The 2007 Highlander is generally solid but the 3.3L V6 has a critical engine sludge vulnerability, and all non-hybrid models share a transmission oil cooler failure that can destroy the transmission if ignored.
3.3L V6 Engine Sludge and Catastrophic Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: excessive oil consumption (1+ quart per 1,000 mi), check engine light with misfire codes, knocking or ticking from engine, sudden loss of power, blue smoke from exhaust
Fix: The 3.3L 3MZ-FE is prone to sludge buildup that starves oil to pistons and rings, causing consumption and eventually spun bearings or seized engines. If caught early with consumption only, you're looking at piston ring replacement (16-20 hours). If bearings are gone, it's either a short block (22-28 hours) or used engine swap (18-24 hours). Many owners don't catch it until catastrophic failure.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure (Pink Milkshake)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission slipping or delayed engagement, pink or strawberry milkshake appearance in radiator coolant, transmission overheating, radiator coolant in transmission pan
Fix: The internal transmission cooler in the radiator develops cracks, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. This contaminates the transmission and destroys clutch packs and valve body within days if driven. Proper fix requires radiator replacement, complete transmission fluid system flush with new cooler lines, filter, and pan drop (6-8 hours). If transmission is damaged, add rebuild or replacement (12-16 hours for R&R plus rebuild cost).
Symptoms: clunk when shifting from park to drive or reverse, excessive vibration at idle, visible engine movement when revving in park, transmission thump during acceleration
Fix: The rear transmission mount (engine side) deteriorates and separates, allowing excessive drivetrain movement. Replacement is straightforward but requires supporting the transmission from below. 2-3 hours labor. Often done with front engine mounts at same time if those are soft.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Power Steering Rack Leak
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: power steering fluid dripping from bellows boots, low fluid warnings, whining noise when turning, stiff steering when cold
Fix: Rack seals fail and leak fluid into the bellows, eventually dripping onto subframe. Toyota racks are not rebuildable in field, so it's rack replacement (4-5 hours), which requires alignment afterward. Fluid pump can also fail but rack leaks are more common.
Estimated cost: $900-1,400
Front Lower Control Arm Bushings
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking over bumps, wandering or vague steering feel, uneven tire wear on inside edges, steering wheel off-center after hitting potholes
Fix: The large front lower control arm bushings wear out and cause alignment issues and handling slop. Arms come as assemblies (bushings not sold separately by Toyota), so it's full arm replacement on both sides. 3-4 hours plus alignment. Aftermarket bushings exist but require press work.
Estimated cost: $700-1,100
Evaporative Emissions Charcoal Canister Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: null
Symptoms: check engine light with P0441 or P0446 codes, difficulty filling gas tank (pump clicks off repeatedly), fuel smell near rear of vehicle, failed emissions test
Fix: The evap canister can crack or clog, especially if vehicle was topped off repeatedly at gas station (liquid fuel damages charcoal). Canister is mounted behind rear bumper near spare tire. Replacement is 1.5-2 hours but diagnosis can be tricky (smoke test recommended). Vent valve on top of canister also fails occasionally.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Owner tips
If buying a 3.3L V6, get oil consumption test done (check level cold after 500 mi highway trip) — walk away if it burns more than half a quart per 1,000 miles
Immediately inspect radiator coolant for pink milkshake and check transmission fluid color — catching the cooler failure early saves $3,000+
Maintain strict 5,000 mi synthetic oil changes on the 3.3L to minimize sludge risk; this engine does NOT tolerate extended intervals
Budget for transmission mount and lower control arms as wear items in the 100k+ range — they're not catastrophic but affect driving quality
Avoid the 3.3L V6 unless full service records prove religious oil changes; the 2.4L I4 and hybrid 3.0L are far more reliable, and all need the transmission cooler lines watched closely.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: 12V auxiliary battery; hybrid system uses separate high-voltage battery pack
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2004-2007 Toyota Highlander — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Optional equipment; sensor calibration may be required
Back Monitor Camera ECU (CAMERA ECU)0.6 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Rear cargo area, integrated with camera assembly or behind trim
⚠️ Optional equipment on 2006-2007; plug-and-play
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 10V035000
2010-02-03
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 10V036000
2010-02-03
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
27mpg
Highway
25mpg
Combined
26mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Wiper blades
First year of second generation (XU40). Passenger blade increased to 20 inches
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2007 Toyota Highlander 3.3L V6 Hybrid and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.