaints, indicating possible safety concerns.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Unintended Acceleration
- Steering Defects
All 2005 Toyota Highlander Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Toyota Highlander. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 51 | 3 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 39 | 18 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 27 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 25 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 21 | 5 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 14 | — | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 13 | 3 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | 9 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Other | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Air | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other/I Am Not Sure | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2005 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My 2025 Acura MDX (under 10,000 miles) has failed to restart after the automatic idle stop engaged at stoplights and drive-thru lines at least 7 separate times. When I release the brake, the engine often remains off and the vehicle will not move, leaving me stopped in traffic. I …
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Toyota Highlander. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase of the vehicle. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 123,000. It was later discovered upon checki…
All at once the windows, moon roof, blinkers, reverse lights, running lights and brake lights stopped working - also the automatic headlight function stopped working and we must turn on and off the headlights or risk draining the battery. It's interesting to note that the flasher…
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was on a lift at the independent mechanic, it was discovered that the rear subframe was rusted. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. No warning lights were illuminate…
Passager seat burnt up from the heated seats
The contact owned a 2005 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle accelerated and crashed into a fence. The air bags did not deploy. At the time of the crash, the vehicle was 20 MPH. The vehicle was towed to a …
I was driving home and a deer ran infront of me. I tried to put my seat belt on before but it locked, so I tried to get home to my 3yr old safely without it.
Driver's seat belt locked up so I was unable to wear it, I hit a deer tried to swerve to miss it, and my car was shaking uncontrollably.
The contact owns a Mifold Original Grab-and-Go Booster Seat, Model Number: MF01/US, Manufactured Date: May 3, 2019. The contact stated that her daughter had unbuckled the seat belt but was unable to unlatch the seat belt from the buckle. The seat belt was extremely tight and woul…
MY 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER LOOKS TO BE LEAKING NEAR THE BRAKE BOOSTER. I KNOW THAT IT WAS REPLACED BY TOYOTA DEALER UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V499000. HOWEVER I DO NOT REMEMBER THE YEAR. I WAS DRIVING ON LOCAL STREETS, WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL A…
SHORT IN MASTER WINDOW SWITCH
REAR BREAK LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT WITH FUSE BLOWING. NO REAR LIGHTS AT ALL WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I KEEP REPLACING THE 10A FUSE BUT CAN'T FIND CAUSE OF FAILURE. VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY. CAUSE OF LIGHTS SUDDENLY GOING OUT IS UNKNOWN.
INVOLVED IN THEE CAR T-BONE COLLISION THAT CAUSED SEVERAL INJURIES TO UPPER AND LOWER EXTREMITIES. THE AIR-BAG FAILED TO INFLATE. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT A CONTROLLED INTERSECTION ON A RURAL ROAD AND TURNING LEFT.
BRAKE FLUID HAS TO BE REFILLED EVERY 500 MILES. THERE MUST BE A LEAK SOMEWHERE IN THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. ONCE WE ALMOST HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE THE BRAKE NEARLY FAILED DUE TO ABSENCE OF BRAKE FLUID
ENGINE SLUDGE
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE SUDDENLY DROVE IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TO…
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 GRAPEVIN…
TRANSAXLE VENT IS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID ONTO EXHAUST, POTENTIAL OF CATASTRAPHIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO TOTAL SUDDEN LOSS OF TRANSMISSION FLIUD. LEAK IS CAUSE BY A DEFECTIVE SEAL
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2005 Toyota Highlander.
2005 Toyota Highlander Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2005 Toyota Highlander. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2005 Toyota Highlander Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2005 Toyota Highlander reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 225 owner complaints, 35 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2005 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Highlander?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (51 complaints). #2: Unintended Acceleration (39 complaints). #3: Steering Defects (27 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2005 Toyota Highlander?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2005 Toyota Highlander?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2005 Toyota Highlander, NHTSA complaints include 35 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 225 total complaints. 20 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2005 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2005 Toyota Highlander. A major recall area is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2005 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2005 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2005 Toyota Highlander based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.