2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Problems
- Complaints
- 110filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 105,000miles, 102 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 26 mpgcombined, 3.3L 6-cyl · hybrid FWD · 28 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year cluster around two themes: a hybrid brake system that owners describe as briefly releasing or feeling unresponsive, and sudden loss of motive power that dealers have traced to the inverter. Most reports arrive at higher mileage, though the brake complaints include vehicles well under 100,000 miles and the inverter shutdowns occur without warning at highway speed as often as at low speed. Electrical warning lamps, speed-control, and hybrid cooling or battery concerns fill out the rest.
- Hybrid propulsion system
Sudden loss of power / inverter shutdown
Mentioned in 20 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the check hybrid system message appearing, sometimes with a pop or loud noise, followed by the engine and electric drive shutting down while the vehicle is moving. Owners report losing power on freeways and at low speeds alike, with no restart afterward, and dealers identifying the inverter assembly as the failed part. Several owners state the vehicle was either not covered by the inverter recall or that the failure returned after the recall repair. Reported from about 40,000 up to nearly 200,000 miles, with many in the 100,000-130,000 range.
Recall 13V396000Recall 11V3420001 related service bulletin
What to check: Ask for the VIN's recall status on the inverter campaigns and any repair invoices showing inverter replacement. Note that a prior recall repair does not guarantee the symptom will not recur, according to complaints.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Received temperature warning for hybrid system while driving on highway and pulled over. Vehicle locked up after pulling over, made very loud noise and could not drive. Towed to dealer and was told that the hybrid inverter assembly failed and requires replacement. There is a recall for defect in this assembly on my model year, but my VIN is not included in the current recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10967245, filed 2017-03, 73,600 miles“I was driving on i15 near lake elsinore on the way home from a trip and the car lost power on the freeway in rush hour and big rig traffic. We were lucky to roll off to the right and escape death by a 40 wheeler crash. The car was towed to Toyota carlsbad where all maintenance was performed per schedule since the car was purchased. The last service was at 108,800 on june 23, 2013. The cost of the repair is $8200 for the part plus labor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10532559, filed 2013-07, 110,500 miles - Brakes
Brake actuator / ABS accumulator failure with warning lamps
- 23 complaints (21%)
- median 121,854 mi at 10.9 yrs old (22 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,500 (median of 11 quotes)
- filed 2010–2024
Owners describe the ABS, brake, VSC and master warning lamps lighting up together, sometimes after loud pumping or clicking noises from the brake actuator area. The brake pedal then feels hard or requires much more force to stop the vehicle, and some report the pump running for minutes after the car is shut off. Dealers have diagnosed internal pressure loss in the brake actuator accumulator assembly and quoted repairs in the low thousands of dollars; several complaints mention a warranty enhancement that expired before their failure. Mostly reported between roughly 60,000 and 175,000 miles, appearing with no particular weather pattern.
What to check: Have the ABS/brake warning lamps verified as off at startup, and ask whether the brake actuator assembly has ever been replaced under the warranty enhancement. A scan for stored ABS codes is worth doing before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The ABS brake pump leaks. It's a $2000 repair. There was a recall, but I never got the recall letter. The recall expired 8 months ago and Toyota won't honor it, even though they confirmed they sent the recall letter to the former owner, 17 months after I purchased the car. They did not send the letter to the registered owner on file with the state, they sent it to the address they had on file with Toyota.”
NHTSA complaint #11115490, filed 2018-08, 202,000 miles“After getting off the highway (not in my town) lights came on my dashboard for the ABS braking and vsc system. There were also additional characters like (!) in a circle. The manual said for all of these contact dealer immediately, which I did. I was told the ABS accumulator needed to be replaced and it was approximately a $3,000 job. I had the repair completed and paid $2,700.00. (the dealer discounted the job). I am aware that Toyota is aware of this problem and has extended the warranty on that same part in the camry hybrid. …”
NHTSA complaint #10663954, filed 2014-12, 170,000 miles - Brakes
Brakes feel like they release or lurch when stopping
- 43 complaints (39%)
- median 96,076 mi at 8.2 yrs old (38 state mileage)
- 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,500 (median of 11 quotes)
- filed 2010–2024
Owners report that while braking, often over bumps, potholes or on a slight incline, the pedal seems to let go for a moment and the car surges forward before the brakes re-engage. Several describe it happening when pulling into a parking space or stopping behind another vehicle. Dealers have told owners the behavior is normal or found no fault on inspection, and some complaints tie the sensation to the ABS system. Reported across a wide mileage span, including vehicles under 10,000 miles and others past 100,000.
What to check: Test braking over uneven pavement and on a slight incline during the test drive, and ask whether any brake system fault codes have been stored.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The brakes momentarily do not engage (essentially skip) when I apply them while going over a bump or a pothole. I have noticed this for a long time, however considered it a 'quirk' until I was in an accident which would have been avoided if the issue had not existed.”
NHTSA complaint #10306270, filed 2010-02, 56,000 miles“We have a 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid that is exhibiting the same braking problems that are being reported with the prius. When pressing the brakes the car begins to slow then it feels that the brakes momentarily release, causing the car to lurch forward, before they re-engage and finish stopping the car. I haven't noticed if it happens more over bumps but it does happen on a fairly regular basis. …”
NHTSA complaint #10305174, filed 2010-02, 65,000 miles - Electrical system
Engine or hybrid system stalls and will not restart
- 35 complaints (32%)
- median 109,500 mi at 6.5 yrs old (34 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $9,000 (median of 11 quotes)
- filed 2010–2022
Complaints describe the vehicle dying at low speed, at a stop, or while waiting to merge, with multiple warning lamps including check hybrid system and check engine. Some owners were told the 12-volt battery was drained, others had a coil pack replaced, and in several cases the diagnosis later pointed to the inverter or hybrid battery. Owners report being stranded and having the vehicle towed. Mostly between about 24,000 and 140,000 miles, often at low speed or when coming to a stop.
Recall 13V396000Recall 11V3420003 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask about 12-volt battery age and any history of no-start or stall events. Scanning for hybrid and engine control codes can reveal stored faults.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving down the road and lost power of my vehicle. Toyota dealership said it was my #6 coil but I have a feeling it was the inverter with everything that happened to it. I googled it and everything that happened was exactly what happened when the inverter goes on the vehicle. I don't really trust them.”
NHTSA complaint #10563818, filed 2014-02, 109,000 miles“I try to start the car and it did not start. All light was on including vsc/hybrid system car was towed to Toyota dealer. They bleed the brake and erased the code. Drive the car for the next 2 days. Car failed to start again all light on vsc/hybrid car was towed to Toyota dealer. Diagnosis is failed inverter ask $8357.82 for repair because the recall is not launched and I call Toyota motors canada tell me they will not repair recall for USA vehicle . …”
NHTSA complaint #10546939, filed 2013-10, 139,952 miles - Vehicle speed control
Unintended acceleration or surging from a stop
- 21 complaints (19%)
- median 38,754 mi at 4.4 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2018
Owners describe the vehicle accelerating on its own, sometimes from a stoplight at cruising speed, sometimes when shifting into park or reverse in a parking space. Several reports say braking did not overcome the surge. Some owners link it to a sticking accelerator pedal, and complaints mention Toyota's accelerator pedal sensor guidance. Spread from very low mileage up to about 155,000 miles, with several reports early in ownership.
What to check: Check that the accelerator pedal returns freely and ask whether the pedal sensor assembly has been inspected or serviced. Pay attention to idle behavior and any surge when moving off from a stop.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While entering into a driveway at a very slow speed, I stepped on the brake to slow down further. But instead of braking, the car lunged forward. I felt I was not in control of the vehicle. I continued to hit the brakes, but the vehicle continued to go forward. It slammed into the car that was parked in the driveway and caused major damage. It also shoved the car into their garage, split the frame in half and ripped off brick from their home. …”
NHTSA complaint #10660065, filed 2014-11, 86,074 miles“On sept 5, 2013, I put my Toyota Highlander Hybrid in reverse to straighten it up in a parking space, before I could even breathe, it took off in reverse going over 60 mi. An hour and I had no control over the car. It finally hit a garage from behind and took down the whole side of the garage and the front of the garage. Air bags never deployed. I was not injured except for a sore neck and right shoulder. They are just now pulling the black box from my car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10546345, filed 2013-10, 24,700 miles
Buying note. This model year has two well-documented areas worth a pre-purchase inspection: the hybrid inverter (confirm recall coverage by VIN and any replacement paperwork) and the brake actuator assembly (scan for ABS codes and confirm the warning lamps stay off). Mileage alone is a weak guide here, since both issues show up on lower-mileage cars as well as high-mileage ones.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 110 consumer complaints for the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. 102 of the complaints include a mileage, and 27% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 105,000 miles. Of all complaints, 14 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 85 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes46 42%
- Electrical system28 25%
- Vehicle speed control15 14%
- Hybrid propulsion system14 13%
- Electronic stability control10 9.1%
- Engine8 7.3%
- Fuel system8 7.3%
- Air bags3 2.7%
Also reported: Engine cooling (3), Other or unknown (3), Steering (3), Wheels (3), Body and structure (2), Tires (2), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “A sound of squeaking/pumping air occurs sometimes when I depress the brakes. This sometimes continues to happen even with the car is stopped completely. If the brake is depressed less, the sound occurs less frequently. I had it inspected by an independent mechanic and a dealership mechanic and was told the ABS assembly has a leak and needs to be completely replaced for a fee of roughly $2,300. This first occurred with mileage around 152,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11181680, filed 2019-02, 152,000 milesElectrical system: “I replaced my brakes after several warning lights and codes kept popping up on my dash. Had the rotors turned. But when I returned to driving my car after I thought it was fixed the brakes would all of a sudden just go out the hydraulic part would go completely to the floor. The car would make a high pitched noise and then no brakes. Took it to Toyota in clinton tn. Said my ABS brake actuator was failing. Would cost me 2200 dollars to fix. This certain part on your car is supposed to last you a lifetime. I dont have money like that now it was take me a lifetime to save up for the repairs. …”
NHTSA complaint #11234591, filed 2019-07, 210,000 milesVehicle speed control: “While driving on the highway, the lights in the vehicle all began flashing to check hybrid system. I was unable to use anything but the brakes as the gas pedal would not even work to decelerate or accelerate. I was able to veer out of traffic to safety. I had one other passenger in the car and we were scared for our lives as the whole car just shut down and could have been involved in a serious accident. Eventually the battery also died and we were stuck on the road at night waiting on a tow truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10491777, filed 2013-01, 130,000 milesHybrid propulsion system: “While accelerating to approximately 40 MPH from a standing stop at a traffic light in a zone merging 2 lanes to 1, my 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (`48,000 miles on odometer, I am original owner) experienced sudden and total power loss. I was able to pull off the road and had vehicle towed to dealer. They reported a failed inverter in the hybrid system and I am awaiting the part and repair. From my online research I understand this has been a problem with the 2006 and early 2007 models and that NHTSA may be investigating. …”
NHTSA complaint #10408965, filed 2011-06, 48,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
27% of the 102 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 45,000 and 128,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid · sedan FWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid 2WD | 3.3L 6-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 28 | 25 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Highlander Hybrid 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 27 | 25 | 26 | $2,600 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 13V396000Sep 4, 2013Hybrid propulsion system › InverterCovers: Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2006–2010, Lexus RX Hybrid 2006–2008
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through December 2, 2008. The Intelligent Power…
- 11V342000Jun 29, 2011Electrical systemCovers: Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2006–2007, Lexus RX Hybrid 2006–2007
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 highlander hybrid and lexus rx400h passenger cars manufactured from february 16, 2005, through august 30, 2006. A module inside the inverter module may contain inadequately soldered transistors that during…
Recall details for the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 85 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11029893Feb 13, 2026Engine. This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year…
- 11029892Feb 13, 2026Engine. OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26.
- 11028712Jan 7, 2026Other or unknown. Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Body and structure. Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Body and structure. Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type…
- 11007455Jul 29, 2024Body and structure. Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
- 11006161Jul 29, 2024Body and structure. Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
Other model years of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 9 | 13,000 | 6 | 5 | 35 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 6 | 32,500 | 4 | 5 | 35 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 15 | 27,300 | 4 | 5 | 35 | — | Rising |
| 2020 | 9 | 28,500 | 4 | 5 | 35 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 6 | 6,800 | 0 | 5 | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 5 | 850 | 0 | 5 | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 6 | 47,012 | 0 | 5 | 28 | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 5 | 47,600 | 0 | — | 28 | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 9 | 86,000 | 0 | — | 28 | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 5 | 72,000 | 1 | — | 28 | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 22 | 43,500 | 4 | — | 26 | — | Stable |
| 2009 | 40 | 63,100 | 4 | — | 26 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Stable |
| 2008 | 197 | 110,000 | 6 | — | 26 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Rising |
| 2007 | 110 | 105,000 | 2 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 370 | 93,550 | 6 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Toyota Highlander Hybrid model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
Complaints on this model year cluster around two themes: a hybrid brake system that owners describe as briefly releasing or feeling unresponsive, and sudden loss of motive power that dealers have traced to the inverter. The issues reported most often: Sudden loss of power / inverter shutdown; Brake actuator / ABS accumulator failure with warning lamps; Brakes feel like they release or lurch when stopping.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have?
NHTSA recorded 110 consumer complaints for the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 46 complaints (42% of the total), followed by electrical system with 28.
Has the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (Highlander Hybrid 2WD, 3.3L 6-cyl · hybrid) at 26 mpg combined, 28 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reported?
Among the 102 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 105,000 miles and the middle half falls between 45,000 and 128,000 miles; 27% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.