general problems of the 2007 Toyota Highlander

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).

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: jtehw21a570043517 **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.

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 dealer said it was the brake actuator that failed and its out of warrant, there was an enhancement warrant program that was issued by Toyota but expired. I feel the safety of people and property that this should've been a recall knowingly it can go out anytime. Contacted Toyota corp. And they said this would be an out of pocket cost to the consumer which is around $3000. The manufacturer knew this could go out at any moment and should've made the recall instead. During the enhancement warranty program they would not replace it since it was still functioning.

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 the warranty beyond 150k miles and 10 years. This could be a safety issue with the abs, vsc and brakes. Toyota published a "warranty enhancement program - zg1" on April 19, 2016, but only to dealers. After the initial warranty period, I've used independent repair shops, so I didn't get any notice. I did get other recall notices from Toyota on this vehicle and had them repaired by the dealer. Toyota should be more accountable for brake issues that could be safety related.

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 mechanics from other maintenance store found this critical issue out while I asked them to fix the working one. Nobody from that car dealer told me about this issue and let me drive this car with only one break for one month. Meanwhile, they promised me there would not be any safety issue and charged me for safety checking. Thank you for your time on my case. Best regards [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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 slow down because I’m going downhill. I had my family in the car. I can’t imagine if my my brakes actually gave what would happen. I researched this and Toyota only called this a “warranty extension” for your brake actuator. I can’t believe this hasn’t been classified as an official recall. Especially since it pertains to the brakes. An essential quality mechanism to prevent death. They obviously know they were in the wrong here since the warranted this as a “warranty extension”. All these vehicles should be recalled for human safety. Shame on them.

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 years was up, the owner would be responsible for the all the costs. I noticed the vehicle making erratic noises from the engine bay and discovered it was the brake actuator but no warning lights or significant braking issues were of concern around 1/5/22. On 1/30/22 I was driving the vehicle when suddenly multiple lights came on which include the vsc, abs, brake, warning light, and exclamation warning light came on. The vehicle started acting erratic with unusual power loss and poor braking responsiveness. This also occurred on my 2005 Toyota prius which I got into an accident in where the vehicle was totaled. This part should last the life of the vehicle, and if replaced in the past due to safety concerns under the enhanced warranty, all vehicles with the same old part number should be recalled and replaced at no charge to the owner.

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 day one. I have read thousands of same complaints on line with same problem. I also read that Toyota had the same issue with prius and my understanding is that it was a recall on those. My car is low in millage for the year and I have been the only owner. This is a safety issue and I need help I'm very concern for our safety and others . Thank you, and your attention to this matter is appreciated.

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.

C1391 � abnormal leak of accumulator pressure while driving.

My 2007 Highlander hybrid lost it's power brakes last week and I had to limp home, then have it towed to a dealer. They said my abs actuator needs to be replaced and it will cost me $2600! my car has 127,000 miles on it, and is in good shape, I have it serviced regularly. Why isn't my car part of the actuator recall?.

Toyota had previously recalled the abs brake module on several Toyota Highlanders. The same part that they recalled in other modules has now failed in my vehicle which has less than 130k miles on it. Per my mechanics instruction I have not driven the vehicle in months because it's not safe. The brakes aren't functioning properly and the vehicle will not completely stop when the brake pedal is fully engaged. It kind of grabs, and slips allowing the vehicle to roll forward or back depending on the gear the transmission is in. The abs module refurbished is $2500, not including installation.

In 2015 I was told by the Toyota dealer that my abs pump and accumulator needed to be replaced. That was done and I immediately starting having problems with the brakes. Two things: (1) per the service rep, this replacement needed to be done due to a pumping sound being emitted from the abs pump after the SUV was turned off. The exact same noise started up within a few days of the replacement. I took it back to the dealer and pointed the noise out and was told that that noise was "normal" (sic) (2) immediately after the new abs system was installed, a serious defect in the brakes appeared: as I pulled to a stop the car would speed up or suddenly move forward as if I had stopped braking. I would have to readjust my braking instantly to keep from having an accident. This has been scary for years. For years because each time I had the car serviced and brought this up to Toyota and test drives were performed, I was always told that they didn't experience it or didn't see it or some such. Twice they did other brake work which did nothing to solve the problem. Lastly, I was recently driving on highway us 19 and all the abs and brake warnings came on and a loud screech started and continued -- absolutely ear splitting. I put my foot on the brakes and the pedal went way down and with effort I was able to get the cfar to slow down. The power assist had disappeared along with the abs. The message in the readout states something like "vcs problem" or error -- I don't remember sitting here writing this, but it is a vcs problem. I called Toyota and was told that 6 months after my abs system was overhauled, a service bulletin was issued stating that the older (mine) abs pumps have cracks or a crack in them. I believe any auto with an abs system with a crack in the pump body should be recalled and those abs systems replaced at the cost of the Toyota.

Tl-the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the brake pedal was depressed but it took a longer distance to stop the vehicle, as the contact applied pressure to the pedal. The vsc warning light illuminated. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000. Oo.

I purchased a 2007 Toyota Highlander, hybrid in Sep of 2009. I have noticed an interruption in engaging the brakes every time I press the brake pedal. Toyota says this it a normal delay between the mechanical and abs engaging. I am a long time driver and this is very unsettling.

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.

Since the purchase of our 2007 Toyota Highlander hybrid we have had brake deceleration issues. The brakes seem to occasionally skip, then lurch forward as soon as the braking system initiates. While I have not gotten into any accident, I have become accustomed to braking early in preparation for stopping. It happens at low speeds (between 5-45mph) although that is when I'm most likely to come to a full stop. Not sure what would happen at full highway speed. Called the dealership and was told that this has not been reported to them, though they would take a look. After reading posts of identical braking issues, and with the acceleration issues in consideration I feel it best to file a complaint for the safety of my family.