A Guide to the Front Wiper Motor for the 2001-2013 Toyota Highlander
Wipers acting up on your Highlander? Find out if it’s the motor and how to choose the right replacement.
- Before replacing the motor, always check for a loose 14mm wiper arm nut and inspect the plastic bushings on the wiper linkage, as these are common, cheaper failures.
- Symptoms of a bad motor include slow operation, single-speed function, incorrect parking, or complete failure.
- Replacing the motor is a feasible DIY task, but a wiper arm puller tool may be necessary if the arms are stuck.
- Aftermarket brands like Cardone and WAI Global offer a cost-effective alternative to OEM parts for this repair.
Is It Really Your Wiper Motor?
CHECK THIS FIRST: Before you buy a new motor, check two very common and cheaper-to-fix issues on 2001-2013 Highlanders. First, pop the plastic cap at the base of the non-working wiper arm and check if the 14mm nut is tight. It can loosen over time, causing the arm to stop moving even if the motor is fine. Second, the wiper linkage (or transmission) that connects the motor to the arms often fails. Plastic bushings on the linkage can break or pop off, causing one or both wipers to stop moving. 🎬 Watch: How to diagnose common wiper and linkage failures. You may hear the motor running, but the arms won't move correctly.
Symptoms of a Failing Wiper Motor
If you've ruled out a loose nut and a broken linkage, the motor itself might be the problem. Here are the classic signs of a bad wiper motor on a Highlander:
- Slow or Sluggish Wipers: The wipers move much slower than they used to on all speed settings.
- Only One Speed Works: You might lose your low or high speed setting, with the wipers only working on one speed.
- Wipers Don't "Park" Correctly: When you turn the wipers off, they stop in the middle of the windshield instead of returning to the bottom.
- Intermittent or No Operation: The wipers work sometimes, or they don't work at all. You may hear a humming sound from the motor when you turn the switch on, but there's no movement.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Wiper Motor
For a vehicle like the 2001-2013 Highlander, an aftermarket wiper motor is a practical and cost-effective choice compared to a new OEM part from the dealer. Aftermarket parts are designed to fit and function just like the original. Here’s a look at the brands available:
- Value Tier (Replacement): This is typically a store or house brand. These parts are built to original specifications for a direct fit and are the most budget-friendly option. They are a good choice for getting the job done without the higher cost of a name brand.
- Standard Tier (Cardone & WAI Global): Both Cardone and WAI Global are well-known aftermarket manufacturers. Cardone offers both new and remanufactured parts and has a long history in the industry. WAI Global is a large producer of automotive electronics, and their new motors are engineered to meet or exceed OEM standards. Some forum users have noted that parts from both brands can look identical, suggesting they may be manufactured in the same facility. While some online discussions show mixed reviews for these brands on other vehicles, they are generally considered reliable standard replacements.
Pro Tip: When you remove the old motor, you will need to transfer the crank arm from the old motor to the new one. Make sure to mark the position of the arm on the motor shaft before you remove it to ensure the new installation has the correct wiper timing.
🎬 See this step-by-step walkthrough for replacing the wiper motor.Cost of Replacing a Toyota Highlander Wiper Motor
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Motor | $79 - $237 |
| New OEM Motor | $155 - $250 |
| Shop Labor | $100 - $200 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there any recalls on the 2001-2013 Highlander wiper motor?
No, searches of the NHTSA database did not find any safety recalls specifically for the front wiper motor on 2001-2013 Toyota Highlander models. There was a recall for a wiper *switch* on some 2013 models, but this did not involve the motor itself.
How do I know if it's the motor or the wiper linkage?
A good way to check is to listen. If you turn on the wipers and hear the motor humming or whirring but the arms don't move (or only one moves), the problem is likely a broken linkage or a loose wiper arm nut. If you hear nothing, or the wipers are just very slow or intermittent, the motor is a more likely suspect.
Is replacing the wiper motor a DIY job?
Yes, for someone with basic mechanical skills, this is a manageable DIY project. It involves removing the wiper arms, the plastic cowl panel, and then unbolting the motor from the linkage assembly. 🎬 Watch: How to remove the cowl and replace the transmission. The most common difficulty is the wiper arms being seized on their posts; a simple tool called a wiper arm puller can make this step much easier.
Is the front wiper motor the same for the 1st Gen (2001-2007) and 2nd Gen (2008-2013) Highlander?
No, the part numbers are different between the two generations. They are not interchangeable. Always confirm the part fits your specific model year before purchasing.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 85150-48060 (Linkage, 2001-2007) 85150-0E040 (Linkage, 2008-2013) 85110-48051 (Motor, 2001-2007) 85110-0E030 (Motor, 2008-2010) 85110-0E060 (Motor, 2011-2013)
The front wiper motor is a 12V DC electric motor. It bolts directly to the wiper linkage/transmission assembly, which is mounted to the vehicle's firewall underneath the plastic cowl cover.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Toyota Highlander: