Acceleration complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While driving ABS, vsc and check engine light illuminated, I continued driving (was 10 miles from home on fwy). Five minutes later I encountered traffic, traveling at 40-50 MPH I took foot off gas and began to apply brakes. Brakes immediately seized and the car started to skid. I released the brakes, then tried again, same result. I pulled to side of fwy and stopped. I drove surface streets using the parking brake when I needed to stop, until I got to my house. That evening and the next morning I checked toe cars operation, it didn't matter if I was traveling in FWD or reverse, the brakes immediately grabbed at the slightest application of the pedal. I took the car to a repair shop, he witnessed the same circumstance and did a computer diagnosis, which indicated a new brake actuator unit was needed ($3000). …
While pulling into a parking lot I heard a loud warning indicator inside the car and immediately noticed that I lost ability to brake. I was only traveling 10 MPH or less when this occurred and was able to slowly roll into a parking space. The ABS, vsc, and stability control lights were already on, and had been for months. Fred haas Toyota dealer in houston, tx area recommended having the ABS actuator replaced at a cost of $2700 for the part plus tax and labor. The braking seemed to work fine so I continued to drive the vehicle. This latest incident disabled the brakes almost entirely so I had to address the problem. Now fred haas Toyota says its the brake pump and worn brake pads. These were replaced at over $2600 and the brakes seem to be working as well as before. …
On October 13, 2009, my 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was parked at a small business parking lot, about 40 ft. Away from another parked car. The weather was clear and dry. During the process of putting the car in reverse, with my foot on the brake,(necessary for ignition) my car accelerated on its own at a very high speed, and smashed into the parked car behind me. I had absolutely no control of this car. It damaged the back of the other car so completely that is was undrivable and had to be towed. My car had substantial damage to the rear bumper trunk/hatch back and exhaust system. The estimated damage is $3500-$4500. This is not a floor mat related problem. The Highlander has hooks that secure the drivers side floor mats so they do not come in contact with the gas pedal. I am very concerned about the safety of this car. …
I bought new a 2007 Highlander Hybrid . The brakes have continually performed spongy and the accelerator would stick . I have had to drive with exaggerarted braking space to compensate . My wife has had three small accidents ( rear end due sudden stops in urban traffic setting . Over the years we have pressed darcars Toyota dealership in rockville md for assistance but they claimed no problem . Calls to Toyota USA were greeted with no help. Our insurance has been drastically increased we have tried to get the insurer, geico . To assist us in the defective braking problem and sticky accelerator. We are nearing the 5 year write off of those accidents . We have sideline the SUV and had to perchase a another Toyota ( prius )for my wife , a nurse . We have not had problems with accidents and braking ever before . …
I was stopped at a traffic light at the off-ramp of east-bound 202/mcqueen rd exit. My right foot was on the brake pedal, when the vehicle began to accelerate unexpectedly and hit the rear of vehicle stopped in front of me. As I realized the collision, I pressed the brake harder deliberately (while the car in front of me had started to move further), and to my horror my car continued to accelerate despite my depressing the brake pedal. I consciously checked my feet to ensure I was pressing the brakes and not the accelerator. My car continued to strangely & unexpectedly accelerate until it hit the same car in front of me again the 2nd time at the traffic intersection. After the 2nd collision, my car stopped and I pulled over to the side of the mcqueen road.
My wife was parked in front of our apartment building, idling with her foot on the brake, when our 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid suddenly accelerated and crashed into a gate. Before the car crashed, she repeatedly applied the brake and even put the car in park. The car did not stop. After the impact, the engine continued to rev and accelerate before finally stopping. This had never happened before. The body has been repaired, but per Toyota, nothing mechanical or electronic has been touched. Last week Toyota sent a specialist out to inspect the car and download data. We were present at the time, and 5 DTC codes displayed. The descriptions displayed on the investigator's lap top mentioned vehicle speed sensors on right wheel and left wheel, the emps, body ECU switch circuit and "low or high power supply voltage". The car was test driven, and no errors or codes were reported. …
Related recalls (2)
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 highlander, highlander hybrid, and model year 2004-2007 Lexus rx330, rx350, and rx400h vehicles. If the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center console, is not installed properly the cover May lean toward the…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the floor carpet cover with a newly designed one free or charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during March 2011. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
On certain sport utility and hybrid vehicles, the two retaining clips for the driver's side forward center console can become loose. If both clips separate from the floor carpet cover, the cover May lean toward the accelerator pedal, causing interference with the accelerator pedal rod.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the two floor carpet cover retaining clips free of charge. The recall began on July 24, 2006, and should be completed by early September 2006.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Highlander Hybrid years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (33), 2008 (18) and 2007 (15) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Toyota Highlander Hybrid acceleration problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 11V-112 (accelerator pedal, Feb 24, 2011); 06V-253 (accelerator pedal, Jul 13, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Toyota Highlander Hybrid acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 41% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (2 mentions).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.