Two problems related to water pump have 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.
My car began overheating at 140k miles. Took it to a mechanic and had the water pump and thermostat replaced. The car overheated again a week later. Took it back to the mechanic and he told me the head gasket was blown and had to be replaced. When he went to replace the gasket he found that three head bolts were stripped on the block. The cylinder head bolts separating from lower part of engine block caused a coolant leak. This is obviously a manufacturing error. This car was bought brand new and has been driven by the sole owner. Had oil changes every 3,000 miles and never had an issue before now. Please place a recall for this defect. This is not the owners fault, nor should it be their responsibility.
My car started heating up as I accelerated onto the highway. I saw the dial going into the red zone. I pulled off the highway and was towed at my expense to hilltop richmond Toyota. I was told that afternoon that the head gasket and the water pump both blew out. I now have a $2,500 repair on my hands. After researching this I found that this is happening to many Toyota owners and that was verified by the dealership person as well. Toyota is using bolts that strip which cause the head gasket to fail. There are also several reports about a foam piece in the block that also fails as it is faulty as well.