2007 Toyota Highlander Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2007 Toyota Highlander, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes3523.6%
- Electrical2315.5%
- Driver assistance2013.5%
- Visibility1510.1%
- Engine96.1%
- Other / unspecified85.4%
- Tires & wheels85.4%
- Fuel system64.1%
- Steering64.1%
- Body & structure53.4%
- Transmission53.4%
- Powertrain (other)32.0%
- Suspension21.4%
- Airbags21.4%
- Seat belts10.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
2007 HYBRID ABS BRAKE ACTUATOR PROBLEM. THE PRIMER MOTOR CONTINUES TO RUN TO PRIME THE PUMP EVEN WHEN CAR IF OFF. THE HUMMING NOISE CHANGES WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE BRAKES TO LOAD KNOCKING GROANING NOISES. NO DASH WARNING SIGNS. I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED AND IT HAS ALWAYS MADE THE HUMMING NOISE SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I THOUGHT THIS WAS NORMAL FOR A HYBRID. SOMETIMES BRAKE PEDAL WOULD PUSH EASILY TO FLOOR, BUT THEN GET TIGHTER. I WOULD HEAR THE KNOCKING GRINDING NOISE. NO WARNING LIGHTS, HAD BRAKES CHECKED AND THEY ARE GOOD. THOUGHT MAYBE AIR IN LINE. THIS NOISE AND LOOSE PEDAL STARTED ABOUT 1 YEAR AGO. 6/2024 IT DID NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME. I ALSO HAVE A COMPANY CAR, SO I DO NOT DRIVE THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER THAT OFTEN. NOW I CANNOT DRIVE IT AT ALL. FOR FEAR THAT THE BRAKES WOULD GO OUT. I STARTED LOOKING FURTHER ONLINE ON INFORMATION REGARDING THIS. IT SEEMS TOYOTA AND LEXUS RX 300 HYBRIDS (SAME PART MODEL NUMBER) 44510-48060 ARE ALL DOING THIS. I LOOKED UP RECALL'S AND NOTHING FOR ABS HYBRID PROBLEMS. JUST LAST WEEK ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON IN MY CAR BRAKE VSC. READING ALL THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS ABS ACTUATOR PUMP, THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED. 6/2025 PER ONLINE, IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA IN THE HYBRID MODELS. ALL OF THESE UNITS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED, ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. USUALLY TOYOTA'S RUN UP TO AND OVERR 300K MILES. I PLANNED ON KEEPING MINE AROUND. BUT IT IS A 2007 WITH 189K MILES ON IT. I AM NOT SURE I WANT TO INVEST $2000.00 ON JUST A PART FOR A CAR THIS OLD! JUNK YARDS SELL USED ONES FOR $800+. SAME MODEL NUMBER AND ONLY IN TIME THAT WILL FAIL. APPARENTLY TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A NEW MODEL NUMBER 44510-48061. THERE IS ALSO ANOTHER NEW MODEL 44050-48191. THE REPLACEMENT PART (NO LABOR) VARIES IN PRICE 44510-48060 NEW $1200.00, 44510-48061 $1350.00, 44050-48191 $2000.00
My vehicle about a year ago started to display the dash lights for the VSC, ABS, and Emergency Brake however there was no indication from the feel of the brakes as they were applied, or any indication that something was wrong with the vehicle. I had my brakes replaced on my rear tires, and for a time the lights went off. In April of 2025, the lights came back on however this time there was a distinct feeling that the brakes weren't working. I had the calipers, pads, rotors, and a tube replaced, however the lights are still on, and the vehicle now violently shakes after reaching speeds of 45 mph (mirroring the complaints from the following site: [XXX] ). Toyota has refused to acknowledge this and put consumers out thousands of dollars. This is clearly something toyota needs to honor. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle was purchased from a private seller on Facebook Marketplace on 9/3/2025. The mileage at the time of purchase was 129,950. The contact wanted a larger vehicle and called another dealer on Facebook Marketplace to trade the vehicle and was provided the most recent mileage recorded for the vehicle on November 17, 2021, at 262,597 miles. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was recorded to have over 150,000 miles over 4 years before the purchase. The contact reached out to the owner who sold the vehicle to the private seller who the contact purchased the vehicle from, and it was confirmed that on July 27, 2025, the vehicle was sold at 299,150 miles. The contact had not reported to any other agencies but had planned to.
2007 HYBRID ABS BRAKE ACTUATOR PROBLEM. THE PRIMER MOTOR CONTINUES TO RUN TO PRIME THE PUMP EVEN WHEN CAR IF OFF. THE HUMMING NOISE CHANGES WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE BRAKES TO LOAD KNOCKING GROANING NOISES. NO DASH WARNING SIGNS. I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED AND IT HAS ALWAYS MADE THE HUMMING NOISE SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I THOUGHT THIS WAS NORMAL FOR A HYBRID. SOMETIMES BRAKE PEDAL WOULD PUSH EASILY TO FLOOR, BUT THEN GET TIGHTER. I WOULD HEAR THE KNOCKING GRINDING NOISE. NO WARNING LIGHTS, HAD BRAKES CHECKED AND THEY ARE GOOD. THOUGHT MAYBE AIR IN LINE. THIS NOISE AND LOOSE PEDAL STARTED ABOUT 1 YEAR AGO. 6/2024 IT DID NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME. I ALSO HAVE A COMPANY CAR, SO I DO NOT DRIVE THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER THAT OFTEN. NOW I CANNOT DRIVE IT AT ALL. FOR FEAR THAT THE BRAKES WOULD GO OUT. I STARTED LOOKING FURTHER ONLINE ON INFORMATION REGARDING THIS. IT SEEMS TOYOTA AND LEXUS RX 300 HYBRIDS (SAME PART MODEL NUMBER) 44510-48060 ARE ALL DOING THIS. I LOOKED UP RECALL'S AND NOTHING FOR ABS HYBRID PROBLEMS. JUST LAST WEEK ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON IN MY CAR BRAKE VSC. READING ALL THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS ABS ACTUATOR PUMP, THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED. 6/2025 PER ONLINE, IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA IN THE HYBRID MODELS. ALL OF THESE UNITS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED, ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. USUALLY TOYOTA'S RUN UP TO AND OVERR 300K MILES. I PLANNED ON KEEPING MINE AROUND. BUT IT IS A 2007 WITH 189K MILES ON IT. I AM NOT SURE I WANT TO INVEST $2000.00 ON JUST A PART FOR A CAR THIS OLD! JUNK YARDS SELL USED ONES FOR $800+. SAME MODEL NUMBER AND ONLY IN TIME THAT WILL FAIL. APPARENTLY TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A NEW MODEL NUMBER 44510-48061. THERE IS ALSO ANOTHER NEW MODEL 44050-48191. THE REPLACEMENT PART (NO LABOR) VARIES IN PRICE 44510-48060 NEW $1200.00, 44510-48061 $1350.00, 44050-48191 $2000.00
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle about a year ago started to display the dash lights for the VSC, ABS, and Emergency Brake however there was no indication from the feel of the brakes as they were applied, or any indication that something was wrong with the vehicle. I had my brakes replaced on my rear tires, and for a time the lights went off. In April of 2025, the lights came back on however this time there was a distinct feeling that the brakes weren't working. I had the calipers, pads, rotors, and a tube replaced, however the lights are still on, and the vehicle now violently shakes after reaching speeds of 45 mph (mirroring the complaints from the following site: [XXX] ). Toyota has refused to acknowledge this and put consumers out thousands of dollars. This is clearly something toyota needs to honor. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
MY VCS LIGHT,ABS,BRAKE,TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS ON. PLUS A HORRIBLE BUZZING NOISE ALWAYS ON. BRAKES ARE HARD TO PRESS DOWN ON. IT HAPPENED WHEN WE WERE DRIVING IT.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I RETURNED HOME IN THE LATE AFTERNOON TO FIND MY REAR WINDSHIELD COMPLETELY SHATTERED AND WITH A BASKETBALL SIZED HOLE. GLASS WAS ALL OVER THE DRIVEWAY. THERE WAS NO GLASS NOR OBJECT OF DESTRUCTION IN THE TRUNK. THE TRUCK WAS LOCKED AND THERE WASN'T ANY OTHER DAMAGE. THE WINDSHIELD APPEARED TO BE BOWED OUTWARD A BIT. IT WAS A WARM DAY BUT COOLER COMPARED TO TEMPS THE PAST FEW WEEKS.
"SUN VISOR FAILURE!" - DRIVER'S SIDE. JUST ANOTHER TO ADD TO THE NUMEROUS OTHER CONCERNED FAMILIES. NO HELP THROUGH TOYOTA MAIN SAFETY NUMBER AT 1-800-331-4331CASE #1604262701. VERIFIED WITH THE REPRESENTATIVE THAT I AM NOT THE FIRST TO REPORT THIS PROBLEM. WHILE THERE IS A RECALL ON 2010-2013 HIGHLANDERS, ALL PRIOR HAVE BEEN LEFT OUT. AS OF THE TIME OF THIS COMPLAINT, A LARGE AIR BAG RECALL, AMONG MANY MANUFACTURERS, IS TAKING PLACE. WHICH IS MORE DANGEROUS: THE REMOTE POSSIBILITY OF AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT? (OR) DRIVER'S LOSS OF VISION IN HEAVY TRAFFIC DUE TO A FAULTY SUN VISOR, WHICH MAY CAUSE AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT? THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FOUND ONLINE ACROSS ALL MODELS. I ALSO FOUND THAT MANY OF THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE WERE REGARDING "SUN VISOR FAILURE." IN MY OPINION, SOMEONE MAYBE "ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL. TOYOTA YOU'RE BETTER THAN THIS.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The VTT - I oil line leaks oil may burst
2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID WITH 100,000 MILES STALLED AND DIED WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT APPROX 65-70MPH, ILLUMINATING MULTIPLE WARNING AND SAFETY LIGHTS ON DASH BEFORE BECOMING INOPERABLE. CAR WAS TOWED TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. LOCAL REPAIR SHOP STATES THE HYBRID SYSTEM FAILED.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Only six months after installation as a set of 4 new tires at Sam's Club in May 2021, multiple cracks start to develop around the rims on both inside and outside of the tires. With time, the cracks grow in size. This happens on two tires, one is on the front passage side, and the other on the rear driver side.
I BOUGHT FOUR GOODYEAR ASSURANCE TRIPLE TREAD TIRES ON JAN. 29, 2013. AFTER ABOUT A YEAR I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MAINTAINING AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO WHERE I BOUGHT THE TIRES AND THEY WOULD DO MAINTENANCE SUCH AS REMOUNTING OR REPLACING VALVE STEMS. I STILL WOULD HAVE AIR PRESSURE ISSUES. ON DEC. 9, 2016 WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I NOTICED A THUMPING NOISE. IT GOT PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER AND MADE THE VEHICLE SWAY. I PULLED TO THE EMERGENCY BERM AND SAW THAT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I TOOK THE TIRE BACK TO CONRAD'S TIRE EXPRESS & TOTAL CARE WHICH WHERE I BOUGHT THE TIRES FROM. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN PUT AIR IN THE TIRE AND SAID THAT THERE WERE BROKEN BELTS IN THE SIDE WALL. HE LAID THE BLAME TO A ROAD HAZARD PROBLEM AND LAID THE BLAME OF LOSING AIR TO DEFECTIVE TOYOTA RIMS, EVEN THOUGH WITH THE ORIGINAL TIRES ON THE VEHICLE I NEVER EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM OF LOSING AIR FROM THE TIRES. MY OPINION IS THAT THE TIRES MUST BE DEFECTIVE SINCE THEY CAN NOT MAINTAIN AIR PRESSURE. THIS IS A REAL CONCERN SINCE THE POSSIBILITY OF SOMEONE BEING INJURED OR KILLED BECAUSE OF A TIRE BLOW OUT. *TR
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Only six months after installation as a set of 4 new tires at Sam's Club in May 2021, multiple cracks start to develop around the rims on both inside and outside of the tires. With time, the cracks grow in size. This happens on two tires, one is on the front passage side, and the other on the rear driver side.
I BOUGHT FOUR GOODYEAR ASSURANCE TRIPLE TREAD TIRES ON JAN. 29, 2013. AFTER ABOUT A YEAR I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MAINTAINING AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO WHERE I BOUGHT THE TIRES AND THEY WOULD DO MAINTENANCE SUCH AS REMOUNTING OR REPLACING VALVE STEMS. I STILL WOULD HAVE AIR PRESSURE ISSUES. ON DEC. 9, 2016 WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I NOTICED A THUMPING NOISE. IT GOT PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER AND MADE THE VEHICLE SWAY. I PULLED TO THE EMERGENCY BERM AND SAW THAT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I TOOK THE TIRE BACK TO CONRAD'S TIRE EXPRESS & TOTAL CARE WHICH WHERE I BOUGHT THE TIRES FROM. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN PUT AIR IN THE TIRE AND SAID THAT THERE WERE BROKEN BELTS IN THE SIDE WALL. HE LAID THE BLAME TO A ROAD HAZARD PROBLEM AND LAID THE BLAME OF LOSING AIR TO DEFECTIVE TOYOTA RIMS, EVEN THOUGH WITH THE ORIGINAL TIRES ON THE VEHICLE I NEVER EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM OF LOSING AIR FROM THE TIRES. MY OPINION IS THAT THE TIRES MUST BE DEFECTIVE SINCE THEY CAN NOT MAINTAIN AIR PRESSURE. THIS IS A REAL CONCERN SINCE THE POSSIBILITY OF SOMEONE BEING INJURED OR KILLED BECAUSE OF A TIRE BLOW OUT. *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE STRAPS SUPPORTING THE FUEL TANK BROKE. BOTH STRAPS BROKE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE, RENDERING IT UNDRIVABLE AS THE TANK WAS ON THE GROUND. WIFE HEARD A CLUNK WHEN AT A STOP, STARTED TO MOVE, HEARD SCRAPING. STOPPED, CHECKED, FOUND RIGHT SIDE OF FUEL TANK ON GROUND.
WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR DRIVING, OUR 2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID (246,000 MILES) WILL STALL, LIGHTING VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH. THE VEHICLE WILL (COAST TO A STOP IF BEING DRIVEN AND) HAVE TO BE RESTARTED. TOYOTA DID RECALL D0M TO ADDRESS CODE P0A40 TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. THE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE WAS DONE IN 2014. THE CODE WHICH CAME UP THEN IS THE VERY SAME CODE WHICH IS SHOWING NOW WHEN SCANNED. THE RECALL ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AGAIN. THE RECALL PROVIDES A NEW INTELLIGENT POWER MODULE (PART # 04001-29148 TRANSISTOR, PWR MODULE INTELLIGENT. NO2) AND SPECIFIC GREASE (PART # 08887-02409) TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT. I CHECKED AND PARTS ALONE COST THE CONSUMER AROUND $2600 (COLUMBUS OH), NOT COUNTING LABOR COSTS. TOYOTA SAID THEY WILL NOT DO THE RECALL AGAIN BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT HAD ENOUGH COMPLAINTS TO JUSTIFY ONE AND IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. I CALLED BACK MULTIPLE TIMES TO VERIFY THIS WAS THEIR STANCE ON THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE IS NOT TRUSTWORTHY TO MAINTAIN POWER WHILE BEING DRIVEN AND IT WILL STALL MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE STOPPED AT LIGHTS DURING THE DAY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle about a year ago started to display the dash lights for the VSC, ABS, and Emergency Brake however there was no indication from the feel of the brakes as they were applied, or any indication that something was wrong with the vehicle. I had my brakes replaced on my rear tires, and for a time the lights went off. In April of 2025, the lights came back on however this time there was a distinct feeling that the brakes weren't working. I had the calipers, pads, rotors, and a tube replaced, however the lights are still on, and the vehicle now violently shakes after reaching speeds of 45 mph (mirroring the complaints from the following site: [XXX] ). Toyota has refused to acknowledge this and put consumers out thousands of dollars. This is clearly something toyota needs to honor. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ALL MOTOR MOUNTS ARE ROTTED. WHILE DRIVING WHEN TAKE FOOT OFF THE GAS, THE CAR SWAYS AND PULLS. IT HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
BUYING NEW CAR, POTENTIAL BUYER OF THIS CAR HAD A MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT. FOUND EXTENSIVE RUST INVOLVING FRAME AND SUSPENSION. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I LIVE IN NC MOUNTAINS WITH EXTENSIVE SNOW AND ICE AND SALTED ROADS. TOYOTA HAS HAD PREVIOUS RUST ISSUES AND MECHANIC SAID HE'S SEEING THIS MORE WITH LOCAL HIGHLANDERS
2007 HIGHLANDER WHEELS ARE RUSTING SO BAD THAT 2 OF 4 TIRES ARE LOSING AIR PRESSURE. THIS 2007 WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM TOYOTA. WE HAD PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED A 2002 HIGHLANDER WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. I SEARCH ONLINE AND SEE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD SAME ISSUE WITH TOYOTA WHEELS. WHEELS SHOULD NOT RUST THIS BAD IN THIS SHORT A PERIOD OF TIME AND MILEAGE. LUCKILY WE HAD NO SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I MONITOR OUR VEHICLES CLOSELY. LOW TIRE PRESSURE COULD DEFINITELY CAUSE A SAFETY CONCERN FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT MONITOR THEIR CARS AS CLOSELY AS I DO. I FEEL TOYOTA HAS A QUALITY AND A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THESE WHEELS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2007 (7 SEATS) STALLS SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. I THOUGHT IT WAS NORMAL BUT IT IS BECOMING VERY DANGEROUS SINCE IT STALLS FOR A SEC OR 2 EVERYTIME YOU SLOW AND TRY TO ACCELERATE AFTERWARD. IT STALL MAINLY AT YIELD SIGN, WHEN SLOWLY TRYING TO CRUISE INTERSECTIONS AND WHEN YOU TRY TO PASS ON HIGHWAYS. I READ MANY STORY ON THE INTERNET WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
I CANNOT BELIEVE TOYOTA IS FINALLY BEING HELD TO TASK. IN 2007 I SENT YOU A COMPLAINT ABOUT TRANSMISSION HESITATION PROBLEMS IN THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. IT WAS SO SEVERE, MY WIFE REFUSED TO DRIVE IT, FEARING A COLLISION ON HIGHWAY ENTRY AS THE CAR HELD BACK AND THEN LURCHED FORWARD. DESPITE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET UNDER TRANSMISSION HESITATION FOR TOYOTA, TOYOTA REFUSED TO ADMIT THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND STILL DOES! WITH OTHER PROBLEMS NOW COMING TO LIGHT, I HOPE YOU WILL RE-LOOK AT THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED BECAUSE OF IT, SINCE THAT SEEMS TO BE THE ONLY THING THAT GENERATES THESE INVESTIGATIONS AS ARE NOW GOING ON. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH WILL SHOW YOU HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS AND THEY ARE ALL EXACTLY THE SAME- NOT LIKELY IF THE PROBLEM ISN'T REAL. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, LEFT REAR AXLE SNAPPED OFF AND FELL OFF VEHICLE. THE TRANSFER ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE. THERE IS NO EXPLANATION AS TO HOW THIS HAPPENED AND IF THERE ARE OTHER DEFECTIVE PARTS IN THE DRIVE TRAIN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE THE BEGAN TO DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION HOWEVER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THREE WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIR THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN SHE HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE TRANSMISSION INITIALLY DID NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
BUYING NEW CAR, POTENTIAL BUYER OF THIS CAR HAD A MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT. FOUND EXTENSIVE RUST INVOLVING FRAME AND SUSPENSION. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I LIVE IN NC MOUNTAINS WITH EXTENSIVE SNOW AND ICE AND SALTED ROADS. TOYOTA HAS HAD PREVIOUS RUST ISSUES AND MECHANIC SAID HE'S SEEING THIS MORE WITH LOCAL HIGHLANDERS
WATER PUMP BROKE, SUSPENSION LEAKING, BEARINGS BROKEN, ENGINE HEAD BOLTS ARE STRIPPED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKES ON A 2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CAR REAR ENDED A TRUCK. DRIVER BROKE RIGHT BRAKING ANKLE. NO SKID MARKS. DRIVER'S HEAD HIT STEERING WHEEL EVEN THOUGH AIR BAG DEPLOYED. BELIEVE AIR BAG ONLY PARTIALLY DEPLOYED. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, STRUCK A CURB, CROSSED THE MEDIAN, AND CRASHED INTO TWO PARKED VEHICLES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BUMPER AND DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WERE DAMAGED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE WITHIN 30 DAYS. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000. UPDATED 12/15/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER THE POILCE WERE NOT CALLED. UPDATED 12/15/08. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Subject: Urgent Safety Concern - Recurring Issues with Toyota Highlander Hybrid Models Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, We owned the car since almost new, after repeated attempts with Toyota, like others 300K customers from their own site, I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding persistent safety issues with Toyota Highlander Hybrid models, specifically between the years 2004 and 2007. Despite previous reports and numerous attempts to seek assistance from Toyota, the response has been unsatisfactory, with the company deflecting responsibility rather than providing a resolution. **Vehicle Information:** - Make: Toyota - Model: Highlander Hybrid - Year: 2007 - VIN: [XXX] **Description of the Issue:** 1) The primary concerns involve the hybrid a) BRAKE actuators failing/loosing braking power 2) the electrical inverters, which have shown a pattern of failure across many vehicles, including my own. 3) Leaky blow back from engine into intake. 4) Seat belts are not properly retracting, These failures could compromise the safety of the vehicle but also risk to the driver, passengers, and others on the road. **Previous Reports:** I have previously reported these issues to Toyota, but the attempts to resolve the matter have been met with deflection of blame. It is imperative to note that these issues are not isolated incidents but are widely reported by other owners of the same model. **Impact on Safety:** The malfunctioning of critical components such as the braking system has led to near-miss incidents that could have resulted in severe injuries or fatalities. It is unacceptable for such critical safety issues to remain unaddressed. **Request for Action:** I urge the NHTSA to investigate these reports thoroughly and take appropriate action to hold Toyota and its CEO accountable. The safety of countless drivers and the integrity of our transportation system depend on your prompt attention to this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .