2002 Toyota Highlander Engine Problems

“Last saturday 4/13/13 the check engine light came on and the car started shaking and making a weird noise. I haven't driven it since then when I parked it in the driveway. I didn't even trust it to park it in the garage because it smelled hot. White smoke and the smell of exhaust has been coming out of the exhaust. Today was the soonest I could get it looked at (by a trusted local repair shop) and I was just told it's an internal engine problem. …”

“I was driving my 2002 Toyota Highlander on the highway and was accelerating to pass a car when I heard a loud noise coming from the engine area, all the lights on my dash came on and my car stalled. I struggled without the power steering and brakes to get my car over 2 lanes of fast moving traffic and get it onto the exit ramp. My auto had drastically slowed due to engine not working and I was almost hit several times as cars flew around and past me. …”

“The contacts owns a 2002 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would leak antifreeze and the temperature gauge warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who discovered that the motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.”

“While driving on a busy interstate, the vehicle began to overheat, causing the need to pull over. The vehicle's engine temperature was at its maximum and was loosing coolant. After several inspections, it was determined that the head gasket had blown at such low overall vehicle mileage due to the engine head being made of aluminum and the block being made of steel. This also caused the vehicle head bolt threads to be stripped, resulting in the need for a new engine.”

“Driving on I-26 east bound with kids near exit 110 in columbia, sc. Car veered violently 3 lanes and took a turn facing the traffic. Lost complete control of the steering, brakes and the engine shut down abruptly. Pictures and videos with tire marks are available for analysis along with the police contact report. Engine started after several trials at which time the car was pulled away form the main lanes. All 4 tires are replaced 6-8 weeks ago with brand new tires. Front drivers side tire shows the stress of the sudden impact. A pastor couple is the eye witness to the whole event. …”