2007 Toyota Highlander
2007 Toyota Highlander
Overview
The 2007 Toyota Highlander is generally considered a reliable mid-size SUV, known for its comfortable ride and practical interior. It offered a choice between a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine and a more powerful V6, both paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission. While most owners report a positive ownership experience with minimal unexpected repairs, like any vehicle, certain components can experience issues over time. This analysis focuses on documented, non-wear-and-tear related problems that have been reported by owners and technicians, providing insights into potential areas of concern and their estimated repair costs.
Engine
2.4L 4-Cylinder (2AZ-FE)
Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gasket)
- Symptoms: Visible oil around the valve cover, burning oil smell, potential for oil drips.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gasket.
- Cost: $200 - $400
Coolant Leaks (Water Pump)
- Symptoms: Overheating, coolant puddles under the vehicle, visible corrosion around the water pump pulley.
- Solution: Replacement of the water pump and potentially thermostat.
- Cost: $400 - $700
3.3L V6 (3MZ-FE)
Oil Leaks (Rear Main Seal)
- Symptoms: Oil drips from the rear of the engine, often noticed on the transmission bell housing.
- Solution: Replacement of the rear main seal. This is labor-intensive.
- Cost: $800 - $1500
Timing Belt Replacement (Preventative)
- Symptoms: Not applicable, this is a scheduled maintenance item. Failure to replace can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
- Solution: Replacement of the timing belt, tensioner, and idler pulleys.
- Cost: $600 - $1000
Transmission
5-Speed Automatic (U151E/F)
Harsh Shifting / Slipping
- Symptoms: Jerking during gear changes, delayed engagement, feeling of the transmission slipping out of gear.
- Solution: Transmission fluid and filter change, solenoid replacement, or in severe cases, transmission rebuild.
- Cost: $300 - $3000+
Suspension
Standard Chassis
Worn Sway Bar Links
- Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise over bumps, especially at lower speeds.
- Solution: Replacement of the sway bar links.
- Cost: $150 - $300
Worn Struts/Shocks
- Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll, nose-diving during braking, visible leaks from shock absorbers.
- Solution: Replacement of struts and/or shocks.
- Cost: $500 - $900
Electrical
Standard Electrical System
Power Window Actuator Failure
- Symptoms: Power windows not operating, slow operation, grinding noise when trying to move the window.
- Solution: Replacement of the power window motor and regulator assembly.
- Cost: $250 - $500 per window
Alternator Failure
- Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery warning light illuminated, difficulty starting the engine, eventual battery drain.
- Solution: Replacement of the alternator.
- Cost: $400 - $700
Exterior
Standard Exterior
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: Varies
Interior
Standard Interior
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: Varies
Summary Verdict
The 2007 Toyota Highlander is a solid choice for a used SUV, with a strong reputation for reliability. The most common issues tend to be related to aging components like gaskets, water pumps, and suspension parts, which are typical for a vehicle of this age. The electrical system can also present minor issues such as power window failures. While the V6 engine’s rear main seal can be a costly repair, it’s not a universal problem. Overall, with regular maintenance and addressing minor issues promptly, the 2007 Highlander should continue to provide dependable service.