The Toyota Highlander
Toyota Canada dates the first-generation Highlander to 2001 and the Hybrid to the 2006 model year. GoodCarBadCar's Canadian calendar-year figures for 2012–2025 add up to 169,471 sold (third-party data; Hybrid not split out).[2][1]
The key depends on year and trim: a turn key with a separate remote in the 2004 and 2007 manuals; in Toyota Canada's 2008, 2010, 2014 and 2016 documents, a smart key only on upper trims and, depending on the year, some or all Hybrids; and a smart key on every trim Toyota Canada lists for 2020 and 2026.[12][13][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]
The Highlander is on every Équité Association Ontario top-10 most-stolen list from 2019 to 2024, and topped Canada's 2023 list with 3,414 thefts.[33][34][35][36][37][38][39]
Which key does your Toyota Highlander use?
| Model years | Key | Start | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–2007 | Master keys (black) and sub key (grey), transponder-chipped where the immobilizer is fitted; separate remote (CR2016) | Turn key | Immobilizer and keyless entry on every Canadian 2005 and 2007 version.[12][13][3][4] |
| 2008–2013 | Master and valet keys (remote CR2032); smart key (CR1632) on Limited and some or all Hybrid trims | Turn key, or push-button with the smart key | Canada: smart key on the 2008 Limited and every 2008 Hybrid; in 2010 on the 4WD V6 Limited, Hybrid 4WD-i and Hybrid Limited.[5][6][7][14][16] |
| 2014–2019 | Key with built-in remote (CR2016); smart key (CR2032) on XLE AWD and Limited AWD in 2014 and 2016 | In 2014 and 2016: turn key on gas LE and LE AWD, push-button on the other trims | Smart key on all three 2016 Hybrid trims. The 2019 manual lists no valet key.[8][9][17][18][19] |
| 2020–2026 | Smart key on every trim listed for 2020 and 2026 (CR2032) | Push-button | The 2020–2024 manuals list only smart keys.[10][11][20][23] |
Not sure which generation you have? The model year is on your ownership (vehicle permit).
Dead fob, locked out or trunk stuck: what the owner's manual says
The hidden key in the smart key (2013–2024 manuals)
The 2013, 2020 and 2024 owner's manuals (gas models) say every smart key holds a mechanical key, needed if the fob battery is depleted. On 2020 and 2024 models, slide the release button to take it out; its blade is grooved on one side only, so if it will not go in, turn it over.[16][20][23]
The driver's door keyhole and the alarm (2004–2024)
The 2020 and 2024 manuals show the keyhole at the rear end of the driver's outside door handle. In the 2008–2013, 2015, 2017, 2020 and 2024 manuals, one turn unlocks the driver's door and a second turn the rest; on 2004 and 2007 models, two turns unlock all doors. For Canada, the 2024 manual warns that unlocking with the mechanical key may set off an armed alarm (if equipped); the 2020–2023 manuals say it does not.[20][23][14][16][17][18][12][13][22]
Fob does nothing: two settings to rule out (2015–2024)
The 2020 and 2024 manuals say to rule out first a smart key system switched off in customization, and the fob's battery-saving mode, which stops it receiving radio waves. In the 2015–2024 manuals, after 14 days or more unused, smart entry works only at the driver's door.[20][23]
Starting with a dead fob battery (2008–2024)
Shift to P, press the brake and touch the Toyota-emblem side of the fob to the start switch. On 2008–2013 models, press the switch within 5 seconds of the buzzer; on 2015–2024 models, hold the fob there until the buzzer, then brake firmly and press the switch.[14][16][18][20][23]
Fob battery by year (owner's manuals)
Smart key: CR1632 in the 2008, 2011 and 2013 manuals; CR2032 in the 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020–2024 manuals. Non-smart key remote: CR2016 in 2004 and 2007 (separate remote), CR2032 in 2008, 2011 and 2013, CR2016 in 2015, 2017 and 2019. Standard life: 1 to 2 years.[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][23]
Liftgate will not open (2004–2024)
On 2004 and 2007 models the back door has its own keyhole. The 2008, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019 manuals describe an inside release for an inoperative opener: remove a trim cover and move the lever. The 2020–2024 manuals describe no such procedure. None of the 2004, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 or 2020–2024 manuals describes a keypad or an interior emergency trunk release.[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]
A key nobody added (2020–2024)
"A New Key has been Registered" shows for about 10 days after a key is added; if the owner added none, the 2020 and 2024 manuals say to have a dealer check for an unknown key.[20][23]
Recalls involving locks, latches or keys
| Recall | Model years | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Transport Canada 2004-127 (U.S.: NHTSA 04V181000) | 2001–2004 | Slamming a rear door with the child-protection lock set could knock the lever to "unlock"; dealers shorten the lever. 26,987 vehicles in Canada, 366,572 in the U.S.[24][26] |
| None listed | 2005–2026 | As of September 29, 2026, the Transport Canada and NHTSA recall databases list no lock, key, latch, ignition or immobilizer recall for these years.[25][27] |
To check whether your own vehicle has an open recall, enter its VIN on the manufacturer's recall page — Transport Canada lists them here. To browse recalls by make, model and year, use the Transport Canada recalls database.
Known problems and what owners report
Power back door, 2008–2015 (U.S. bulletins)
T-SB-0038-15 covers 2008–2013 power back doors that reach closed then reverse, or clunk at the striker (codes B2222 and/or U0230 may appear). T-SB-0023-16 covers 2014–2015 doors that do not work or stop part-way, in some cases in cold weather; the repair includes replacing both actuators.[28][29]
All keys lost: the dealer reset (U.S. bulletins)
T-SB-0057-18 (2001–2020 Highlander, 2006–2020 Hybrid) describes a reset that erases every registered key. Under T-SB-0013-24 (2021–2024), erased or removed keys "can never be reused".[30][31]
Lock actuators, liftgates and locked-in keys (U.S. data)
Of 32 NHTSA complaints filed under latches, locks and linkages for 2005–2026 Highlanders, the main theme is failing power door lock actuators, so doors will not lock or unlock by fob or switch (2005–2022); another is power liftgates that will not open or close (2011–2023). Two 2008 complaints describe doors locked with the key inside.[32]
Theft and key security
Équité ranked the Highlander #4 in Ontario on its 2019–2022 lists, #2 in Ontario and #1 in Canada on the 2023 list, and #9 in Ontario and #8 in Canada on the 2024 list. Explaining the 2023 list, Équité said it shares "vulnerabilities that come with keyless ignitions" and lacks anti-theft devices aligned to ULC 338.[33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41]
In 2019 CBC reported more than 100 Toyota and Lexus thefts in the Ottawa region since April, Highlanders among them; a Markham security installer, not police, blamed relay attacks and the diagnostic port. Toyota's spokesperson advised an aftermarket alarm, steering wheel lock, diagnostic-port lock, Faraday pouch, and fobs kept away from the front door. Third-party security research (2023) quotes a CAN-injection device seller listing the Highlander as supported; the theft it documents involved a RAV4.[42][43]
Toyota Highlander keys — questions
Where is the hidden key in a Highlander smart key?
Inside the fob. On 2020 and 2024 models, slide the release button to take it out, then use the keyhole at the rear end of the driver's outside door handle: one turn unlocks that door, a second turn the others.
How do you start a Highlander with a dead smart key battery?
Shift to P, press the brake and touch the Toyota-emblem side of the fob to the start switch. On 2015–2024 models, hold it there until the buzzer, then brake firmly and press the switch. Those smart keys take a CR2032.
Is there a lock or key recall on the Highlander?
Not for 2005–2026 models: as of September 29, 2026, the Transport Canada and NHTSA recall databases list no lock, key, latch, ignition or immobilizer recall for those years. Transport Canada 2004-127 covers earlier 2001–2004 models: dealers shorten the rear child-lock lever.
Falcon Locksmith is an independent locksmith, not affiliated with or authorised by Toyota. Vehicle and product names belong to their respective owners and are used only to identify the vehicle.
Related help
Other Toyota models
Sources
- GoodCarBadCar — Toyota Highlander sales figures, third-party (accessed 2026)
- Toyota Canada — Next-generation 2028 Toyota Highlander, with model history (2026)
- Toyota Canada — Highlander specifications, 2005 model year
- Toyota Canada — Highlander specifications, 2007 model year
- Toyota Canada — The 2008 Toyota Highlander (2007)
- Toyota Canada — The all-new 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2007)
- Toyota Canada — Highlander specifications, 2010 model year
- Toyota Canada — The all-new 2014 Toyota Highlander (2013)
- Toyota Canada — Highlander specifications, 2016 model year
- Toyota Canada — The all-new 2020 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid (2019)
- Toyota Canada — Now on sale: the 2026 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid (2025)
- Toyota — 2004 Highlander owner's manual, OM48478U
- Toyota — 2007 Highlander owner's manual, OM48682U
- Toyota — 2008 Highlander owner's manual, OM48851U
- Toyota — 2011 Highlander owner's manual, OM48A73U
- Toyota — 2013 Highlander owner's manual, OM48A38U
- Toyota — 2015 Highlander owner's manual, OM48E98U
- Toyota — 2017 Highlander owner's manual, OM0E017U
- Toyota — 2019 Highlander owner's manual, OM0E047U
- Toyota — 2020 Highlander owner's manual, OM0E036U
- Toyota — 2022 Highlander owner's manual, OM0E137U
- Toyota — 2023 Highlander owner's manual, OM0E055U
- Toyota — 2024 Highlander owner's manual, OM0E194U
- Transport Canada — Recall 2004-127, Toyota Highlander (2004)
- Transport Canada — Recall database, Toyota Highlander recalls (accessed 2026)
- NHTSA — Recall campaign 04V181000 (2004)
- NHTSA — Recalls by vehicle, Toyota Highlander, by model year (accessed 2026)
- Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. via NHTSA — T-SB-0038-15, power back door does not close properly (2015)
- Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. via NHTSA — T-SB-0023-16, power back door inoperative (2016)
- Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. via NHTSA — T-SB-0057-18, immobilizer and smart key reset (2018)
- Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. via NHTSA — T-SB-0013-24, immobilizer reset and key registration (2024)
- NHTSA — Complaints by vehicle, Toyota Highlander, U.S. data, by model year (accessed 2026)
- Équité Association — Top 10 most stolen vehicles of 2019, Ontario
- Équité Association — Top 10 most stolen vehicles of 2020, Ontario
- Équité Association — Top 10 stolen vehicles, Ontario (2021 list)
- Équité Association — Top 10 most stolen vehicles, Ontario (2022 list)
- Équité Association — Top 10 most stolen vehicles by number of thefts, Ontario (2023 list)
- Équité Association — Top 10 most stolen vehicles by number of thefts, Canada (2023 list)
- Équité Association — Top 10 most stolen vehicles by number of thefts, Ontario (2024 list)
- Équité Association — Top 10 most stolen vehicles by number of thefts, Canada (2024 list)
- Équité Association — Annual top 10 most stolen vehicles, new #1 in Canada (2024)
- CBC News — Toyota and Lexus thefts in Ottawa and relay attacks (2019)
- Ken Tindell — CAN Injection, third-party security research (2023)
