What maintenance problems are common in the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

Toyota Highlander Fourth Generation (2020-present)

Error Codes

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

4 min read

714 words

Problem Statement

Learn about common maintenance issues in the 2021 Toyota Highlander, including symptoms, diagnostic steps, tools required, and repair instructions.

Affected Component

brakes, battery, infotainment system, engine oil

Symptoms

•Squeaking or grinding noise when applying brakes
•Vibration or pulsation through the brake pedal
•Engine cranks slowly or doesn’t start
•Warning lights on the dashboard
•Touchscreen unresponsive or laggy
•Bluetooth connectivity issues
•Frequent need for oil top-offs between service intervals
•Warning light for low oil pressure

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect brake pads and rotors through the wheel spokes
2
Measure the thickness of the brake pads using a caliper
3
Check for scoring or warping on the rotors
4
Use a multimeter to check battery voltage
5
Disconnect the negative terminal and connect a multimeter in series to measure current draw
6
Check for software updates using the vehicle’s settings menu
7
Test Bluetooth connectivity with multiple devices
8
Use the dipstick to check current oil level
9
Look for oil spots under the vehicle and inspect seals and gaskets

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•Jack and jack stands
•Lug wrench
•Brake caliper tool
•Torque wrench
•Caliper for measuring pad thickness
•Multimeter
•Wrenches (for battery terminals)
•OBD-II scanner (optional for software issues)
•Dipstick
•Oil catch pan (if changing oil)
•Wrenches and sockets for oil filter and drain plug

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Symptoms

•Squeaking or grinding noise when applying brakes

•Vibration or pulsation through the brake pedal

•Engine cranks slowly or doesn’t start

•Warning lights on the dashboard

•Touchscreen unresponsive or laggy

•Bluetooth connectivity issues

•Frequent need for oil top-offs between service intervals

•Warning light for low oil pressure

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect brake pads and rotors through the wheel spokes
2
Measure the thickness of the brake pads using a caliper
3
Check for scoring or warping on the rotors
4
Use a multimeter to check battery voltage
5
Disconnect the negative terminal and connect a multimeter in series to measure current draw
6
Check for software updates using the vehicle’s settings menu
7
Test Bluetooth connectivity with multiple devices
8
Use the dipstick to check current oil level
9
Look for oil spots under the vehicle and inspect seals and gaskets

Solution

Common Maintenance Problems in the 2021 Toyota Highlander (Fourth Generation)

The 2021 Toyota Highlander, part of the fourth generation (XU70), is generally a reliable vehicle; however, like any vehicle, it can experience some common maintenance issues. Below are the symptoms, diagnostic steps, tools required, and repair instructions for common problems.

1. Brake Noise

Tools Required:

Jack and jack stands
Lug wrench
Brake caliper tool
Torque wrench
Caliper for measuring pad thickness

Repair Instructions:

Raise the Vehicle:
- Use the jack to lift the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.
Remove the Wheel:
- Use the lug wrench to remove the wheel.
Inspect and Replace Brake Pads:
- Remove the caliper bolts using a socket wrench.
- Slide the caliper off and support it (do not let it hang).
- Remove the old brake pads and replace them with new ones.
- Reassemble the caliper and wheel, ensuring all bolts are torqued to specifications.
Test Drive:
- Perform a test drive to ensure the noise is resolved.

2. Battery Drainage Issues

Tools Required:

Multimeter
Wrenches (for battery terminals)

Repair Instructions:

Charge or Replace Battery:
- If the voltage is below 12.4 volts, charge the battery.
- If it does not hold a charge, replace it.
Identify and Fix Parasitic Draw:
- If draw exceeds 50 mA, start removing fuses one at a time to identify the circuit causing the draw.
- Repair the affected circuit as necessary.

3. Infotainment System Glitches

Tools Required:

OBD-II scanner (optional for software issues)

Repair Instructions:

Perform a System Reset:
- Turn off the vehicle, wait a minute, and restart.
- If issues persist, perform a factory reset through the settings menu.
Update Software:
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
Check Connections:
- If Bluetooth issues persist, ensure the phone and vehicle are compatible and forget/re-pair devices.

4. Oil Consumption

Tools Required:

Dipstick
Oil catch pan (if changing oil)
Wrenches and sockets for oil filter and drain plug

Repair Instructions:

Top Off Oil:
- If low, add the correct oil according to manufacturer specifications.
Change Oil and Filter:
- If oil is dirty or has degraded, change the oil and filter.
- Drain oil using the catch pan, replace the oil filter, and refill with new oil.
Monitor Usage:
- Keep an eye on oil levels moving forward; if oil consumption continues, further diagnostic may be needed for internal engine issues.

Conclusion

While the 2021 Toyota Highlander is designed for reliability, regular maintenance checks and addressing these common issues can help ensure longevity and performance. Always refer to the owner's manual for specific maintenance schedules and specifications.