One problem related to brake grinding noise has been reported for the 2005 Toyota Highlander. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the 2005 Highlander.
Brakes made metal/metal grinding noise. Found rear brake rotors badly corroded. Approx. 30% of both rotors functional. Seventy percent caked with thick rust. Driver's side rear caliper slider pin stuck. Front brakes did most of work, therefore pads are prematurely worn. In decades of driving, I've never had brake work before 80,000 miles. Car is used almost daily and always garaged. Rotor castings are defective and should have been recalled. Brakes have been inspected by Toyota dealer every 6 months. No problems were reported, but corrosion is severe, thick with flaking. I have dealer service records and photos to support my safety concerns. Toyota recalled 130,000 vehicles in china because of a defect in the rear wheel disk brakes which could possibly rust. Perhaps some of these rotors found their way on to our Highlander. My family and I have been driving an accident waiting to happen. Thankfully, no emergency stops have been required. How many other Highlanders have corroded, unsafe, brake rotors?.