2023 Toyota Highlander: Clicking Sound When Releasing Accelerator or Pressing Brakes?

Hey everyone,

Has anyone noticed a clicking sound when letting off the gas or pressing the brake pedal? It’s not constant but happens every so often, especially under 20 mph, and sounds like it’s coming from the front end. I’m curious if this is a known issue or if anyone else has dealt with it. The car’s got about 12,000 miles on it.

Only recall I know about is:

SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 24TC05
(Remedy Notice) - Multiple Models - MIL
ON w/DTC PO5CE0O Software Update

Apparently, there’s a software glitch in the Engine Control Computer that might cause the exhaust variable valve timing (VVT) to get stuck, and this can trigger the check engine light and an error code.

Would love any advice or insights before I bring it in for a check-up. Thanks!

My ‘24 RAV4 Hybrid does this too! Sounds like it’s coming from the front passenger side, and I hear it mostly when I’m stopping or just starting to accelerate.

I took it to the dealer a few times, but they couldn’t hear it. When I went on a test drive with them, of course, it was silent. Nothing’s broken yet, so I’m just waiting to see if it becomes more obvious.

@Briar
Yeah, it seems pretty random, but I do hear it almost daily.

Huxley said:
@Briar
Yeah, it seems pretty random, but I do hear it almost daily.

Mine does it a lot for a few weeks, then it goes silent. Sometimes, I can even feel a little tap in the pedal. Maybe something’s bumping against the firewall?

Can you feel the click in the brake or gas pedal? I once had a creaking sound over speed bumps, which turned out to be worn suspension parts.

Monty said:
Can you feel the click in the brake or gas pedal? I once had a creaking sound over speed bumps, which turned out to be worn suspension parts.

No, I don’t feel it. It’s more of a sound than a feeling.

@Huxley
If it happens when speeding up or slowing down, it could be the engine mounts, suspension, a loose heat shield, or even a loose exhaust pipe.

One time, I even found out it was just spice jars rolling under my seat! (Mechanic didn’t charge me for that discovery, thankfully.)

@Monty
Yikes, sounds like it could be serious :worried:

Huxley said:
@Monty
Yikes, sounds like it could be serious :worried:

Which one sounds serious?

Tracking down strange noises can be tough. Try finding a parking lot with speed bumps and listening with the windows down, or push down on each corner of the car with the engine off and listen.

You can Google “diagnosing engine mounts” for more info.

Just remember, don’t go under the car without jack stands and wheel chocks!

In another forum, I read that some creaks came from screws that were too tight in the doors. Sometimes a little cloth tape or silicone grease in between panels stops those sounds.

@Monty
I just read online that it could be the engine mount, like you mentioned. I’ll get that checked out. Thanks for the advice!

Huxley said:
@Monty
I just read online that it could be the engine mount, like you mentioned. I’ll get that checked out. Thanks for the advice!

Be sure to let us know what happens :+1:

2023 and already issues? Are you driving on some rough roads?

Check out Toyota Car Care Nut and Eric The Car Guy on YouTube for more advice.

I have a new dog bone engine mount with a rubber bushing to put in my car, but I’m cautious about stripping the aluminum threads. Don’t really want to deal with helicoils if I don’t have to.

@Monty
I’m in MA, so yeah, some pretty rough roads around here! I’ll post an update. At first, I thought it was the brakes, but when I heard it with the gas pedal too, I knew it wasn’t that.

Huxley said:
@Monty
I’m in MA, so yeah, some pretty rough roads around here! I’ll post an update. At first, I thought it was the brakes, but when I heard it with the gas pedal too, I knew it wasn’t that.

Try paying attention to all the details when it happens—like whether you’re moving or not, turning, reversing, the speed, and the road type. Sometimes these clues help narrow things down.

Also, don’t forget to check the lug nuts with a torque wrench. :+1:

@Monty
Good idea, I’ll check the lug nuts too.

Huxley said:
@Monty
Good idea, I’ll check the lug nuts too.

Could be the brake rotors or calipers if it’s clicking around the wheels. Might want to have those looked at too!

The same problem with my 2024 Highlander:(

https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/highlander2024-knocking-sound-when-slowing-down-to-a-stop-also-does-it-right-after-accelerating-from-a-stopping-point-anyone-else-has-the-same-sound.1791500/?post_id=15045315&nested_view=1&sortby=oldest#post-15045315