2007 Toyota Highlander: jerking or lurching

Filed Nov 17, 2015 · Brakes · 89,000 miles · VA

2007 toyota highlander hybrid limited was experiencing concerning brakes beginning to lurch forward, brake pedal stiffness, and associated noise. In short, the issue is a critical loss of assisted braking. Took it to the dealership in texas and was instructed that the ABS actuator had failed. Mechanic indicated that this failure is fairly common in toyota hybirds from 07 (both highlander and camry). The highlander ABS actuator component is identical to the ABS actuator in the 2007 camry hybrid that was the subject of a the federal safety agency investigation which culminated in 2014 with toyota issuing an enhanced warranty program covering the 2007 camry hybrid (the federal safety agency investigation pe 14-001, conducted by kareem habib). Was informed that other owners of 2007 highlander hybrids had experienced the same problems. A quick search online shows that these issues are quite ubiquitous in the 07 hybrid models. This presents a significant safety issue. I subsequently relocated for work to the washington, dc area and called toyota to see if they would offer a fix or cover the repair. Was instructed to bring the car into a different dealership. Dealership confirmed that the issue is a faulty ABS actuator (design defect) and the cost of repair/replacement would be $3506.02. Dealership sent toyota corporate the information and requested that they repair be covered. Toyota corporate denied coverage of the repair. Was also instructed by toyota corporate that despite the fact they had requested that I take the car into the dealership, I owed $129.95 for the mechanical inspection. The failure of assisted braking presents a significant safety issue. This issue was recognized by the federal safety agency in it's aforementioned investigation of identical failures in the 2007 toyota camry hybrid. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency initiate an investigation into the 07 highlander hybrid ABS actuator.

Filed May 20, 2011 · Brakes · 82,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2007 toyota highlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk with slight hesitation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician informed that the failure was related to the master cylinder. The vehicle remained at the dealer for one week to replace the master cylinder. There was a recall related to the defect on the model years 2004-2006 under the federal safety agency campaign id number 10v499000 (service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder). The manufacturer was made aware of the problem and was unable to provide assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000. Updated 06/16/11*lj updated 06/27/11

Filed Feb 15, 2010 · Transmission · AZ

I cannot believe toyota is finally being held to task. In 2007 I sent you a complaint about transmission hesitation problems in the toyota highlander. It was so severe, my wife refused to drive it, fearing a collision on highway entry as the car held back and then lurched forward. Despite hundreds of complaints on the internet under transmission hesitation for toyota, toyota refused to admit there was a problem and still does! With other problems now coming to light, I hope you will re-look at this issue before someone is killed because of it, since that seems to be the only thing that generates these investigations as are now going on. Please look into this. A simple internet search will show you hundreds of complaints and they are all exactly the same- not likely if the problem isn't real.

Filed Jan 31, 2010 · Brakes · 50,000 miles · SC

Since the purchase of our 2007 toyota highlander hybrid we have had brake deceleration issues. The brakes seem to occasionally skip, then lurch forward as soon as the braking system initiates. While I have not gotten into any accident, I have become accustomed to braking early in preparation for stopping. It happens at low speeds (between 5-45mph) although that is when I'm most likely to come to a full stop. Not sure what would happen at full highway speed. Called the dealership and was told that this has not been reported to them, though they would take a look. After reading posts of identical braking issues, and with the acceleration issues in consideration I feel it best to file a complaint for the safety of my family.

Filed Nov 4, 2009 · Acceleration · 18,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota highlander. While he was attempting to apply the brakes at 5 MPH the pedal fell to the floor. The vehicle lurched forward over a stone ledge. The vehicle was taken to the dealership , but the technicians could not duplicate the failure, therefore they could not provide a remedy. The current and failure mileages were 18000.