People buy Toyotas for the same reason they always have: they’re as reliable as a stone. But are they? Fact is, Even with a Toyota badge on it, it’s still a complex machine composed of thousands of parts that, however precisely engineered and assembled, can still fail.
You might want to consider either a Toyota Highlander service contract or a Toyota Highlander warranty, but before you do, let’s talk about the awesome vehicle they support.
All About the Toyota Highlander
Under the hood, Toyotas are synonymous with hybrid technology, and the Highlander is no different. There are hybrid options here, as well as a powerful V6. You can opt for all-wheel drive, a towing package, and more. Most models will seat seven people, which is the same as a minivan.
The Toyota Highlander’s technology is top-notch on the inside too. Base models feature an 8.0-in. touchscreen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and USB ports. Upgrade to the premium system, and you’ll have a 12.3-in. Touchscreen and 11 JBL speakers, including a subwoofer, an amplifier, and many, many watts. Like a lot of imports, this Toyota is a tech major. Maybe a Toyota Highlander warranty is a good idea. But maybe not.
Common Repairs and Services Required for Your Toyota Highlander
Like any car, even a Toyota can have issues. Modern cars have definitely moved on in terms of overall reliability, but there can still be problems.
Massive Oil Leak and Loss of Oil Pressure
Oil is the lifeblood of any machine. Any massive leak is a big problem because, as it pours out of your engine, it’s going to bathe every single other component under the car in oil too.
A loss of oil pressure is even more of a concern than filth, though, because it means oil isn’t getting to all of the places the engineers wanted it to be. That could mean a failed camshaft, a spun main bearing, or a thrown connecting rod.
Airbag Light Due to Problematic Center Airbag Sensor
An airbag sensor is what tells the system when it’s okay to fire the airbag. The sensor is the system’s connection to the real world.
Machine language is rather black and white; if all of the parameters are met for a command string, the computer is not supposed to reason with itself and consider whether it’s a good idea to do what it was programmed to do — it simply does it.
Having said all that, it’s probably a good idea to make sure your airbag system is up to snuff, especially on a vehicle with more than ten airbags.
Check Engine Light Due to Hose Off of Air Filter Housing
The check engine light is a catch-all for a lot of airflow and emissions-related foibles, so chasing down the trouble when it lights up can take hours of a technician’s time, and that’s going to cost you.
Nothing is worse than taking your car to the mechanic and getting the phone call that the technician was “unable to replicate the problem.” This one could cost you a lot.
Check Engine Light Due to Failed Oxygen Sensor Component
Right in line with the above point, sometimes the check engine light comes on because of a wonky oxygen sensor. Some of these sensors are located in the intake, and others are in the exhaust. Finding the source of the problem can take a while and end up being very expensive.
Ignition Coil May Fail After 100,000 Miles
Traditionally the ignition coil was a single element in an engine’s ignition system. Times have moved on. In the interest of efficiency, modern engines have moved to a coil-on-plug system. That means if your Highlander has a V6, it has six coils. Maybe a Toyota Highlander service contract is a good idea.
Nowadays, 100,000 miles is just the beginning for most engines, so the fact that some Toyota coils are failing so soon is distressing. One will set you back more than $100; a set is well over $400, and your mechanic will always charge more because that’s just how it is out there. You might be thinking it’s a great idea to consider a Toyota Highlander extended warranty, but don’t be hasty. Warranties have limits, they often don’t allow you to choose your mechanic, and there can be quite a lot of bureaucracy to deal with. There must be a better way. Maybe a Toyota Highlander service agreement is the way to go.
What Does the Toyota Highlander Warranty Cover?
Every new Toyota vehicle comes with a standard factory warranty, as well as a specialized maintenance plan known as “ToyotaCare.” The Toyota Highlander warranty contains a total of four components, each with its own coverage and limits.
Basic Coverage
The basic Toyota warranty covers (as per the owner’s manual) repairs due to defects in materials or workmanship. However, it does not cover normal wear-and-tear or routine maintenance.
Powertrain Coverage
Toyota’s powertrain warranty covers the components that make the Highlander run. This includes the engine, transmission, rear-wheel drive system, and all other related components.
Restraints System Warranty
The Highlander’s airbags and seatbelts are protected from defects through the restraints system warranty.
Corrosion Perforation
The Toyota Highlander comes with “rust-through” coverage that allows for the perforation of sheet metal to prevent damage to the exterior.
