2005 Toyota Highlander Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 224 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,991miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Toyota Highlander, 4% of the 224 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,991 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“As noted on multiple websites from users having the same issue as I am, there needs to be a recall on this issue; the rear passenger brakelight is faulty. It does not illuminate when pressed. There are hundreds and hundreds of other Highlander owners experiencing this exact same issue. Dealer has been no help unless I give them every penny I have to my name of course. This is an issue that I am not experiencing alone. Public outcry for assistance needed on pulling a recall on this issue. Please and thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10573531, filed 2014-03, 100,097 miles“I am approaching 50,000 miles on the car. I just recently noticed that the headlight lens on both headlights has an opaque spot about one inch in diameter directly in front of the highbeam light bulb. Toyota has recognized this problem since april 15, 2008 as evidenced by Toyota technical service bulletin #t-sb-0036-08 dated april 15, 2008. When you google the bulletin it will become apparent that this problem exists for some 2004 to 2007 models, a span of three years. …”
NHTSA complaint #10357396, filed 2010-09, 43,000 miles“2005 Toyota Highlander hybrid. Driving to work in a blizzard on 12/11/09 all dash board lights went on. Dealership found that the sunroof housing failed causing $3,977.16 worth of damage. Being out of warranty the dealer agreed to pay 2,000.00. Toyota customer service another 1,500 and we paid 477.16. We picked up the car on 12/24/09. On 2/2/10 we returned it after noticing a burn spot on each of the plastic head light covers. The dealer found both highbeam bulbs melted,and suggested I had overused them causing the intense heat that did the damage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10312516, filed 2010-02, 52,991 miles“Rear break lights keep going out with fuse blowing. No rear lights at all when this happens. I keep replacing the 10a fuse but can't find cause of failure. Vehicle is in motion on highway. Cause of lights suddenly going out is unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11171040, filed 2019-01, 266,000 miles“2005 Toyota Highlander would not pass 2010 massachusetts state inspection due to faulty headlight assembly. There is fog in the lens and night time light is impaired???? Toyota will not cover the $900 expense to replace both headlights. The extended warranty does not cover this expense as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10347069, filed 2010-08, 77,254 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10024893Apr 15, 2008Some 2004-07 model year highlander or 2006-07 model year highlander hv vehicles may exhibit a condition where the headlight lens cover and/or headlight bulb is discolored.
Exterior 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 2005 Toyota Highlander
51 complaintsVehicle speed control
39 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaintsSteering
26 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTires
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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