Pros: What do you like about 2005 Toyota Highlander?
The Mileage per gallon of gas Cons: How would you improve 2005 Toyota Highlander?
Need to stop the headlight bulbs melting the lens. 2005 Toyota Highlander Review:
My complaint is that I noticed my headlight lens on my 2004 Toyota Highlander were melting. I have 60000 miles on the vehicle. I went into my local Toyota dealership (my Auto Imports in Muskegon) and the service manager didn't think it would be covered under the 36/36,000 warranty. The regional service representative Duane Bristow for Toyota was visiting the dealership and we arranged for him to look at the problem. Mr. Bristow asked me what I wanted Toyota to do for me, and that he was speaking for and representing Toyota. I said replace the bulbs and lens at no charge as they obviously had a manufacturing defect with the bulbs over-heating. When pressed on the problem it turned out that there is a Toyota Technical Service Bulletin #T-SB-0036-08 dated April 15, 2008 that discusses Headlight Lens Discoloration. I have a copy of this form. My vehicle fell into the serial number group. The fix was to replace the headlight lens and bulbs on both sides of the vehicle. The wording discolored was very misleading as the lens is actually melting due to over-heating from the light bulbs. If someone leaned against the lens, they could possibly be burned, as it must be very hot to melt the plastic inches away from the bulb. The service bulletin had a warranty code for the repair and applies to the 36/36,000 warranty. The problem is I just noticed the problem; it may have been there while under warranty. The service bulletin applies to 2004-2007 Highlanders so I am sure other people who do not spot this melting will not be covered if Toyota does not bring it to their attention before 36/36000. The lens melting may also diminish the effectiveness of the headlight and this maybe a safety concern. I very seldom use my headlights I drive as most people do with them on dim. For this melting to occur the bulbs must be producing some intense heat. Finally, when the Toyota representative admitted that it was a manufacturing defect I said, "You have a problem" the reply I got and I quote was "No we don't have a problem. You do. You bought it, You own it, We just make it." They did offer to pay a portion for the repair one-third or just replace the bulbs if the dealership would agree to chip in on the expense, but I would still be about $400-$500 out of pocket. I asked them one more time if they would cover it at 100% as it is clearly a manufacturing defect that is hazardous and that Toyota knew about, and was not prepared to inform it customers unless they spotted the problem. I also spoke to Toyota Customer Service and got the same response. Both occasions I told the people concerned that I really like my Toyota and would buy a new one. However, this incident has lost my confidence in both the dealership and the manufacturer. Unless they resolve it to my satisfaction, I would probably never own one of their vehicles again. |
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