13th Sep 2006, 22:26
I've driven the Highlander, and what I can't fathom about these wind noise complaints is how anyone ever got one of these things fast enough to generate wind noise in the first place. A Yugo running on 2 cylinders is faster!! I've never driven such a slow, sluggish and poor handling vehicle. We'll stick with REAL SUV's.
18th Oct 2006, 15:46
I read in this morning's paper where the problem-plagued Highlander is now being recalled because the accelerator may stick on the floor "possibly causing an accident" (duhhh...NO KIDDING!!) I thank my lucky stars every day that just the test drive was enough to scare me away from these underpowered and unsafe cars.
30th Oct 2006, 19:01
I now read that Toyota is recalling 30,000 cars because the air bags may not work. Just another example of the poor build quality of the world's most over rated (and boring) car maker.
28th Dec 2006, 01:39
ANY SUV with the rear windows down will make a noise such as this???
I think NOT!!!
My 1993 ford explorer has never made such a noise that even hints at instability when the rear windows, or any window for that matter, is rolled down!
Neither does my fathers 1997 ford explorer, or my uncles 1998 jeep grand cherokee.
Interesting, that three AMERICAN makes don't have this problem, while an import make, toyota, does?
14th Aug 2007, 11:35
LOL, we've had the same issue with our Highlander - when the windows in the middle of the car are opened and not the front windows, a noise issues forth which hurts peoples' ears (at least according to those people; I'm deaf/hard of hearing). Pretty silly problem, too; just open the front windows when you open the rear windows!
17th Aug 2007, 00:20
How fast when you drive with the window open??? I never see that befor! LOL! you guys make me sick!
28th May 2010, 08:19
Hi.
I recently bought the subject vehicle, and am very happy with this automobile with one exception. With a cross wind and higher cruising speed, a banshee type very objectionable noise (like a piece of steel roofing in high wind) occurred. As I slowed down the pitch would change. As I bought this vehicle used and had a Ziebart rust prevention done on it, I assumed that some gasket material had not been replaced after the rust proofing. I looked at the front engine compartment and came to the conclusion that the noise culprit must be in the front grill portion. I got a bicycle tire tube and cut 1/4 inch strips and squeezed this in the open portions of the front grill. Voila! This temporarily stopped the noise, and I had comfortable driving for about 6 months.
The problem has reoccurred, but not to the original extent. I was looking through the Internet to see if others had this problem and what they did to resolve it. I'm apparently not alone with this wind noise. I will repack the front grill again and may consider using some rubberized glue to ensure the rubber strips stay intact.
Hope this may help.
dougbell3013@hotmail.com
28th May 2010, 13:31
"Interesting, that three AMERICAN makes don't have this problem, while an import make, Toyota, does?"
Far be it from ME to defend Toyota (we test drove a Highlander and it had interior trim pieces falling off, bad brakes and no power at all with a V-6). We bought a GM SUV that currently has 90,000 with nothing but tires and a battery replaced (not even a brake job yet).
I DO, however, have to say that EVERY 4-door vehicle we have owned ALL had a very disturbing vibration and buffeting with the rear windows open. This is characteristic of virtually all cars with openable rear windows. As a wise commenter has said, just roll down the front windows too and the problem goes away.
16th Oct 2005, 20:24
I owned a 2004 Highlander with 3.3l V6 engine. I loved the car except the big noise when I drive on highway. I did not even open windows. The sound is unbearable and sound-proof does not seem to work. The engine sounds quiet when the car stops. Does anybody have the same problem? It is highly appreciated if any one provide a solution to fix it?