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2005 Toyota Highlander Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2005 Toyota Highlander has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission shift hesitation and fluid leaks.” Toyota's owner's manual splits service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1 because it covers short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or heavy idling. The intervals below reflect Schedule 1 — the schedule Toyota recommends for typical real-world use.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2005 Toyota Highlander.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission shift hesitation and fluid leaks

POWER TRAIN

35 NHTSA complaints · 2006-05 → 2016-12

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10929644
“MY 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAS CHRONIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. WHEN ACCELERATING, THE ENGINE REVS BUT THE TRANSMISSION HESITATES NOTICEABLY BEFORE GOING INTO GEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10305396
“MY 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER DEVELOPED A LEAK FROM THE TRANSFER CASE, WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A COMPLETE LOSS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID AS WELL AS LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10370393

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Master cylinder and rear brake corrosion failure

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

14 NHTSA complaints · 2007-03 → 2020-12

“BRAKES MADE METAL/METAL GRINDING NOISE. FOUND REAR BRAKE ROTORS BADLY CORRODED. APPROX. 30% OF BOTH ROTORS FUNCTIONAL. SEVENTY PERCENT CAKED WITH THICK RUST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10432197
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN SNOWY WEATHER AND APPLYING THE BRAKE, THE WHEELS SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10446384
“WHILE COMING TO A RED LIGHT I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT STOP. TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND APPLIED THE BRAKES AGAIN AND THE SECOND TIME THE BRAKES WOKED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10320983

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering intermediate shaft clunk and knock

STEERING

16 NHTSA complaints · 2006-03 → 2016-02

“2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4X4 V6. THE STEERING BECAME JERKY WHEN TURNING AND ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED TO FIX THE ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10295294
“THERE HAS BEEN A NOTICEABLE INCREASE IN STEERING WHEEL NOISE AND PLAY IN MY 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE ISSUE WAS NOTICED AROUND 40,000 MILES BECOMING INCREASINGLY WORSE IN A ONLY A FEW MONTHS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10268640
“I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL ON 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT PROBLEM. I NOTICE IT HAS A NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10019873”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10221440

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver's side sun visor drop

VISIBILITY/WIPER

15 NHTSA complaints · 2009-10 → 2016-02

“THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR IS DROOPING MORE AND MORE. NOW IT IS PARTLY IN MY LINE OF SIGHT (I'M 6'3") AND WHEN I HIT A BUMP IT DROPS DOWN EVEN FURTHER AND BLOCKS ABOUT HALF OF MY VISION OUT THE WINDSHIELD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10824640
“THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUNVISOR DOES NOT STAY UP IN MY 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. IT FLIPS DOWN FREQUENTLY BLOCKING DRIVER'S VIEW WHILE DRIVING AND CREATES DANGEROUS SITUATIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10307125
“THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR ON OUR 2005 HIGHLANDER IS FAILING TO HOLD POSITION FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE DEALER REPLACED THE VISOR AFTER THE FIRST FAILURE BUT HAS NOT REPLACED THE SECOND FAILING VISOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10292404

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

HVAC control ribbon cable failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2008-01 → 2015-05

“HEATER/AC FUNCTIONS INTERMITTENTLY THEN FAILS COMPLETELY. WELL KNOW PROBLEM WHERE PLACEMENT OF RIBBON CABLE TO POTENTIOMETER BREAKS LOOSE, PARTIALLY (INTERMITTENT FAILURE), THEN COMPLETELY (TOTAL FAILURE)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10371589
“TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2005 4CYL. THE HEATER CONTROL WILL ONLY BLOW EXTREMELY HOT AIR THAT MAKES THE VENTS ALMOST TO HOT TO EVEN TOUCH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10255546

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and stuck accelerator pedal

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

31 NHTSA complaints · 2006-06 → 2015-06

“BACKING UP OUT OF DRIVEWAY PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE WENT FROM BRAKE PEDAL TO GAS PEDAL TAPING THE GAS PEDAL LIGHTLY TO INCH OUT OF DRIVEWAY SLOWLY. AFTER ONE TAP ON THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR ACCELERATED AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED CAUSING DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10638699
“RUN AWAY THROTTLE AND NO ABILITY TO BRAKE 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER CAUSING CRASH INTO HOUSE WALL AND FRONT END DAMAGE TO CAR I TOOK FOOT OF GAS PEDAL AND MOVED TO BRAKE CAR CONTINUED AT SAME SPEED IT WAS TRAVELING AND BRAKE PEDDLE WAS APPLIED HARD AND NO EFFECT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10395770
“I AM WRITING ABOUT A PROBLEM I ENCOUNTERED WITH MY 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WE PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW IN JANUARY OF 2005”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10312510

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight lens discoloration and melting

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2007-08 → 2015-10

“I AM APPROACHING 50,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I JUST RECENTLY NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHT LENS ON BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAS AN OPAQUE SPOT ABOUT ONE INCH IN DIAMETER DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE HIGHBEAM LIGHT BULB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10357396
“DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT LENSES IN JULY 2006, A 1-INCH DIAMETER OPAQUE "DISCOLORATION " APPEARED IN LEFT FRONT HEADLAMP LENS, DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF AREA CLOSEST TO HALOGEN BULB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10199097

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1, or 10,000 miles under Schedule 2. Toyota covers the first 2 oil changes through ToyotaCare.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends rotation at every oil change to maximize tire life on FWD and AWD models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 5,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends measuring pad thickness at each service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Critical for the integrity of the ABS, VSC, and brake assist systems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Earlier under Schedule 1 if driven on unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Toyota labels ATF as 'lifetime fill' on most automatics, but recommends inspection and replacement every 60,000 miles under severe service. Use Toyota WS or Type-IV — no substitutes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 120,000 mi

Toyota iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated for 120,000 miles. Earlier replacement reduces fuel economy and can cause misfires on direct-injection engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC)

Every 50,000 mi

Toyota SLLC (pink): first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it will damage the cooling system seals.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty climates. Located behind the glove box on most Toyota and Lexus models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Serpentine / Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Toyota uses long-life EPDM belts that rarely fail before 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Toyota's 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS, and most Toyota engines built since 2010 use a timing chain rated for the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

97 crashes 1990–2024

How the 97 occupant deaths break down

71

driver deaths

26

passenger deaths

97

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2005 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

35

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2005 Toyota Highlander reflects Toyota's published service intervals and the Maintenance Required Light system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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