Toyota Highlander Cylinder Heads – What You Need to Know

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Categories: Cylinder Head Tips

History of Toyota Highlander

The Toyota name has been around for decades and one of their shining lines is the Toyota Highlander. Called the Toyota Kluger in Japan and Australia, the Highlander is a midsize SUV built on the same platform as the Toyota Camry. This SUV was first announced at the 2000 New York International Auto Show and arrived the same year in Japan and a year after in North America. The Toyota Highlander claims the title as the first car-based mid-size SUV or midsize crossovers. The first generation sported five and seven-seat configurations and came standard with front-wheel drive and offered all-wheel drive. The first engines were the 2001–2007 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4,116 kW (155 hp) and the 2001–2003 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6, 151 kW (203 hp) with the 3.0 engine propelling the Highlander 0–60 mph in approximately 8.8 seconds. The most recent sees an improvement of having specs such as 3.5 L 2GR-FKS V6 2.5 L A25A-FXS.

 

 

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid was introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and was available for purchase in 2005 as a 2006 model year. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rated the hybrid at 27 mpg‑US for the city and 25 mpg‑US for highway driving. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid was the first available seven-seat hybrid and allowed many to think that larger vehicles have the capacity to be hybrid. This vehicle is perfect for anyone looking into getting an electric-style vehicle.

 

 

Highlander Awards and Recognition

Many vehicles are put against each other each year to compare stats to see which one stands out and above the rest. The Toyota Highlander is no exception as it has been put on a pedestal compared to many other vehicles. Over the years, the Highlander has accumulated much-deserved awards and recognition such as the ones below.

  • 2019 Toyota — Best Resale Value: Brand, according to Kelley Blue Book
  • 2021 Toyota Highlander is an IIHS TSP+
  • 2022 Toyota Highlander Awarded the NHTSA 5-Star Rating – Overall Safety

 

 

Driver Review of the Toyota Highlander

When asked about her favorite aspect of the Toyota Highlander driver, Susan Dyer-Layer, expressed how safe she feels when driving her vehicle.

“Safety without a doubt! I have been driving my Toyota Highlander for years and have never felt safer in a car of my own. It is sturdy, but maintains a modern, sleek appearance. Sometimes I have to fit a lot of boxes or people in the car and space is never an issue! The Toyota Highlander continues to provide my family and me with a safe and comfortable ride. If anyone is looking into getting a new family car, I couldn’t recommend this model more!”

Just like Susan, thousands of Toyota Highlander drivers buy this vehicle for its safety, comfortability, and spacious interior.

 

 

Common Toyota Highlander Problems

Like many vehicles, there will be some bumps that you may hit when owning a Toyota Highlander. These common issues may range from easy-to-miss inconveniences to situations that may cause a higher concern and professional interference. To reduce the risk of further exacerbated issues, take note of our listed common problems that are prone in Toyota Highlander models. By catching the problems before they grow, you will be able to preserve your Toyota Highlander’s lifespan while extending its functionality. Here are some common Toyota Highlander problems to keep an eye out for:

  • Oil Leaks
    • The Highlander’s VVT-i oil line is known to burst causing large amounts of oil to cover the engine and undercarriage. Look for low oil engine lights when driving.
  • Airbag Light
    • Many have reported that the center airbag sensor can be problematic and allow the airbag malfunction light to turn on.
  • Oxygen Sensor
    • You may find your check engine light will turn on because of a failed component in the oxygen sensor. This leads to the engine computer not being able to properly ratio of air to fuel for the engine. A replacement should be sought out.
  • Engine Misfire
    • With higher mileage SUVs, please remember that the engine may misfire or display a check engine light due to a failed ignition coil. A replacement of the failed coils is necessary.
  • Low Engine Idle
    • This vehicle is prone to a dirty air control valve where debris will restrict air flow to the engine causing idle speed or stalling when it gets cold. You can either replace or clean the valve to alleviate this issue.

 

 

YouTube Video on Things to Look out for in the Toyota Highlander

Watch as YouTuber, YourCarAngel, gives his honest review of the Toyota Highlander from its first generation of models to its fourth generation. He points out some of the problems to look out for when buying a used Toyota Highlander while giving his own advice on what is/isn’t worth it. Check out the video below to learn more!

 

 

High Mileage Stories Toyota Highlander

Most vehicles have the ability to allow you to rake up miles but only with the proper precautions. If you want to have your vehicle for a long time, it is recommended to take care of it to the best of your ability to maintain its quality. This could mean regular maintenance checks or fixing broken components as soon as you notice something is off. There are many people who own high mileage Toyota Highlanders and love to share their tips and tricks with other owners and compare mileage. In this forum here, users are discussing buying higher mileage Highlanders and their own high mileages. Some users say they have some with over 200k miles. If you want a visual look at how a high mileage Toyota Highlander runs, this video shows a 230k this video explains how one runs and how it got up to such a high mileage.

 

Cylinder Heads for Toyota Highlander

You would be hard-pressed not to find an engine without a cylinder head under the hood as it is such an important component of your vehicle. The Toyota Highlander is no exception and relies heavily on its cylinder head to function correctly. With improper maintenance or age, a cylinder head can crack which can result in coolant leaking into a combustion chamber and engine destruction. This can lead to a total engine replacement if not handled properly. If you notice that your coolant levels are low, white smoke coming from under the hood, or a sputtering engine, then it may be time to get your cylinder head checked for damages and possible replacement.

 

 

Buy Replacement Heads @ Clearwater Cylinder Heads

Clearwater Cylinder Heads understands what goes into replacing and patching up cylinder heads and will dedicate time and care to making sure you leave confident in their ability. If you notice anything wrong with your cylinder head or need a replacement, Clearwater Cylinder Head is happy to help with their incredible expertise and cylinder head selection.

With decades of experience and an insane number of Toyota cylinder heads in stock, Clearwater Cylinder Heads stands out as the market leader for both new and refurbished cylinder heads in the United States. In short, we are dedicated to providing professional customer support in all of your cylinder head needs. Please contact Clearwater Cylinder Head Inc. Toll-free at 1-800-572-1963. We look forward to hearing from you and caring for your Toyota Highlander.

 

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