2017 Toyota Highlander
Asked by sedwick01 Mar 07, 2023 at 06:50 AM about the 2017 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
My 2017 Highlander has 55K miles on it and primarily sits in the driveway 85%
of the time. All at one I had the check engine, check AWD and Traction Control
lights come on. Am being told that the engines misfires and has a burnt exhaust
valve and the head and valves need to be replaced. Does this sound normal at
this mileage and age?
5 Answers
So roughly 6K a year, this should not have happened if it was maintained properly, oil still needs changed at a minimum of once a year if your using full synthetic, sooner if your using blend. The AWD and traction control can have issues at anytime usually due to wheel speed sensors, corrosion in the connectors is an issue with just about every vehicle these days. I would get another opinion especially if this was a dealership that gave this news.
Well, it has definitely been maintained, oil changes every 10K. Thanks -- it was a dealership that gave me this news. It is still under warranty but still -- it's hard for me to believe that all of this is happening. Thanks.
10K between oil changes is too long even if it is full synthetic. At least once a year the oil needs changed. I change my rigs every 5000 miles but I drive more than your rig does. It is very hard in these newer vehicles to just sit. I would fire it up and drive at least around the block twice a month. You have more than just the engine that needs lube circulated, transmission, differentials and transfer case.
Normal for that car, or for any car, NO. When the computer turns on the Check Engine Light, it disables traction and stability controls, and cruise control. As for the diagnosis, you need a second opinion, and from an independent mechanic not tied to a Toyota dealer. Your problem could be as simple as a malfunctioning gas cap. Personally, I've never heard of any well maintained Toyota having a misfire at that low mileage. If you don't know mechanics, I'd suggest you use YELP to find one that's relatively honest.
Rodents can build their homes in a vehicle that sits outside for extended time periods. So check for evidence of that. They will enjoy chewing on wiring, vacuum hoses, etc. In order for them to determine you have a burned valve they'd need to do a compression test. Did they? Times are hard for Dealers right now so you have to be careful their not trying to sell you a bill of goods that you don't need! Definitely get a second opinion! Hope that helps! Jim
