Two problems related to brake fluid leak have been reported for the 2006 Toyota Highlander. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2006 Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the 2006 Highlander.
Please disregard complain number 10994017. The agent didn't put correct description. The vehicle's brake warning light was suddenly on on 6/4/2017. The brake fluid was low. The vehicle had brake work done in late April with Toyota of nashua and replaced the brake fluid. The next morning the brake was not effective (making noise when pressing brake paddle and did not effectively stop). Brought to the Toyota dealer and was told the seal broke, caused brake fluid get to master cylinder, thus failure, and the brake fluid also leaked to the brake booster and both parts needs to be replaced. We found Toyota had a recall on oct 21 2010, which described the exactly the same cause as happened to this car. File a case with Toyota corp and the response was any part can fail at any time. The vehicle passed 1 year warranty of recall work. So Toyota is not responsible for the repair. Note, in the original recall, which was 2010 for Highlander manufactured in 2004-2006, which is as long as 6 years later, Toyota made this recall and stated that they reimbursed the repair cost of master cylinder and brake booster if damaged. There was no mileage restriction. With Toyota's response, why even bother recall? this raised serious safety issue. It's very likely to crash with such damage due to the seal leak. If this continued to be a safety issue, Toyota should put this check into their regular maintenance check and replacement. . Read more...
Vehicle is leaking brake fluid through the vacuum line from the master cylinder to the intake and then out the exhaust. Brakes are now spongy and do not operate as required for safe driving. Toyota refuses to acknowledge this recall stating my vehicle does not fall under the recall notice. The brake fluid slow leak happens both when stationary and in use. The recall was issued on October 21, 2010. Brake fluid travelling down this path also affects other components of the engine; such as, vacuum lines, fuel air sensors both prior to and after the catalytic converter, and the catalytic converter itself.