2007 Toyota Highlander: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2007 Toyota Highlander? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 123 complaints, with Brake System as the top reported area.
2007 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2007 Toyota Highlander trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2007 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2007 Toyota Highlander has 123 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Highlander
- Model year
- 2007
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 123
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2007 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Electrical Faults
Unintended Acceleration
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Electrical Faults, Unintended Acceleration. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2007 Toyota Highlander?
The 2007 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2007 Toyota Highlander
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system, including pads, rotors, and ABS components.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially brakes and electrical systems.
- Test drive to check for unintended acceleration or brake response issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system, including pads, rotors, and ABS components.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially brakes and electrical systems.
- Test drive to check for unintended acceleration or brake response issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2007 Toyota Highlander, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2007 Toyota Highlander are concentrated in the brake system and electrical faults, with unintended acceleration also notable. Crash-related complaints are present but limited. The data is based on a single model year and consumer-submitted reports, so patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Brake system complaints are the most numerous, accounting for 35 of 123 total complaints.
- Electrical faults are the second most reported issue, with 23 complaints.
- Unintended acceleration complaints total 16, which may be a concern for buyers.
- Brake System: 35 complaints suggest potential issues with braking performance or components.
- Electrical Faults: 23 complaints indicate possible problems with wiring, sensors, or electronic modules.
- Unintended Acceleration: 16 complaints may point to throttle or cruise control system anomalies.
All 2007 Toyota Highlander Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2007 Toyota Highlander. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 35 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 23 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 16 | 8 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2007 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 …
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 HU…
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 …
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2007 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 116,000, and at the t…
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 fi…
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 t…
While driving a vehicle came across me and when i pressed on the brake hard, the car would stop normally, and ABS, brake, VSC came on the display along with a high pitch sound. I quickly reacted by pressing the E-Brake and shift to B - braking mode to be able to stop or slow down…
The VTT - I oil line leaks oil may burst
Driving at about 50 mph on two lane road, the VSC and ABS lights come on with a little chime warning, along with some other warnings. Check VSC is also in the small screen instead of the odometer. Toyota knows about ABS actuator issues on this vehicle, but Toyota did not extend t…
All of the sensors for tires were removed before I bought this car and the tire light keeps on(the pressure is good). My friend said they might adjust the mileage, I wonder if there is something wrong with this car. There was only one break working while getting this car, the me…
While driving down the 405fwy downhill, all my lights went off and showed VSC system on my dashboard. This part of the fwy is not extremely steep but somewhat is. When applying my brakes it was hard to get my vehicle to stop especially because I’m on a freeway and when trying to…
we were station in the Military base in Belle chasse LA. I'm having a SAFETY issue with the vehicle brake system and ABS.I contacted Toyota and nothing was done this vehicle has like 76000 miles and this a mayor concerned, and safety issue I believe this is a factory problem from…
The 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and certain Prius and Lexus models were equipped with an ABS actuator that could potentially fail and cause serious injuries and or death. A safety notice and enhanced warranty covered the parts and labor 10 years later; however, after the 10 yea…
Was driving on highway and Check Hybrid System, Check ABS System and Check VSC system flashed on dash, lost all power. Had to manage my way and pull over on the side as I could not accelerate anymore. Sent vehicle to 3 shops/dealerships, NOBODY can figure out what is wrong and …
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.
WE HAVE A 2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID LIMITED WITH APPROXIMATELY 150K MILES. IN OCTOBER 2017 WE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE BREAKING PULSING AND SQUEAKING ISSUES. UPON INSPECTION AT PRECISION TOYOTA OF TUCSON, AZ, IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE BREAK ACTUATOR. THE BREAK ACTUATOR FAILURE I…
C1391 ' ABNORMAL LEAK OF ACCUMULATOR PRESSURE WHILE DRIVING
ALL MOTOR MOUNTS ARE ROTTED. WHILE DRIVING WHEN TAKE FOOT OFF THE GAS, THE CAR SWAYS AND PULLS. IT HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS.
ABOUT A MONTH AGO, MY WIFE CALLED ME FROM FAR AWAY TELLING ME THAT SHE SUDDENLY HAD BRAKE-RELATED WARMING LIGHTS. I QUICKLY READ UP ON THE ABS SYSTEM FAILURES IN THIS CAR, AND SINCE SHE DID NOT YET HAVE SYMPTOMS, I TOLD HER TO DRIVE BACK CAREFULLY. I THEN REVIEWED MY FILES ON…
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…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2007 Toyota Highlander.
2007 Toyota Highlander Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2007 Toyota Highlander. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2007 Toyota Highlander Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2007 Toyota Highlander reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 123 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2007 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Toyota Highlander?▾
#1: Brake System (35 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (23 complaints). #3: Unintended Acceleration (16 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2007 Toyota Highlander?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2007 Toyota Highlander?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2007 Toyota Highlander, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 123 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2007 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2007 Toyota Highlander. A major recall area is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2007 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2007 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2007 Toyota Highlander based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.