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Toyota Highlander Repair in Winston-Salem, NC 

Toyota Highlander Repair in Winston-Salem, NC

Is your Toyota Highlander making odd noises, lagging between shifts, or displaying warning lights that just won’t go away? Whether it’s an older model with high mileage or a newer version acting up unexpectedly, you’re in the right place. At Carolina Mobile Auto Service, we provide in-shop, honest, and thorough repairs for Highlander owners in Winston-Salem, NC. Despite what our name might suggest, we do not provide mobile repair services. Every diagnostic and repair job happens right here at our fully equipped service center. 

We’ve worked on hundreds of Highlanders over the years, and our team has seen just about every issue these SUVs are known for. Below, we’ll take a look at the most common Toyota Highlander problems—by generation—and how we help local drivers get back on the road safely and confidently. 

GMC Terrain Repair

Common Toyota Highlander Problems by Model Year

2001–2007 (First Generation)

The first-gen Highlanders were known for their practicality, but not without a few headaches for long-term owners. 

  • Oil Sludge Build-Up: Early V6 engines were prone to sludge issues, especially when oil changes were skipped or delayed. This led to engine hesitation and poor performance. 
  • Strut Mount Failures: Worn strut mounts created clunking noises during steering or over bumps. 
  • Oxygen Sensor Malfunctions: These often triggered check engine lights and affected fuel economy. 
  • Sunroof Leaks: Drains around the sunroof sometimes became clogged, resulting in interior water damage. 

2008–2013 (Second Generation)

This generation introduced a more refined driving experience, but also brought a few recurring repair needs. 

  • Water Pump Leaks: Especially in models with the 3.5L V6, water pumps commonly leaked coolant by 70,000–100,000 miles. 
  • Liftgate Support Issues: The rear liftgate struts wore out prematurely, causing the hatch to fall unexpectedly. 
  • HVAC Blower Motor Failures: Climate control systems often lost air output due to worn motors or resistors. 
  • Braking Vibration: Rotor warping under moderate braking was frequently reported, especially after 50,000 miles. 

2014–2019 (Third Generation)

Modern features and a sleeker design didn’t eliminate all concerns. 

  • Transmission Hesitation: Especially in early years of this generation, rough shifting and delayed engagement were common. 
  • Wind Noise Around Mirrors: Many owners reported excessive noise at highway speeds due to poor sealing. 
  • Oil Consumption: Some Highlanders with the 2GR-FE V6 engine experienced higher-than-expected oil usage. 
  • Faulty Heater Control Valves: A lack of warm air in cold weather often came down to malfunctioning valves. 

2020–2022 (Fourth Generation)

The current generation improved in safety and technology but introduced a few electronic and drivetrain quirks. 

  • Infotainment System Freezing: The touchscreen would occasionally reboot or lag, especially after firmware updates. 
  • Stop-Start System Glitches: This feature sometimes failed to restart the engine quickly enough at intersections. 
  • Unresponsive Parking Sensors: Front and rear sensors occasionally stopped detecting nearby objects. 
  • Rattles in Rear Trim Panels: Loose clips and plastic expansion under heat caused annoying interior rattles. 

2023–Present

Still fairly new, but early reports suggest: 

  • Wireless Charging Issues: Devices frequently lose connection or overheat during charging. 
  • Blind Spot Monitor False Alerts: The system may activate without nearby objects. 
  • Ride Harshness on Low-Profile Tires: On sportier trims, the ride can be overly stiff over rough pavement. 

What We Fix – Always In-Shop

At Carolina Mobile Auto Service, we don’t do mobile repairs. Everything happens at our Winston-Salem location using professional-grade diagnostic tools and a highly trained crew. Whether you drive an aging 2004 Highlander or a nearly new 2022 hybrid, our Toyota repair team is ready to deliver reliable service with a personal touch.

Engine Repairs 

  • Oil leak diagnosis and repair 
  • Spark plug and ignition coil replacement 
  • Valve cover gasket installation 
  • PCV system cleaning 
  • Radiator and thermostat replacements 

Transmission & Drivetrain 

  • Transmission fluid flush and inspection 
  • CV axle and driveshaft repair 
  • Transfer case servicing (AWD models) 
  • Torque converter diagnostics 
  • Gear shifting hesitation troubleshooting 

Suspension & Steering 

  • Control arm and bushing replacement 
  • Sway bar link service 
  • Power steering flush and repair 
  • Wheel alignment and suspension adjustments 

Brake & Safety Systems 

  • Rotor and brake pad installation 
  • Brake fluid bleeding and flushing 
  • ABS sensor repair 
  • Parking brake adjustments and calibration 

HVAC & Interior Systems 

  • A/C recharges and leak detection 
  • Heater core diagnostics 
  • Blend door actuator repair 
  • Cabin air filter replacement 
  • Blower motor servicing 

Electrical & Technology 

  • Check engine light diagnosis 
  • Touchscreen and infotainment troubleshooting 
  • Battery and alternator testing 
  • Door lock and window switch repair 
  • Sensor testing for blind spot and proximity systems 

Routine Maintenance for Toyota Highlander Owners

We always recommend following Toyota’s service schedule to keep your Highlander running strong. Here’s a general maintenance plan: 

Service 

Recommended Interval 

Oil Change (Synthetic) 

Every 5,000 miles 

Transmission Fluid Change 

Every 60,000 miles 

Coolant Flush 

Every 3 years or 30,000 miles 

Brake System Inspection 

Every 10,000 miles 

Spark Plug Replacement 

Every 100,000 miles 

Battery Load Test 

Twice per year 

Suspension Inspection 

Yearly or if driving conditions worsen 

If your vehicle is used in the mountains or for towing, we can build a custom service plan to suit your needs. 

What Our Customers Say

“My 2012 Highlander was leaking coolant. Carolina Mobile Auto Service traced it to the water pump and fixed it fast—no surprise fees, either.” 
— Teresa M., Winston-Salem 

“The touchscreen in my 2021 Highlander froze all the time. These guys got it updated and working smoothly. Great service.” 
— Jason F., Clemmons 

“My brakes kept vibrating at stoplights. They replaced the rotors and pads and gave me advice on better braking habits. Super helpful.” 
— Jillian B., Kernersville 

Schedule Toyota Highlander Service in Winston-Salem

If you’re experiencing suspension trouble, engine leaks, brake issues, or weird warning lights, bring your Toyota Highlander to Carolina Mobile Auto Service. We’ll take the time to diagnose your vehicle thoroughly and fix it right—without trying to upsell what you don’t need. Our team knows Toyota SUVs inside and out and works hard to keep yours reliable. 

📍 Visit Us: Carolina Mobile Auto Service – Winston-Salem, NC 
📞 Call Now: (336) 765-8599 
🌐 Schedule Online

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