TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to reset a vehicle Immobilizer or Smart Key system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Toyota Highlander electrical problems
severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 19 electrical complaints filed for the 2007 Toyota Highlander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 19 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ?Various Bluetooth® Audio functions are no longer functioning with customer?s phone such as ability to change the track using the steering wheel controls. These concerns can be caused by changes made on the customer?s phone. Make sure to inquire with the customer if the connectivity concerns occurred after receiving an operating system update on their phone, or if they have restored their phone data/settings recently.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE August 11, 2020: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE August 11, 2020: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE August 11, 2020: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Highlander electrical system shows multiple unresolved failure patterns across hybrid and non-hybrid variants. The most serious is the ABS brake actuator pump (part 44510-48060), which appears endemic to 2007 Highlander and Lexus RX 300 hybrids. Owners report soft brake pedal, grinding noises, and complete loss of braking authority starting around 140k–189k miles; replacement costs $1,200–$2,000. Toyota released revised part numbers (44510-48061, 44050-48191) but issued no recall. Rear brake lights fail to illuminate due to defective electrical wiring—a safety inspection blocker—costing $400+ to repair. The 12-volt auxiliary battery drains intermittently or refuses to hold charge, with dealers unable to identify the source even after replacement; this affects both start reliability and the risk of shutdown while driving. Power inverters fail on hybrids, stalling the vehicle without restart. The IPM (Intelligent Power Module) can fail, illuminating all warning lights and stalling the engine. One vehicle caught fire underneath while parked at 152k miles. Hybrid models emit noxious fumes into the cabin during extended downhill driving. Instrument panels have tinted lenses that render gauges unreadable in daylight—a design flaw present from delivery. Dealers consistently report inability to diagnose or repair these issues, and Toyota has declined to issue recalls despite patterns evident in owner forums.
Same Toyota Highlander electrical reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
ABS Brake Actuator Pump Failure
Hybrid-specific ABS brake actuator pump (part numbers 44510-48060, 44510-48061, 44050-48191) fails or degrades, causing loss of braking pressure, soft pedal, and audible grinding/knocking noises. Affects both 2007 Highlander and Lexus RX 300 hybrids. Pump motor continues running even when car is off. No dash warning lights initially; all warning lights eventually illuminate (brake, VSC).
When: Can occur early (noted at 10k miles), but often becomes critical between 140k–189k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes soft or sinks to floor, then tightens inconsistently; Humming or grinding noise from brake system that changes when brake is depressed; Knocking or groaning sounds; Primer motor continues to run when car is off; All warning lights eventually illuminate (brake, VSC)
Codes mentioned: Brake warning light, VSC warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement pump cost $1,200–$2,000 depending on part number (44510-48060 ~$1,200; 44510-48061 ~$1,350; 44050-48191 ~$2,000). Used units $800+. Owners note Toyota released revised part numbers 44510-48061 and 44050-48191 as replacements, suggesting known issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Toyota has not provided remedy. New part numbers released (44510-48061, 44050-48191) indicate manufacturer awareness of failure pattern.
Rear Brake Light Electrical Failure
Rear passenger brake lights do not illuminate when brake pedal is depressed. Bulbs and fuses are good; issue is defective electrical component or wiring in the brake light circuit.
When: Reported on 2001–2007 Highlanders, can occur at any mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brake lights do not illuminate when brake pedal is pressed; No warning lights on dash
Repairs/costs cited: Requires replacement of brake light electrical component or circuitry at dealer; owners report costs upwards of $400. Affects vehicle's ability to pass state safety inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. Dealer remedy is component/wiring replacement.
12-Volt Auxiliary Battery Intermittent Failure & Slow Drain
Auxiliary 12-volt battery fails to hold charge, causing repeated no-start conditions or slow intermittent drain. Occurs in both non-hybrid and hybrid models. Source of drain cannot be identified even after dealer replacement of battery and DVD player.
When: Can occur early in ownership (one complaint at 10k miles); intermittent drain issue documented since April 2007 with 5 failures by complaint date
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; ignition does not turn over; Slow intermittent battery drain; Concern that vehicle could shut down while driving (reported by owners in other vehicles)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement did not resolve drain issue in one case. Dealer unable to identify source of drain. Junkyard or replacement battery costs not specified by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer declined to assist when failure could not be reproduced at dealer.
Intelligent Power Module (IPM) Failure
IPM fails, causing all warning lights to illuminate and vehicle to stall. Owner was advised of NHTSA Recall Campaign 11V342000 (Electrical System) but Toyota stated this vehicle was not included.
When: 140,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All warning lights illuminate on instrument panel; Vehicle stalls
Repairs/costs cited: IPM replacement needed; cost not provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle not covered under Recall Campaign 11V342000 despite owner being advised of it.
Power Inverter Failure
Power inverter fails, causing vehicle to stall during driving. Vehicle will not restart. Occurs in hybrid models. Warning light may precede failure.
When: Can occur at 123k miles; warning light appeared without prior indication in another case
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving (e.g., at 65 mph); Vehicle will not restart; Warning light indicating possible inverter malfunction
Codes mentioned: Inverter warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Power inverter replacement required; cost not specified by owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall identified. Manufacturer contacted but did not repair vehicle in one case.
Instrument Panel Display Visibility Issue
Instrument panel (speedometer and gauges) difficult or impossible to read in daylight. Issue is caused by tinted lenses on the instrument panel cluster. Occurs at very low mileage, indicating design defect rather than component failure.
When: Appears at 37–50 miles (virtually new)
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer and instrument panel lights difficult to read in sunlight; Issue only occurs during daytime
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated unable to repair; stated this is how vehicle was manufactured
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota stated this is the design of the vehicle; no repair available.
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Vehicle suddenly accelerates without driver input. Occurs at very low speeds (under 5 mph in one case, during parking). Brakes do not respond initially, then function normally after vehicle comes to rest or is driven on machine.
When: Reported at 45,000 miles and under 5 mph in separate incidents
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden forward surge without throttle input; Brakes appear not to function initially, then work again after incident; Occurs at low speed during parking
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer could find nothing wrong with vehicle when tested on machine
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to diagnose issue.
Under-Vehicle Electrical Fire
Vehicle catches fire under body while parked. Horn begins beeping, then sparks observed underneath vehicle. Fire spreads rapidly and consumes vehicle. Fire department called; vehicle destroyed.
When: 152,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Horn starts beeping while parked; Sparks visible under vehicle; Fire spreads rapidly
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; cause not detailed by owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; no resolution provided in narrative.
Battery Fumes During Extended Downhill Driving (Hybrid)
During extended downhill driving, hybrid battery system emits noxious fumes (owner suspects ozone) into cabin. Occurs repeatedly; ventilation required or vehicle must be stopped and exited to clear fumes.
When: Extended downhill driving periods
Symptoms owners cite: Noxious fumes (suspected ozone) entering cabin during extended downhill operation; Fumes require window ventilation or vehicle exit to dissipate
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated nothing is wrong and nothing can be done
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer declined to address issue.
Horn Malfunction
Horn stops working while vehicle is in motion on a city street during a turn.
When: Mid-life (mileage not specified)
Symptoms owners cite: Horn stops functioning while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Cost and repair details not provided
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Hybrid inverter failure. *nm
Slow intermittent drain on Toyota highlander hybrid 2007 auxiliary battery. Since april 2007, the battery has died 5 times. Dealer replaced with new battery, new dvd player but still cannot identify the source of the battery draw. *tr
When traveling down hill for extended periods of time the batteries charge and then start to emit noxious fumes into the cab of the vehicle. (ozone I think.) on several occasions we have had to roll the windows down or stop and exit the vehicle to allow the fumes to clear. The local dealer says that there is nothing wrong with the vehicle, and that there is nothing they can do about our…
Had electrical trouble with your 2007 Toyota Highlander?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2007 Toyota Highlander?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 10,000 and 152,000 miles, with the median around 123,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,000; a quarter make it past 152,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Toyota/Highlander.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.