Other Fuel System Problems of Toyota Highlander - part 2

Lost power 3 times - each time making a left hand turn at low speed -Nov. 23 2023 -- Dec. 20 2023 & Jan, 30 2024 groove Toyota checked vehicle out on Dec. 21 2023 couldn't find problem - took it to groove Toyota again on Jan. 31 2024 - told to make another appointment to allow full day of testing - safety concern for family and other traffic - no warning prior to loss of power.

See all problems of the 2019 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

This is the second incident with this vehicle in the past 4 months. When going to start my vehicle, it would not start. It gave me this error message: braking power low, stop in a safe place, see owners manual. There is nothing about this in the owners manual. The first time I thought it was battery related and after 3 different chargers on my vehicle, it finally started. Tonight I proceeded to push the button without the foot pedal and the radio came on, so it is definitely not the battery. I've tried several times to start and to no avail. Problem has not been reproduced as I cannot drive my vehicle at this time. No inspection as of yet. No warnings or symptoms prior to failure. Research shows it may have to do with a fuel pump pressure issue. I have paperwork on this issue under a customer support program 23te01. Hoping this can become a recall and I can get this fixed .

See all problems of the 2017 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Engine intermittently has no power on take off and causes an unsafe condition to turning into traffic where car will just not go until after flooring it and a 3-5 second delay!! engine also looses power and bucks or misses while accelerating through gears. This has caused multiple near miss incidents when turning into or across traffic. Also have issues with the steering assist that it yanks the wheel intermittantly. This cause me to loose control on the wet interstate in a turn when it yanked the wheel to the right while banking left at 65mph. I panicked and pulled the wheel back which cause a skid. The system has been turned off since. Toyota is not doing anything to repair anything and keep giving me the car back saying its fine.

See all problems of the 2023 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Experience "dead zones" in accelerator pedal movement. Experience "no acceleration" with first 1-2 inches of travel from idle position. This is constant and does not vary noticibly with speed. I was driving in an suburban shopping area in york PA with three lanes of travel in each direction. I intended to move from the laft hand lane to the center lane. I indicated my intentions and waited for an opening. I was travelling about 35-40mph. When an opening came along, I steered into the indended lane, but depressing the accelerator to increase my speed, no acceleration occurred. I then panicked and depressed the pedal quicker, and the ensuing acceleration nearly catapaulted me into the semi truck in the center lane ahead of me. I missed the truck by inches. I have had this issue evaluated at bennett Toyota in lebanon PA, and the lancaster Toyota, the dealer who sold me the vehicle in may of 2023, is aware of the issue. Bennett Toyota service department tried to fix the issue by replacing the brake switch. That did not alleviate the problem. I have had several other instances when pulling into traffic when the delayed acceleration caused me issues but no accidents. I believe this issue is related to the selectable "snow" driving function. I think the system is somehow stuck in the "snow" mode at all times. I may have substantiated this today when I experimented with the "snow" function while driving at about 45 mph. When I select the "snow" mode while driving, the accelerator "dead zone" actually gets worse. Bennett Toyota service response is "it drives like any other Highlander". If that is so - this is truly a huge issue with "drive by wire" tachnology. . . !!! as a note, at bennett Toyota I did drive a 2019 Highlander privately owned by the service manager and it did indeed have the dead zone in the acelerator - a fact that the service manager admitted to me verbally. I have read many instances of this issue in chats online.

Vehicle does not fill above 14 gallons of gas. It says 10 miles until empty, but when you fill it and try to force as much gas in as it will take, it only fills to 14 gallons not the capacity of 17. 8 that is advertised.

See all problems of the 2022 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Car won’t start after getting gas. Check engine like comes off and on. Rough stopping and getting up to speed. When issue with getting to speed on highway put us in dangers way. Not being able to start vehicle multiple times for long period concerning and frightening for family.

Vehicle is sluggish and will not accelerate from a dead stop for several seconds. The gas pedal often has to be pushed much farther down than usual so then when the vehicle actually starts moving it lurches. It often seem like it can't find the proper gear so it will buck and stutter while driving. The shifting is not smooth at all and you never know how the vehicle will respond making for a very unpredictable driving experience. This all started shortly after reaching the 2000 mile mark. The cruise control has issues reaching and maintaining the speed that is set. I found the Toyota service bulletin, t-sb-0087-23 and have made an appointment with my local dealer to hopefully fix the issue.

Car started to not start after getting fuel. Come to find out the purge valve was remaining stuck open. Dealer told me that this was concerning as it was allowing vapor to gather in my engine. Vehicle was confirmed by two different Toyota dealerships to have faulty purge valve. The purge valve would cause all the warning lights to come on in the Highlander, telling you your awd system was bad to other warning lights. In doing research this seems to be a problem in various years of Toyota Highlanders. Concerning that something related to controlling fuel vapor could be this common and leading to a build up that could cause something more serious to happen.

2023 Toyota Highlander xle with 2. 4 turbo hesitates for an unacceptable period of time when accelerating from a stop. This could pose a huge safety risk when merging into traffic from a stop sign. The lag / hesitation is present on all eco / normal / sport drive modes. The issue has been occurring since the vehicle was purchased at 70 miles and currently has about 5200 miles. Toyota needs to look into this issue and address it as soon as possible.

I've had the car for 6 months. After a few months we noticed a "bucking" during acceleration and a "hesitation" when pressing the accelerator. Under medium to hard acceleration the car will exhibit these traits almost consistantly and now after 3500 miles it has become so noticeable that it is dangerous! the hesitation is "off the line" from a dead stop. There is at least a couple second delay sometimes when leaving a stop. And then as the car climbs in rpm's you can feel the engine struggling almost like a car with bad spark plug wires. It tends to "spit and buck" as it is accelerating. We have tried different fuels, fuel cleaners, different octanes, and nothing seems to curb the problem. We took the car to our local dealer and they confirm the problem but have stated that there is nothing they can do as it appears to be a software issue with the car. I have requested from Toyota using their "brand engagement center" to provide an engineer to evaluate the car and so far have not heard back from them in almost a week.

There is a significant hesitation / stuttering when the gas pedal is pressed (I. E. The vehicle doesn't move properly when the gas pedal is pressed). This is especially dangerous when pulling out into traffic, making turns, etc. This appears to be a known problem with this model and Toyota is working on a TSB (supposedly). Doing a google search for this problem shows that a number of consumers are having a similar issue. . Read more...

I was driving to work when my car didn't want to accelerate and then stalled. I had it towed to Toyota dealership in battle creek mi. They called me today and said my low pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. I checked online and saw Toyota had done a recall in 2020 for this part on the 2017-2019 Highlander and I have the 2017 Highlander. When I had the VIN # checked it does not show my car as one to be recalled. My question is why not? when it shows this is a part that people are having problems with . I thankfully was not pulling out in traffic when it went out!.

Upon acceleration, car hesitates then surges. Started after approximately 2000 miles. Occurs most frequently from a dead start. However, continues upon acceleration up to 50 mph. Took to Toyota dealer, but they were unable to diagnose. Others report similar problems on Toyota nation form. Concerned about pulling out into traffic safely.

Vehicle check engine turned on to check awd system after about 2 days when filling with gas the engine wouldn't start and had low brake power message on dashboard. Checked code and got p0171 and p0174 which mean engine's air/fuel mixture becomes too lean for the engine control module (ecm) to correct within its normal operating range there are many posts and threads about same issue on Highlanders as old as 2017 please look into this issue that could potentially cause a hazard. Will take vehicle in for inspection 06/13/23 at Toyota of naperville.

The breaking system doesn’t take effect in speed and turn and when you leave the acceleration and the speed increase and loose control . Also the electrical system is damage not with seven month of brand new Highlander hybrid . The rear cross traffic control and blind spot warning are coming . These is a serious electrical problem under 11,000 miles brand new vechile.

Car refused to start. Multiple cranking that had to be stopped by turning car off. Car was not receiving fuel. Waited one day and tried again. Car started on third time but ran very rough, with smoke and odor until it evened out. Drove with initial engine hesitation episodes to dealer. Asked for fuel pump replacement under customer support program but dealer refuses because they cannot duplicate the problem. I am afraid to drive this car because I feel it’s unsafe. I am afraid the car will stall while driving causing an accident. I transport by grandchildren daily so a safe car is imperative. Called Toyota twice to resolve this but if the dealer doesn’t experience the same issue they will not replace my fuel pump even though this is a known issue. My car is not on the recall list yet. Looking back I have had hesitation issues upon acceleration for years. I feel the pump is to blame and should be replaced.

Vehicle unpredictably hesitates during light to moderate acceleration in all driving modes (sport, normal, and eco). This is especially dangerous when crossing in front of oncoming traffic from a stop or slow speed. Had a certified mechanic drive the car and verify the problem, but the car's systems don't report that there is a problem, so he had no answers.

When 87 fuel is put into the vehicle, the 2023 Highlander is jerky/has hesitation, rpms jump around. Trying to slow down to a yield then go again it jerks and almost feels like engine is cutting out. Seems worse when car is being driven on warm day with a/c on or under a “load”. Very dangerous in intersections. Current fix is to put 93 octane in the vehicle to remedy the issue. Putting 93 octane fuel in the vehicle does help. All of these issues pose a risk to the car jumping from a start to cause a rear-end accident. I've complained to the dealer and they've stated everything is normal when they test drive and no codes are showing even explaining a TSB was issued they refuse to fix. Started at 500 miles on odometer, still happening at over 13,000 miles.

My fuel pump has started going out causing my engine to slightly knock and my fuel gauge and range to read improperly.

I went out into my garage 3:30 in the morning and heard a motor running very faintly tried tracking down the noise finally located under the car at the rear. It was the fuel pump running. I went in. Got my key started the vehicle let it run about a half a minute shut it off. The noise was gone. I’m worried about this pump running for hours or possibly days then catching the car on fire the garage and the house I know there have been issues. With fuel pumps in these Toyotas, but I haven’t found this particular problem online. Possibly there may be a problem with the fuel pump relay?.

Within 6 months of purchasing this car used at a Toyota dealership, the check engine, exclamation light, and "go to dealership/check awd" lights came on. I took it to the dealership who told me it would cost $250 just to check the lights. I took it to a car parts store who said "it's throwing a bunch of old codes". The dealership also suggested during oil change about $800 worth of work needing to be done and said my warranty I purchased would not cover it so I left. I had the fuel system flush done somewhere else. The lights went off for about a week and then came back on. About a month later. . . . While driving down the highway at a speed of approximately 60 mph, the rpm's and speedometer went haywire - jiggling and then decreased (and a weird sound like the car revving) even though foot was on gas, the car rapidly lost power and had to pull over on side of highway at night - this is of course very unsafe. Had to pull over and turn off car. Would not start right away but did after a few minutes. Took to mechanic - they could not find anything wrong. Could not reproduce. A few days later, after getting gas, car would not start. Had to wait an hour and then it did. Took back to mechanic, discovered water on spark plugs so had spark plugs replaced. Four days later, all the warning lights back on and car running roughly (like maybe lightly missing?). Component or system failure cause still unknown and yes it is available for inspection. Very frustrated and frankly a bit terrified to drive this very expensive vehicle.

The hybrid inverter failed on the car instantly stopping the car without any sort of warning what so ever. Car did not have a limp mode or any way to get the car off to the side of the road. It stopped in the traffic lane and had to be pushed out of harm's way. A search shows like it's becoming a common problem, $12,000. 00 to fix it is another problem.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

I’m not sure why this recall does not show up for my car & we’ve never been notified by Toyota. I have a video of the noise my makes when it’s off on the driveway…I can provide an alternate way as your online system does not allow video. Thank you.

No nothing has been inspected I didn’t even know it had a recall all my lights on my truck are on now.

On July 19, the car was parked and refused to start. Tried jump start and the gas was at more than half a tank. The car would operate for 30 seconds, stutter and then stop. On July 20, took the car to ed martin Toyota in noblesville, in. They could not diagnose the issue. Replaced fuel pump system. Evaluated all electrical and no issues observed. Escalated to Toyota regional engineering to teoubleshoot. The car is still in the shop with no root-cause. If the car was in motion and this issue would have occured, could have resulted in a serious accident.

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

I have had my vehicle for a little over 3 years, with about 35k miles on it. At first, I realized my vehicle jerked a bit, but I dismissed it because it never stopped. However, I did notice that my battery was dying quickly. I was changed once by the dealership because they said the battery was defective. After they changed that battery, the next battery also went bad. While driving with my children and mother, my vehicle began sputtering and a message that said, "check engine reduced engine power" came on along with "traction control turned off" and my engine light. My vehicle barely accelerated as I was trying to cross the intersection thankfully I managed to get out of the way of oncoming vehicles. Somehow, the vehicle ran smoothly after I turned it off and turned it back. After that issue, I then experienced an error message in reference to the start/stop system along with the check engine light. That issue also cleared when I turned my vehicle on and off. I then experienced another power loss issue, at which time I traveled to my local Toyota dealership but they were unable to help me then due to a battery issue. The issue then cleared itself somehow again; however, the issue came back the next day. I managed to get my vehicle to the side of the roadway at which time the vehicle stalled. I tried starting the vehicle again; however, it would not turn over. After being on the roadside for about 2 to 3 hours, I tried starting my vehicle again, and it drove fine until I reached the dealership. My vehicle was placed on a machine where they received the code for a fuel rail issue along with a misfire. I was then advised that this issue is not covered under warranty. I was also told that the problem would cost me over 4k for the part which does not include labor. I have been doing my research since and I now find that there is a recall on my vehicle.

Temporary loss off power: after driving about 100 miles we stopped for a 15 minute break. Afterwards I started the car and to my surprise the engine was running but I had no power. I was able to coast down a slight grade to avoid other vehicles in the parking lot. I stopped the car, put it in park (p), put it back in drive (d) and was able to drive as before. We purchased this vehicle in September of 2018. It has slightly over 14k miles. This has happened at least once before.

When running, after stopping at a stop sign, the car hesitates to go, kind of sputters. When turning the car on, the lights on the dash flicker and now the car won’t start. On days prior, you would turn the car key, but the car wouldn’t start on the first time. It sounded like it wouldn’t turn all the way on, like the battery died. I didn’t leave the radio on or anything that would warrant that. My safety was put at risk because I work in healthcare and get off work at midnight so if I broke down or stalled in traffic, this could cause an accident.

Engine light came on, took to auto parts store and they checked for the code. Was told it was an issue with the fuel pump/ vacuum. Reset engine light, stopped to fill up with gas and car would not restart. The steering wheel locked and car would not crank. Was jumped off by a bystander, still would not turn over. After sitting for approx 15 minutes, I tried to restart vehicle again and it cranked. One week later, on vacation, car would not start after getting gas. Once again, took it to auto part store and same code and check engine light was on. Reset engine light, drove fine. Once check engine light is on, I am unable to use cruise control, this was very inconvenient since we were traveling! I have had this same issue happen about 5 times now! making appointment with dealership to see if this weill be covered by my warranty and hopefully it is a simple fix.

See all problems of the 2018 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

On occasion I have been walking around this car while its just parked in my garage and I hear a a humming sound like a electric gas pump. This is 4 hours after it was used last. It is a faint sound coming from the the rear seating area. Just before I started to write this I went out to check it again and its not doing it. This is not a one time event and its concerning since I believe its electric and may be involved with gas in a parked garage. The vehicle is in like new condition and had one minor cosmetic type accident while in its first year of use. Scratches to driver side panels and front bumper. I will call the dealer tomorrow to see what they have to say. Thanks in advance for any info you can share on this issue, a fire in my garage would bad.

I own a 2017 Toyota Highlander, xle. Last year my vehicle stalled 2 times. Luckily, I was in a position to put the car in park and restart. About 6 weeks ago, it stalled again. This time I was approaching a left turn lane, slowed down for a millisecond then accelerated and tried to make a left turn. At that moment, the vehicle stalled. I was almost in a nasty accident. I was in the middle of the intersection with a car approaching and a car behind me thinking I was making that left turn through the intersection. The 1st time it happened, I thought it might be bad gas. The 2nd time I rationalized it might be bad gas or just a fluke. The 3rd time, after almost being involved in a nasty accident, I did some research into this matter. As it turns out that as of the end of 2020 more than 6,000,000 Toyotas and Lexus’ have been recalled worldwide, 3,340,000 in the united states, including 2017-2020 Highlanders for fuel pump problems. As I understand it, it was a problem with fuel pumps with low pressure and my vehicle is experiencing the same characteristics of those recalled Toyota Highlanders. I believe it to be a very dangerous situation. I was informed that my VIN number was not included in the recall. I had a diagnostic assessment performed at sport city Toyota in dallas, TX. , to determine the problem. They also drove it around for a couple of days to try and duplicate the problem. Of course, any reasonable person would know the chances of duplicating a problem that has happened 3 times in 60,000 mile is highly unlikely. Neither the diagnostic test nor the test drives revealed anything wrong with my vehicle. At that point Toyota told me there nothing further they could do for me. What I have experienced is legitimate issue as Toyota has a very well documented fuel pump problems. So now I’m driving what I consider to be an unsafe car. The texas “lemmon law” is no help to me as I have over 63,000 miles on the vehicle.

My wife was going to pick our kids up for school and was on a 60mph highway when the check engine light came on and the vehicle slowed down to 30mph in heavy traffic. She was able to maneuver off the road and get to safety. We took the vehicle to the dealership where they replaced the 3 fuel injectors for $1900. Vehicle has 38,000 miles. With such low miles and the fact that this happened on a highway in my opinion this is a major safety concern.

Car is very slow to start and has a faulty fuel pump.

My car continues to stall/become powerless while driving even after replacing the low-pressure fuel pump as part of the earlier safety recall on oct/28 2021by the dealer. The same problem started re-occurring once two weeks ago and again twice today while driving on busy road. It is a safety issue, my car has driven only 17k miles. I have visited the dealer last week and reported the issue and requested to check the fault code and ascertain the fault. They have expressed their inability to do it and said, the car is out of warranty. I think the problem is beyond the fuel pump or the work was not done in a proper workmanship manner.

Impossible to completely fill the gas tank on the Highlander hybrid. 17+ gallon tank, yet car will accept at most 12-13 gallons of fuel. Fuel gauge reads between 3/4 and 7/8 full after each fill-up. This issue has persisted since the vehicle was new. Multiple requests to the dealer to fix this problem are largely ignored with them telling me that they aren't aware of any issues, research suggests that many other owners are experiencing the same problem.