Service Brakes Problems of Toyota Highlander - part 2

Good afternoon, the brake actuator and booster pump failed on my 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid. Abs, brake, and vsc warning lights came on, and the brakes became weak and unsafe. A repair shop confirmed the issue with codes c1252, c1256, and c1391. I tried to fix it at a local shop last year, but the problem came back. It seems this repair can only be fully done at a Toyota dealer due to software requirements. However, the dealer repair cost is very high. I cannot afford the repair or a new car right now because of family budget limits — we have three children and rely on this vehicle every day(only one car). Toyota declined to help, even though I later found this issue was once covered under program zkc, which I missed. The vehicle is still unsafe and available for inspection. Thank you very much for considering my issue!.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

There is a wobbling sensation on my Highlander during braking at highway speeds. There is no such feeling while driving around city. It appeared after my trip on highway in heavy rain. There was no traffic, and I were using cruise control. Suddenly, doing nothing from my side but steering, I started to feel heavy break impacts, which scared me (I was with my family). I switched off cruise control, and those break impacts disappeared. Then switched it again, and I started to feel the same, thus I switched off cruise control and drove the rest of rain area with my foot on accelerator pedal. After that I started to feel wobbling during braking at highway speeds. It seems - more on the right side. Maybe there was more water layer under the right side of the car, and the electronic stability control tried to hold car on the straight line, or camera detect water on the windshield as an obstacle and applied breaks from time to time, which might case warped rotors. To my understanding it has to be warranty issue, as Toyota manual said that driving during heavy rain can cause unproper action of cruise control, but it does not say it can damage the car or warp the rotors.

See all problems of the 2023 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

When applying the brakes at speeds less than 40 miles per hour, the car will surge forward at a point during braking process. This happens regularly but not every time brakes are applied. This is an issue as the car surges forward during braking.

See all problems of the 2022 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

My 2020 Toyota Highlander hybrid sometimes has a brake slipping or surging sensation when I apply my brakes while stopping. It happens periodically and not every time. I have not taken it to a Toyota service station for this specific reason but I mentioned it while in for a recent oil change. They checked for a recall but didn't find any. I have somewhat gotten accustomed to the issue and have been able to adjust. As I have stated, it doesn't happen every time I apply my brakes. My concern is if I allow someone else to borrow my car or even sell to a new owner. I believe I am the second owner.

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My car was parked in the driveway with the engine running. The engine was then turned off from outside the vehicle using the start/stop button. Once the engine stopped, the car moved backward down the sloped driveway and struck a pickup truck that was parallel parked on the street. I then entered the vehicle and attempted to shift into drive, but a warning appeared indicating the hybrid system was off and instructing me to put the car in park. Multiple attempts were made to drive the car forward, but instead, it was driving in reverse. The car would not move forward for approximately five minutes. I eventually turned the engine off and restarted it after a couple of minutes. After restarting, I was able to drive the car off the street.

See all problems of the 2024 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Toyota’s part number 44050-48190 brake actuator assembly failed, as it has in other models and is very commonly doing in the Highlander model. It is triggering other warning lights issues in the vehicle. Vehicle safety is at risk. Many others have reported the same issue.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Car lunges forward while constant braking. Problem is not consistently repeatable and occurs at various speeds, road conditions, and weather conditions. It seems to be in the transition between regenerative braking and mechanical braking from the hybrid system. The car will coast for a brief moment while braking increasing the stopping distance and time required to come to a complete stop. We've noticed this issue since we bought the car.

The vehicle suffers from an abs module failure. I've been researching that this is common problem with the Toyota Highlander hybrid and presents a danger of failing brakes while driving. My brakes partially failed with my [xxx] son in the car. When attempting to stop, I had no hydraulic pressure and luckily was able to get the vehicle stopped after the car had regained some pressure. The vehicle had been running for several minutes, so it wasn't related to a fresh start and the system not having time to pressurize, if that's a thing. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

There are many times over the course of the past few months where I am braking and the car lurches forward at least a few inches before coming to a complete stop. It feels as if it is being rear ended at a slow rate of speed. I have not been able to identify any pattern in this problem. It happens when I am braking to slow down at a faster rate of speed or when I need to come to a complete stop at a stop light or sign. This is very dangerous as I fear that one day when I need to brake I will not be able to and will hit something as the car keeps moving several inches after braking sometimes. I have brought the car to the service department at the dealership and they have told me that it is normal and there is nothing that they can do about it as they were unable to replicate it. However, that makes sense as it does not happen all of the time, but rather inconsistently. There have been no warning lamps or messages and the dealership has confirmed that there are none showing up when they check it on their end.

1. Component/system that failed: the component that has malfunctioned is the abs actuator, which affects the vehicle’s anti-lock braking system. The issue has been diagnosed and confirmed by two independent repair shops. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety risk: this issue has placed my safety—and the safety of others—at serious risk. There have been multiple situations where I feared I would be unable to stop in time, especially during sudden stops at red lights, heavy traffic braking, and even a brake check from an aggressive driver. The brakes feel inconsistent and make loud noises during hard braking. I transport my child in this vehicle regularly, and the fear of losing braking ability in an emergency is deeply unsettling. 3. Confirmation of problem: yes, the problem has been confirmed by two independent service centers, both of which diagnosed the issue as a known abs actuator failure. They informed me that this is tied to a Toyota customer service bulletin and recommended I contact the manufacturer for further assistance. 4. Inspection by others: I contacted Toyota directly through their national customer service line and also visited a Toyota dealership in dover, delaware. Both confirmed that my vehicle was outside the coverage range of the csp due to the 10-year limitation and refused assistance. I do not believe this is fair since the extension was granted right before covid, which shut down the ability to get vehicles serviced for almost 2 years! this is unfair and needs to become a full recall. 5. Warning signs and timing: the warning indicators for the issue—the abs light and vsc (vehicle stability control) light—first appeared approximately two months after I purchased the vehicle in August 2024. Along with the warning lights, though my braking ability has severely declined recently. I would like Toyota to either help me get my vehicle safe or make this a real recall so that you don't risk loss of life over brakes.

See all problems of the 2009 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The brakes on my 06 Highlander hybrid awd have been finicky at best since I’ve owned the vehicle. The car lunges forward when braking, all the way until a complete stop. While driving at around 55 mph a medium sized dog ran out into the road. I braked hard but the brakes just lunging and trying to stop. At one point feels like it’s not braking anymore and just hope to veer out of the way. This can be fatal not only to the driver but to others driving as well. The fact that people are still having this issue, and Toyota hasn’t come up with a proper long term solution speaks to how much Toyota cares about its customer bases’ safety. It is honestly disgusting that people have had accidents and may have fatal and Toyota continues to not care. Please urge Toyota to look into this further and attempt to fix this permanently!.

Since I got his vehicle I satated to the Toyota that having the breaks problem and dash is not working properly and blind spot is not working on time.

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

With 22k miles on vehicle, car won’t start due to brake power low fault. Battery was replaced in attempt to rectify problem with no success, vehicle will need to be towed in for repair.

See all problems of the 2017 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

After a hard braking session because of a car that pulled quickly in front of me the abs light and check engine light came on with a code of c1391 - abnormal leak in accumulator. A warning message came on the info center saying I needed to take it to the dealer to have the brake system checked for a serious issue. Went to the dealership and they replaced the brake actuator and brake booster pump and bled the system. This all happened in febuary of 2025. This put everyone at risk because it could have resulted in a total brake system failure. There were no issues or lights before this incident.

See all problems of the 2013 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Weather conditions were severe due to a snowstorm, causing ice buildup on the road, low visibility, and slippery pavement. Despite driving cautiously, I lost control of the vehicle, which resulted in going off the road, down an embankment, and crashing into a tree. Immediately after the impact, I called 911 emergency services for assistance. I attempted to exit the vehicle, but the driver’s door was blocked due to the position of the tree. I remained inside the vehicle until a passerby stopped and helped me get out. As a result of the impact, my vehicle sustained significant damage the shocking thing about it all is that the vehicle did not activate the airbags and that is worrying to me because it could have been unfortunate.

Vehicle makes a loud noise when under 65mph. Car shakes when breaking. Transmission needs to be replaced.

Car will not start due to message that says "braking power low. Stop in a safe place" there have been recalls on 2018 Highlanders for the brake vacuum pump but it is not listed for my particular vehicle.

See all problems of the 2018 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The brakes are very soft and unreliable. There is a recall #18v-211 dated April 2,2018. This recall did not include this specific car but the car was manufactured within a few days of the recall. After Toyota failed to repair the problem I took the car to a a private auto repair shop who replaced the vacuum pump. The brakes now work as they should. I beleve the recall should be extended to include more vehicle made about this time.

When I apply my foot to the brake pedal the car slows, but just as I am about to reach the final part it feels like the brake is let go and the vehicle goes forward and I have to push harder on the brake to stop the vehicle. This issue can cause me to run into a vehicle that is stopped. I have not taken it to a dealer yet. No warning signs on the dash. This has been going on for about a year now.

Sudden acceleration when applying the brakes. This has happened several times.

Car is lunging forward while braking. I just had to put a new abs module and pump on the vehicle which was very expensive. Since I know there was a recall but I was not notified. Is there a way to get Toyota to pay for the new pump and module ?.

I own a Toyota Highlander 2018 le. I have been servicing it regularly at authorized Toyota delaership service centers. I have around 28000 miles on it. While trying to start the car this morning, the car wouldn't start, the brake feels hard and won't depress, and the dashboard displays the message" braking power low stop in a safe place see owner's manual".

Brake actuator failure. Have to manually brake, stopping distance significantly increased. 3,145$ to replace at Toyota dealership.

My husband took my car from the carport and parked it in the driveway near the water hose to wash the car. When he finished, it would not start. The message “braking power low” , “stop in a safe place”, “ see owner’s manual”showed up. Of course, we could not find anything in the large owner’s manual concerning that! I checked with my VIN to see if mine was included in the recall regarding this same matter, but it was not, just as all other Toyota Highlander 2018 owners who complained were told!!! we will find out tomorrow and pray it won’t be a lot of money. We have a thanksgiving trip planned to see our grandchildren. Today is Sunday and we planned to leave on Tuesday. I shudder to think what could have happened if it suddenly stopped on interstate 20 with all the holiday traffic. My husband was looking to buy a car after the first of the year and was going to buy a Toyota. After this, he has reconsidered. Toyota needs to see all these complaints and how many were not included in the recall!!! something’s not right!.

2021 Toyota Highlander hybrid - experiences the sensation of brake loss during transitional period when car switches between regenerative brakes and mechanical brakes; most often occurs on a downgrade approaching a stop. During the transition, the car will surge ahead unexpectedly. I would consider this a significant safety issue; causes the driver to misjudge the required stopping distance and it is possible to hit something (or someone) in front of you. There is a TSB-0059-23 against this issue that requires a software update of the brake actuator. The issue is serious enough in my opinion that a recall of all Highlander hybrids is justified and Toyota should cover the cost of the update. The issue is intermittent and has occurred since new.

The contact owned a 2016 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed low speeds on a decline, the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard. As a result, the vehicle rolled downhill into a busy intersection and was struck by another vehicle on the passenger side door. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed at total lose by the contacts insurance provider. A police report was filed with no injuries reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 62,000.

See all problems of the 2016 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

We have noticed that when we brake the vehicle, it intermittently lurches forward very fast while you are breaking and trying to stop! this is extremely unsafe! we need to stop and brake and not go forward. It does this unexpectedly with no notice and does not always do it consistently but we have noticed it is getting worse and worse and we are worried we will hit another car in front or even a person because the car will not stop on time. When I looked online, this is a well known issue on Toyota Highlanders, especially hybrids like ours and Toyota has done nothing to fix this dangerous problem. They have even told car owners to drive slower but I can tell you it doesn’t seem to matter if I’m going 25 mph or faster or slower- the car gives no notice and goes faster while you are trying to stop!!!!! please help us Toyota Highlander owners!!!! this car gives us no warning whatsoever. It is not consistent. But when it does this it is very scary!.

In June 2019, Toyota issued a recall for abs malfunction, diagnostic code c1391 - brake actuator and accumulator. New parts were issued by Toyota in 2019 as part of the recall. My vehicle experienced abs malfunction, diagnostic code c1391 in March 2022 and was repaired by Toyota with the new and improved parts issued as part of the recall. As of October 14, 2024, my vehicle is experiencing the same issue again - abs brake malfunction diagnostic code c1391, with the brake system light, master warning light, abs light and abs malfunction warning noted on the screen. The vehicle can be inspected. Toyota has inspected and confirmed it is the same issue again. The new and improved parts from 2019 should not fail within 20,000 miles. Toyota did confirm that they used the new parts issued as part of the recall and cannot explain why they failed faster than the original parts causing dangerous braking issues.

Multiple abs related(abs, traction, brakes) warning lights/messages making driving my Highlander dangerous to me and others. Warning lights appeared 9/30/2024. No symptoms or warning lights appeared prior. Vehicle was then inspected by Toyota of plano. Code 1391indicating an internal leak in the abs. Confirmed by service dept of Toyota of plano, TX indicating the need for replacement of abs module assembly. This as an acknowledged Toyota problem that was with a service bulletin that expired last year. Plano Toyota advised me to ask Toyota brand engagement for help but they declined. Toyota brand engagement declined to extend the prior bulletin or assist in any way. . The Toyota case file is under my name and #241008000770. Any assistance from NHTSA would be appreciated.

When braking the brakes will occasionally “quit”, causing unexpected acceleration. They kick back on if I stomp hard on the brake, causing the occupants to jolt forward. It could easily cause a collision if an unexpected vehicle or pedestrian were in the way, and could cause a rear end collision were I to have someone following close behind and hard brake unexpectedly. This has been reported to the dealership but they have been unable to replicate it. It happens intermittently, primarily when braking on a slight downhill slope. The issue has been since the vehicle was new. No warning lights or alerts activate inside.

While steering to the right to exit a parallel parking spot, the abs sensor cable came into contact with a suspension bolt, snapping the sensor wire. This triggered the check engine light and caused a malfunction in the braking systems.

Out of nowhere, I couldn’t get the car to start. It keeps saying “low braking power”. I had someone checked with code scanner and nothing shows up, and it’s not battery issue neither. The car guy said there’s a very high chance the issue is from the brake booster vacuum pump.

The car surges forward when braking, as if the brakes are momentarily released. It almost caused be to hit the car in front of me. The brakes released in the middle of braking.

Brake booster did not work. We were almost in 2 wrecks due to it taking longer to stop the vehicle. The dealer finally fixed it after I paid over $1500. They didn't care about how this was a known defect in 2018 Toyota Highlanders and took forever to identify and fix. No one has looked at it since just got it back today. Once the brake light went on the dash board I brought it in. I did wait one day when it went off, but once it came back on again I was going to, but then was scared when it didn't come on and then I could barely stop.

The vehicle is a hybrid. While traveling downhill at a speed around 35 mph with light brake pressure, the vehicle feels like it lurches forward a second or so before returning to braking. It has occurred since we purchased the vehicle new in 2021. It has happened multiple times in a variety of scenarios but it occurs most consistently in the downhill scenario described above.