NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
123 reports152,000 miles · Sep 14, 2016
Electrical SystemFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. AFTER THE CONTACT RETURNED HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE, THE HORN STARTED TO BEEP. THE CONTACT WALKED OUTSIDE AND OBSERVED SPARKS UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH THE HOSE, BUT THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. AFTER THE CONTACT RETURNED HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE, THE HORN STARTED TO BEEP. THE CONTACT WALKED OUTSIDE AND OBSERVED SPARKS UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH THE HOSE, BUT THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 152,000.
NHTSA ODI #10906400
30,000 miles · Sep 10, 2016
Unknown Or Other
DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, HEARD AN EXTREMELY LOUD BANG. CHECKED WINDOWS AND WINDSHIELDS, AT THAT TIME, BUT DIDN'T THINK TO CHECK THE MOON ROOF. A FEW DAYS LATER (YESTERDAY), I TRIED TO OPEN THE MOONROOF AND DISCOVERED THAT IT HAD SHATTERED.
NHTSA ODI #10905495
120,000 miles · Sep 7, 2016
Visibility/wiper
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…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10904275
18 miles · Jul 11, 2016
Electrical SystemService Brakes
HAZARDOUS SAFETY ISSUE. POSSIBLE MANUFACTURER DEFECT TO ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON 2001-2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDERS. WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH OR LOW RATE OF SPEED, THERE HAS BEEN MANY CLOSE CALLS OF BEING HIT FROM BEHIND DUE TO THE MANUFACTURER DEFECT TO THEIR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OR WIRING IN SPECIFIC TO REAR BRAKING LIGHTS. WHEN DEPRES…
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HAZARDOUS SAFETY ISSUE. POSSIBLE MANUFACTURER DEFECT TO ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON 2001-2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDERS. WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH OR LOW RATE OF SPEED, THERE HAS BEEN MANY CLOSE CALLS OF BEING HIT FROM BEHIND DUE TO THE MANUFACTURER DEFECT TO THEIR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OR WIRING IN SPECIFIC TO REAR BRAKING LIGHTS. WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE REAR PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON. LIGHT BULBS CHANGED, FUSE WAS CHECKED AND CONNECTORS CHECKED. THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE IDENTICAL RELATED ISSUES REPORTED BY CONSUMERS ON MANY BLOGS AND FORUMS ONLINE. ONLY REMEDY MENTIONED WAS TO HAVE THE TOYOTA DEALER TO REPLACE THE ELECTRICAL BRAKING COMPONENT OR CIRCUITRY. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2001-2007 ON THE CRITICAL BRAKING SYSTEMS ON THESE VEHICLES. WHY DO CONSUMERS HAVE TO PAY UPWARDS OF $400 TO REPLACE WHAT APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURER ISSUE. THIS IS A ACCIDENT MADE TO HAPPEN. ALSO DUE TO THEIR POOR DESIGN, THE VEHICLE CAN'T PASS THE STATE'S VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION.
NHTSA ODI #10884049
Mileage unknown · Apr 27, 2016
Visibility/wiper
"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 L…
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"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.
NHTSA ODI #10861738
115,000 miles · Mar 4, 2016
Visibility/wiper
STARTING IN OCTOBER OF 2015 AND CONTINUING TO THIS DAY, THE SUN VISOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE REFUSES TO STAY IN THE FULLY UPRIGHT/TUCKED TO THE HEADLINER POSITION PRESENTING A VISIBILITY PROBLEM WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION. WHEN TURNING LEFT, IT GETS DRAMATICALLY WORSE AND COMPLETELY BLOCKS MY VIEW, REQUIRING ME TO REMOVE MY LEFT …
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STARTING IN OCTOBER OF 2015 AND CONTINUING TO THIS DAY, THE SUN VISOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE REFUSES TO STAY IN THE FULLY UPRIGHT/TUCKED TO THE HEADLINER POSITION PRESENTING A VISIBILITY PROBLEM WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION. WHEN TURNING LEFT, IT GETS DRAMATICALLY WORSE AND COMPLETELY BLOCKS MY VIEW, REQUIRING ME TO REMOVE MY LEFT HAND FROM THE WHEEL TO LIFT THE VISOR OUT OF THE WAY AND COMPLETE THE TURN ONE HANDED. THIS IS SITUATION IS UNSAFE ON A MULTITUDE OF LEVELS AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA.
NHTSA ODI #10839876
89,000 miles · Nov 17, 2015
Service Brakes
2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID LIMITED WAS EXPERIENCING CONCERNING BRAKES BEGINNING TO LURCH FORWARD, BRAKE PEDAL STIFFNESS, AND ASSOCIATED NOISE. IN SHORT, THE ISSUE IS A CRITICAL LOSS OF ASSISTED BRAKING. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN TEXAS AND WAS INSTRUCTED THAT THE ABS ACTUATOR HAD FAILED. MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THIS FAIL…
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2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID LIMITED WAS EXPERIENCING CONCERNING BRAKES BEGINNING TO LURCH FORWARD, BRAKE PEDAL STIFFNESS, AND ASSOCIATED NOISE. IN SHORT, THE ISSUE IS A CRITICAL LOSS OF ASSISTED BRAKING. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN TEXAS AND WAS INSTRUCTED THAT THE ABS ACTUATOR HAD FAILED. MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THIS FAILURE IS FAIRLY COMMON IN TOYOTA HYBIRDS FROM 07 (BOTH HIGHLANDER AND CAMRY). THE HIGHLANDER ABS ACTUATOR COMPONENT IS IDENTICAL TO THE ABS ACTUATOR IN THE 2007 CAMRY HYBRID THAT WAS THE SUBJECT OF A NHTSA INVESTIGATION WHICH CULMINATED IN 2014 WITH TOYOTA ISSUING AN ENHANCED WARRANTY PROGRAM COVERING THE 2007 CAMRY HYBRID (NHTSA INVESTIGATION PE 14-001, CONDUCTED BY KAREEM HABIB). WAS INFORMED THAT OTHER OWNERS OF 2007 HIGHLANDER HYBRIDS HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS. A QUICK SEARCH ONLINE SHOWS THAT THESE ISSUES ARE QUITE UBIQUITOUS IN THE 07 HYBRID MODELS. THIS PRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. I SUBSEQUENTLY RELOCATED FOR WORK TO THE WASHINGTON, DC AREA AND CALLED TOYOTA TO SEE IF THEY WOULD OFFER A FIX OR COVER THE REPAIR. WAS INSTRUCTED TO BRING THE CAR INTO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THAT THE ISSUE IS A FAULTY ABS ACTUATOR (DESIGN DEFECT) AND THE COST OF REPAIR/REPLACEMENT WOULD BE $3506.02. DEALERSHIP SENT TOYOTA CORPORATE THE INFORMATION AND REQUESTED THAT THEY REPAIR BE COVERED. TOYOTA CORPORATE DENIED COVERAGE OF THE REPAIR. WAS ALSO INSTRUCTED BY TOYOTA CORPORATE THAT DESPITE THE FACT THEY HAD REQUESTED THAT I TAKE THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP, I OWED $129.95 FOR THE MECHANICAL INSPECTION. THE FAILURE OF ASSISTED BRAKING PRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. THIS ISSUE WAS RECOGNIZED BY NHTSA IN IT'S AFOREMENTIONED INVESTIGATION OF IDENTICAL FAILURES IN THE 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID. I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT NHTSA INITIATE AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE 07 HIGHLANDER HYBRID ABS ACTUATOR.
NHTSA ODI #10794337
60,500 miles · Oct 22, 2015
Electrical SystemSteeringUnknown Or Other
ON MY 2007 TOYOTA HIGH LANDER THE HORN HAS STOPPED WORKING I HAVE NO HORN , WHEN I PRESS THE HORN BUTTON IT DOES NOT SOUND THE HORN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY CHECK THE HORN AND THE DEALER SAID IT WAS WORKING AFTER I LEFT THE DEALER IT DID NOT WORK , I ASKEDTHE SERVICE ADVISER AND HE SAID ITS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, ,…
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ON MY 2007 TOYOTA HIGH LANDER THE HORN HAS STOPPED WORKING I HAVE NO HORN , WHEN I PRESS THE HORN BUTTON IT DOES NOT SOUND THE HORN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY CHECK THE HORN AND THE DEALER SAID IT WAS WORKING AFTER I LEFT THE DEALER IT DID NOT WORK , I ASKEDTHE SERVICE ADVISER AND HE SAID ITS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, , THE HORN STILL DOES NOT WORK I STILL HAVE NO WORKING HORN, SOMETHING IS GROUNDING OUT IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I STILL HAVE NO WORKING HORN AND THE DEALER CANT FIND THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10785245
110,000 miles · Sep 24, 2015
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT IT TOOK A LONGER DISTANCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. 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 VE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT IT TOOK A LONGER DISTANCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. 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.
NHTSA ODI #10775915
101,500 miles · Sep 3, 2015
Engine
WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF THIS CAR. WE HAVE CHANGED THE OIL AND OIL FILTER AS REQUIRED BY TOYOTA. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM UNTIL THE LAST FEW MONTHS. ALL OF A SUDDEN WE ARE GOING THROUGH MULTIPLE QUARTS OF OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. WE NEVER HAD TO ADD OIL PREVIOUSLY. SEARCHING ONLINE I SEE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. I ALSO READ THAT…
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WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF THIS CAR. WE HAVE CHANGED THE OIL AND OIL FILTER AS REQUIRED BY TOYOTA. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM UNTIL THE LAST FEW MONTHS. ALL OF A SUDDEN WE ARE GOING THROUGH MULTIPLE QUARTS OF OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. WE NEVER HAD TO ADD OIL PREVIOUSLY. SEARCHING ONLINE I SEE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. I ALSO READ THAT TOYOTA WON'T FIX IT. WANTED TO ADD MY NAME TO THE LIST OF COMPLAINTS IN THE HOPE THAT TOYOTA WILL BE FORCED TO FIX THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10761382
Official recalls
4Jun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Nov 19, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Feb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Feb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗