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Toyota · Mid-Size SUV · 2001–2007 Custom Search

Toyota Highlander XU20

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

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

2.4L · Petrol· 155 PS
2001 2007

2.4-litre four-cylinder with VVT-i and an aluminium block. Same porous cylinder head issue as the 1AZ-FE on early build years (elevated oil consumption). Toyota extended the warranty. Later versions better.

  • !! 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
    1,500–4,000 $
    Ad 13011-28160 piston ring set 2AZ-FETSB T-SB-0094-11 oil consumption 2AZ-FEpiston rings 2AZ-FE Camry RAV4 2.4
  • !! 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
    1,000–2,500 $
    Ad 11115-28012 head gasket 2AZ-FEhead gasket 2AZ-FE Camry RAV4 2.4
  • !! 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
    600–2,000 $
    Ad 13601-28021 balance shaft No.1 2AZ-FE13602-28020 balance shaft No.2 2AZ-FE

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

3.0L V6 · Petrol· 220 PS
2001 2007

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
    1,500–5,000 $
    Ad PCV valve Toyota 1MZ-FEoil system flush Camry V6
  • !! Head gaskets can fail past 200,000 km. A relatively rare risk on well-maintained engines. from 200,000 km

    Head gaskets can fail past 200k km. Rather rare risk on well-maintained engines.

    Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke
    1,200–2,500 $
    Ad head gasket Toyota 1MZ-FEhead gasket Camry 3.0 V6
  • ! Rear valve cover gasket hard to access. Oil drips onto exhaust manifold. from 120,000 km

    Rear valve cover gasket with poor access. Oil drips onto exhaust — smell and smoke.

    Symptoms: Oil smell, slight smoke from engine bay
    500–1,200 $
    Ad rear valve cover gasket Toyota 1MZ-FEvalve cover gasket V6 Camry

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
  1. 01 Brakes
    248 ⚠ 36
  2. 02 Visibility
    240
  3. 03 Cruise Control
    215 ⚠ 95
  4. 04 Powertrain
    189 ⚠ 11
  5. 05 Engine & Cooling
    140 ⚠ 3

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Brakes (248 complaints)
⚠ Visibility (240 complaints)
⚠ Cruise Control (215 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Highlander XU20 (2001–2007) — 9 engine-related and 6 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., Head gaskets can fail past 200,000 km. A relatively rare risk on well-maintained engines., Rear valve cover gasket hard to access. Oil drips onto exhaust manifold.. 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 6 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