Buyer's checklist: 1st gen Toyota Highlander (2001–2007)

This checklist comes from a draft dossier that has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

Free while the site is being tested. Every line comes from the dossier and keeps its source, and the dossier itself stays free.

Walk away if 1

Any one of these is reason enough to leave the car where it is.

Stripped head bolt threads in the 2.4L fourAll yearsLook for coolant loss, coolant at the back of the engine where the head meets the block, and any history of overheating. Ask whether the head bolt threads were repaired.^1,2,3,4,5,6

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Hybrid inverter failureAll yearsAsk a Toyota dealer whether recalls 11V342000 and 13V396000 were done, and watch for hybrid warning lights on a long drive.^7,8,9
Engine oil gelling, or sludge2001Ask for the oil change records.¹⁰

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

The 1st gen as a wholeAll yearsSlashGear lists 2001 to 2007 among the Highlander years to avoid, for complaints and recalls about electrics, speed control and brakes.⁹
20032003CarComplaints.com rates the 2003 the worst Highlander year, with engine problems its worst category.^1,2
The 2006 Hybrid2006SlashGear lists the 2006 Hybrid among the years to avoid, for complaints about the hybrid system, including reports of Hybrids dying at speed.⁹