350 of the
1,104 complaints filed about the Toyota Highlander Hybrid
are about the braking system —
32% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2006.
After driving on an interstate and having my foot on the brake - the car jumps forward and accelerates. It has done this for a couple years, and it continues to happen more frequently. Sometimes it just jumps forward when you are driving through town and go to slow down. This seems like a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11668825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, the braking system experienced intermittent brake failures, causing the brakes to erroneously release while being depressed. During the failure, the vehicle unintendedly lurched forward. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failures. The failure mileage was 6,000.
NHTSA complaint #11668610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, there was a hesitation, and the vehicle surged forward before coming to a stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact became aware of TSB 0059/23, NHTSA ID Number: 10244133 (Electrical System, Air Bags, Service Brakes) for the 2021 - 2022 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with brake failure. The contact was informed that the brake actuator needed to be replaced; however, the dealer confirmed that the year, make, and model were not included in the TSB. The dealer attempted to update the brake actuator module according to the TSB; however, the update failed due to the year the vehicle was manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000.
NHTSA complaint #11611346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the engine surged. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
NHTSA complaint #11609670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a drained battery. The dealer determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an ABS actuator malfunction, and the ABS actuator was replaced. The failure recurred and the ABS actuator was replaced a second time. The contact stated that the brake pedal needed to be depressed multiple times for the brakes to respond as needed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with ABS actuator malfunction for the third time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,153.
NHTSA complaint #11580780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard and the vehicle would fail to stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic repaired the brake calibrations and brake alignment. Despite the repair, the contact stated that the failure returned. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
NHTSA complaint #11556081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and slowing down for a traffic signal, the contact felt as if the brakes had failed. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was still rolling forward. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal with more force and eventually the brakes grabbed and stopped the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #11534894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while coming to a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, he heard abnormal squeaking and rubbing sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted while at a complete stop. The contact stated that upon inspecting under the hood of the vehicle while someone depressed the brake pedal, he noticed that the ABS pump was emitting abnormal humming sounds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS pump was defective with an abnormal humming sound. The ABS also remained running 6 seconds after the brake pedal was released. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
NHTSA complaint #11493057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the brake power low, stop at a safe place warning message was displayed. The contact stated that shortly after several warning lights were illuminated, the brake pedal was depressed and was firm. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, and the vehicle was diagnosed with needing the vacuum pump and brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11422739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON 5/16/20. WE WERE DRIVING AROUND 65 MPH STRAIGHT. WE WERE DRIVING ON BLACK ASPHALT AND THEN WHEN WE DROVE OVER A BRIDGE WITH WHITE/GRAYISH CONCRETE, THE CAR'S EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND APPLIED SUDDEN BRAKING EVEN THOUGH WE WERE NORMALLY DRIVING. THE CAR JOLTED AND SLOWED DOWN AND ALL PASSENGERS WERE STOPPED BY AUTO-LOCKING SEATBELTS.
NHTSA complaint #11326887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, STEERING SYSTEM, AND BATTERY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, "STOP VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD IT TOWED HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROYAL SOUTH TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 3115 S WALNUT ST, BLOOMINGTON, IN 47401, (812) 331-1100) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE CODE WAS FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,842.
NHTSA complaint #11220968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ON MY 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 3 TIMES SINCE 2014. REPLACING THIS PART IS A $2500 - $3000 REPAIR. THE FIRST TIME, WE PAID OUT OF POCKET. THE SECOND TIME, I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET AND I DECLINED. PARKED THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND THEN RECEIVED NOTICE FROM TOYOTA THAT THE PART WAS BEING OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY UNDER LETTER ZG1. AT THAT POINT, I HAD THE PART REPLACED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. NOW THE PART HAS FAILED AGAIN. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AS IT CONTROLS THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM AND FAILURE CAN HAVE DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES. I THINK TOYOTA RECOGNIZED THE ISSUE, MADE ADJUSTMENTS, BUT DID NOT MAKE PROPER ADJUSTMENTS AND STILL HAS ISSUES WITH THIS PART. PARTICULARLY - THIS ISSUE MAY BE RELATED TO THE FACT THAT THE HYBRID VEHICLES RELY ON THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO REGENERATE THE BATTERY.
NHTSA complaint #11217854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BRAKE BOOSTER IS BAD. BRAKE IS SPONGY. REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO TAKE TO DEALER LEAD TO NO ACTION AFTER COMPLAINING LOUDLY AND THE DEALER SAID MY WIFE JUST HAS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. BUT THAT IS NOT THE CASE, MY HIGHLANDER HAS LOW BRAKE PRESSURE NOT "HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. TOYOTA DOES NOT SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DEFECT BY PRETENDING DEFECT DOESN'T EXIST AND NOT NOTIFYING DEALERS. CHECK PRIUS BOOSTER RECALL. SIMILAR TECHNOLOGY THAT DOESN'T SEEM TO CHANGE.
NHTSA complaint #11217416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
THE ABS BRAKE MODULATOR BEGAN EXHIBITING VERY LOUD AND CONTINUOUS PUMPING/PRIMING SOUNDS FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. DURING THIS TIME PERIOD UPON HARD BRAKING THE BRAKE SYSTEM WOULD FAIL TO RESPOND IMMEDIATELY - THERE WAS A DELAY BETWEEN THE INSTANT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, AND WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ACTUALLY ENGAGED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. TODAY, ALL THE INSTRUMENT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, INCLUDING: MASTER WARNING LIGHT, BRAKE WARNING LIGHT, ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED BRAKE WARNING, ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM, AND SLIP INDICATOR. ALL THIS INDICATES A FAILURE OF THE ABS BRAKE MODULAR COMPONENT. TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, USA, INC. PUBLISHED WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM - ZG1 TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. THE WARRANTY IS ONLY VALID FOR UP TO 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES AND HAS RECENTLY EXPIRED FOR MY VEHICLE. TOYOTA MOTORS, KNOWING THIS COMPONENT IS PRONE TO FAILURE AND COULD HAVE CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES, SHOULD TAKE A MORE PROACTIVE APPROACH TO ENSURE THE SAFE OPERATION OF ALL AFFECTED MODELS. AT PRESENT THERE IS NO WARRANTY COVERAGE, AND TOYOTA WILL NOT REPAIR THE FAULTY BRAKE SYSTEM. I AM LEFT WITH AN INOPERABLE VEHICLE WITH AN UNSAFE BRAKING SYSTEM, UNLESS I BEAR THE FULL COST OF REPLACEMENT MYSELF.
NHTSA complaint #11207260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION DURING CITY DRIVING THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY HARD TO PRESS DOWN AND SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON MY VEHICLE DASHBOARD. AT FIRST, THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT BUT PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORST OVER CONTINUED DRIVING. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM MODULE AND THE REPAIR WAS ABOUT $2,600.00. I PARKED THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE AND TO MANY CLOSE CALLS. LATER I FOUND OUT THAT THIS 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID AND SEVERAL PROCEEDING MODEL YEARS HAD A VERY EXTENSIVE CONSUMER COMPLAINT NUMBER FOR THIS VERY SAME ABS BRAKE SYSTEM CONCERN. I CONTACTED THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE SAME LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ABOUT A WARRANTY AT WHICH TIME THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT MY WARRANTY EXPIRED WHICH I NEVER WAS INFORMED. IT SEEMS TO ME PERSONALLY THIS IS HOW THE AIR BAG SAFETY PROBLEM WAS OVER LOOKED ON THESE VEHICLES UNTIL CONSUMERS LOST THEIR LIVES ON FAULTY CONSUMER PRODUCTS THAT GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORST OVER TIME. SEVERAL OF THE OTHER IMPORT MANUFACTURE HAVE OFFERED RECALLS ON THE VERY SAME ABS SYSTEM BRAKE CONCERN. TOYOTA HAS YET TO OFFER A RECALL SEVERAL MODEL YEARS INTO THIS SAFETY CONCERN WITH THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM. IF WE AS CONSUMERS CAN'T STOP OUR VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING ON THE CITY STREETS OR HIGHWAYS ACCIDENTS HAPPEN AND PEOPLE DIE. THIS SAFETY CONCERN HAS GONE ON LONG ENOUGH WITH THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS OVER THE YEARS FOR THE SAME ABS BRAKE SYSTEM CONCERN. THERE MUST BE A MUCH BETTER JOB AT PROTECTING THE CONSUMER SAFETY FROM CONTINUED SAFETY CONCERNS NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA. ALL THE OTHER IMPORT MANUFACTURES HAVE STEP UP WITH RECALLS, WHATS TAKING TOYOTA MANUFACTURES SO LONG AFTER YEARS OF THE SAME SAFETY CONCERNS. PLEASE HELP US WITH THIS ABS BRAKE SYSTEM CONCERN.
NHTSA complaint #11206072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.