The Lemon Index2002 Toyota Highlander.
The 2002 Toyota Highlander is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 54 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 47, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about visibility, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 18 to 22 mpg combined. The best Toyota Highlander year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 301 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Toyota Highlander year. 2002 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 42K to 100K miles on the car (204 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- visibility complaints mostly came at 39K–85K miles
- speed control complaints mostly came at 41K–102K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 35K–113K miles
Recalls 2
- latches/locks/linkages 2004
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE A CHILD PROTECTION LOCK (CPL) SYSTEM ON BOTH OF THE REAR SIDE DOORS.
- fuel system, gasoline 2002
ON SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THERE IS A BREATHER HOSE THAT ATTACHES TO THE NOZZLE OF THE ON-BOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE, WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE TOPSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 120 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Wind noise coming from both the front and rear door window glass
- Accelerator pedal sensor assembly information regarding the inspection, removal, and…
- Special policy adjustment regarding vehicles experiencing engine oil gelling or sludge
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★★☆ · rollover ★★★☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2900–3550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Black smoke came out of the exhaust pipe, and vehicle consumed excessive oil. Dealership wanted to replace the valve seal and piston o-ring s, but the parts were on back order.
2002 Toyota Highlander owner · NHTSA complaint 10055989
More owner reports
Consumer states that when rear windows are down, the vehicle experiences very bad turbulence that is "deafening". This occurs at any speed. Ts
NHTSA complaint 10004471
While traveling on the highway and without prior warning the vehicle was leaking oil underneath .
NHTSA complaint 10025040
Quick answers
Is the 2002 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 47; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Highlander year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2002 Toyota Highlander problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are visibility (20%), engine (13%) and body structure (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota Highlander have?
2 safety recalls (latest: latches/locks/linkages). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Toyota Highlander get?
18 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2002 Toyota Highlander problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 42,300 and 100,000 miles. The middle report was at 70,000 miles, from 204 complaints.
Does the 2002 Toyota Highlander have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2002 Toyota Highlander cost in fuel a year?
About $2900 to $3550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2002 Toyota Highlander have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Toyota Highlander year is better than the 2002?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2016 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works