Three problems related to speed control cable 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.
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.
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Highlander. The contact was driving 60 mph when the vehicle suddenly accelerated without any warning. The contact depressed the brake pedal but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact had to completely turn off the engine in order to get the vehicle to stop. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the accelerator cable was stuck in the forward position and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 210,000.
2002 Toyota Highlander accelerator sticking in the full down position when passing another vehicle. First happened summer of 2008. Second time this happened August 13, 2009. Put on full brake and turned ignition key off. After vehicle stopped, about 5-10 seconds, pedal released. Service appointment with dealership August 18, 2009 to correct problem. Dealership could not find anything wrong with vehicle. Said it was the floor mat that made the accelerator stick in the open position. Don't think Toyota informed of this complaint. Since Toyota recall has taken place, I wanted to get my vehicle back in the dealership to correct my problem. Appointment made 2/09/10 at 10:30 with dealership. Dealership checked throttle body and throttle cable. Said all okay. Dealership continues to tell me rubber mat could catch pedal and cause problem. I disagree with this diagnosis. I asked dealership to please inform Toyota about this problem in my model since the recall is only correcting 2010 models. The only way I will try and pass another vehicle now, especially on mountain roads, is place the car in second gear and accelerate. I don't trust placing the pedal down to floorboard. I offer this as additional information regarding this dangerous problem. I hope Toyota will correct this situation in "all" models of their cars.