2007 Toyota Highlander: common problems and reliability

The 2007 Toyota Highlander has 356 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and electrical system. Owners most often flag 8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure) — primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2007 model year

356
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
36
Crash reports
4
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2007 Toyota Highlander vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

service brakes
116
electrical system
74
vehicle speed control
47
hydraulic
24
engine
22

Recalls affecting the 2007 Highlander

seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler

Campaign 14V743000

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, C…

seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler

Campaign 16V396000

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 Tacom…

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 10V035000

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 BETW…

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 10V036000

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 S…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Highlander is widely recognized as a reliable, practical, and comfortable family SUV, praised for its solid build quality, good ride comfort, and strong resale value. Long-term owners o

  • 8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure) — Primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. Repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Transmission problems in gas models — General reports of issues, clunkiness, and unreliability with the 8-speed automatic in model years 2017-2022, and isolated mentions for 2023. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine transition concerns — Apprehension about the long-term reliability of the newer turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine compared to the older, proven 3.5L V6. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Interior quality and design — Described by some as "frumpy," "cheap feeling" in lower trims, or having a "station wagon" aesthetic compared to competitors. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity issues — Reported as a known issue in some models, including the Highlander Hybrid. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Highlander.

Typical used price

Used Highlander listings typically run $18,655–$29,616 across 2002 to 2024 model years.

Other Highlander model years

2022 Highlander2020 Highlander2016 Highlander2013 Highlander2011 Highlander2006 Highlander2003 Highlander
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