🇩🇪 Deutsch
Toyota · Mid-Size SUV · 2001–2007

Toyota Highlander XU20

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Toyota Highlander XU20 is available with 2 engine variants — from 163 to 220 hp.

2.4L · Benziner· 155 PS
2001 2007
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
3.0L V6 · Benziner· 220 PS
2001 2007
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Toyota 2.4L (Benziner, 155 PS) has the 2AZ-FE (2.4L) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Toyota 3.0L V6 (Benziner, 220 PS) has the 1MZ-FE (3.0L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Gleiche 1MZ-FE-Problematik wie beim Camry XV30. Toyota Reparaturprogramm abgelaufen. Ölwechsel-Historie beim Kauf prüfen.

Same 1MZ-FE issue as the Camry XV30. Toyota repair program expired. Check oil change history when buying.

Symptoms: Thick dark oil, oil pressure issues
from 100,000 km
Ad oil system flush Highlander XU20PCV valve 1MZ-FE
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
1,644 complaints · 2001–2007
Brakes
248 ⚠ 36
Visibility
240
Cruise Control
215 ⚠ 95
Powertrain
189 ⚠ 11
Engine & Cooling
140 ⚠ 3

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Brakes (248 complaints)
⚠ Visibility (240 complaints)
⚠ Cruise Control (215 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

Mercedes-Benz ML W164

Mittelklasse-SUV (2005–2011)

Same Segment

Mitsubishi L200 IV

Mittelklasse-SUV (2005–2015)

Same Segment

Suzuki Grand Vitara JT

Mittelklasse-SUV (2005–2008)

Same Segment

BMW X3 E83

Mittelklasse-SUV (2003–2010)

Same Segment

Mitsubishi Outlander I

Mittelklasse-SUV (2003–2006)

Same Segment

Nissan X-Trail T30-FL

Mittelklasse-SUV (2003–2007)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 10 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Highlander XU20 (2001–2007) — 9 engine-related and 1 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other.

Highlander (2AZ-FE, 2001–2007) — Be Careful: Systematic oil consumption due to faulty piston design, Head gasket failure, Balance shaft plastic gear wearing out. Power: 155 PS.

Highlander (1MZ-FE, 2001–2007) — Be Careful: PCV-Ventil-Design + enge Kühlkanäle führen zu Ölschlamm-Bildung bei vernachlässigten Ölwechseln. Toyota hat Reparaturprogramm gestartet. Besonders 1997-2002., Bei Laufleistungen über 200.000 km können Kopfdichtungen versagen. Eher seltenes Risiko bei gut gewartetem Motor., Hintere Ventildeckeldichtung schwer zugänglich. Öl tropft auf Abgasanlage — Geruch und Rauchentwicklung.. Power: 220 PS.

What to watch out for with the Toyota Highlander? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Toyota Highlander XU20 have? +
The Toyota Highlander XU20 has 9 known engine weaknesses and 1 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Highlander XU20? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: 2AZ-FE (2.4L), 1MZ-FE (3.0L V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the 1MZ-FE (3.0L V6).
Which Toyota Highlander XU20 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Toyota Highlander XU20 — rated: "Decent". {description} 220 hp V6 in the first Highlander. Oil sludge on 2001-2003 is THE topic — check oil change records. Engine fundamentally robust when maintained. Camry-based platform: drives like a car, not a truck.
Is the Toyota Highlander XU20 worth buying used? +
The Toyota Highlander XU20 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota Highlander XU20? +
The Toyota Highlander XU20 is available with engine variants from 163 to 220 hp. Petrol: 2AZ-FE (2.4L), 1MZ-FE (3.0L V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee