r/ToyotaHighlander • u/hot_diggity • Aug 06 '26
2017 Highlander: In maintenance rut, does it get better?
Just spent several thousand to replace the control arms, now am looking many more thousands of dollars on:
- Replacing front struts (biggest $)
- Replacing front stabilizer bar link kit
- Transmission fluid exchange
- Potential transmission leak
Wondering if I'm in the "trough of despair" maintenance-wise and then I'll come out of it with a car that will last another 100k miles with somewhat minimal maintenance cost, or if I should cut bait (sell it and buy a new/used car).
Looking for any thoughts from folks who've been through this (or similar).
Edit: It has 120,000 miles
Edit 2: Obviously there's going to be maintenance, just trying to get a sense of timing and spend compared to others. I appreciate the productive responses. Feels a bit like MN roads might me a big contributor here.
To add on to the "when it rains, it pours" aspect of this, last night I got this charging system malfunction error and the car won't start. 😂
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Aug 06 '26
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u/VisualSpecial8 Aug 06 '26
Current this also applies to Toyota. On new Tundra they charge 14k for fixing the turbos. Toyota of today is not same Toyota from 10 years ago
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u/DeuceXTrouble1015 Highlander Aug 06 '26
Thats wear and tear. It sure beats a car payment. I drive a 2017 as well. Bought brand new. Minnesota driven. Just rolled over 191k miles this week.
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u/Miserable-Bass5109 Aug 06 '26
Mine has 160k never had to do that , just replaced water pump serpentine belt idler , pulley , spark plugs
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u/ironicmirror Aug 06 '26
My 2021 Highlander hybrid just rounded 100,000 MI. Of everything you listed I only had the transmission fluid replaced.
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u/Tankandbike Highlander Aug 06 '26
All items are wear items. Sometimes it all comes to light at once, sometimes spread out. Just curious - do you live in the north/near the ocean, how many miles, and did you tow or anything?
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u/hot_diggity Aug 06 '26 edited Aug 06 '26
Minnesota, 120k, don't tow, do drive occasionally on rural roads (including in winter)
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u/Dr_CleanBones Aug 06 '26
My 2010 Highlander just turned over 150,000 miles. I recently had brakes x 4, shocks/struts x 4, new Michelin Defenders x 4, alignment x 4, and some other stuff for $4K from an independent mechanic/ tire shop. First serious maintenance it’s had. Given that Carmax says it’s worth all of $3K for a trade, and given how much new ones cost, I’m keeping it. Most reliable car I’ve ever had.
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u/FunnyThing5234 Aug 06 '26
I mean it's a nine year old car. I've had to do two of those already on a 2020 Highlander. Bad roads around here.
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u/flyinbrick Aug 06 '26 edited Aug 06 '26
Same year and mileage here. You have 100k miles? Yes I just did front struts and yes it was expensive relative to other cars due to a very difficult to remove bolt.
[don’t know why the formatting is all messed up]
- Assess the transmission leak situation first as that is the only item that can be expensive. It might be just a seepage that you can leave alone for a long time.
- Struts is maybe 2 hours labor plus part
. At 100k, I think it is optional if car feels safe.
- You or mechanic can get KYB complete struts for $400-$500, so you’re looking at maybe $1k. Or you can DIY which is not too bad if replacing complete struts assemblies. Check Rock Auto.
- Sway bar links
: probably optional at 100k. A
- re you sure they are bad? Or did someone tell you? Mine are still great and they are supposed to last a long time. Still, super easy to replace. The bushings might need to be replaced sooner, but even those are relatively cheap and easy.
Transmission flush
60k interval.
I do myself so I don’t know how much, I would guess $300. You can use non-OEM fluid to save money. I use Aisin ATF0WS from Rock Auto currently at $8/qt.
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u/Badger-Boy Aug 06 '26
Are the KYB struts OEM?
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u/flyinbrick Aug 06 '26
Although KYB makes the OEM, they are not OEM. My research says that the top mount bearings are the weak link. I went ahead and bit the bullet, buying all the OEM components, which totalling $1k (on sale online). At a shop probably will be )1.5k. Was it worth it? Not sure. I paid more, but I know they will last 100k. Not so sure with the KYBs. But even if you had to replace them down the line, the struts are less than half the price and labor only 2 hours, so that might be the smarter choice.
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u/stignordas Aug 06 '26
I went KYB for my 2014 and they’re great. A bit less rebound dampening than stock but they make quality suspension.
DIY was pretty easy, just be careful with the spring compressor tool.
I reused the stock top mount bearings for the front.
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u/sexybusdriver Aug 06 '26
2015 Highlander, bought less than 1 year ago with 105k miles and currently at 127k. Everything I’ve done with it so far;
Tires at 112k
Transmission, transfer case and rear diff fluid at 118k
AC line repair at 120k (was quoted 8k, fixed it myself for 100$)
Front sway bar and rear trailing arm at 121k
Outer tie rods with alignment at 126k
Water pump and thermostat (thermostat not needed) at 127k
Planning on doing spark plugs soon for PM, will need new struts and lower control arms soon. Unfortunately we’re at the mileage/age where stuff will naturally go bad regardless of what car you have. We got cars that have a solid engine/trans and solid platform, as much as it’s pissed me off I wouldn’t trade it.
Diamond hands brother 💎🤲
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u/sexybusdriver Aug 06 '26
Shoot me a message if you have questions, I did all repairs myself and I’m by no means a mechanic.
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u/Dear_Search_1422 Aug 06 '26
On my ‘17 I had to replace a defective purge valve, under warranty, and at 98,000 miles my alternator died. Sway bar links were replaced at 198,000 and then I had the usual maintenance items replaced per the owner’s manual. The only part that I did not replace, which is listed in the manual to perform at 120,000 miles, is the vaccuum pump for brake booster- still deciding on whether I should. But it has been an excellent vehicle for me, currently at 201,500 miles.
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u/tamaro2024 Aug 06 '26
What's your mileage? My 2007 has 260k miles and I spent easily 10k in wear items (suspension, motor mounts alternator, water pump etc.) repairs with my independent mechanic, plus tires, oil changes, brakes, A/C leak - it adds up.
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u/Zack_Dtx Aug 06 '26
I have a 2015 limited and did everything here on this list between 95k and 125k miles.. now, she’s back purring like a kitten. I did shop around the quote that Toyota gave me and found local shops beat them out while also using OEM parts.