Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2004 Toyota Highlander
The 2004 Toyota Highlander has a moderate number of complaints and several recalls, particularly in engine cooling, vehicle speed control, and latches. Be cautious of recurring issues, although the complaints data is only moderately concerning. Test carefully and verify recall work.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2004 Toyota Highlander has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 286 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #11V539000 CRANKSHAFT PULLEY NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V112000 FLOOR CARPET COVER AND RETENTION CLIPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V499000 BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06V253000 CARPET INTERFERENCE WITH ACCELERATOR PEDAL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V181000 TOYOTA/CHILD PROTECTION LOCK ON SIDE DOORS NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 58 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 40 complaints
- Steering 35 complaints
- Visibility 21 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 20 complaints
- Electrical System 18 complaints
Of the 286 complaints on file, 32 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 286 complaints, owners report 23 injuries and 47 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Cooling system adhesive failure
How to check: Inspect for any unusual noises from the engine compartment.
Accelerator interference risk
How to check: Check for proper floor mat installation.
Brake fluid compatibility concerns
How to check: Ask if brake fluid recalls were addressed.
Rear door latch unlocking
How to check: Test rear door child locks.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for irregular engine noises.
Red flag: Loud clunking or grinding sounds
- 02
Parking lot maneuvers
What to check: Check steering responsiveness and ease.
Red flag: Excessive play or resistance
- 03
First minute idling
What to check: Observe engine idle smoothness.
Red flag: Rough idle or stalling
- 04
Stopped at light
What to check: Check for brake firmness.
Red flag: Spongy or unresponsive brakes
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor throttle response and control.
Red flag: Delayed or inconsistent acceleration
- 06
Turning at intersection
What to check: Listen for steering clunks or squeaks.
Red flag: Persistent noises during turns
- 07
Return to park
What to check: Ensure smooth gear transition to park.
Red flag: Rough or clunking shift
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the engine recall been serviced?
- Any issues with the accelerator pedal?
- Were the brakes serviced with recall fluid?
- Have there been issues with the rear door latches?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service records
- Recall completion slips
- Brake fluid service record
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2004 Toyota Highlander at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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