2003 Toyota Highlander Fuel system Problems

“Needed to have a total engine rebuild due to faulty head bolts that stripped and allowed coolant to enter the engine and burn. Lucky-I guess-that I acted quickly so as to avert catalytic converter issues or sensors getting damaged by burning coolant. I also avoided the total loss of antifreeze and the resulting damage &/or inconvenience that thousands of others had. Still, a huge inconvenience and huge $5425.82 cost due to manufacturer's defect: weak metal that couldn't withstand the torque/pull on them... Perhaps the threading played a part. …”

“Replacement of a charcoal canister on a 2003 Toyota Highlander. No accidents occurred as a result of the replacement of this part; however, I am concerned about the number of reports of having to replace this very expensive part. Also if the part is a safety hazard (may cause an engine fire) it should not be at the expense of the owner. The part is an emission control device that is surely required by the government. This action is taken because I noticed, while researching charcoal canisters that toyotas come up frequently as having to have this type repair. …”

“Car accelerated and chased into house in nov 20011. Car accelerated in parking lot dec. 2012. No damage this time but in 2011 there was 14,000 $ damage to house and car. Car was checked out at Toyota twice ,no problem found. Wife will never drive the car again. She is infear of hurting someone.”

“Vehicle was in reverse and motor raced and vehicle traveled backward at rapid rate of speed and could not be stopped in spite of braking. Attempt to stop vehicle was unsuccessful. Vehicle only stopped when struck telephone pole. Problem was engine racing which could not be stopped. Accelerator seemed to stick down or accelerate without foot application.”

“Vehicle which was out of warranty was parked in driveway and was observed during early morning hours to be leaking fuel from the bottom of the fuel tank. Vehicle was towed to the dealer who reported that the roll-over ball (safety feature in a roll-over crash) had activated and had floated to the top of the fuel filler neck forcing fuel into the charcoal canister. The fuel tank had been filled several days previously. Dealer estimated repairs to be $1500 for a new tank, canister, and other parts. …”