2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2011 Toyota Highlander. This model year has 185 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
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Worst 2011 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Structural Problems
Visibility/Wiper
Considering a 2011 Toyota Highlander?
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2011 Toyota Highlander. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 185 most recent complaints
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.
Recalls for 2011 Toyota Highlander
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Toyota Highlander. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2011 Toyota Highlander — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2011 Toyota Highlander reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2011 Toyota Highlander has 185 NHTSA owner complaints, 14 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Steering Defects (34 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2011 Toyota Highlander has 14 crash-related complaints and 0 fire reports out of 185 total NHTSA complaints. 8 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?▾
Yes — 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Toyota Highlander. The largest issue: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2011 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2011 Toyota Highlander has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Steering Defects issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2011 Toyota Highlander
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.