NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical wiring in aftermarket seat heaters with copper strand heating elements can be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed, potentially causing electrical issues.
This page covers 4 recalls, 185 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Toyota Highlander.
19–28 mpg combined
8.4–12.4 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2011 Toyota Highlander cluster most heavily around steering, structure, and visibility. On the steering side, owners report issues with the steering column, electric power steering behavior, and in some cases airbag non-deployment during front-end collisions. Structural complaints often involve body and frame concerns that owners notice over time. Visibility and wiper complaints are also frequently filed, with owners describing problems with wiper operation and rear or side visibility. A smaller but recurring thread involves the engine, where owners report oil loss traced to the oil cooler pipe assembly at the base of the engine, and some describe timing chain and variable valve timing component failures leading to significant mechanical damage. A single report also references an intake VVT-i gear failure, though that appears isolated rather than a broad pattern across this specific year's filings.
185
Total Complaints
14
Crash-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Toyota Highlander has 4 recalls, the most serious involving two separate fire risks: aftermarket heated seat elements that can short circuit and ignite, and a power window switch that can overheat and melt if moisture and debris get inside.
The heated seat issue stems from damaged copper heating elements in aftermarket seat heater installations distributed through Southeast Toyota, which can short and start a fire. The power window switch recall involves the loss of lubricant on the switch's sliding electrical contacts, leaving them exposed to moisture and debris that cause the switch assembly to short, overheat, and potentially catch fire.
On the occupant safety side, the front passenger seat's occupant sensing system can fall out of calibration, causing the airbag to either fail to deploy or deploy at the wrong force level for the person sitting there. In a crash, that means the airbag may not protect a passenger appropriately based on their size and seating position.
The remaining recall is a compliance issue involving load capacity labels. Certain vehicles were sold without the required stickers showing safe load limits, which means a driver has no reference for how much weight the vehicle can safely carry, raising the risk of overloading and losing control.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical wiring in aftermarket seat heaters with copper strand heating elements can be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed, potentially causing electrical issues.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will disconnect the seat heaters at no charge and refund the purchase price of the accessory.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power window master switch may have inconsistent grease lubrication on its sliding electrical contacts, potentially causing the switch to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the switch and apply lubricant if needed, or replace the circuit board if abnormalities are found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
After SET added accessories like leather seat covers or seat heaters, the passenger seat occupant sensing system may not have been calibrated properly. Without correct calibration, the system might not detect occupants as intended.
What the fix does
Dealers will test the occupant detection sensors and recalibrate them as needed to ensure proper operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Your vehicle lacks the required load capacity modification label that shows safe tire and rim specifications per federal safety standards.
What the fix does
A corrected label will be mailed to you, or your dealer can install it free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.