2002 Toyota Highlander Engine cooling Problems

“I purchased a new 2002 Toyota Highlander from sierra Toyota of lancaster, ca. I have experienced no problems with this vehicle until 25 jan. 2011 when the engine overheated while driving 40mph on city street. I took my vehicle to my mechanic and he informed me of a problem with the 2.4l 4cyl Toyota engines in which some of the head bolts become loose/stripped where they attach at the engine block. I called sierra Toyota of lancaster and they denied any knowledge of this problem. …”

“My 2002 Toyota Highlander v6 broke down on the side of the road. I had it towed to the Toyota dealership where they informed me that oil sludge has clogged my engine and I would have to have it replaced to the tune of $6000. I was shocked because I always got my oil changed well before the suggested 7500 mile mark. I did some research online and found out my car was part of a recall and class action suit. They never sent a recall notice. We purchased the car when it was 2 years old. …”

“May 17, 2002, I was in a car accident with my 3 month old 2002 Toyota Highlander. I was traveling in the right hand lane on highway 80 west bound between davis, ca and san francisco ca at 8:30 am. According to the police report from eye witnesses, my vehicle left the roadway without any brake lights, went through a cyclone fence, continued .10 miles and down into a ravine. Brake lights never came on and the car never slowed. I was life flighted to the john muir medical center trauma unit. I arrested in the helicopter. …”

“I noticed coolant leaking from underneath the plastic into intake manifold in the rear of the engine. I brought it in for repair and the mechanic said he noticed a large piece of foam rubber between the intake manifold and the engine block and head.the leak was behind the foam piece. The only option to discover the source of this leak was to remove the plastic intake manifold, which the mechanic did. After this was removed, it became obvious that coolant had been leaking a minor amount for quite some time due to build up between the cylinder head and block. …”

“I have owned a 2002 Toyota Highlander 4 cylinder, 2wd. My car stalled on the road about tow weeks ago and I had it towed to a Toyota dealer. I have taken very good care of my car and can provide some partial paper work of my maintenance. The dealer is telling me that I need a new engine, and my bill will go over $5000.00. It has only 77000 miles and no physical damage to the car (no accidents). I have heard about the oil sludge law suit but it covers only 6 cyl but not 4 cyl. Could you please help me out on this issue. Thanks.”