Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander

We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

Toyota Highlander repairs by problem area

Engine (25%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (6%)

Brakes and Traction Control (12%)

Suspension and Steering (13%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (27%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (8%)

Other (8%)

Select a problem area

Show all problems

Need advice about a specific Toyota Highlander problem?

Chart based on 1174 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Toyota Highlander.

Toyota Highlander brake repair cost distribution

$2500+ (4%)

$1000 - $2499 (18%)

$500 - $999 (26%)

$100 - $499 (30%)

< $100 (22%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 141 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2022 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

186-horsepower 2.5L I4 Hybrid CVT AWD

3000 mi Recall to correct traction control software issue. 

Return to top

2021 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

186-horsepower 2.5L I4 Hybrid CVT AWD

21000 mi Recall for software update to address potential traction control issue. 

Return to top

2018 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

295-horsepower 3.5L V6 8-speed shiftable automatic FWD

69000 mi

US $732
Brakes had been shimmying for a couple of years. Started out very mild and got worse with time. Dealer resurfaced rotors and replaced brake pads. 
32000 mi

US $300
Front and rear brakes were replaced. Rotors machined. 

Return to top

2018 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

295-horsepower 3.5L V6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD

63860 mi

C $1400
Replaced all brakes and rotors 

Return to top

2017 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

295-horsepower 3.5L V6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD

47000 mi

US $1200
Replaced brakes and rotors 
12400 mi Finally fixed electronic brake controller. 

Return to top

2016 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

24500 mi Clunking noise from front left wheel . Left front brake caliper replaced and CV axle nut was found to be loose Brakes work well, but clunk when applying after moving in reverse 

Return to top

2016 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

100 mi Light came on and was reset by dealer. 
25000 mi

US $300
Front Passenger brake pad had premature wear and signs of rotor overheating. 3 other wheels were fine. 
37000 mi

US $450
Premature front brake "Warping". Brakes were only 1 year old. Something went wrong! 
49000 mi

US $550
Replace front pads and rotors. Normal wear maintenance. 
114545 mi

US $1099
Replaced all 4 wheel rotors and pads. Routine service also, Oil, Oil filter, rotate tires. 

Return to top

2015 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

44000 mi

US $500
Front rotors badly warped 
29000 mi

US $500
dont know - fixed issue with sudden brake effectiveness 
34100 mi

C $500
Rear caliper 
34100 mi

C $300
Front brake (pad and rotors) 
41540 mi

C $600
pads and drums for front wheels worn out 
55000 mi

US $150
Right rear brake caliper was stuck. Inside pad worn down to ~ 0mm, outside pad still at 6mm 

Return to top

2014 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

54015 mi

US $550
Replace front and rear brake rotors and pads. 
48000 mi

US $600
Brake pads were wearing and needed to be replaced as well as the 2 rear rotors. 

Return to top

2014 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

15500 mi the car keep rolling back with the parking brake 
103000 mi

US $400
Resurfaced rear rotors and installed new pads 

Return to top

2014 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

231-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD

159960 mi

C $800
Brake pads on the 4 wheels needed replacing 
101680 mi

C $1500
Complete repair of braking system 

Return to top

2013 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

101000 mi

US $400
Rear brake job. 

Return to top

2013 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

12340 mi Brake booster noisy. Replaced unit. 
120280 mi

C $800
Front brake pads and rotors. An oil change was also completed. 
113000 mi

US $600
Replaced front passenger brake caliper and all brake pads and rotors 

Return to top

2013 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD

47500 mi

US $729
One rear brake caliper was sticking causing rotor to overheat. Replaced 2 calipers, 2 rotors, and pads. 
105000 mi

US $950
Worn brakes Replaced front discs and pads 

Return to top

2012 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

81000 mi

US $300
Replace front and rear brakes. 
95000 mi

US $200
Brake service rear 
81840 mi

C $150
Replaced rear brakes 
111700 mi

US $420
Brought it in to have the tires rotated and a brake component got bent and they needed to replace the brakes for the noise to go away. 

Return to top

2012 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD

69440 mi

C $950
Front drum has been replace after only 35000 KM! 
105400 mi

C $2100
Had to replace complete caliber and disk on 4 wheel 
129580 mi

C $700
Change break disk on allnwhell 

Return to top

2012 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

187-horsepower 2.7L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

66000 mi

US $350
All 4 brake pads 

Return to top

2011.5 Toyota Highlander

Engine not specified

15500 mi foot brake was going to the floor replacing foot brake parts 

Return to top

2011 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

2000 mi Loud clicking noise in left front wheel area when shifting from park to reverse and accelerating. Was told that because of the torque, the calipers may shift a little and that it is common in the newer highlanders and tacomas. 
82000 mi

US $800
Pads and rotors replaced 

Return to top

2011 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD

111600 mi

C $1200
Since leaving dealer shop ABS, AWD Traction Control lights come on and off. 
120590 mi

C $2500
CHANGE THE FRONT RIGHT SPEED SENSOR REPLACED RIGHT FRONT ABS SPEED SENSOR CLEARED CODE NEW RIGHT FRONT SPEED SENSOR FAULY OPEN CIRCUIT AT TIMES ABS LIGHT ON PART ON ORDER ABS ACTUATOR ASSY REPLACED SKID CONTROL ECU AND REPROGRAMED ALL ABS SYSTEM 
132060 mi

C $200
SEIZED [parking brake] CABLE WAS REPLACED 

Return to top

2010 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

100000 mi

US $1199
Brake job + Rotors for shaking/vibration and excessive wear. 

Return to top

2009 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

193000 mi Replaced Rear Brakes and Rotors 

Return to top

2009 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

128000 mi

US $1200
NEW ROTORS AND PADS 
132680 mi

C $950
Replaced the rear rotors/pads and emergency brake pads due to wear. The replaced components were not OEM and wore out in one year's time. 

Return to top

2009 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD

69000 mi

US $400
Changed break pads and rotors 
124002 mi

C $400
replaced all pads and rotors 

Return to top

2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

134000 mi A part in the rear brake was broken Brake noise- no problem found 

Return to top

2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

78120 mi

C $600
Replaced front disc and pads and rear pads 
122000 mi

US $850
Rear brakes. 
122760 mi

C $1700
Slider seized back pads worn 
234000 mi

US $1900
parking brake would not hold. Replaced shoes, hardware, 2 cables. 

Return to top

2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD

182000 mi

US $3500
Replace booster pump & brake distributor 

Return to top

2007 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

215-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

144000 mi

US $350
Passenger side front brake was making a noise and upon inspection, the pad wear was more on the outside pad than the caliper side. Dissaembly found that the upper caliper pin was frozen, and required a torch to heat up after soaking with penetrating oil and hammer to drive rusted pin out, lower pin was not rusted. Due to uneven wear on pads ,all brake pads we're replaced with Akebono Pro ACT Ceramic pads but the caliper hanger that the pad is fitted into required replacement on this side only, the driver side was fine. I found out that frozen caliper pins was a problem with many Toyotas in this year from a TSB. Due to uneven pad wear the passenger disc had to be turned as the pad had gotten low enough and off angle to have pad backing run against the rotor. Rotor was still above minimum thickness. Rears were checked and brake caliper pins were fine but all pins were lubricated with Permatix ceramic pin lubricant as the stock moly based lubricant dries out and hardens. The root cause of the pin seizure is the pin rubber boots had torn and let water in to rust the pin. 
89700 mi

US $755
Car exhibited intermittent vibrations at various speeds. Car was sometimes reluctant to move forward in idle on flat surface or slight incline. Driver caliper found to be sticking. Caliper/rotor replaced. 
138300 mi

US $700
Rear caliper frozen/sticking. Replaced rear calipers, pads, and rotors. 
145700 mi

US $2000
Replaced calipers and rotors in front wheels 
98000 mi

US $750
Right Rear Caliper was frozen an inoperable. Both Rear Brakes, Rotors and Calipers Replaced. 

Return to top

2007 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT FWD

134000 mi

US $2523
Replaced ABS control module. Known problem with this vehicle, date of failure outlasted extended warranty deadline. 

Return to top

2007 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD

93000 mi

US $780
Replacement of rear brakes, rotors & calipers 
96000 mi

US $1400
tHE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM WAS REPAIRED/REPLACED AND SOMETHING ELSE WAS DONE (I DON'T KNOW WHAT HE SAID). 
135000 mi

US $100
Left rear brake backer plate was bent and rubbing on something moving. They removed it. They told me that putting a new one back on will be expensive. 

Return to top

2007 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

155-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

112700 mi

US $167
Noise in front brakes, replaced left front caliper, adjusted brakes. 
150000 mi

US $1224
Rear Brakes; Calipers, Pads, Rotors. 

Return to top

2006 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

215-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

79000 mi Brakes needed routine maintenance brake pads were replaced upon driving unexpectedly breaks locked up in order to gain control pumps brakes several times only for this to reoccur and eventually cause smoking of rear brakes 
152000 mi

US $640
also front rotors were warped a bit so replaced them and new brake pads 
165800 mi Reported leak in ABS module - waiting to determine the extent before repairing. Update after sold car: As it turns out it was a very minor leak and never really caused an issue with the brakes. We drove it as it was and no service center ever mentioned it again. 
31000 mi

C $523
Replaced rear brake pads and calipers and refinished rotors. 

Return to top

2006 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT FWD

91000 mi

US $1600
Break actuator fail again in a year. 
130000 mi

US $1600
Brake actuator again 
93400 mi

$1000
My ABS started malfunctioning, driving was ok except for odd noises and choppy brakes at very low speeds. Had to replace the ABS which is very costly at the dealership, so I bought it used instead. 

Return to top

2006 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD

38500 mi

US $50
Purged brake actuator as recommended by Toyota dealer to address actuator squeak issue. Process was not successful. Was informed I need a new actuator at ~$2000 repair cost. 
170000 mi

US $350
Light stayed on 
27000 mi ALL brake warning lights appeared on the dashboard along with "CHECK VSC SYSTEM". I had only manual (push pedal HARD) brakes. Dealer replaced ABS Actuator under warranty and paid 2 days of rental under warranty. 
140000 mi

US $1200
3 of the 4 brake calipers seized. had to replace all pads, rotors, and 3 calipers. 
22000 mi VSC light and message on dashboard. Dealer stated "brake accumulator" needed replacing. 
195500 mi VSC displayed as well as check ABS. Hissing should has been heard for several months when applying brake unless applied lightly. Nothing done VSC and check ABS went away hasn't reappeared for a month still has hissing sound. 
200000 mi

US $30
Shop determined the VSC module went out. No longer under under recall extended warranty Toyota would not make exception to cover. I am not fixing it as will trade vehicle soon. 
30000 mi TSB on brake actuator getting air trapped a causing it to clunk during braking. Bleading of the brake system provided a temporary fix, but it will need to be redone again as the noise has returned. 
31000 mi Brake Actuator is still having issues with trapped air causing a malfunction. 
35000 mi Brake Actuator is still having issues with trapped air and Toyota has not fix in place. I have been told it's a non-safety issue and can not be repaired. 

Return to top

2005 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

230-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic FWD

135000 mi

US $464
Brake piston seized; both front rotors and calipers replaced 
139000 mi

US $100
brakes worn; rear rotors and pads replaced 
120000 mi

US $149
Heard brakes squealing intermittently. Also noticed when parking brake engaged, car still moved and squealing was louder. R/R rear pads, R/F brake fluid, caliper and rotor inspected - determined still good, Parking brake reset. 
242000 mi

US $160
Bad brake pads, stuck caliper 

Return to top

2005 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

230-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

161000 mi

US $1147
R front caliper froze. Replaced calipers (both), pads, turned both rotors.  
104000 mi Some sensors were replaced under used car sale warranty. 
59000 mi Park brake cable jammed, locking rear wheel. Fixed by owner. 
51300 mi "frozen" caliper rear brake; replaced under Toyota extended warranty. 
67000 mi

US $900
frozen caliper (right front) 
73700 mi

US $200
Right rear caliper pins "frozen" 
90000 mi

US $2200
Rear brakes rusted rotors, rt rear sliding pins frozen. 
118000 mi

US $200
Rear calipers "frozen". 
125000 mi

US $50
Adjust rear brakes for noise. 
76000 mi

US $1780
Brakes shuddered upon firm application. Three calipers/pistons were found siezed. All calipers plus rotors replaced. Possible factor was non-usage of the vehicle for days or more last winter after driving over salted, slushy roads. 
113000 mi

US $732
Rear caliper seized. Replaced both rear calipers, pads, rotors, and hoses. Changed brake fluid. 
102300 mi

C $1500
Rear brakes are rusted out and it had to be replaced 
111113 mi

C $1100
Front brakes are rusted out and it had to be replaced 

Return to top

2004 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

230-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

66000 mi

US $1400
Frozen caliper; rusted discs. 
125000 mi

US $200
Brake light came on. Stayed on. Fluid Low. discovered small leak in brake line near caliper.replace. everything fine 
40000 mi

US $200
Replaced brake master cylinder seal. 
131000 mi

US $970
Rear brake pads/rotors/calipers were replaced. One side was frozen. Belts needed replacing, they were getting very noisy. 
101300 mi

US $250
wheel speed sensor 
71500 mi

US $485
Calipers failed requiring pads, rotors and calipers to be replaced, on both sides in the rear. 
112000 mi

US $50
Replaced front brake pads 
137888 mi

C $250
Caliper replacement 
203360 mi

C $4300
Replace parking shoes and cables. 
226300 mi

C $600
one of the calipers 
275900 mi Front Calipers 
84000 mi

US $325
Front right brake caliper seized, resulting in need for replacement of calipers, rotor turning, new front brake pads and brake flush. 
62000 mi

C $1400
Squeaks from wheel while moving 
180900 mi

US $400
Shop said that my front brake caliper and drum needed replacing. 
234000 mi

US $235
caliper slide stuck and inside pad was grinding on rotor 
152000 mi

US $210
replaced front rotors and pads with caliper pins and seals due to sticking brake caliper pin. Rotor warping and reduced fuel economy as a secondary symptom of stuck caliper. 
172000 mi

US $150
Caliper and pad replacement. The front calipers were sticking and causing poor fuel economy and poor braking. 

Return to top

2003 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD

279000 mi

US $615
Routine brake maintenance, calipers replaced on rear, pads and rotor machining on front 
84000 mi

US $500
Stuck caliper wasted left rotor. Full front brake job + one caliper 
117000 mi

US $700
Brakes wore out. front rotors out of round. rears rotors were too thin to machine, ended up getting all four new. AC lost its charge. Had window motor replaced, another $650 

Return to top

2003 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD

195000 mi

US $1060
Rear pistons frozen; pads, rotors, calipers needed replaced. 
151000 mi

US $65
sticky left rear brake 
113000 mi

US $260
The area around the rear anti-lock brake sensors was rusty, and was creating a mechanical situation where the antilock brakes were activating each time the car stopped. My mechanic was able to diagnose the problem and fix it. 

Return to top

2003 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

155-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

175000 mi

US $40
RR caliper overheating. Removed, cleaned and greased sliders. Seems better. 
240800 mi

US $275
LR wheel ABS sensor failed. It is less expensive to replace the whole axle hub. Brake backing plate had to be replace due to rust.Job took longer than it should due to frozen bolts and corrosion on the backing plate. 

Return to top

2002 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD

128000 mi

US $390
Serpentine belt replacement; drivers' side front caliper seized and replaced. 
116300 mi

US $200
Rear calipers were seized, rear brakes were not working at all, replaced both rear calipers and rotors, replaced rear pads as well. 
78000 mi

US $850
Required new front calipers + pads and rotors all around. 3 days in the shop-first 2 days at dealer who couldn't diagnose a vibration/grumble problem. 
119500 mi

US $300
Replaced noisy/misaligned driver side rear brake caliper. 120,000 mile maintenance done on same trip. 
154100 mi

US $650
Replacement (non-OEM) parking brake broke apart and required replacement. 
177000 mi

US $536
Rotors, pads, calipers 

Return to top

2002 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

155-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic AWD

105000 mi

US $600
calipers sticking, causing car to wobble when braking plus rotors wore out as a result. 

Return to top

2001 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD

42000 mi

US $70
check lights for skid control and tracking turned on. 

Return to top

2001 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD

196000 mi

US $70
Repaired sticking/inoperative parking brake 
136500 mi

US $440
change frozen brake calipers. 
143000 mi

US $284
Now the front calipers locked up. Just paid for the rears last year 
80000 mi

US $350
Caliper stuck on right side. 

Return to top

2001 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

155-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic AWD

66960 mi

C $300
parking brake needed new cable 

Return to top

See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs
See TrueDelta's information for all Toyota models.

Toyota Highlander Brake Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently Toyota Highlander problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.