2002 Toyota Highlander Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 4%of 301 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,050miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Toyota Highlander, 4% of the 301 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,050 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Rear-right break light not working. Replace bulb and did not work. Checked socket and all is fine but break light still not working. I have research this for a while and no solution. These seems to be a very common problem and Toyota does not have a solution. Definitively a safety issue. I already got a ticket from police for not having these lights in working condition.”
NHTSA complaint #10458694, filed 2012-05, 100,000 miles“The left brake lights on my 2002 Toyota Highlander limited edition 4 wheel drive do not work. I changed the bulbs and they still do not work. I have researched possible causes and found hundreds of other consumers have had the same problems. This is a dangerous defect in that it arose suddenly, for no reason, and compromises the safety of the vehicles ability to warn other drivers that the car is braking. I am disappointed that Toyota has not recalled the car for what appears to be a significant malfunction.”
NHTSA complaint #10394356, filed 2011-04, 120,000 miles“While traveling at less than 20 MPH, the driver in front slammed into the car in front of them (no brake lights). I immediately stomped on the brakes... The Highlander slowed very briefly and then went numb . The Highlander came to a stop only by hitting the car in front of me. There was plenty of room to stop and it should have. This is the 3rd time the Highlander has locked up on sudden short stops.”
NHTSA complaint #10102448, filed 2004-12, 34,000 miles“In 30 MPH highway traffic, several cars stopped suddenly. I quickly stomped on the brake pedal. It seemed like the wheels locked up, especially the left front (like skating on ice and applying your toe pick (brake)). The vehicle would not stop. Came very close to hitting the person in front of me and getting hit from behind. There is no driver control of the brakes in sudden stops. This has happened more than once and is very scary.”
NHTSA complaint #10143734, filed 2005-11, 48,000 miles“Left (driver side) front ABS began activating spontaneously as my 02 Toyota Highlander came to stop. Service agency found no code. Removing fuse on ABS sensor eliminated 'false activation' problem, but disabled ABS; replacing sensor had no effect. Discovered broken sensor ring on rear axle, due to corrosion. (necessary replacement of entire axle) eliminated ABS activation on braking, but induced ABS activation on acceleration from stop. …”
NHTSA complaint #10307959, filed 2010-02, 49,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10214323Mar 17, 2022TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
- 10210375Mar 9, 2022TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in…
- 10190453Mar 12, 2021TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10187241Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10186195Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10131928Feb 5, 2014A key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle's braking system is to perform a visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers, and discs…
- 10131984Sep 9, 2013A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system…
- 10061620Sep 9, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10015846Mar 3, 2005'03 highlander front brake repair manual correction. 00400-rm987-u2. *tt '02 highlander. 00400-rm918-u2.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 20% |
| 2024 | 8 | 19% |
| 2023 | 20 | 11% |
| 2022 | 40 | 15% |
| 2021 | 68 | 13% |
| 2020 | 41 | 13% |
| 2019 | 20 | 4% |
| 2018 | 58 | 21% |
| 2017 | 29 | 11% |
| 2016 | 19 | 17% |
| 2015 | 15 | 8% |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 17 | 8% |
| 2012 | 14 | 8% |
| 2011 | 17 | 9% |
| 2010 | 30 | 14% |
| 2009 | 26 | 19% |
| 2008 | 81 | 20% |
| 2007 | 36 | 29% |
| 2006 | 102 | 37% |
| 2005 | 24 | 11% |
| 2004 | 24 | 8% |
| 2003 | 33 | 13% |
| 2002 | 12 | 4% |
| 2001 | 19 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2002 Toyota Highlander
139 complaintsVehicle speed control
31 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsEquipment
11 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsTires
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Toyota Highlander
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology