One problem related to engine head gasket failure has been reported for the 2004 Toyota Highlander. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the 2004 Highlander.
The engine overheated despite the no indication of high temperatures from the temperature gauge. We had it towed to the dealer who misdiagnosed it initially. We then drove it back from dealer (7 miles) to our home and it overheated again. Now the dealer says at a bare minimum the head gasket needs replacement ($3200) and it could new an entirely new engine. I don't know how this is possible at 86,000 miles. After doing some research I have found others with this problem especially 4 cylinders but it is not recall. Please help, I am unemployed and need this car!.