Parts for your 2004 Toyota Highlander-Oil filter

2004 Toyota Highlander (Kluger): Oil Filter Facts and Service Advice

According to Toyota’s factory repair manual and the Toyota Genuine Parts catalogue, the 2004 Toyota Highlander (sold as Kluger in Australia and New Zealand) with the 2.4‑litre 2AZ‑FE or 3.3‑litre 3MZ‑FE petrol engines is equipped with a full‑flow, spin‑on engine oil filter. That makes the oil filter absolutely relevant and a normal service item on every one of these vehicles.

The oil filter’s job is simple but critical: it traps grit, metal particles, combustion by‑products, and sludge so the engine’s oil film stays clean and pressurised. Clean oil protects crank and cam bearings, hydraulic lifters, and VVT‑i components, helping the Highlander/Kluger run quietly and last longer. A quality filter also has an anti‑drainback valve to keep oil up in the galleries, reducing start‑up wear.

For routine servicing, the filter should be replaced at every oil change. For most Aussie and Kiwi driving, that’s typically every 8,000–10,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first. If the vehicle sees lots of short trips, towing, dusty roads, or hot conditions, shorten the interval. Use the correct spec oil (commonly 5W‑30 meeting API SL/SM or later) and a reputable filter. Genuine Toyota references commonly seen for these engines include 90915‑YZZF2 and 90915‑YZZD1, though part numbers can vary by market—check by VIN to be sure.

• Location: On the 2AZ‑FE 4‑cyl, the spin‑on filter sits low on the engine block