general problems of the 2010 Toyota Highlander

We received this from Toyota. Customer support program bulletin date: page: pol19-06 6/6/2019 1 of 3 revised 8/28/19 customer support program bulletin (zkc): repair coverage for brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly on certain 2008-2010 my Highlander hybrid vehicle. When we received this bulletin, we asked our Toyota dealer service department (stevenson Toyota east, denver, CO) to address this issue multiple times when bringing in our vehicle for service in 2019 and 2020 and were told repeatedly they would not fix this issue since the abs light was not on. Now that this bulletin is expired the abs light is on. We took our Highlander to the Toyota dealership in melbourne, florida and were told that this repair will now cost us $2473. 89. Our 2010 Highlander is barely worth that, and now we have to repair this on our own even though Toyota knew the brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump would eventually fail at some point in time. Despite this, Toyota refused to resolve this issue when we asked (more than once) right after receiving the service bulletin in 2019 and as a result is causing a safety issue for our college aged son who drives this car, and all other drivers on the road should the abs system fail. The attached estimate states the abs service light has not come back on but this is not true and my son is having issues with the brakes.

When traveling a slow speeds (less than 15 mph) and needing to stop, the brakes are pressed but do not respond. This has happened on several occasions and has caused two separate accidents where the Highlander has failed to stop and it runs into the car in front. After the first accident, we looked for recalls (2015) and there were none for any model Toyota for brakes or brake systems. We brought the car in to the mechanic and had all the brakes and pads replaced, although they said nothing was wrong with the shoes nor pads. Now, years later, another accident in the exact same way. Luckily, due to the slow speed, no one was hurt but this is definitely a problem with the car. There have never been any warning lights, or sounds that would indicate an issue.

Affected by the faulty brake actuator & accumulator on 2010 Toyota Highlander hybrid. Brake malfunction and abs disabled lights popped up on my multi-information display. This issue disables abs & vsc systems, which therefore makes this a safety hazard. Upon doing research, I have concluded that many complaints about this specific "brake actuator & accumulator" have been issued. In the past, Toyota has provided a "customer support program" which expired in 2020, but this does not help current owners like myself, who are stuck with this problem.

On approx. October 19, 2023 my vehicle started showing 4 error messages on the display: brake malfunction, check abs, check vsc system, and check brake system. At the same time, these 5 warning lamps became illuminated: brake system warning light and warning buzzer (red), brake system warning light (yellow), master warning light (yellow), abs warning light (yellow), and slip indicator (yellow). A car repair technician obtained the following error codes from the vehicle in a diagnosis: c1391 (abnormal leak in accumulator). I was informed that the vsc (vehicle stability control) safety feature of the vehicle is disabled while the error codes and messages are present. Toyota previously issued a customer support bulletin (no. Pol19-06) on June 6, 2019, titled "customer support program zkc: certain 2008-2010 model year Highlander hybrid vehicles coverage for brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly". In the bulletin, Toyota acknowledged that its 2008-2010 Highlander hybrid models had "certain internal malfunctions of the brake actuator assembly". Affected error codes include c1391 and c1253, among others. Affected warning lamps consists of all 5 of the warning lamps that were illuminated in my vehicle. Affected parts include 04008-26448 (actuator assy, brake w/ fluid) and 04008-51148 (pump kit, brake booster w/ accumulator). Instead of issuing a recall for this hazardous defect, Toyota opted to offer "customer support program zkc". The malfunction that manifested my vehicle is not eligible for this program. Toyota should issue a proper recall to address this safety hazard.

1. When braking vehicle accelerates for 1 to 2 seconds. 2. I believe safety is at risk for driver, passengers or people close to accelerating car. 3. This has not been confirmed with dealer. 4. Multiple inspections but not for this problem. 5. No warning has ever appeared on any visible car system. Problem has existed for over one year. 2010 Toyota Highlander platinum hybrid 4wd.

The brake actuator (4405048320) and brake booster pump (4707048020) malfunctioned. The abs warning came on the display, as well as a warning saying “brake malfunction: pull over car immediately. ” the traction control light, abs light, warning light, and parking brake light also came on. The computer code was c1391. This controls the brakes and anti-lock brake system. This is a serious and known safety issue. It is well-documented online, and in 2019 Toyota acknowledged this widespread issue with a customer support program zkc. However, this program only applied for a limited time, and since then more vehicles have had this same issue with faulty parts. Even vehicles under 150,000 miles no longer qualify for free replacement despite this being a known and widespread issue.

My issue is not that I got a brake warning light (see attached image). My issue is that Toyota knows that this is an issue and will only fix it if you experience the issue before 12/30/2020 or at less than 150,000 miles. It is irresponsible of Toyota to know this is an issue, especially regarding the vehicle brakes (see screenshots of the letter from Toyota).

Driving down the highway the abs srs air bag lights and the warning triangle all came on and then shortly after that a loud continuous beeping sound started and when my wife tried to pull over she realized she really had to cram on the brakes to get the car to stop. . . This scared the daylights out of my wife and thank god we didn't get in wreck!! but I dont understand why this is not a recall problem after all the other people I have read about with the same problem with the abs accumulator bleeding off pressure causing the pump motor to run abnormally long and in our case constantly to the point of no being burnt up and needing to replace. . My wife is the second owner of this car and we have had it since 2015. . . How is the window switch more of aa concern than faulty abs accumulators???.

Driving when multiple lights related to traction, abs system illuminated. Warning message to pull over immediately. Power brakes gone. Had to push brake pedal hard and long to floor to get minimal manual brakes to take effect. High pitched alarm sound. Almost ran into other cars in parking lot.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the actuator assembly, and brake booster pump assembly w/ accumulator have failed. Part # 04008-26448 and 04008-51148 how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? this controls the brakes and anti-lock brake system. Stopping distance and anti-lock performance has been very erratic. Brake pedal feel has been soft or overly-firm and could easily cause a collision or serious accident. This is a serious and known safety issue and should result in a vehicle recall. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? this problem was confirmed by norm reeves Toyota san diego on 3/12/22, and has been acknowledged by Toyota in bulletin pol 19-06. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? there are many warning lamps on in the car, including an abs and brake system warning on the display, the traction control light, abs light, warning light, and parking brake light. The vehicles brake booster has been running frequently and making a loud noise for about 18 months or 2 years prior to failure and prior to warning lights coming on.

While driving several passengers, vehicle brakes failed, dash lights came on. Brake booster pump and actuator failed according to master mechanic. Vehicle available for inspection. Brake failure sudden reduction is stopping distance unexpected nearly causing collision to other vehicle and possible injury or death to others. Toyota aware of issue (customer support bulletin (zkc) which expired 12/31/21 without notifying me of issue unless NHTSA call for safety recall. Problem is same exact as my 2010 prius which was safety rcalled NHTSA code 13v235000. Without any brake problem indicators. Toyota refuses to repair unless NHTSA calls for a safety recall beyond 12/31/21 expired date of (csp bulletin zkc. I experienced what I thought was slight & brief dash light which went back to normal immediately. First appeared sept 1, 2021.

The brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly had a recall on it but my truck was not having problems then. I noticed that when I start braking, the truck speeds up. Then all the light on the dash board came on. When my vehicle started having problems I call and they told me that the recall had expired 3 months earlier for my vehicle and it was up to the owner to have it fixed. I didn't get a notice and I wasn't aware of such recall so why am I liable for the repairs. I need help with this please.

Brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly are vibrating every 30 seconds periodically and making violent noise. This is also happening when I push the brakes. The car is not safe to drive. Toyota refused to replace the unit, stating that their program expired 12/31/2020. They said they published this: "customer support program bulletin (zkc): repair coverage for brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly on certain 2008-2010 my Highlander hybrid vehicles". Https://static. Nhtsa. Gov/odi/tsbs/2019/mc-10164925-9999. Pdf we have never received this notice before. This looks like a way for Toyota to bypass a major recall and reduce the costs of replacements. Nhtsa may be enabling this kind of evasive behavior.

My 2010 Highlander hybrid had an issue with the brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly. Customer support service is expired on Dec 31, 2020 which is not fair. This problem can cause serious accident and cause. It was lucky that my wife managed to stop the vehicle when brake does not work and all the lights on. My wife now could not drive because she is too scared to drive anymore. This issue raised a big enough issue for Toyota to extend coverage. It needs to be a recall, as the total repair costs exceed $3500 in most cases for a part Toyota has essentially admitted was defected.

Vehicle was on city street coming to a stop brake pedal went al the way to the floor and skid icon came on lucily I stopped just in time to avoid a wreck. Toyota said was brake actuator going bad . Same problem as other Toyotas that were recalled,as my vehicle was not on recall list Toyota wont fix it under recall and want me to pay $3000 to fix it . Maybe that will fix it? why cant a recall fix a proclem with all brake actuators as there is obviously a defect in actuators. Thanks larry.

Hybrid breaking system. The hybrid breaking system (actuator, accumulator, & pump) on my 2010 Highlander hybrid are faulty and have failed. My family purchased this vehicle from Toyota dealer when it was approximately 1. 5 years young, and have performed all necessary service at camelback Toyota dealership in a timely fashion. (23 service history reports shown on carfax. ) our Highlander has less than 100k miles and is less than 10 years old (approximately 8 years old). The faulty hybrid breaking system is a known issue, that Toyota has issued �limited extended warranties� on at least 736k vehicles (which would cover my repair free of charge if my vehicle was older (�wep-zg1� covers full replacement of breaking system at no cost to customer for vehicles with 150k miles or less or 10 years or newer) and full recalls on the prius breaking system. Camelback Toyota first quoted me $2,500 for the repair� but that first repair was only to replace the accumulator and the pump. The next day, the brake malfunction lights came on, and now they're quoting me another $2,064 to replace the actuator. My family has cared for this car properly, and done nothing that would cause a total break malfunction. This is a malfunctioning break system that Toyota (and their parts manufacturer) need to be responsible for. A breaking system is arguably the most important system on any vehicle! this is putting my family, and other families at risk. I ask the ntsb to force a recall on my 2010 Highlander hybrid model. Thank you. . Read more...

This morning at 7:45 am est my car self broke while in drive and traveling at 45mph. I was lucky the driver behind me was able to avoid hitting me. Is this a know problem? I am fearful to drive me car again.

I was backing out of a parking space at a taco bell when I noticed a car coming so I decided to stop and pull back into my parking space to let it pass. When I stepped on the brake my car suddenly accelerated in reverse and I stepped on the brake again, but my car continued to accelerate. I turned my car to avoid hitting the car and any other cars that may have been behind me. My car continued to accelerate and jumped a curb, crossed over a sidewalk and onto a lawn area behind taco bell. I stepped on the brake again trying to get my car to stop. I turned my wheels to keep from going into the drive up lane and finally got my car to stop.

Twice in September 2014, as I was approaching a stop light, I pressed the brakes and slowed to nearly a stop. The engine suddenly accelerated very high, and if I had not already had a foot on the brakes, I would have gone into an intersection. The engine was running so high that it was difficult to keep it from moving. I shifted into neutral, came to a complete stop, and while the transmission was in neutral, took my foot off the brake pedal. The engine immediately returned to normal idle. This same sequence happened both times. This has happened twice this month, but these are the first occurrences since I purchased the vehicle new. I called the Toyota dealer, and the service person said that if the vehicle isn't demonstrating that behavior when I bring it in, they would not be able to find what caused it. They indicated that the vehicle data recorder would not record such an event. They said they would add a note about this to the record they have on this vehicle (they have done all the service since I purchased it from them). I have already decided that should it happen again, I will trade the vehicle. I don't like having to keep my hand on the gearshift, ready to shift into neutral. I saw a report in usatoday that sudden acceleration in Toyotas is being investigated again. I wanted to add my experience to the mix.

I'd stopped on the residential street to let a car pass. After the car passed, I attempted to pull up along the curb to park, but the car accelerated and crashed into a tree. The brakes did not respond and the steering did not seem to respond. The space between acceleration and impact was 10-15 feet. It's like the car had a mind of its own, and I had no control. No warning lights came on and the airbags did not deploy. The passenger side headlight was smashed, the hood was smashed, front bumper and passenger side fender were also smashed. The only thing that stopped the car was the tree. Once it stopped, I simply turned the ignition off. I immediately called my insurance company and they told me to tow it to san francisco Toyota for mechanical inspection. I called san francisco Toyota and said that I was towing my car down and was told they'd be waiting for it. Later that day I received a call from don's autobody telling me they had my car. I confirmed with sf Toyota and they said they sent the car there and the auto body work had to be done prior to a mechanical inspection. On 4/15/13, I was informed the car had been repaired and was sent to sf Toyota. I repeatedly called sf Toyota to see if they had found any mechanical defects. On 4/16/13, I was contacted by don's autobody and told that Toyota refused to inspect the car. Since we don't know if the car is safe to drive, the person from the autobody shop suggested we call Toyota USA. Toyota USA opened a case and has enlisted bill from engineering analytics to inspect the car. Bill plans to inspect the car on 4/30/13. He will collect data and send it to Toyota. Toyota said they'll review the data and will mail us the results within 30 business days. When we expressed concern that Toyota waited 6 weeks to look at our car (which the autobody said they've driven), Toyota had no comment.

I was driving on a straight and level road, at approximately 30 mph. Traffic came to a sudden stop and I applied the brakes in a hard and sudden manner, but the vehicle failed to stop in time, though I believe it should have. No airbags deployed. My vehicle struck the vehicle in front of me, also pushing that vehicle into the one in front of it. During repairs, it was discovered the brake pedal mechanism had failed at some point, requiring replacement.

My wife and I have noticed that our new 2010 Highlander hybrid limited has a delay from the time you push the brakes to the time the brakes respond. This occurs consistently, especially at low speeds like when parking or stopping at a stop sign. I would guess that this is the same issue that the prius has. This could be a real safety issue--especially for pedestrians since the car takes more distance to stop due to this gap. My wife actually experiences a small surge prior to the gap in braking. I just did a quick web search and saw dozens of similar complaints from other Highlander hybrid owners. Thanks.

2010 Toyota Highlander limited hybrid--braking problems. When the brakes are first applied, they are soft and mushy. If you slam on the brakes in an emergency, they stop, but in everyday stop and go traffic, the brake pedal goes down but doesn't seem to engage until you really put some weight on it. This has been going on since I bought the car 2 months ago.

On December 2, 2009, I took delivery of a new 2010 Toyota Highlander sport model, with a v-6 engine and 2 wheel drive. This vehicle subsequently was identified in the January & February, 2010 recall notices as being one of the vehicles affected by the sticking gas pedal problem. However, preceding the recall notices, on January 15, 2010, I experienced a brake pedal fade while stopped on level flat ground at a red traffic signal. I pressed down on the brake pedal harder to ensure that I did not drift into the rear end of the car stopped in front of me. Upon pressing down harder on the brake pedal, the "hill assist" warning buzzer sounded even though my wheels were not spinning or in danger of spinning. When the traffic signal changed to green a minute or so later, I removed my foot from the brake pedal and lightly depressed the accelerator to start moving forward. I found that I had to apply substantial ( greater than normal) pressure to the accelerator pedal to make the car move forward. This caused great concern because of the possibility of moving forward too quickly from a dead stop and hitting the vehicle in front of me. I took the vehicle to my selling dealer the following day to have the vehicle checked out. I was advised that the car's computer did not show any defaults and that all symptoms were normal. I was further advised to stop pressing on the brake pedal so hard. However, my concern is that whenever the "hill assist" system is engaged (I can engage it at any time at will), there is a distinct possibility that the extra pressure needed to start the car moving forward will cause me to accelerate into the vehicle in front of me. I have reason to believe that this condition is computer related and presents an imminent danger to both myself and other motorists driving a similar equipped Toyota Highlander therefore, I am requesting that an investigation be commenced immediately in light of Toyota's massive recall problems. Thank you.