Coolant Leaking problems of the 2002 Toyota Highlander

I drove vehicle crown Toyota for a minor service and mentioned that there was dripping of coolant noticed on the garage floor. Requested 'check and advise' on this. After approximately 3. 0 hours, I went to the service desk for information regarding leak. I was taken to the service advisor arthur silva and he told me that they could not repair the leak because that situation is due to the head bolts pulling out of the block. The estimate for such repair was $6,780. 28 plus tax and would involve replacing the short block. He mentioned this problem was known to occur with vehicles having the 2az-fe engines such as the above Highlander and that I could research same. Since I was buying only Toyota cars since 1972 and have owned 4 such cars and one Lexus based on my experience and conclusion that reliability is number one with Toyota. I can only say I was in shock. When I told my wife (this is actually her auto), she was sick for the next three days. A short discussion with aaa. Suggested we look at this web site for complaints, etc. It turns out that this problem has occurred many times before and applies to several models including the rav-4 and Highlander some with much lower mileage but there is no actual recall or letter notice from Toyota. Also, no proposed action by dealerships to resolve the problem. I think that dumping this sudden, major expense problem on owners is very irresponsible- not worthy of Toyota. Compensation regarding the time loss and expense should be offered to owners or dealers should be instructed by Toyota to resolve when found. Please note that this vehicle and all the previous was serviced by Toyota /Lexus dealerships. A positive response would be appreciated.

Vehicle has Toyota 2az-fe (2. 4 l) 4 cylinder engine. Oil & coolant leaking from back of engine. Head bolts on main gasket failed. In searching internet, countless other owners have unfortunately experienced the same failure which is due to an inherent design problem by Toyota. Bolts between gasket and main engine block fail and cannot be repaired or replaced. Have to buy and install a new engine. Called Toyota USA headquarters in torrance, CA. And spoke to them, they said they will do nothing for me. Spoke to dylan and the case number is 1111291430. Believe that a recall should be issued and that Toyota should assume financial responsibility for these failures, which are obviously due to a design and manufacturing problem of Toyota.

Some earlier models of Toyota's 2az-fe 4 cylinder engine are susceptible to sudden failure and are dangerous. The engine is widely used in Toyota's popular camry, Highlander, rav4 and scion tc models. Toyota needs to accept responsibility and investigate the engine. On 9/11/2010, 2002 Toyota Highlander's 2az-fe engine failed and left occupants stranded. Event took place immediately after exiting the highway. The vehicle's engine sputtered and ceased to function. The vehicle had about 75,000 miles on it. The vehicle was towed to a Toyota dealership which reported the following: - oil and coolant leaking from the back of the engine head - hydrocarbon in the coolant - oil severely burnt due to overheating the estimate to open up and repair the engine could run anywhere from $2,000 to $7,500 depending on whether the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been regularly maintained according to the manufacturer's schedule with all the records to prove it. Toyota denied request to investigate and defray costs. While engine was opened by a local mechanic it was discovered that two of the head bolts were loose and that the threads in the aluminum engine block for 3 head bolts in the rear were stripped. Repairing the engine involved re-threading the holes in the engine block for all ten head bolts using the time-sert thread repair kit.