The 2011 Toyota Highlander is a headache-free daily driver with very few major problems one record. Even minor complaints are relatively scarce. But, worst-case-scenarios include fire hazards and steering failure, so take care, all the same.
Key Points
- The 2011 Toyota Highlander has just 168 complaints on record with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with five recalls and two investigations.
- The SUV’s most concerning issue is a “clunk” noise coming from the steering column. In some cases, this can be fixed with a dab of grease. In others, it may escalate to the steering column coming loose or the car becoming difficult to turn. This issue may be related to an ongoing steering column investigation.
- Poor lubrication may result in power window switches catching fire or melting. This issue has been recalled, so check your VIN.
- Sun visors in 2011 Highlanders may come loose and become a distraction for the driver.
- Overall, the 2011 Toyota Highlander is perhaps an even better buy today than it was ten years ago, with few major problems and low repair bills.
‘Clunk’ Noise in Steering Column May Lead to Worse Problems
After 10 years on the road, the Highlander has just 168 complaints on file with the NHTSA, with steering complaints in the lead at 31 reports.
Almost every single complaint here reports a “clunk.” Some drivers hear it when making a sharp turn at low speeds, others hear it when hitting a bump or driving on rocky roads, or even when braking, or only when making right turns. But it’s always coming from the steering column.
In some instances, the problem never escalates beyond an annoying sound. In others, the problem may be accompanied by power steering failure, forcing the driver to really crank the wheel to get it to turn.
Anecdotally, drivers have reported fixing the clunking sound by simply applying white lithium grease to the splines in the steering column assembly. But this is a temporary fix, and won’t be of much help if the problem goes beyond the noise.
A technical service bulletin has been issued, but no recall, with the only real fix being a total replacement and realignment of the steering column assembly.
There is currently an open investigation on the steering column, the second of two, addressing the breakaway capsules. Breakaway capsules are connectors intended to snap apart in the event of an accident, but may be coming apart prematurely. The investigation is currently in the Engineering Analysis stage, which means that a recall may be on the way.
2011 Toyota Highlander’s Power Window Switch Reportedly May Melt Due to Poor Lubrication
The 2011 Toyota Highlander’s five recalls have mostly been relatively minor, including issues like incorrect load capacity labels and a potential fire hazard in the wiring of heated seats. The most severe recall was one issued in October 2018 for 1.8 million 2006-2011 Toyotas for power window switches that had the potential to overheat and melt, creating a fire hazard.
In order for the driver to safely operate a power window switch, the part needs to be properly lubricated at the factory. In affected units, the concern was that the grease used to reduce friction may have been inconsistently applied, or not applied at all.
The fix was a relatively simple one, of course. Drivers were notified to come into the nearest Toyota dealer and have a few drops of grease applied to their power window switches. This recall stands as a clear example of how even the smallest oversight can potentially create big problems down the line.
Sun Visor Has a Tendency to Come Loose and Distract Driver
Following the steering issues, the most common complaint is for a sun visor that won’t stay put.
The problem really is as simple as that. When trying to put the sun visor in position, it falls out of place. This may sound like a minor issue, but when it affects visibility, it can be a serious concern.
Owners have reported that, while the visors are not the most expensive parts to replace, they typically need to be ordered, and may take months to arrive. In the meantime, there’s not much to be done but detach the visor and invest in a good pair of sunglasses.
2011 Toyota Highlander Remains One of the Most Headache-free 2011 Midsize SUVs
A reliable midsize with a cushy interior and a Kelley Blue Book price starting at under fourteen grand, the 2011 Toyota Highlander was a good buy on launch, and it’s a good buy now. If you want to know just how safe and dependable this thing is, just consider that we’re talking about wiggly sun visors on a list of the SUV’s worst problems.
No matter what you’re driving, you don’t want to neglect regular maintenance or skip a VIN check, but even the 2011 Highlander’s minor issues are few and far between.
Photos: Toyota
