2011 Toyota Highlander: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2011 Toyota Highlander? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 185 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2011 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2011 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.
2011 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2011 Toyota Highlander SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
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 2011 Toyota Highlander has 185 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Highlander
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 185
- Crash-related complaints
- 14
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2011 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Structural Problems
Visibility/Wiper
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Structural Problems, Visibility/Wiper. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2011 Toyota Highlander?
The 2011 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 2011 Toyota Highlander
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering system for any reported issues or unusual play.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, structural, and visibility components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported problem areas.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect steering system for any reported issues or unusual play.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, structural, and visibility 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 2011 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 2011 Toyota Highlander are concentrated in steering, structural, and visibility/wiper components, with a moderate number of crash-related reports. The data suggests potential issues in these areas, but the low confidence level and limited model year range caution against strong conclusions.
- Steering Defects account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Structural Problems and Visibility/Wiper issues also show elevated complaint counts.
- There are 14 crash-related complaints out of 185 total, indicating some safety concerns.
- Steering Defects: 34 complaints, the most reported issue.
- Structural Problems: 27 complaints, second highest.
- Visibility/Wiper: 25 complaints, third most common.
All 2011 Toyota Highlander Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Toyota Highlander. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 34 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 27 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 18 | 3 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 14 | 5 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 8 | 5 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 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 2011 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
1. The 3.5L V6 Engine (2GR-FE) failed due to the subsequent loss of lubrication caused by the rupture of the Oil Cooler Pipe (Rubber component), a manufacturing defect known under TSB T-SB-0201-11 (ZE2 Program). The failed engine is currently available for inspection by request a…
Steering wheel air bag did not deploy in front end MVA
Our car had a major oil leak from the engine Oil Cooler Pipe Manifold at the bottom of the engine (front). My research has concluded that this has been a known issue with various Toyota models with the 2GR-FE engine, however Toyota has not issued a recall and the local dealership…
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding persistent safety issues with my 2011 Toyota Highlander V6 AWD. Specifically, I have experienced significant problems related to the engine timing guide, timing chain, transmission system, which pose a risk to bot…
the intake VVT-i gear on 2AR-FE equipped Rav-4s and other Toyota models Has failed after 113k miles. The vehicle is at risk of causing self inflicted damage due to this common issue many toyota owners are facing 2008-2013 highlanders. The part has not been inspected but was di…
As my family was driving down Interstate 85 in Atlanta going around 80 MPH a dash notification came on that said "Low Oil Pressure pull over" the notification came on then went away then came back on (car never ran hot). Thankfully we were near an exit so we pulled off and into t…
Pin hole in oil line causing excessive oil leak. Loose oil very quickly. Could cause permanent damage to engine. Had old line replaced by mechanic with a metal line only inspected by my mechanic and there was mention of past recall by my mechanic but it does not show this on y…
Clicking in steering column light comes on dash for power steering then hard to make turn then well go back off then able to make turns with ease again
In the last 30 days, the steering has begun to feel "loose", as if I am driving on ice. At first it was barely perceptable. There has been more "play" in the steering. During the last 2 days, the car is now making a thud when I am steering right. I have an appointment for a mecha…
The power steering is clunky, locks in position when backing out of a parking spot, is clunky and unreliable at slow speeds. I can feel the steering column get far tighter feeling when turning at slow speed (3-10 mph)
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the sun visors on the driver’s and passenger’s sides were hanging down and would not stay in the upright position. The contact stated that the sun visors obstructed her vision while driving at various speeds. The …
My 2011 Toyota Highlander is burning engine oil. So much that I almost got into a major accident on the highway. So what happens is the engine starts burning oil. When the oil level is low the Highlander gives a warning sign saying “low oil pressure” and then the SUV TURNS OFF au…
A very common problem and a very expensive fix. There is a rattling noise at cold startup that is coming from the engine. This is a very common problem and many people have complained about this. I don’t know why Toyota is ignoring it. I believe the problem is with the camshaft t…
While driving on the parkway, an oil pressure warning light came on and said to turn off the car. The car immediately started making noise so we pulled onto the shoulder and turned the car off. We were with our 3 children stuck on the side of the very busy road and had to wait fo…
Abs brake actuator started to fail.
I was going about 40 mph on the Taconic Pkwy over the amvet bridge in the far left lane of the highway. Traffic was heavy and slowing down. It had st finished raining. I was hit on the rear right rear side by a F150 truck that caused me to slide into the guard rail on the left…
A major and catastrophic oil leak occurred while the car was being driven by my wife on a major thruway during early morning rush hour traffic. The low oil pressure light came on and she was able to maneuver to a parking lot and shut the vehicle off. If the engine had seized due …
When driving approximately 20-30mph multiple warning lights illuminated on dash along with Brake Malfunction warning on information display. Did not notice any issues with braking and no fluid loss / leaks noted. Codes stored were C1241 (Low or High Power Supply Voltage), C1253…
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the intermediate steering shaft was making an abnormal knocking noise while turning to the left or the right. Additionally, the driver’s side window failed to roll up or down because it was off track. There were n…
The contact owns a 2011 TOYOTA Highlander. The contact stated while adding engine oil, the oil would leak from front section of engine. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was in the process of b…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Toyota Highlander.
2011 Toyota Highlander Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Toyota Highlander. 5 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.
2011 Toyota Highlander Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Toyota Highlander reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 185 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2011 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 2011 Toyota Highlander?▾
#1: Steering Defects (34 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (27 complaints). #3: Visibility/Wiper (25 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Toyota Highlander?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Toyota Highlander?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Toyota Highlander, NHTSA complaints include 14 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 185 total complaints. 8 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Toyota Highlander. A major recall area is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER. 5 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 2011 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2011 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 Steering Defects 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 2011 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.