2001 Toyota Highlander Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 11%of 137 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,600miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2001 Toyota Highlander, 11% of the 137 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,600 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On 11/17/2015 I hit a parking island in an unlit parking lot. When I tried to stop, my brakes failed. This caused me to lose control of the vehicle and it hit 2 parked cars and a tree. I have lost wages and live in pain every day due to injuries from this accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10990497, filed 2017-05, 105,000 miles“I was backing out of the garage when the car accelerated. I kept hitting the brake and it finally stopped. I put the car back into drive and it accelerated again. I tried hitting the brake and it wouldn't stop until it hit the garage door. I don't know how fast it was going, but it seemed like it was going at an excessive speed.”
NHTSA complaint #10452362, filed 2012-03, 56,600 miles“I was starting to slowly drive off the ferry boat as the ferryman was opening the gate. My Toyota Highlander 2001 sped up out of control. If the man had not jumped aside, he would have been run over. I had no control. My foot was not on the gas. Reported to local Toyota dealer. Mat problem . I replaced the mat with a heavy rubber mat.”
NHTSA complaint #10308450, filed 2010-02, 52,000 miles“I own a 2001 Toyota Highlander and have had the same exact problem happen to me several times in the past seven years. The first time I experienced a serious problem was about four years ago and my son and I could have been killed had it not been for some fast thinking on my part. I was trying to stop at a red light and my car accelerated for no reason. At first, I thought my brakes had failed since when I stomped on the brake, my car would not stop, even though I had both feet pressing down on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10310559, filed 2010-02, 90,000 miles“2001 Toyota Highlander purchased new. About once a year it accelerates on its own. Reported problem to Toyota dealer in 2002 or 2003 - have receipt. We can stop the car with firm pressure on the brake. In most cases when we put the transmission into park the engine continued to race at high RPM. I can't remember all incidents, but believe that in some cases was able to slow the engine down by keeping my foot on the brake and putting the car back into drive. Other times I turned off the ignition. When I restart the car it is fine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10326579, filed 2010-04, 20,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10244113Aug 17, 2023TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most…
- 10045140Jun 13, 2012Toyota: accelerator pedal sensor assembly information regarding the inspection, removal, and installation, if lubrication or oil, is applied.
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 30% |
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 9 | 5% |
| 2022 | 8 | 3% |
| 2021 | 9 | 2% |
| 2020 | 10 | 3% |
| 2019 | 13 | 3% |
| 2018 | 9 | 3% |
| 2017 | 13 | 5% |
| 2016 | 4 | 4% |
| 2015 | 11 | 6% |
| 2014 | 5 | 4% |
| 2013 | 31 | 15% |
| 2012 | 14 | 8% |
| 2011 | 12 | 7% |
| 2010 | 22 | 10% |
| 2009 | 14 | 10% |
| 2008 | 45 | 11% |
| 2007 | 16 | 13% |
| 2006 | 43 | 15% |
| 2005 | 39 | 17% |
| 2004 | 40 | 14% |
| 2003 | 28 | 11% |
| 2002 | 31 | 10% |
| 2001 | 15 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2001 Toyota Highlander
26 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsTires
9 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology