VehicleVerdict

2007 Toyota Highlander problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2007 Toyota Highlander sits mid-pack among Highlander years: 159 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 237, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (35), electrical system (28), and speed control (16), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

159

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other Highlander years?

Highlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted613 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 158 complaints2002: 335 complaints2003: 316 complaints2004: 337 complaints2005: 289 complaints2006: 344 complaints2007: 159 complaints2008: 502 complaints2009: 178 complaints2010: 272 complaints2011: 229 complaints2012: 228 complaints2013: 280 complaints2014: 158 complaints2015: 245 complaints2016: 137 complaints2017: 364 complaints2018: 342 complaints2019: 613 complaints2020: 348 complaints2021: 590 complaints2022: 291 complaints2023: 219 complaints2024: 54 complaints2025: 9 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Highlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Highlander years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 Toyota Highlander problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes3522%
Electrical System2818%
Speed Control1610%
Visibility & Wipers159%
Tires & Wheels149%
Other106%
Engine96%
Transmission85%
Fuel System64%
Steering64%
Body & Structure53%
Suspension21%
Airbags21%
Driver Assistance11%
Trailer Hitch11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2007 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V396000SeatsJune 2, 2016 · 7,749 units

Defect

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

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.

14V743000SeatsNovember 19, 2014 · 3,233 units

Defect

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

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.

10V035000OtherFebruary 3, 2010 · 271,417 units

Defect

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

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.

10V036000OtherFebruary 3, 2010 · 153,418 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 21, 2010 · crash

“TL-WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE MEDIAN AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE IN ANOTHER PARKING SPACE. THE FAILURE MILES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILES ARE 45,000 MILES. AA”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 19, 2008 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN ENTERING A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD WITHOUT INTENTION. CONSEQUENTLY SHE CRASHED INTO A SIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN INSTALLED A SECONDARY HOOK TO SECURE THE FLOOR-MAT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 16, 2009 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 2, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIMS ON THE VEHICLE WERE VERY RUSTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE DETAILS OF THE DIAGNOSIS COULD NOT BE PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 21, 2016

2007 Toyota Highlander — common questions

Is the 2007 Toyota Highlander reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 159 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Highlander year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2007 Highlander problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (35 complaints), electrical system (28 complaints), speed control (16 complaints).

Does the 2007 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2007 Toyota Highlander. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Highlander years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Highlander years to avoid are 2019, 2021, 2008, 2017. The cleanest record among Highlander years belongs to 2000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.