116 of the
272 complaints about the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid are about the
braking system — 43% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
118,500 miles.
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the master, brake system, ABS warning, and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the message "Brake System Malfunction - Stop in Safe Place Immediately”, check ABS/VSC system, and check braking system" messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times, but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 227,000.
NHTSA complaint #11654687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesRichmond, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the brake malfunction and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that when she started the vehicle, she was unable to depress the brake pedal to the floor and started to hear an abnormal noise. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the brake booster pump assembly and brake actuator assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
NHTSA complaint #11442260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesRichmond, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the brake malfunction and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that when she started the vehicle, she was unable to depress the brake pedal to the floor and started to hear an abnormal noise. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the brake booster pump assembly and brake actuator assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
NHTSA complaint #11442260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesLA Jolla, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
ALL WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON TO CHECK BRAKES, ABS. ABNORMAL LEAK IN ACUMULATOR - ABS BRAKE ACTUATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I WAS SENT A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM WITH MY 2012 PRIUS (ALTHOUGH IT IS FINE) BUT THE HIGHLANDER HAS THE EXACT PROBLEM. WHEN GOOGLING THIS I FOUND MANY 2008 HIGHLANDERS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. TOYOTA WANTS $3600 TO REPLACE THE ABS ACUMULATOR YET THEY WILL REPLACE THE SAME PART IN THE PRIUS AS A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11210604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesCamarillo, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY ON MY 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID HAS BEEN FAILING. KNOW ISSUE. I'VE TAKEN EXCELLENT CARE OF THIS VEHICLE AND HAD IT SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE MANUFACTURING IS REPLACE THE PREVIOUS YEARS, BUT NOT THE 2008 WHICH IS THE EXACT SAME COMPONENT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. NOT JUST TO ME, BUT OTHERS TOO. PLEASE HELP US. THANKS
NHTSA complaint #11209225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesHomestead, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
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
NHTSA complaint #11205787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSalt Lake City, UT
SERVICE BRAKES
I AM TOLD I NEED TO REPLACE THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY ON MY 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. MY RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS COMPONENT FAILURE WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND WAS ACTUALLY COVERED IN A RECALL FOR 2006-7 MODELS. FOR REASONS UNKNOWN THE RECALL DOES NOT COVER 2008 EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE EXACT SAME COMPONENT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND TOYOTA SEEMS TO BE PASSING THE COST OFF TO THE CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #11191596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
TAKATA RECALL .. MY CAR START GETTING AN ERROR LIGHT IN MY DASHBOARD.. IT SAYS BRAKE MALFUNCTION , VSC SYSTEM AND ABS SYSTEM .. MY CAR RUNS FINE BUT SOMETIME WHEN I PRESS THE PHRASE PEDAL CAR DOESN'T BREAK RIGHT AWAY AND MAKING NOISE.
NHTSA complaint #11187344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesWest Jordan, UT
SERVICE BRAKES
VSC, ABS, TRACTION CONTROL ERROR LIGHT. MY MECHANIC IDENTIFIED THIS AS A FAILER ACCUMULATOR (ABS MODULE), HE SAID THERE IS A TSB FROM TOYOTA. I KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE ON THIS VEHICLE THROUGH YEAR 2007. CONCERNED ABOUT POSSIBILITY OF TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11183916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,500 milesSaratoga Springs, UT
SERVICE BRAKES
WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR NORMALLY ON CITY STREETS, NOT EVEN BRAKING AT THE TIME WHEN SUDDENLY THE ABS LIGHT AND A COUPLE OTHERS LIT UP ON THE DASHBOARD ALONG WITH A WARNING MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN ABOUT THE ABS AND VCS SYSTEMS. BRAKING STILL WORKED AS DID EVERYTHING ELSE (LESS THE ABS I ASSUME).
NHTSA complaint #11182645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesPoint Blank, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
THE BRAKE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. TOYOTA SAYS ITS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND IT WILL COST ME $4700 TO REPLACE THE PART. THEY RECALLED TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 06-07, PRIUS 04-09 AND LEXUS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THE RESULT CAN BE TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. SINCE TOYOTA KNOWS THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE DEFECTIVE PARTS , ALL AUTOS WITH THAT PART NEEDS TO BE RECALLED/REPAIRED WITH TOYOTA'S ASSISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #11181119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesSpring Hill, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
THE BRAKES STARTED MAKING A WEIRD "BURPING / BARKING" NOISE AND THEN THE DREADED C1391 CODE POPPED UP. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE ABS ACTUATORS ON THE 2005-7 YEARS BUT YET HERE WE ARE WITH PEOPLE REPORTING THIS FAILURE ON THE 2008-11 YEARS IN DROVES. CLEARLY THERE IS THE SAME MANUFACTURING ISSUE. IRONICALLY I HAD MY HIGHLANDER INTO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR WEIRD BRAKE NOISES A YEAR PREVIOUSLY AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WERE NORMAL.
NHTSA complaint #11180164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yardley, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
I RECENTLY HAD A NUMBER OF SERVICE LIGHTS APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD OF MY 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID, INCLUDING THE BRAKE,VSC, AND ABS. THERE WAS A MESSAGE STATING THAT I SHOULD TAKE IT TO A DEALER FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DETERMINED IT WAS AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE BRAKE ACTUATOR (ABS). TO MY SURPRISE THIS IS A $3,000 PLUS FIX AND WHEN I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ONLINE O FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME PART FOR THE 2008 TOYOTA CAMERY HYBRID AND MANY COMPLAINT POSTERS SUGGESTING THAT I VOICE MY CONCERN HERE.
NHTSA complaint #11164076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesPeoria, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY IN TRAFFIC WHEN SEVERAL DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON AND ERROR MESSAGE BEGAN ROTATING THROUGH THE CENTER SCREEN. "BRAKE MALFUNCTION - STOP THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY, AND CONTACT A DEALER,' "CHECK ABS - HAVE YOUR VEHICLE CHECKED BY A DEALER," AND "CHECK VSC SYSTEM - HAVE YOUR VEHICLE CHECKED BY A DEALER." AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE AND HAVING THE CAR SCANNED BY A MECHANIC, THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY, AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A WELL-DOCUMENTED PROBLEM FOR TOYOTA. THEY HAVE THIS EXACT ISSUE COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE 2006-2007 MODELS OF THIS CAR, BUT FOR SOME REASON HAVE FAILED TO INCLUDE THE 2008 MODEL DESPITE THE SAME ISSUE WITH THOSE. I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL EXAMPLES OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME VEHICLE AND SAME ISSUES ONLINE. CLEARLY TOYOTA KNOWS THIS IS A FAULTY PART AND YET THEY CONTINUE TO USE IT AND DREW AN ARBITRARY LINE IN THE SAND ON WHICH ONES THEY WOULD FIX. THIS PART IS NOT FUNCTIONING AS IT SHOULD, THEY KNOW IT IS BAD AND SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO FIX IT. I AM VERY CONCERNED BY THE SAFETY FACTORS THIS MALFUNCTION REPRESENTS.
NHTSA complaint #11162845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Paso, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
CAR HAS BEEN KEPT ON A GARAGE AND WELL TAKEN CARE OF. WE HAVE FOLLOWED THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ON IT METICULOUSLY. HOWEVER, TODAY WE FOUND OUT THAT THE BRAKE ACTUATOR IS LEAKING AND COULD CAUSE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM ON MANY CARS FROM THIS YEAR, AND OBVIOUSLY FROM PREVIOUS YEARS SINCE A RECALL WAS ALREADY ORDERED FOR YEARS 2007 AND 2006. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM WITH THIS COMPONENT.
NHTSA complaint #11155260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 215,000 milesWaldron, AR
SERVICE BRAKES
MY 2008 HIGHLANDER ABS IS FAILED AND THAT PUT OUR FAMILY AND OTHERS IN DANGER BECAUSE OF THE ABS IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE LIGHTS KEEP STAYING ON, DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOU DO, RESET IT OR NOT. THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING, THE SIREN INSIDE THE VEHICLE MAKING BUZZY NOISE WHEN OPENING THE DOOR OR ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. I'VE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH ONLINE REGARDING TO THE TOYOTA HYBRID MODELS AND FOUND MANY DISAPPOINTED CUSTOMER REVIEWS, THEY ALL POINT TO THE ABS PLATFORM DESIGN FLAWS BY TOYOTA JUST LIKE THE ABS ON CAMRY HYBRIDS & OTHER HYBRID MODELS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AS SUGGEST BY TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE, THE SAME TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT MY TWO CAMRYS FROM; PAID $125 TO HAVE THEM CHECKED OUT. MY HIGHLANDER ABS AND THE RESULTS TUNED OUT TO BE BOTH ABS ACTUATOR (47070-48010) AND ABS PUMP (44510-48080) ARE FAILED AND THE COSTS TO HAVE BOTH FIX IS $9000 WHILE THE VEHICLE IS ONLY WORTH BETWEEN $6000 (NOW $0) WHICH IS MORE THAN HALF OF THE VEHICLE'S VALUE, FOR JUST A FEW SMALL DEFECTIVE PARTS MADE BY TOYOTA. I DO BELIEVE THAT THE COST IS RIDICULOUSLY HIGH AND BECAUSE OF THE MANUFACTURE DESIGN FLAWS & NOT FROM END USERS FAULT. I'VE CALLED TOYOTA TWICE TO BRING IT TO THEIR ATTENTION BUT I GOT DISAPPOINTING RESULTS INSTEAD. WE, TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID OWNERS NEED TO UNITE AND CONTACT TOYOTA AND OR SMART ATTORNEYS TO CONNECT ALL THE DOTS AND SUE TOYOTA FOR THE ABOVE PROBLEMS. OUR LIFE AND OTHERS IS IN DANGER DUE TO TOYOTA'S DEFECTIVE PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #11153155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,800 milesSLC, UT
SERVICE BRAKES
MY 2008 HIGHLANDER HYBRID HAS BEEN MAKING A 'BARKING' SOUND EACH TIME I DEPRESS OR RELEASE THE BRAKE. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT THAT IT'S NOT A RECALL ITEM. THE SAME BRAKE ACTUATOR PART IS COVERED BY A RECALL BY TOYOTA UP TO 2007 AND LEXUS UP TO 2012. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT IT'S NOT A 'SAFETY' ISSUE SO NOT COVERED BY TOYOTA, HOWEVER I'VE READ PAGES OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM, AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR KNOWING THAT I MAY HAVE A PROBLEM THAT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. TOYOTA SAYS IT'S NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM SO NOT COVERED BY A RECALL. THE CAR IS METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED, IN BEAUTIFUL CONDITION, AND IT IS CURRENT ON ALL OF THE RECALL NOTICES FROM TOYOTA. IT'S A FAIRLY EXPENSIVE REPAIR THAT I THINK TOYOTA SHOULD STEP UP TO MAKE, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING HOW MANY CARS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND WORSE.
NHTSA complaint #11150143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 201,200 milesCape Coral, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID . HAS 200K MILES AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME TWICE IN ONE WEEK WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION BEFORE APPLYING THE BRAKES. AFTER RESETTING ABS LIGHT, HAD PULLED C1252, C1256, C1319 & C1391 FOR ABS ACCUMULATOR/ACTUATOR LEAK.VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO MY VEHICLE IS BRAKING ONLY ON BASE BRAKES AND MY ABS AND VSC SYSTEM HAS BEEN DEACTIVATED DUE TO FAULT PRESENT. NOT SURE WHY ITS NOT COVERED ON EXTENDED WARRANTY LIKE OTHER 2006 AND 07 MODELS. OVER 200 COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. REPAIRS AROUND $4,500 AND UP. RECALL URGENTLY NEEDED!
NHTSA complaint #11142421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesOcean Side, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, AN INTERNAL ALARM SOUNDED. ALSO, THE BRAKES WERE INOPERABLE AND THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS ACTUATOR FAILED AND FAILURE CODES: C1241, C1380, C1256, AND C1391 WERE LOCATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 154,000.
NHTSA complaint #11133576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesFresno, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID . HAS 110K MILES AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME TWISE IN ONE WEEK WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION BEFORE APPLYING THE BRAKES.WHAT WOULD HAPPENS HAPPENED THEIR IS A NEED FOR A HARD STOP . ATTER RESETTING ABS LIGHT. HAD PULLED C1391 FOR ABS ACCUMULATOR LEAK.VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO MY VEHICLE IS BRAKING ONLY ON BASE BRAKES AND MY ABS AND VSC SYSTEM HAS BEEN DEACTIVATED DUE TO FAULT PRESENT. NOT SURE WHY ITS NOT COVERED ON EXTENDED WARRANTY LIKE OTHER 2006 AND 07 MODELS. SAME SYSTEM UP TO 2010. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF HAVING ABS IF IT DOESN'T WORK WHEN YOU NEED IT THE MOST.
NHTSA complaint #11132831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,000 milesKailua, HI
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ABS ACTUATOR IS LEAKING FLUID AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. LUCKILY, I NOTICED A NOISE FROM THE SLIPPING ABS WHILE IDLING AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS, AND BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE BEFORE A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, OR MY BRAKES FAILED. THOUGH MANY ONLINE ACCOUNTS OF THIS SAME FLUID LEAK ISSUE ON THIS VEHICLE MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR, DESCRIBE DANGEROUS BRAKE FAILURES. THE REPAIR COST IS OVER $4,000 AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. ACCORDING TO A CARS.COM ARTICLE FROM JULY 1, 2016, THERE HAS BEEN A FREE REPLACEMENT SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE BRAKE ACTUATORS ON TOYOTA PRIUS 2004-2009, AND HIGHLANDER HYBRID 2006-2007. THE 2008 HIGHLANDER HYBRID HAS THE SAME ISSUE, WITH AT LEAST 75 IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS ON WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM. THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA: PLEASE INCLUDE THE 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID TO THE SERVICE BULLITEN TO REPLACE THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #11130979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesWinter Park, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
MY 2008 HIGHLANDER ABS IS FAILED AND THAT PUT OUR FAMILY AND OTHERS IN DANGER BECAUSE OF THE ABS IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE LIGHTS KEEP STAYING ON, DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOU DO, RESET IT OR NOT. THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING, THE SIREN INSIDE THE VEHICLE MAKING BUZZY NOISE WHEN OPENING THE DOOR OR ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. I'VE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH ONLINE REGARDING TO THE TOYOTA HYBRID MODELS AND FOUND MANY DISAPPOINTED CUSTOMER REVIEWS, THEY ALL POINT TO THE ABS PLATFORM DESIGN FLAWS BY TOYOTA JUST LIKE THE ABS ON CAMRY HYBRIDS & OTHER HYBRID MODELS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AS SUGGEST BY TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE, THE SAME TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT MY TWO CAMRYS FROM; PAID $125 TO HAVE THEM CHECKED OUT. MY HIGHLANDER ABS AND THE RESULTS TUNED OUT TO BE BOTH ABS ACTUATOR (47070-48010) AND ABS PUMP (44510-48080) ARE FAILED AND THE COSTS TO HAVE BOTH FIX IS $9000 WHILE THE VEHICLE IS ONLY WORTH BETWEEN $6000 (NOW $0) WHICH IS MORE THAN HALF OF THE VEHICLE'S VALUE, FOR JUST A FEW SMALL DEFECTIVE PARTS MADE BY TOYOTA. I DO BELIEVE THAT THE COST IS RIDICULOUSLY HIGH AND BECAUSE OF THE MANUFACTURE DESIGN FLAWS & NOT FROM END USERS FAULT. I'VE CALLED TOYOTA TWICE TO BRING IT TO THEIR ATTENTION BUT I GOT DISAPPOINTING RESULTS INSTEAD. WE, TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID OWNERS NEED TO UNITE AND CONTACT TOYOTA AND OR SMART ATTORNEYS TO CONNECT ALL THE DOTS AND SUE TOYOTA FOR THE ABOVE PROBLEMS. OUR LIFE AND OTHERS IS IN DANGER DUE TO TOYOTA'S DEFECTIVE PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #11124721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vacaville, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
FAILURE OF BRAKE ACCUATOR AND ACCUMULATOR
NHTSA complaint #11123094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesSanta ANA, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITY DUE TO A ABS BRAKE ACUATOR INTERNAL LEAK ON HYBRID VEHICLE
NHTSA complaint #11122800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,400 milesBrightwood, ORCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKING POWER ASSIST FAILURE CAUSED FENDER BENDER IN PARKING LOT, LEAKING BRAKE FLUID FOUND AT BRAKE PUMP. DASH WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED THE NEXT DAY.
NHTSA complaint #11120965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,000 milesAuburn, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY LEAVING THE CAR 100% WITH NO BRAKES AS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC NEARLY CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND POTENTIAL RISK OF LIFE. CAR REGULARLY MAINTAINED AND WELL CARED FOR. DEALER CALLING FOR $5,200 REPAIR WITH NO ALTERNATIVE. PARTS REQUIRED ARE ABS MODULATOR P/N 44050-48320 @ $2,700 AND ABS PUMP ASSEMBLY P/N 47070-48020 @ $1,010 PLUS APPROXIMATDELY $1,200 IN LABOR. HAD THIS SYSTEM FIXED OVER A YEAR AGO WITH THE CORRECT PARTS AND THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED ONCE AGAIN, PARTS ARE NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE USING OEM PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #11121153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesBakersfield, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
THIS IS THE SECOND FAILURE WARNING ABOUT THE BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS WARNING) SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. REPAIRS COST US IN EXCESS OF $5000.00 THE FIRST TIME THE SYSTEM FAILED. I PLACED A PHONE CALL TO TOYOTA'S NATIONAL CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE NO RECORDS OF ANY REPAIRS TO THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON OUR VEHICLE MATCHING THIS WARNING MESSAGE. WE HAVE ALL THE REPAIR AND SERVICE RECORDS SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM TOYOTA, INCLUDING THE MENTIONED BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE REPAIRS. THE TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE WAS NO HELP, AND SAID WE NEED TO GET THE CAR DIAGNOSED BY A TOYOTA DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #11114592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesColumbia, SCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
LIGHTS APPEARED ON DASH "BRAKE MALFUNCTION", "CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM", "CHECK VSC SYSTEM". TOOK MY 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM AND IT WOULD COST $6000 TO REPAIR. I HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM IN MY 2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. IN THAT CASE, TOYOTA ISSUED A WARRANTY EXTENSION AND THE BRAKES WERE FIXED BY THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. I HAD NOT YET DECIDED WHAT TO DO ABOUT MY CURRENT BRAKE PROBLEM. I HAD JUST GOTTEN ALL FOUR TIRES REPLACED AS THEY WERE GETTING BALD. I WAS ON A TRIP BACK FROM VA TO SC WITH MY FAMILY ON I-95 SOUTH. IT WAS RAINING. I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE AND THERE WAS HEAVY TRAFFIC. THERE WAS SUDDENLY A LARGE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT AHEAD OF ME AND CARS CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP IN BOTH LANES. I HIT THE BRAKES AND BEGAN TO SKID. I DO NOT THINK THAT THERE WAS ENOUGH WATER ON THE ROAD THAT I WAS HYDROPLANING...I WAS SIMPLY SKIDDING ON THE WET PAVEMENT. I COULD NOT STOP IN TIME TO KEEP FROM HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, SO I STEERED INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, STILL SKIDDING. ANOTHER CAR SWERVED INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE SO I TURNED THE WHEEL AGAIN TO SKID INTO THE GRASS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. I WAS NOW SKIDDING SIDEWAYS DOWN A GRASSY EMBANKMENT TOWARDS TREES AT THE BOTTOM OF THE EMBANKMENT. LUCKILY THE CAR FINALLY SKIDDED TO A STOP AND CAME SLOWLY TO REST AGAINST A TREE. THERE WAS BODY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, BUT NOBODY WAS INJURED. I AM SURE THAT THE ABS BRAKES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING AND THIS IS WHY THE CAR LOCKED UP AND SKIDDED SO FAR. IT WAS SKIDDING AS IF WE WERE ON ICE.
NHTSA complaint #11114408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesAurora, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE BRAKE LIGHT AND ABS CAME ON AND STARTED BEEPING. WHEN THE BRAKE IS ENGAGED, IT'S HARD TO STOP AND VERY HARD TO DEPRESS THE PEDAL, INSPECTION FOR THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM- FAIL. THE MECHANIC STATED WE HAVE TO REPLACE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER AND THE ABS ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. $6,000
NHTSA complaint #11113089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesColumbia, SC
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA HIGLANDER HYBRID. DASH WARNINGS APPEARED SUDDENLY: CHECK VSC SYSTEM, CHECK ABS, BRAKE MALFUNCTION. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE REPAIR WOULD COST $6000. I PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. SAME THING HAPPENED IN THAT VEHICLE. TOYOTA ISSUED A WARRANTY EXTENSION AND THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED. LOOKS LIKE THE SAME ISSUE IN THE 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID.
NHTSA complaint #11110112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.