2002 Toyota Highlander Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 4%of 301 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Toyota Highlander, 4% of the 301 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Rear-right break light not working. Replace bulb and did not work. Checked socket and all is fine but break light still not working. I have research this for a while and no solution. These seems to be a very common problem and Toyota does not have a solution. Definitively a safety issue. I already got a ticket from police for not having these lights in working condition.”
NHTSA complaint #10458694, filed 2012-05, 100,000 miles“Right rear brake light connection is bad. I have changed the bulbs and all other lights on that side work. The tail lights, hazards, reverse and turn signal lights all work. The only light that continues to not work is the brake light lighting up when the pedal is pushed down. Obviously, this is a safety hazard. This has been an ongoing issue for a year now and with online searches, I'm not the only one with the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10315886, filed 2010-03, 95,000 miles“Whenever my vehicle is loaded up the headlights blind oncoming drivers.I dread going on vacation with this vehicle.Toyota dealer said a fix was not available.I tow a 15 ft boat 1200lbs.although the vehicle is rated for 3500lbs towing capacity the headlights when towing blind oncoming traffic I assume to poor suspension design.”
NHTSA complaint #10100913, filed 2004-12, 1 miles“The right brake light on my 2002 Highlander keeps going out, despite the number of bulb changes I've done. There is a large number of Highlander owners that have filed this same report online via bulletin boards, etc.”
NHTSA complaint #10324962, filed 2010-04, 45,000 miles“The right brake light rear passenger side does not work. I have changed all bulbs and checked fuses. All other light in the assembly work just fine tail,backup,right blinker but when your press on the brake pedal the light does not come on. There are many complaints to the NHTSA about this problem. Direct action is needed to fix this problem before an accident or someone is pulled over for a problem that is not fixable on the customers end.”
NHTSA complaint #10346711, filed 2010-08, 98,250 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 12 | 5% |
| 2021 | 8 | 2% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 5 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 9 | 8% |
| 2015 | 10 | 5% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 5 | 2% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 12 | 6% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 9 | 4% |
| 2004 | 14 | 5% |
| 2003 | 15 | 6% |
| 2002 | 12 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2002 Toyota Highlander
139 complaintsVehicle speed control
31 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsEquipment
11 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsTires
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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