Last updated on April 7th, 2022 at 05:50 pm
The 2007 Toyota Highlander is a mid-sized SUV that offers excellent handling and soft, quiet road trips. A seven-seater design makes it suitable as a family car with a smooth ride. Improved Highlander models come with a third-row seat and with either front or all-wheel drive. The 2007 Toyota Highlander included V6, 2.4L inline-four engine choices and only automatic transmissions were offered.
Improved models of the Toyota Highlander come with both four-cylinder and V6 engine models. The four master cylinder engine has a four-speed auto-transmission; the V6 design offers a five-speed automatic. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration rates the Toyota Highlander at 27/25/26 City/Highway/Combined. Vehicle safety features include seat riding belts, pretensions and force limiters, and the front seats’ side-impact bags. It’s a wide base model wagon with cargo volume size similar to other top-ranked wagons like the Honda CRV and Nissan Murano.
The owner’s manual facilitates more car research about vehicle stability and traction control, brake pads, electronic brake-force distribution, and engine light. The 2007 Highlander received minimal exterior improvements and safety features. It has increased car values as a reliable SUV, but there are various car repair needs to watch out for.
2007 Toyota Highlander Problems
The 2007 Toyota Highlander is not an entirely perfect vehicle. As with every locomotive, several issues may crop up as gas mileage increases. This section is an owner’s guide to reference the most common car repairs when problems are experienced and facilitate further car research. It is a guide especially for car buyers who may want to know the vehicle’s history.
- Engine Sludge/Failure
This issue is noticed by checking when the engine light comes on. When the oil and other transmission fluid are below their required level, this issue is likely to occur. The spark plugs are fouled with oil, hampering the ignition system hence causing engine failure. This concern is a manufacturing issue, and Toyota made a safety recall to address the complaint. An extended warranty was also granted to cover issues from the date of purchase.
- Threads for Engine Bolts Stripped
When the AC in the 2007 Highlander suddenly stops working, the temperature in the engine will rise. The running heater will draw heat from the engine and the coolant goes below the required level. Both the coolant and engine oil will start leaking through the gasket.
Damaged threads can affect the entire fuel system, contributing to water leaking. The problem is familiar to many Toyota Highlander cars and is a manufacturing flaw. Replacing the whole engine is the most reliable solution, though experienced mechanics can re-drill new bolt holes and insert longer bolts. Toyota has had two safety recalls for this problem.
- Excessive Oil Usage
This is noticeable when the 2007 Highlander starts to make weird sounds. The fuel economy will tend to go high, as oil usage increases rapidly. The vehicle will occasionally show the engine oil light indicator before the usual change time. As the defect prolongs, the entire fuel system will get damaged, and it will tear the ignition system, resulting in premature engine failure.
However, Highlanders will consume excessive oil with higher expenses from refilling and changing the oil regularly. To fix this issue, have a full service periodically and consider changing your engine. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has documented safety recalls on various engine failures, but the extended warranty does not cover excessive use and oil spillage problems.
- Smells from the Air Conditioner
The Toyota Highlander has resistive heating and air conditioning systems prone to mold and other contaminants, which tend to grow on the evaporators. With the AC on, these get blown into the vehicle’s cab, spreading an unpleasant odor throughout the car.
- Transmission Failure
The Highlander’s faulty transmission is among the most common customer reports on this model. This issue has been a common complaint throughout the Toyota vehicle’s history. Below are common transmission problem indicators on the 2007 Highlander:
- Transmission Slipping – Sudden up and down gear shifts are a definite feature of car transmission slipping. Other symptoms include strange grinding noises and regular RPM spikes before shifting.
- Overheated transmission – If you realize a loss of power, burning smell and excessive smoke from your vehicle, you should visit your mechanic for repairs. These signs indicate an overheated transmission, possibly due to the lack of enough fluid. Continuing to drive with this defect will cause internal damage.
- Delayed and irregular shift – the 2007 Highlander tends to have this problem due to improper fluid levels. The lack of fluid leads to inconsistencies in timely gear shifts.
Conclusion
The 2007 Highlander is a well-made crossover SUV that can carry up to seven passengers. It comes with an extended warranty, with safety recalls assuring safety features. To control the frequency of car repairs, you may consider the use of the 2007 Toyota Highlander Engine Control Module. However, I would recommend this brand if you plan to sell your car and switch to a medium-sized SUV.
FAQs
The Highlander is a popular family car with a smooth ride, good gas mileage, and numerous safety features. Nonetheless, the vehicle’s history shows engine failure, poor air conditioning, and transmission problems.
Proper maintenance and regular servicing are crucial to the longevity of a Highlander. The 2007 model is estimated to go 200,000 miles.
Proper maintenance and regular servicing are crucial to the longevity of a Highlander. The 2007 model is estimated to go 200,000 miles.
Toyota Highlanders have a roomy interior with third-row car seats, making them good family cars. They come with abundant safety measures and are thus reliable vehicles.
