general problems of the 2002 Toyota Highlander

Six problems related to service brakes have been reported for the 2002 Toyota Highlander. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the 2002 Highlander.

1 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 07/11/2014

Engine accelerating when brakes were depressed.

2 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2014

Driving on I-26 east bound with kids near exit 110 in columbia, SC. Car veered violently 3 lanes and took a turn facing the traffic. Lost complete control of the steering, brakes and the engine shut down abruptly. Pictures and videos with tire marks are available for analysis along with the police contact report. Engine started after several trials at which time the car was pulled away form the main lanes. All 4 tires are replaced 6-8 weeks ago with brand new tires. Front drivers side tire shows the stress of the sudden impact. A pastor couple is the eye witness to the whole event. Luckily rear traffic stopped avoiding a major accident. Our sincere wish is to prevent this happening to other families by understanding the root cause of the problem. We moved the car to the nearest Toyota car dealer and requested them to analyze the situation to avoid repeat of similar incidents to other families.

3 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2012

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35mph, the accelerator cable disconnected causing the vehicle to accelerate. The contact mentioned that the brakes were engaged in to stop the vehicle from moving forward. The dealer stated that the wrong cable was placed in vehicle. The contact stated that the transmission became defective as a result of engaging the brakes while the vehicle was accelerating. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the problem. The failure mileage was 200,000.

4 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 05/16/2012

Rear-right break light not working. Replace bulb and did not work. Checked socket and all is fine but break light still not working. I have research this for a while and no solution. These seems to be a very common problem and Toyota does not have a solution. Definitively a safety issue. I already got a ticket from police for not having these lights in working condition.

5 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 11/26/2010

Passenger side break light failure on 2002 Toyota Highlander. This is a safety issue when other drivers cannot see you break particularly from the right angle. This is an issue that has happened to many drivers of the same model year. . Read more...

6 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 12/03/2008

2002 Highlander ltd, 48k miles, well maintained. Abs system awry, activating left front brakes as brakes applied, most severe as coming to stop. No code, no remedy with replacement of rear sensor. Presently driving with abs disabled, service provider seeking solution.


Other Service Brakes related problems of the 2002 Toyota Highlander



Safety Ratings of Highlander Cars
Fuel Economy of Highlander Vehicles
Highlander Service Bulletins
Highlander Safety Recalls
Highlander Defect Investigations