Brake Light On Problems of Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander owners have reported 30 problems related to brake light on (under the service brakes category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the Highlander.

1 Brake Light On problem of the 2006 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 04/19/2021

My abs, vsc, (I), and emergency brake dash lights are on continuously. It is very hard to stop the car as it feels like the brake isn't engaging. When it does engage you are jerked forward.

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2 Brake Light On problem of the 2010 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 02/03/2021

My 2010 Highlander hybrid is presenting a code c1391 for an issue with the brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly. Currently my abs, traction control, and check brake system lights are on with a message not to drive the vehicle. Toyota has recognized this issue and offered free repairs, extending coverage until Dec 31, 2020. The customer support program bulletin to support this is pol19-06. 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.

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3 Brake Light On problem of the 2008 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 12/09/2020

Steering went out all of asudden without notice,almost causing me to crash,,my speed was legal speed in texas 80mph,,,also a the abs light came on and felt like brakes were going to be applied,,turned engine off, restarted car and abs brake light went off.

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4 Brake Light On problem of the 2006 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 05/01/2020

My 2006 Highlander hybrid brake lights came on and had no brakes. Took to a mechanic who cleared the codes and after 24 hours they came back on. Called Toyota and they said the warranty expired in 2017 for that extended warranty. I was quoted almost $2500. 00 to get it fixed. Toyota said they can't do anything about the price. Now I have a vehicle I am making payments on that isn't safe to drive cause I have no brakes.

5 Brake Light On problem of the 2007 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 02/03/2020

While driving I got error codes check vsc system, brakes light. I took it to the dealership and the car needed brake actuator assembly replaced, the cost is 2900$ . This should be a recall as the car became unsafe to drive and this is my second hybrid Toyota car with the same problem with huge cost of repair for a defective part installed by the company.

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6 Brake Light On problem of the 2007 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 10/02/2019

I had a wheel bearing replaced in my 2007 Toyota Highlander and as soon as it was fixed all the warning lights came on in the car, including the vsc light, abs light, brake light, and several others. It was not showing any codes when checked so they turned them off. Over a period of about a year the lights came on and off but with no affect to my braking system. I had brought the car into Toyota (tallahassee, FL) for a recall on the hybrid system they told me that it was reading a code for the recall and that was why the lights were on and once they fixed the recall they were off until the next day following picking the car up and they all came back on and now they are saying the abs control module which would cost $3000+ to fix. The brakes are not working properly at all and sometimes not at all. This is extremely unsafe and should be a recall! I have heard several other people with the same Toyota have experienced the same issue.

7 Brake Light On problem of the 2018 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 08/15/2019

While driving the brake assist vacuum pump fails to provide adequate vacuum for the power brake vacuum assist. Resulting is a loss of braking power. A brake light illuminates intermitantly on the dash panel and possibly an audio warning and error message. Plus no error codes are stored in memory for future diagnosis. This happens whether on a rural road, city street or highway. A previous recall was issued for the 2018 Toyota Highlander for this same issue but not for this specific Highlander.

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8 Brake Light On problem of the 2008 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 07/07/2019

Recently all the brake lights came on the dash as I was driving the car. The warning note on the screen said to take it immediately to the dealer to fix. After their diagnostic the dealership found that both the brake booster pump and abs actuator needed to be replaced at a cost of $3,064 including the 3-4 hours labor cost after researching this issue apparently it is a very common complaint with these vehicles. For something as serious as this I'm surprised that there has never been a recall on this issue.

9 Brake Light On problem of the 2008 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 12/07/2018

After researching online, I have noticed this is a very common issue and Toyota issued recalls out for 2006 & 2007 but has not acknowledged 2008 as having the same issue. I was almost in an accident and noticed there are others out there that have been in accidents. Why is it that nothing has been done to correct this? first, I heard an airy sound when braking then a soft brake pedal before almost complete brake failure. The Highlander truly felt like it was not stopping. I literally had to put my complete body weight on the brake pedal to finally get it to stop as it keeps surging forward. It was scary, to say the least. I was in a heavy populated parking lot. I could've hit a pedestrian or hit another car because I couldn't get the car to stop from surging forward. After all this, finally, lights appeared. (engine light, brake light, vsc light & skid lights came on). Wouldn't you think after just being fully serviced at a Toyota dealership, something would've been noticeable? I reached out to Toyota corp. And again I was told this is not common and no recalls have been issued. I saw a very common denominator that once the Highlander hits a certain mileage this happens and a very costly master cylinder and brake booster needs to be replaced. A parking lot and in motion.

10 Brake Light On problem of the 2006 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 04/16/2018

Two months ago, my car system noted abs system problem: abs light, brake light, and other lights on. I took my car to Toyota place in garden grove, CA dealer, they told me abs system failed, it would be replaced as possible, the cost is from $2500 to 3500. They also said the car I can drive but the abs didn't work. The problem is the cost is too high and I can't afford for it. On last Monday 04/16/2018, around 7:30am on the way driving to the work place, I stepped on brake pedal, the brake system did nothing, my car ran out of control. Luckily, I was first in the line, then I drove the car with no step on gas pedal, hit emergency lights on, and used the leg brake to stop the car. After that, my car was towed to the Toyota dealer, they said abs actuator stopped working and had to be replaced. They charged me $2,642. 32; the part cost is $1,834. 94, brake fluid is $7. 04, the labor is $650 (from the arriving time 9:36am to the calling time to note my car to be done around 3:40pm) and sales tax is $143. 30. You should know my car is permanently changed oil and maintenance at the same dealer from 2011, the year I bought the car as a pre-owner car. In this period time, my car is always inspected by the dealer with nothing big problem and specifically with no warning about abs system. In addition, in owner's manual and scheduled maintenance guide the manufactory keeps silent recommendation about abs system replacement. Today, I am filing a complain about the abs system problem of Toyota Highlander 2006 because it is very, very dangerous for its customers when driving on it. I also read more the same problem from its customers on online. They may or may not open a file, but it is vital of the consumer and also the budget of each family. I hope you have to help to save the life of people on the road and save their money also. Thank you very much for your time.

11 Brake Light On problem of the 2017 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 12/07/2017

I have a safety concern regarding my 2017 Toyota Highlander. I am trying to use the Highlander's advertised ability to tow a small RV trailer (under 5000lbs). Toyota agrees this requires installation of a brake controller in the Highlander and electric brakes on the RV trailer. I installed a brake controller following standard industry practices. When the manual brake switch is then applied, my Toyota Highlander displays "pre-collision system malfunction" warning message even if the pre-collision system is turned-off. (note: this issue only occurs in 2017 and 2018 Highlanders since earlier versions did not come equipped with a collision avoidance system). I believe that the burden should be on Toyota to provide proper instructions on how to rectify this issue. Toyota has not properly addressed this issue despite my repeated letters to Toyota. . Read more...

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12 Brake Light On problem of the 2008 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 05/22/2017

When driving in routine city driving at low speed, brake warning lights lit up dash. "check brake system, check vsc system, check abs system, pull to side and go to dealer" dealer diagnosed problem as brake accumulator pump assembly. Part alone cost about 2,000. 00 plus labor. Part is not covered under any warranty and unless you fix it, it is unsafe to drive. This part has failed in other Toyota models that has resulted in a recall. ,.

13 Brake Light On problem of the 2007 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 07/01/2016

Hazardous safety issue. Possible manufacturer defect to electrical system on 2001-2007 Toyota Highlanders. While driving at high or low rate of speed, there has been many close calls of being hit from behind due to the manufacturer defect to their electrical components or wiring in specific to rear braking lights. When depressing the brake pedal the rear passenger brake lights do not come on. Light bulbs changed, fuse was checked and connectors checked. There has been multiple identical related issues reported by consumers on many blogs and forums online. Only remedy mentioned was to have the Toyota dealer to replace the electrical braking component or circuitry. This should be a recall for the Toyota Highlander 2001-2007 on the critical braking systems on these vehicles. Why do consumers have to pay upwards of $400 to replace what appears to be a manufacturer issue. This is a accident made to happen. Also due to their poor design, the vehicle can't pass the state's vehicle safety inspection.

14 Brake Light On problem of the 2006 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 11/01/2015

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander. When the vehicle was started, the brake light, antilock brake light, and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle did not accelerate and the antilock brakes did not work. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the computer core needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

15 Brake Light On problem of the 2008 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 07/01/2015

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander. While driving at 5 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and became stuck. The contact had to depress the brake pedal multiple times to release the pedal. The check engine and brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

16 Brake Light On problem of the 2003 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 11/03/2014

Driver side rear brake lights will not illuminate even when you depress your brakes even after you replace bulb and light socket. Right side rear is ok. I have looked online and it appears other 2003-2006 Highlanders are having similar issues. Some on right side and others on left like myself.

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17 Brake Light On problem of the 2010 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 07/15/2014

On July 16, 2014 I turned my car on, ready to return home to new jersey from brooklyn, at this point the brake light signal, abs, and warning icon all turned on. The camera displayed a text stating brake malfunction and giving instructions to park the car immediately. I called the Toyota 800 number and followed their recommendations, l had the car tow to the nearest Toyota dealer, bay ridge Toyota of brooklyn. I picked up the car on the 18 th, I was told they ran all tests an they found everything properly installed. They scan test clean all dtc performed initialization and calibration of the linear solenoid valve. They road tested the vehicle and confirmed repair, no lights on, at a cost of $227 plus tax. Today the 28 of October as I turned my car on I face the same problem all the brake lights, abs, warning, and display text indicating malfunction, to stop the car. I again called for tow went to Toyota of hillside in NJ, explained what happened. Was ask why I had the car tow after telling the service representative about the brakes. How can anyone drive a vehicle that is warning you not to do so. I also spoke to the service manager stating that I don't think I should pay for this service again since its been only 1500 miles or a little over 90 days since the same problem. Am sure there's more to this. Than you .

18 Brake Light On problem of the 2003 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 06/17/2014

Right side (passenger) brake lights do not light bright when brakes are applied, driver of another car almost hit our vehicle when turning right on to main road. Our car was stopping, but other driver did not see our brake lights on the passenger side as they were not working. . . The left (drivers) side works fine, but was not visable to the other driver. This seems to be an on going problem with 2002-2007 Toyota Highlanders, dealer said no recall was issued? this is a real safety issue that could be fatal. Not to mention the cost of a ticket for having a defective brake light. There are many other Toyota Highlander owners that have experienced the same problem with no recourse from Toyota. Just google "Toyota 2003 Highlander brake light problem" time to issue a recall for safety issues.

19 Brake Light On problem of the 2003 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 03/19/2014

Like thousands of other 2003 Toyota Highlanders only the right side brake light will illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed.

20 Brake Light On problem of the 2008 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 12/26/2013

While driving at 35 miles per hour, the brake light on the dashboard came on, brake pedal began going all the way down while braking, and the brake pedal began making noise. I stopped the car, open the hood and found that all my brake fluid was gone. The Toyota dealership was nearby I drove the car slowly to the dealership. They checked the brake system only to find out that all the brake fluid was in the brake booster. My service adviser told me the brake system failed due to bad seals between the master cylinder and the brake booster. Now the master cylinder and brake booster need to be replaced. I purchased the Highlander brand new in 2008. The vehicle is only 5 years old with approximately 78,420 miles on it and has been serviced every 5,000 miles ever since I purchased it. This should never happen to a vehicle that has been well maintained. It's a serious safety matter, and my brakes had just been replaced along with the brake fluid at the same dealership on October 02, 2013.

21 Brake Light On problem of the 2003 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 06/10/2013

I have a 2003 Highlander. When I press the brake, only the driver side of the tail/brake light becomes brighter. When the lights are on, the bulbs illuminate on the passenger side but they do not get brighter when the brake is pressed. When the lights are off, the brake lights do not illuminate on the passenger side. I saw the same problem today on a Highlander just like mine.

22 Brake Light On problem of the 2007 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 09/11/2012

I was driving on double r boulevard in reno at about 35 mph when suddenly loss brakes. I had to push very hard on the brake pedal and the brake pedal stumped and the brake light came on. The emergency brake was not in use and the brake will for a few seconds and then not work. This happened repeatedly. I manage to park the car at a nearby smith's. My husband took the car to the reno Toyota (dealer) , where they told us it was the master cylinder and that had to be replaced. The next day they told us the replacement didn't solved the problem and the booster had to be replaced, this problem sounds very familiar to the recall of Toyota on 2004-2006 models but Toyota won't assist us with the repairs. We are just thankful that were not on the freeway with our kids. This was a very scary situation when you realize there are no brakes to stop the car. I would like Toyota to be responsible for the repairs of the defective parts ($1,750).

23 Brake Light On problem of the 2006 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 04/18/2012

Complaint: 2006 base Highlander, fwd, 4 cylinders. Brake system (vsc, trac off, abs & brake) and tpms lights on, disabling safety features. 1)tpms flashing light. Issue may have been in-process since day 1. It regularly came on, reset by dealers and eventually showed us how to reset ourselves. 2)brake system lights. All (4) came on, diagnosed as left rear wheel sensor. Dealer quoted cost: $1000. Replacement didn¿t work, wound up replacing wheel hub assembly pigtail. Lasted two (2) weeks, re-diagnosed as abs pump/control module assembly. Dealer quoted cost: $2500. While this itself is ridiculous, the repair costs would exceed 1/8th (13%) the cost of the vehicle new! now, in 2014, it¿s approximately â½ (50%) of the current vehicles value. This issue has recently resulted in screeching to a halt in dangerous traffic. It essentially negates the star safety system features, for various environmental and driving conditions. This issue cannot be ignored any longer, since it¿s the topic on numerous web site forums and inquiries and even salvaged used parts are being sold by many sites for this problem. Recompense: remuneration of expenses to date and future repairs to correct this problem is requested. Review of TSB and/or investigation into recall campaign to fix all affected vehicles.

24 Brake Light On problem of the 2003 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 02/22/2011

Brake light bulb burns out periodically.

25 Brake Light On problem of the 2010 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 12/06/2010

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Highlander. While driving approximately 20 mph the contact applied pressure to the brake pedal but the brakes did not respond. A warning brake failure light illuminated on the dashboard. The contact was able to drive onto the side of the road and turn the vehicle off. After turning the vehicle back on the warning light did not illuminate nor did the failure recur. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was being diagnosed. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 22,400.

26 Brake Light On problem of the 2007 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 12/03/2010

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Highlander. While driving approximately 20 mph, the brake light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician stated he would need to bleed the brakes and change the oil. The brake light illuminated again after the repairs were made and the brake pedal extended to the floor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was waiting for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who stated they were unable to assist, and the contact would have to repair the vehicle at her expense. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

27 Brake Light On problem of the 2002 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 12/01/2010

The left brake lights on my 2002 Toyota Highlander limited edition 4 wheel drive do not work. I changed the bulbs and they still do not work. I have researched possible causes and found hundreds of other consumers have had the same problems. This is a dangerous defect in that it arose suddenly, for no reason, and compromises the safety of the vehicles ability to warn other drivers that the car is braking. I am disappointed that Toyota has not recalled the car for what appears to be a significant malfunction.

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28 Brake Light On problem of the 2001 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 11/01/2010

Wiring problem with passenger side brake light. Kept replacing bulb, then replacing socket, now going to put a whole kit. Toyota neglected to tell me this in the first place, even after several tickets and wasted money on different things telling me it would fix the problem.

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29 Brake Light On problem of the 2003 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 06/25/2010

Toyota Highlanders SUV brake lights for years 2002-2003 has a serious issue with either the left or right brake lighting. My wife's 2003 Toyota limited edition Highlander right rear brake light stop working on 25 June 2010. After reading and learning many other Toyota Highlanders owners are having the same issue, I had to submit this, since Toyota has not announced a recall for this problem. . Read more...

30 Brake Light On problem of the 2004 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 05/11/2007

While driving home from work pulled up to stop light with many other cars the light turned green and I got up to 20 mph and the brakes kicked on slowing me down to almost a stop, and creating a loud noise. The car behind hit me, but did not cause any damage. He said I had no brake lights. It will only go 15 mph before the vehicle traction control went on and stopped the car. There was no warning. The dealer said there was a technical service bulletin in for the problem. I think Toyota should fix this in a recall because it could cause serious injury , especially since it was the traction control system which activated for no reason and no brake lights went on.

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Other Common Service Brakes related problems of Toyota Highlander


Safety Ratings of Highlander Cars
Fuel Economy of Highlander Vehicles
Highlander Service Bulletins
Highlander Safety Recalls
Highlander Defect Investigations