Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Toyota Highlander owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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: [redacted] ). Toyota has refused to acknowledge this and put consumers out thousands of dollars. This is clearly something toyota needs to honor.
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.
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 [redacted]
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.
The brake actuator for the hybrid system has failed. My vehicle brake pedal is difficult do depress and unsafe to drive. This is a known issue with other Toyota hybrids that have been recalled but for some reason the highlander is not recalled even though it uses the same problem part as the recalled vehicles. The replacement part and repair is typically more than value of the car and it being a safety issue with brake system caused by a known faulty component Toyota should repair these.
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. …
ABS actuator failed causing erratic vehicle behavior and uncontrollable braking. ABS actuator was replaced by Toyota in 2017 as part of an extended warranty program on a part that they realized was defective. In 2019 we experienced the same issues causing a very dangerous situation on the freeway and again took to Toyota were they found that the ABS actuator failed again. This part is typically one that doesn't fail over the lifetime of a vehicle. This part is now needing to be replaced for the third time. I presume that the original ABS actuator was replaced with old inventory of the same defective part which is why it quickly failed again. Toyota wants to charge $3K to have repaired. There are a multitude of online complaints and reviews of customers experiencing the same dangerous situation in the same year make/model vehicle. …
Brake complaints in other Highlander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2007 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the brakes of the 2007 Toyota Highlander, 29% of the model year's 124 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2007 Toyota Highlander brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2007 Toyota Highlander, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Toyota Highlander brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.