Does the Toyota Highlander have automatic emergency braking?

Yes. In the current lineup, automatic emergency braking is included as part of Toyota Safety Sense, typically billed as the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, and it can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate a collision in many driving situations.

What automatic emergency braking means for Highlander owners

Automatic emergency braking (AEB) is a driver-assistance feature that uses forward-facing sensors to monitor traffic ahead. When the system detects a plausible collision with another vehicle, a pedestrian, or sometimes a cyclist, it may warn the driver and, if necessary, automatically apply the brakes to reduce speed and lessen the impact. On the Highlander, AEB is integrated with Toyota Safety Sense and is designed to assist in urban and suburban driving; it is not a substitute for attentive driving and has limitations based on weather, sensor visibility, and road conditions.

How AEB works in the Highlander

The system relies on a combination of cameras and radar sensors to detect potential collision risks. If a collision is deemed likely and the driver does not respond in time, the system can automatically apply braking pressure. In many models, the feature also provides visual and audible alerts before braking begins. Performance can vary by speed, traffic scenario, and sensor cleanliness, and the system may be more effective at lower to moderate speeds than at high speeds or complex intersections.

Below are some core points to know about the Highlander’s AEB capabilities:

• It is part of Toyota Safety Sense and is typically labeled as the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian (and sometimes Bicycle) Detection.


• It can autonomously brake to reduce or mitigate a collision in several driving scenarios, particularly at city and suburban speeds.


• Warnings are usually issued before any automatic braking engages, giving the driver an opportunity to take action.


• Performance can be affected by weather, rain, fog, snow, or sensor obstructions (dirt, ice, or low light conditions).


• It does not guarantee avoidance in every situation and is designed to assist rather than replace careful driving.

Understanding these points can help you know what to expect from your Highlander’s AEB and how to use it safely in daily driving.

How to verify AEB availability for a specific Highlander

To confirm whether a particular Highlander has automatic emergency braking, check these sources and indicators:

• Window sticker or Monroney label for mentions of Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection or AEB under Safety features.


• Owner’s manual sections dedicated to Toyota Safety Sense or Driving Assistance features.


• In-vehicle safety settings menus where Safety Support or Pre-Collision options are listed.


• Official Toyota specs for the model year, or a dealer’s certification for a used vehicle (VIN-specific feature list).

If you’re shopping used, requesting a build sheet or VIN-level feature documentation can help confirm whether AEB is included on that specific vehicle.

Practical considerations and safety notes

Limitations and safe use

AEB is a helpful assistive technology, but it has limitations. It may not detect all pedestrians or objects, can be defeated by sensor obstruction or poor weather, and may not respond as expected in complex maneuvers or at high speeds. Drivers should always maintain attention, keep a safe following distance, and be prepared to brake manually. Regular maintenance—keeping sensors clean and ensuring cameras and radars are unobstructed—helps maintain system effectiveness.

Summary

In summary, the modern Toyota Highlander generally includes automatic emergency braking as part of Toyota Safety Sense, with the system functioning as a Pre-Collision System that can automatically brake in emergencies. Availability can vary by model year and trim, so buyers and owners should verify the specific features on their vehicle through the window sticker, owner’s manual, or a dealership. Used buyers should seek VIN-level confirmation to ensure AEB is included. When functioning as intended, AEB adds an extra layer of protection, but it does not replace attentive driving.

Where is the emergency brake in a Toyota Highlander?

The location of the emergency brake in a Toyota Highlander depends on the model year. Newer models use an electronic parking brake with a button on the center console, while older models may have a hand lever between the seats or a foot pedal on the left side.
 
You can watch this video to see how to operate the electronic parking brake in a Toyota Highlander: 54sModern AutosYouTube · Jul 22, 2022
Newer models (electronic parking brake)

• Location: The electronic parking brake switch is on the center console, near the gear shifter. 
• How to operate:
  • To engage, press and hold the brake pedal and pull up the EPB switch or press the "P" button. 
  • To release, press the brake pedal, and then pull up or press the EPB switch down until the light on the dash turns off. 

This video shows how to operate the foot pedal parking brake in an older Toyota Highlander: 1mDIY PintoYouTube · Sep 3, 2020
Older models (manual parking brake)

• Location:
  • Hand lever: Between the driver's and passenger's seats, near the gear shifter.
  • Foot pedal: To the left of the driver's footwell.
• How to operate:
  • To engage, pull the lever up or push the pedal down until it clicks or locks into place.
  • To release, press the button on the end of the lever while pushing it down, or push the foot pedal again. 

Which Toyotas have automatic emergency braking?

Automatic Emergency Braking is included as part of Toyota Safety Sense™ for nearly all Toyota vehicles as of 2022. Specific feature names may vary based on year and model, but in most cases you'll find it labeled as the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection2.

What is the lawsuit against the Toyota Highlander?

Recent and ongoing lawsuits involving the Toyota Highlander address issues such as faulty door lock actuators, a potential transmission defect in certain models, and a claim that 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrids have fuel tanks that do not fill completely. Other recent lawsuits include an investigation into defective power liftgates and a separate class action settlement for a Bluetooth echo defect that affected some Highlanders. 
Current and recent lawsuits

• Door Lock Actuators: A class action lawsuit was filed because many Toyota models, including the Highlander, reportedly have defective door lock actuators that may fail to engage properly. The lawsuit claims owners have been charged for repeated replacements, which Toyota allegedly considered "wear and tear" items. 
• Transmission Defect: Lawsuits allege that certain Highlander models (2017-2022) equipped with the UA80 automatic transmission have a defect that can cause whining, erratic shifting, and premature failure. A Customer Support Program (CSP ZJC) was created but only covers a limited number of vehicles, according to Change.org. 
• Fuel Tank Defect: A class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of owners of 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrids, claiming a defective fuel tank vent causes it to not fill to its capacity. 
• Power Liftgate Defect: Some Highlander models (XU20, XU40, XU50, and Highlander Hybrid MHU28) are reportedly affected by a power liftgate defect that can lead to costly repairs, with the lawsuit alleging Toyota knew about the issue but did not issue a recall or warning. 
• Bluetooth Echo Defect: A class action lawsuit over a Bluetooth defect that caused an echo on calls in certain Toyota models, including the Highlander, resulted in a settlement, notes this article from Unión Rayo and ClassAction.org. 

How to proceed

• Identify your vehicle's details: Determine if your Highlander is included in any of these lawsuits by checking its model year, VIN, and the specific defect alleged.
• Gather evidence: Collect any repair invoices, service records, or documentation related to the defect.
• Contact an attorney: Speak to a lawyer who specializes in consumer or automotive class action lawsuits to understand your options and how you may be affected by an ongoing investigation or settlement. 
• Check settlement websites: Visit official settlement websites if they are available for a specific lawsuit, as they often provide important information and instructions for potential claimants. 

Does the Toyota Highlander have Automatic Braking?

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2021 Highlander offers a loaded suite of driver-assistance features. The package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and automatic high-beam headlamps.