VehicleVerdict

2002 Toyota Highlander problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2002 Toyota Highlander sits mid-pack among Highlander years: 335 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 238, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 26 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: visibility & wipers issues account for 42% of all reports (140 of 335), far ahead of engine at 31.

335

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

27

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

26

Injuries

4

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Highlander years?

Highlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted613 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 158 complaints2002: 335 complaints2003: 316 complaints2004: 337 complaints2005: 289 complaints2006: 344 complaints2007: 159 complaints2008: 502 complaints2009: 178 complaints2010: 272 complaints2011: 229 complaints2012: 228 complaints2013: 280 complaints2014: 158 complaints2015: 245 complaints2016: 137 complaints2017: 364 complaints2018: 342 complaints2019: 613 complaints2020: 348 complaints2021: 590 complaints2022: 291 complaints2023: 219 complaints2024: 54 complaints2025: 9 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Highlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Highlander years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Toyota Highlander problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers14042%
Speed Control319%
Engine319%
Body & Structure247%
Other216%
Electrical System154%
Transmission154%
Airbags134%
Lighting124%
Brakes124%
Tires & Wheels62%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)41%
Seat Belts31%
Suspension31%
Fuel System21%
Seats10%
Steering10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2002 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V181000Latches & LocksApril 15, 2004 · 366,572 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE A CHILD PROTECTION LOCK (CPL) SYSTEM ON BOTH OF THE REAR SIDE DOORS. WHEN AN OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE CLOSES THE DOOR VERY HARD WITH THE CPL LEVER SET TO THE LOCK POSITION, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE LEVER MAY CONTACT THE BODY PANEL, CAUSING THE CPL LEVER TO MOVE INTO THE UNLOCK POSITION.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE DOOR TO BE OPENED WITH THE INSIDE WHILE THE OPERATOR BELIEVES THAT THE CPL WAS ACTIVATED. IF THE DOOR WERE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, AN OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT AND BE INJURED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL SHORTEN THE CPL LEVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

02V208000Fuel SystemJuly 30, 2002 · 154,593 units

Defect

ON SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THERE IS A BREATHER HOSE THAT ATTACHES TO THE NOZZLE OF THE ON-BOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE, WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE TOPSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. THE BREATHER HOSE IS ATTACHED WITH A CLAMP, WHOSE "TABS" FACE IN THE UPWARD DIRECTION. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS CRASHED UNDER THE NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) TEST (I.E., 35 MPH FRONTAL BARRIER CRASH), THE CLAMP "TABS" CONTACTED THE UNDERSIDE OF THE BODY DUE TO MOVEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK, CAUSING THE NOZZLE TO BREAK.

Consequence

IN THE WORST CASE, NOZZLE BREAKAGE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE IF THE VEHICLE ROLLS-OVER AFTER A HIGH SPEED FRONTAL CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL ROTATE THE SPECIFIED CLAMP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE 2002 HIGHLANDER DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR DROPS DOWN AND OBSTRUCTS THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROADWAY. TOYOTA CHARGES +/- $600.00 FOR THE PART ALONE. THERE IS A BLOG WITH TOYOTA OWNERS THAT DEMONSTRATES THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON AND IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. THE VISOR DROPS EVERY TIME THE CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 3, 2010

“MAY 17, 2002, I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT WITH MY 3 MONTH OLD 2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. I WAS TRAVELING IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE ON HIGHWAY 80 WEST BOUND BETWEEN DAVIS, CA AND SAN FRANCISCO CA AT 8:30 AM. ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT FROM EYE WITNESSES, MY VEHICLE LEFT THE ROADWAY WITHOUT ANY BRAKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 17, 2002 · crash

“WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING AREA, AND WHEN CONSUMER DEPRESSED THE BRAKES VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. WHILE TRYING TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND AVOID PEDESTRIANS VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A CEMENT POLE IN THE PARKING LOT. CONSUMER SUFFERED SEVERE HEAD AND KNEE INJURIES. THE POLICE ISSUED A REPORT ON THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 10, 2004 · crash

“THE SUN VISORS ON MY 2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER ARE BOTH FAILING. THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR FAILED AFTER ABOUT 2 YEARS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED IT UNDER WARRANTY. NOW IT IS FAILING AGAIN. THE PASSENGER SIDE VISOR IS NOW FAILING AS WELL. ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC, THE COST TO REPLACE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 31, 2004

“AFTER ONLY HAVING MY NEW 2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FOR APPROX. 8 MONTHS, THE ACCELERATOR IN THE CAR STUCK AND I ENDED UP RUNNING INTO A CAR. I COMPLAINED TO TOYOTA AND HAD THE DEALER LOOK AT THE CAR NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THEY KEPT TELLING ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. WELL 8 YEARS LATER AND THEY STILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 6, 2003 · crash

2002 Toyota Highlander — common questions

Is the 2002 Toyota Highlander reliable?

It is close to typical for the Highlander: 335 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2002 Highlander problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (140 complaints), engine (31 complaints), speed control (31 complaints).

Does the 2002 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Toyota Highlander. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Highlander years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Highlander years to avoid are 2019, 2021, 2008, 2017. The cleanest record among Highlander years belongs to 2000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.