Recall 16V775 affects 7,056 2016 Toyota Highlander vehicles for a disconnected brake-fluid sensor harness. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 7,056 2016 Highlander vehicles under recall 16V775 because a wire-harness connection defect can keep the brake fluid level sensor from detecting low fluid. If the fluid level drops without a warning, braking performance can decrease and crash risk increases; Toyota dealers will connect the sensor free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake fluid level sensor on the 2016 Toyota Highlander sits at the brake fluid reservoir. Its job is to watch the fluid level and send an electrical signal through a small wire harness, which is the connector that lets the sensor talk to the vehicle's warning system.
On the recalled Highlanders in campaign 16V775, that wire harness was left disconnected during assembly on one production line. The sensor itself is there, but without the harness connection, the vehicle does not receive the sensor's brake-fluid-level signal. This recall is about a missed electrical connection, not a brake fluid leak caused by the sensor.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is hidden at the reservoir connection, so an owner is not expected to hear, feel, or see a clear symptom before the low-fluid sensor fails to report the level correctly.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Toyota Highlander | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2016 Toyota Highlander | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 7,056 |
Not every 2016 Toyota Highlander is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If brake fluid is low and the vehicle does not detect it, braking performance decreases, increasing the risk of a crash. Drive cautiously, watch for any change in brake feel, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Toyota Highlander is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free inspection and wire-harness connection for the brake fluid level sensor, so low brake fluid is detected correctly.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V775 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Avoid hard braking and leave extra following distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician inspects the brake fluid level sensor wire harness and confirms whether it is properly connected to the brake fluid level sensor. If the harness is disconnected, the technician connects it. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Repairs already paid are handled through the Toyota New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles were still within the warranty period when owners were notified. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 21, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| October 21, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 24, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| November 7, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 7, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 14, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V775?
NHTSA campaign 16V775 covers 7,056 2016 Toyota Highlander SUVs with a brake fluid level sensor wiring issue. If the sensor is not connected to the wire harness, it cannot detect low brake fluid, and braking performance can decrease. Toyota dealers inspect and connect the harness for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Toyota Highlander is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Highlander is included in recall 16V775. If it is, call a franchised Toyota dealer and ask for recall G03 or NHTSA campaign 16V775. The dealer will inspect the brake fluid level sensor wiring and complete the repair for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost to the owner. Toyota dealers will inspect the brake fluid level sensor connection and, if needed, connect the wire harness to the sensor free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V775?
The safety risk is reduced braking performance if brake fluid gets low and the disconnected sensor fails to alert the driver. That condition increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free Toyota dealer inspection and wiring repair if your Highlander is included.
What if I bought my Toyota Highlander used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2016 Highlander is included, then call a franchised Toyota dealer with recall G03 or NHTSA campaign 16V775.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V775000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V775 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V775000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →