One problem related to brake light on has been reported for the 2004 Toyota Highlander. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the 2004 Highlander.
While driving home from work pulled up to stop light with many other cars the light turned green and I got up to 20 mph and the brakes kicked on slowing me down to almost a stop, and creating a loud noise. The car behind hit me, but did not cause any damage. He said I had no brake lights. It will only go 15 mph before the vehicle traction control went on and stopped the car. There was no warning. The dealer said there was a technical service bulletin in for the problem. I think Toyota should fix this in a recall because it could cause serious injury , especially since it was the traction control system which activated for no reason and no brake lights went on.