Is the 2004 Toyota Highlander reliable?

Yes, it’s generally considered reliable for its class and era, especially when maintenance records are solid, but high-mileage examples can develop transmission, sensor, and suspension wear issues.

What are the most common 2004 Toyota Highlander problems?

Owners most often report transmission shifting concerns (notably on some V6 models), check engine lights from oxygen sensors, suspension clunks from worn links/bushings, and age-related cooling or gasket seepage.

Are maintenance costs high for a 2004 Highlander?

Maintenance is typically moderate; parts are widely available and many repairs are straightforward, but budgeting for tires, brakes, suspension refreshes, and occasional sensor replacements is realistic on a 20+ year old SUV.

What are the best years of the first-generation Highlander to buy?

Many shoppers target later first-gen years for incremental refinements, but condition and service history matter more than the exact year; a well-maintained example is usually the best buy.

What should I check before buying a 2004 Toyota Highlander?

Verify transmission behavior on a long test drive, scan for stored codes, inspect coolant condition and radiator/hoses, check for suspension noise and uneven tire wear, and review records for timing-related services, fluid changes, and major repairs. For full specs, trim details, fluid capacities, and the complete maintenance schedule, get a complete owner’s guide and shop with confidence.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2004 Toyota Highlander Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict

91/ 100

LOW RISK

Grade: A

A testament to Toyota's reputation, this Highlander is a remarkably reliable family hauler that will dutifully serve for many more years.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Should You Buy the 2004 Toyota Highlander?

The 2004 Toyota Highlander stands as an exceptionally robust and dependable used SUV, offering years of trouble-free service if properly maintained. This is a "buy with confidence" vehicle, known for its bulletproof powertrain and excellent build quality, making it one of the safest bets in the used mid-size SUV market.

Biggest Strengths

Legendary Toyota powertrain durability (both I4 and V6)
Strong overall build quality and longevity
Excellent crash test ratings for its era

Top Risk Areas

The systems that break first on the 2004 Toyota Highlander. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Power Steering Systemmoderate

Suspension Componentsmoderate

Radiator End Tanksmoderate

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

NHTSA Recalls

5 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 LEXUS RX330, RX350, AND RX400H VEHICLES. IF THE FORWARD RETENTION CLIP USED TO SECURE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, WHICH IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE CENTER CONSOLE, IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM.

What breaks on the 2004 Toyota Highlander?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Toyota Highlander by Year

Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Toyota Highlander. Click any year for its full report.

All Toyota Highlander years ranked →Toyota Highlander years to avoid →Toyota Highlander common problems →

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62/100

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Frequently Asked Questions

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