Toyota Highlander XU20
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The first Highlander was Toyota's entry into the mid-size SUV segment — a Camry-based crossover that helped define the "crossover SUV" category. Comfortable, spacious, and typically Toyota: uneventfully reliable.
The 1MZ-FE V6 3.0L at 162 kW is the standard engine — known for oil sludge from PCV system failure, documented by class-action lawsuit. Timing belt every 65,000 miles mandatory (interference engine). The 2AZ-FE 2.4L came as four-cylinder option — more efficient but with documented piston ring issues past 60,000 miles.
Test-drive checklist: Oil cap for sludge. Timing belt history (1MZ-FE critical!). Coolant level (head bolt stripping). 2AZ-FE: oil consumption.
2026 market: Between $4,400 and $13,200. V6 AWD most sought-after.
Insider pick: Highlander V6 AWD with documented timing belt and clean oil history.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Toyota Highlander XU20 is available with 2 engine variants — from 152 to 186 hp.
2.4-litre four-cylinder with VVT-i and an aluminium block, willing to rev and strong in the mid-range. Early build years share the porous cylinder head issue with the 1AZ-FE, which can cause markedly elevated oil consumption — an extended warranty was granted in some cases. Later versions are clearly better in this respect. When buying, monitor oil consumption over several thousand kilometres and watch for blue smoke on load changes. Check the oil level closely, as a low level worsens the problem. Otherwise a robust, long-lived engine.
- !! Systematic oil consumption due to faulty piston design from 100,000 km
Toyota issued an official TSB and a Limited Service Campaign: the 2AZ-FE consumes excessive oil due to factory-underspec oil control rings.
Symptoms: Oil consumption over 1 L/1,000 km; bluish exhaust smoke; engine warning light; seized piston rings - !! Head gasket failure from 130,000 km
As with the related 1AZ-FE, the head gasket on the 2AZ-FE can fail, aggravated by thread failures in the engine block. Typical AZ weakness.
Symptoms: Coolant loss; white exhaust smoke; foaming in the oil; engine overheating - !! Balance shaft plastic gear wearing out from 180,000 km
The plastic balance shaft gear on the 2AZ-FE can disintegrate and distribute debris through the oil circuit. The problem mainly affects older high-mileage vehicles and leads to elevated repair costs from consequential damage.
Symptoms: Metallic grinding noises, metal swarf in the oil, oil pressure drop
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
3.0L V6 from the early 2000s. The oil sludge problem on 1997-2002 models is notorious — PCV valve design + narrow cooling passages with neglected oil changes. Toyota issued a repair program. From 2003 with revised PCV, no longer a systematic issue. Rear valve cover gasket likes to leak — poor access.
- !! PCV valve design and narrow coolant passages promote sludge buildup with neglected oil changes. Toyota issued a repair program. Especially 1997–2002. from 100,000 km
PCV valve design + narrow cooling passages cause sludge buildup with neglected oil changes. Toyota issued repair program. Especially 1997-2002.
Symptoms: Thick black oil, oil pressure loss, engine noise, check engine light - !! Zylinderkopfbolzen fressen aus (Aluminium-Block) from 160,000 km
Kopfbolzen-Gewinde reißen im Aluminium-Block aus — Kühlmittelleck ohne äußere Sichtbarkeit, schleichende Überhitzung ohne Warnlampe.
Symptoms: Kühlmittelverlust ohne sichtbare Undichtigkeit, Überhitzung - !! Zahnriemenriss — Motorschaden (Interferenzmotor) from 105,000 km
Zahnriemen muss alle 105.000 km getauscht werden. Bei Riss: Ventilschlag und Totalschaden. Kein Vorwarnsymptom.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | High | |
| VVT-i oil supply hose bursts — engine damage risk The rubber VVT-i oil supply hose degrades and can burst, causing sudden oil loss and engine damage risk. Toyota addressed through Limited Service Campaign 90K. Symptoms: Oil pressure warning light, abnormal engine noise, visible oil loss | Low |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 18 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Highlander XU20 (2001–2007) — 11 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Steering, Gearbox, HVAC.
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 valve design and narrow coolant passages promote sludge buildup with neglected oil changes. Toyota issued a repair program. Especially 1997–2002., Zylinderkopfbolzen fressen aus (Aluminium-Block), Zahnriemenriss — Motorschaden (Interferenzmotor). 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? +
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Highlander XU20? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Toyota Highlander XU20 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Toyota Highlander XU20 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota Highlander XU20? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee