People buy Toyotas for the same reason they always have: they’re as reliable as a stone. But are they? Fact is, Even with a Toyota badge on it, it’s still a complex machine composed of thousands of parts that, however precisely engineered and assembled, can still fail.
You might want to consider either a Toyota Highlander service contract or a Toyota Highlander warranty, but before you do, let’s talk about the awesome vehicle they support.
All About the Toyota Highlander
Under the hood, Toyotas are synonymous with hybrid technology, and the Highlander is no different. There are hybrid options here, as well as a powerful V6. You can opt for all-wheel drive, a towing package, and more. Most models will seat seven people, which is the same as a minivan.
The Toyota Highlander’s technology is top-notch on the inside too. Base models feature an 8.0-in. touchscreen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and USB ports. Upgrade to the premium system, and you’ll have a 12.3-in. Touchscreen and 11 JBL speakers, including a subwoofer, an amplifier, and many, many watts. Like a lot of imports, this Toyota is a tech major. Maybe a Toyota Highlander warranty is a good idea. But maybe not.
Common Repairs and Services Required for Your Toyota Highlander
Like any car, even a Toyota can have issues. Modern cars have definitely moved on in terms of overall reliability, but there can still be problems.
Massive Oil Leak and Loss of Oil Pressure
Oil is the lifeblood of any machine. Any massive leak is a big problem because, as it pours out of your engine, it’s going to bathe every single other component under the car in oil too.
A loss of oil pressure is even more of a concern than filth, though, because it means oil isn’t getting to all of the places the engineers wanted it to be. That could mean a failed camshaft, a spun main bearing, or a thrown connecting rod.
Airbag Light Due to Problematic Center Airbag Sensor
An airbag sensor is what tells the system when it’s okay to fire the airbag. The sensor is the system’s connection to the real world.
Machine language is rather black and white; if all of the parameters are met for a command string, the computer is not supposed to reason with itself and consider whether it’s a good idea to do what it was programmed to do — it simply does it.
Having said all that, it’s probably a good idea to make sure your airbag system is up to snuff, especially on a vehicle with more than ten airbags.
Check Engine Light Due to Hose Off of Air Filter Housing
The check engine light is a catch-all for a lot of airflow and emissions-related foibles, so chasing down the trouble when it lights up can take hours of a technician’s time, and that’s going to cost you.
Nothing is worse than taking your car to the mechanic and getting the phone call that the technician was “unable to replicate the problem.” This one could cost you a lot.
Check Engine Light Due to Failed Oxygen Sensor Component
Right in line with the above point, sometimes the check engine light comes on because of a wonky oxygen sensor. Some of these sensors are located in the intake, and others are in the exhaust. Finding the source of the problem can take a while and end up being very expensive.
Ignition Coil May Fail After 100,000 Miles
Traditionally the ignition coil was a single element in an engine’s ignition system. Times have moved on. In the interest of efficiency, modern engines have moved to a coil-on-plug system. That means if your Highlander has a V6, it has six coils. Maybe a Toyota Highlander service contract is a good idea.
Nowadays, 100,000 miles is just the beginning for most engines, so the fact that some Toyota coils are failing so soon is distressing. One will set you back more than $100; a set is well over $400, and your mechanic will always charge more because that’s just how it is out there.
What Does the Toyota Highlander Warranty Cover?
Every new Toyota vehicle comes with a standard factory warranty, as well as a specialized maintenance plan known as “ToyotaCare.” The Toyota Highlander warranty contains a total of four components, each with its own coverage and limits.
Basic Coverage
The basic Toyota warranty covers (as per the owner’s manual) repairs due to defects in materials or workmanship. However, it does not cover normal wear-and-tear or routine maintenance.
Powertrain Coverage
Toyota’s powertrain warranty covers the components that make the Highlander run. This includes the engine, transmission, rear-wheel drive system, and all other related components.
Restraints System Warranty
The Highlander’s airbags and seatbelts are protected from defects through the restraints system warranty.
Corrosion Perforation
The Toyota Highlander comes with “rust-through” coverage that allows for the perforation of sheet metal to prevent damage to the exterior.
How Long Does the Toyota Highlander Warranty Last?
The length of each coverage type varies slightly. Here’s what you can expect from the Toyota Highlander warranty plans:
- Basic coverage: Three years/36,000 miles (whichever comes first)
- Powertrain coverage: Five years/60,000 miles (whichever comes first)
- Restraints system: Five years/60,000 miles (whichever comes first)
- Corrosion perforation: Five years (no mileage limit)
Once these warranties expire, you’ll be responsible for all repairs and maintenance to your Toyota Highlander.
Does the Toyota Highlander Warranty Cover Hybrid Vehicles?
Toyota offers a separate warranty program for hybrid and electric vehicles. If you purchase a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, your warranty plan will include coverage for the powertrain, restraints system, and corrosion perforation, as outlined above. However, it will also include hybrid-related component coverage unique to hybrid vehicles.
This warranty covers all of the hybrid-related components, including:
- The HV battery
- Inverter with converter
- Hybrid control module
- Battery control module
The Toyota Highlander hybrid warranty lasts eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Does the Toyota Highlander Warranty Apply to Used Vehicles?
If you buy a used Toyota Highlander, you’ll receive the balance of the warranty.
For example, if you purchase a Toyota Highlander after three years, you’ll no longer have basic coverage, though you will have as much as two years of the powertrain warranty, assuming your vehicle is still below the 60,000-mile threshold. This warranty can be transferred to as many as three owners.
What’s Included in a Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Warranty?
Toyota boasts a robust certification process that guarantees all pre-owned vehicles meet the company’s high standards of excellence. A certified pre-owned Highlander will receive a separate warranty program altogether, which consists of:
- A 12-month/12,000-mile limited comprehensive warranty
- A seven-year/100,000 limited powertrain warranty
The pre-owned warranty also comes with additional benefits, such as roadside assistance and towing to the nearest Toyota repair facility.
What Is a Toyota Highlander Extended Warranty?
While Toyota offers an industry-leading manufacturer’s warranty, it’s often not enough to offer full protection for your vehicle. That’s why it helps to purchase a Toyota Highlander extended warranty.
This warranty program extends the duration of your existing warranty and covers more components than the manufacturer’s warranty alone.
Reasons to Consider a Toyota Highlander Extended Warranty or a Service Agreement?
How much does it cost to repair a Toyota Highlander?
Prices vary, but in 2021 the average cost of repairing a new car was over $9,000. Once your warranty expires, the cost of repairs falls squarely on your shoulders. Here are some reasons to consider investing in an extended warranty or a service agreement for your Highlander.
Cover Wear-and-Tear
Manufacturers’ warranties generally don’t cover normal wear-and-tear. An extended warranty offers more coverage options to ensure total protection of your Highlander.
Save on Repairs and Maintenance
Toyota Highlander extended maintenance plans protect you from costly repair bills you may not be financially prepared for. By investing in an extended warranty or service agreement, you’ll be saving yourself money down the road.
Customize Your Coverage
The right provider can customize a plan that’s right for you. Instead of selecting between basic and drivetrain coverage, you can develop a service plan that’s unique to your vehicle’s needs.
Maintain Your Resale Value
The high cost of repairs can sometimes leave owners reluctant to handle necessary maintenance, but putting off these tasks can lower the overall value of your car. With a warranty in place, you’ll be more likely to get your car serviced, thereby increasing its resale or trade-in value.
Enjoy Peace of Mind
You can’t put a price on your peace of mind. An extended warranty or service agreemtn gives you the confidence that comes with knowing that your car is protected for every mile.
What’s Included in a Toyota Highlander Extended Warranty?
Toyota Highlander vehicle service agreements can be tailored to every driver’s needs. That’s the advantage of an extended warranty: it provides coverage that can be customized to suit your vehicle's specifications or even your lifestyle.
With that being said, here are some features that are commonly found in Toyota Highlander extended warranties.
Bumper-to-Bumper Protection
Bumper-to-bumper protection includes just about everything that makes up your Highlander, including:
- Electrical system
- Brakes
- Steering and suspension
- Fuel delivery systems
- Heating and cooling
- Navigation system
- Exterior paint
The only elements not included are “wear items,” such as the tires, or routine maintenance tasks like oil changes.
Powertrain Extended Warranty
A Toyota Highlander powertrain extended warranty covers the essential components that power the vehicle. This includes:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Differentials
- Driveshaft
The exact length of these warranties varies by provider, and some providers allow you to extend coverage to the exhaust system or other components.
Electric/Hybrid Extended Warranty
Highlander hybrid drivers may want to look into an extended warranty that covers such vital systems as:
- Electric drive unit
- Air conditioning
- Cooling system
- Steering
- Battery pack
Given the high cost of hybrid vehicle maintenance and repair, an extended warranty that protects these electrical components could be considered a must-have.
How Long Does a Toyota Highlander Extended Warranty Last?
While the manufacturer’s warranty expires after five years (at the longest), an extended warranty can last much longer.
The exact term length depends on your warranty provider, though some providers allow you to enter into extended agreements that last for 10 years or more. With that being said, the best providers offer month-to-month coverage with no mileage or age limits.
Learn More About Service Agreements
Thanks to CarShield, you can receive total protection for your Toyota Highlander, along with benefits like a rental replacement and the freedom to choose your own mechanic. Contact us today to learn more or request a free quote.
