- The problem
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
- The risk
- If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Vehicle safety record
2005 Toyota Highlander Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 225 complaints about the 2005 Toyota Highlander with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (51) and the acceleration & cruise control (39). Those complaints describe 35 crashes, 4 fires and 20 injuries. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in June 2016 for the seat heater / cooler. For comparison, the 2004 has 286 and the 2006 has 279.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Highlander year, for its age
#59 most complained-about 2005 vehicle
- Complaints
- 225
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 35
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 20
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2005 Toyota Highlander problems
Share of all 225 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2005 Toyota Highlander recalls 6
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004 avalon vehicles; 2004 and 2005 camry, camry solara, highlander, and sienna vehicles, 2006 highlander hybrid; 2004 and 2005 lexus es330 and rx330; and 2006 lexus rx400h vehicles manufactured from june 1, 2004 through march 31, 2005, equipped with the 1mz-fe or 3mz-fe engine. The amount of adhesive agent applied between the outer ring and the torsional rubber damper (inner ring) in the crankshaft pulley may be inadequate. If the adhesive is insufficient, there is a possibility that the outer ring may become misaligned and it may not properly rotate with the inner ring, causing noise and/or illumination of the battery discharge indicator light.
- The risk
- In some cases, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley which could result in a loss of power steering and a sudden increase in steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the crankshaft pulley to identify whether it was produced by the u.S. Supplier. If so, the dealer will replace the pulley with a new one at no charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during early january 2012. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
- The problem
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 highlander, highlander hybrid, and model year 2004-2007 lexus rx330, rx350, and rx400h vehicles. If the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center console, is not installed properly the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm.
- The risk
- If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may temporarily become stuck in a partially depressed position rather than return to the idle position. A stuck accelerator pedal may result in unintended and sustained vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the floor carpet cover with a newly designed one free or charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during march 2011. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
- The problem
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 avalon, model year 2004-2006 highlander, model year 2004-2006 lexus rx, and model year 2006 lexus gs and is vehicles. Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as lubricants for certain brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry, and the seal may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of brake fluid could slowly leak from the seal into the brake booster.
- The risk
- A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the seal with a newly designed one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 15, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 and lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
- The problem
- Gulf states toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
- The risk
- THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
- The fix
- Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states toyota at 713-580-3300.
- The problem
- On certain sport utility and hybrid vehicles, the two retaining clips for the driver's side forward center console can become loose. If both clips separate from the floor carpet cover, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal, causing interference with the accelerator pedal rod.
- The risk
- This condition may interfere with the accelerator pedal returning to the idle position increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the two floor carpet cover retaining clips free of charge. The recall began on july 24, 2006, and should be completed by early september 2006. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
What owners say
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225 complaints about the 2005 Toyota Highlander
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 9.
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 have not yet required a jump start, but on several occasions the vehicle came very close to not restarting at all. This most recently occurred at a sandwich shop drive-thru. These incidents occurred in normal drive mode and in normal...
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weather conditions. No abnormal driving conditions were present when the failures happened. Other owners online report the same problem, with some needing to carry jumper cables. I believe this is a serious safety risk because the vehicle can stall unexpectedly in intersections and traffic when the auto stop-start system activates. I am now concerned about relying on this vehicle in traffic because I cannot trust it to restart when stopped.
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 checking Carfax that the mileage was 254,000.
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 flashers work, but the blinkers do not. The wipers, radio, cruise control, etc. are all fine. It appears all fuses associated with these items are intact - I don't know how to check the viability of the relays, but have been told it could be a...
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relay and or a ground wire. I've purchased a new multifunction blinker headlight replacement switch AND a master window replacement switch to see if this will resolve the issue - but the fact that it happened all at the same time concerns me that it could be electrical or wiring. All the wires under the dash are intact.
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 illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
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 junkyard. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact sustained a face injury where he lost several teeth and also had back pain. Medical treatment was needed for the injury, went to the hospital and got an x-ray and some dental work...
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done A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,435.
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.
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.
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 would not loosen from the child restraint. Since her daughter remained stuck in the child restraint, the contact had to cut the seat belt to remove her child from the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The seat belt was not replaced. The failure mileage was unknown.
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 and it went all the way to the floor. The next time I tried to step on the pedal it was working ok. But then the 3rd time I stepped on the brake pedal it was going all the way to the floor again. This was a shocked since it got me to work 9...
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hours earlier with no issue. I got home and checked the brake fluid level and looked to be at the correct level. I did not drive until next day to take it to my local mechanic, who told me it was the master brake cylinder. He stated that there was a small leak inside the brake booster and needed to replace the whole master brake cylinder. It still is in the shop, however I remembered that it was "swapped out" with a new one under nhtsa campaign number: 10v499000. Could it be possible that the recalled for the new part is still doing the same thing? I would like to know if I can get replaced again under the recall, or have to pay the $550 for new part and labor. Thank you
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 towed to carman ford lincoln (193 s dupont hwy, new castle, de 19720 at (302) 323-2300) where the front passenger side was repaired. A few months later, the stability control and parking brake indicators illuminated, and the radio and clock...
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started to malfunction. The vehicle was taken to price toyota (168 n dupont hwy, new castle, de 19720 (302) 322-8600) where it was recommended that the body control module needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that other failures may occur. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 119,271.
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 grapevine, 701 e state hwy 114, grapevine, tx 76051, (817) 329-5949) for inspection and diagnosis. In addition, the vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 11v112000 (vehicle speed control) and the contact was uncertain as to when the dealer may...
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provide the repair. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was excluded from an electrical recall to service the power master window switch failure for the windows. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.
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.
My highlander has 120,000 miles on it and the transmission suddenly gave out while driving on the highway. It started by downshifting suddenly, making it difficult to retain control of the vehicle. Then I lost all forward power and had to coast to a stop on the side of the interstate. I am now stuck paying a $3500+ repair bill despite keeping up on regular maintenance according to the manufacturers maintenance guide. After talking with several mechanics, I found out this is apparently a common problem on the transmissions used by the rav4s and highlanders, but toyota has only issued recalls for the rav4s? Very disappointing. *Tr
Anti-skid computer has gone bad, activating skid control constantly ( cutting power and applying brakes ) all the time while driving in warm dry weather. Many times you can not even pull out in traffic safely, it cuts power once you start to move. Very dangerous. After extensive testing by both independents and the dealer, it has been determined that the computer (anti-skid ecu) has a defect. Known issue. Kelly blue book values the car at $8500 (private sale) and this repair will be over $2500. Vehicle has...
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51,000 miles on it. Belongs to my elderly mother, who is on a fixed income. Driving the car is extremely dangerous. Come to a stop (light, cross roads,etc). Then go, it activates and cuts all power to the drive train. You are just sitting there, and can not move the vehicle. If you are merging, or crossing traffic, you are now in a dangerous situation.
Bought the car and not even a week after owning it I had transmission problems, I took it back to the dealer they replaced the trans and updated the computer. The problem still persist, there is a huge hesitation in the transmission when slowing to an almost stop and re accelerating. The rpm's rev up but the car does not respond sometimes. This is very dangerous when going through intersections or merging into traffic. There are numerous complaints from people experiencing the same problem. I have a new trans in my car, fluid levels are perfect the computer has been updated and still having huge issues with my trans. This is dangerous very dangerous.
When I was trying to park my toyota highlander 2005 in front of the building where I work, backing up, the engine iddle went extremely high and I tried to stop, but I could not do it because the steering wheel and the brakes locked. I tried to put the gear in neutral, but instead, it went straigh to drive, so it causes major damages to 2 vehicles behind mine, and other 3 in front of mine too. Also my vehicle destroyed a mail box and a tree, but I could not stop until my highlander stopped by itself totally destroyed. I ended up in the hospital with some trauma.
Noticed a noise coming from underneath steering column assembly and steering didn't feel right. This happens almost every time we made a turn to either the right or the left. Same thing happened when backing out of the driveway. We then took our 2005 toyota highlander in to our mechanic and he advised us that the steering column flex coupling was lose and unsafe to drive due to potential ball barriering lose. Clicking sound went away once steering was repaired. There was also a big difference in the steering.
Toyota Highlander: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 134 | 9 | B |
| 2008 | 406 | 13 | F |
| 2007 | 124 | 4 | B |
| 2006 | 279 | 7 | D |
| 2005 | 225 | 6 | C |
| 2004 | 286 | 5 | F |
| 2003 | 270 | 2 | C |
| 2002 | 327 | 2 | D |
| 2001 | 136 | 3 | B |
2005 Toyota Highlander vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Toyota Highlander | 225 | 6 | C | |
| 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2,052 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 2005 Dodge Durango | 1,567 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2005 Nissan Pathfinder | 1,050 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2005 Nissan Murano | 987 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2005 Toyota 4RUNNER | 425 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2005 Kia Sorento | 307 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2005 Subaru Outback | 273 | 9 | C | Compare |
| 2005 Hyundai Santa FE | 216 | 3 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2005 Toyota Highlander
Does the 2005 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2005 Toyota Highlander: seat heater / cooler (June 2016); engine and engine cooling (November 2011); accelerator pedal (February 2011); master cylinder (October 2010) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Highlander?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (51), acceleration & cruise control (39), visibility & wipers (28).
How many complaints has the 2005 Toyota Highlander had?
225 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 26, 2004 and the latest on February 8, 2026. Of these, 35 describe a crash and 4 a fire, and together they report 20 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2005 Toyota Highlander a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 43 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Toyota Highlander year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Toyota Highlander years have the most complaints?
2021 (543), 2019 (511), 2008 (406). See every Toyota Highlander year compared.
What should I do if my 2005 Toyota Highlander has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data