2011 Toyota Highlander Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

5 safety recalls on file

The 2011 Toyota Highlander has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 181 complaints with NHTSA, including 14 crashes, 8 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Steering (34 reports).

5Recalls
181Owner complaints
14Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Highlander?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2011 Toyota Highlander recalls

Aftermarket Seat Heaters May Short Circuit and Cause Fire

Recall 16V396Jun 2, 20167,749 vehicles affected

Certain vehicles were equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters that have a copper strand heating element.

Power window switch may overheat and cause a fire

Recall 15V689Oct 22, 20151,814,284 vehicles affected

Some Toyota vehicles may have a power window master switch where grease was inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts during manufacturing.

Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler

Recall 14V743Nov 19, 20143,233 vehicles affected

Equipment:Other:Labels

Recall 13V123Apr 9, 20137,525 vehicles affected

Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive; Seats

Recall 13V014Jan 16, 20133,235 vehicles affected

Most common 2011 Toyota Highlander problems

Problem areas named in the 181 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Steering34
Structure28
Visibility/Wiper25
Electrical System23
Engine17
Power Train16
Unknown Or Other14
Service Brakes13
Vehicle Speed Control12
Visibility10

What owners report

2026-06-04, Electrical System
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Highlander. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale but contacted by a dealer. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 122,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 303,000.
2025-11-26, Unknown Or Other
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 at the independent service center before it is disposed of. 2. The defect causes a sudden and severe loss of engine oil. This creates a high probability of the engine seizing (losing all power) while driving at highway speeds, resulting in a complete loss of propulsion and placing occupants at severe risk of collision. 3. The failure was confirmed, not reproduced. The vehicle was initially diagnosed with misfire codes
2024-10-11, Air Bags
Steering wheel air bag did not deploy in front end MVA
2024-06-25, Engine
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 has never mentioned it during services. The NHTSA has known about this issue, however it appears that little to no action has been taken with the vehicle manufacturer or public. The issue concerns a leak that is waiting to happen on all engines with the original Oil Cooler Pipe as it is designed with rubber pipes that degrade over time and even a pin hole oil leak will cause virtually all the engine oil to drain
2024-05-25, Power Train
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 both vehicle occupants and other road users. Vehicle Information: Toyota Highlander V6 AWD, VIN: [XXX] Description of the Issue: The transmission in my Highlander has exhibited the following problems: 1) Low engine oil pressure, ticking Noise: There is low engine pressure, faulty guides timing chains, recurring ticking noise. This noise represents issues from the powertrain area and has raised concerns about potenti

2011 Toyota Highlander questions

Does the 2011 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2011 Toyota Highlander: Aftermarket Seat Heaters May Short Circuit and Cause Fire; Power window switch may overheat and cause a fire; Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler; Equipment:Other:Labels; Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive; Seats. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Toyota Highlander?

Based on 181 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (34), Structure (28), Visibility/Wiper (25).

How do I check if a recall on my 2011 Toyota Highlander has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Toyota Highlander years

Other 2011 Toyota models