Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I own a 2009 Highlander Hybrid and am concerned that I am experiencing the same type of problems with braking that are now being reported for the prius. Sometimes, when braking it feels like the brakes are not engaging and there is a sensation that the car is speeding up. Continued pressure on the brake pedal finally slows the car down. I was recently involved in a minor accident when I was unable to brake quickly enough when approaching a traffic light and hit the car in front. The sensation that the brakes were not engaging was experienced at that time as well as on other occasions. I reported this issue to my Toyota dealer just a few weeks ago, and the mechanic who test drove the vehicle, with me in the passenger seat, stated he experienced a similar delay in braking. …
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, [phone]) 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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that the ABS failed. The vehicle was taken to robbins Toyota of texarkana (6233 mall dr, nash, tx 75569 [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the accumulator part failed and the accumulator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000. The consumer stated an independent diagnostic test found the actuator to be the cause of the failure. 5 warning lights are illuminated on my vehicle. 1) master warning light 2) brake system warning light in red 3) brake system warning in yellow 4) ABS warning light 5) light above ABS in yellow, I can be contacted at [phone] updated 9/12/18
At roughly 80K miles, every time I started the car, a "brake malfunction" alert would display. Multiple sensors on the are illuminated. The brakes feel normal, but recently I did notice some audible noises when I use the brakes. I took it to the dealership and they said the brake actuator needed to be replaced for around 3200 w/ labor. After doing some research, I found that this same system was recalled on the camry Hybrid but not the Highlander Hybrid, despite many complaints.if this is a manufacturing defect, it is a very dangerous one that could cause brake failure and lead to death
Brake and ABS warning lights came on while travel city speed (35-40mph). No noticeable braking problem but advised car is unsafe to drive. Dealer says there is an internal leak and the brake actuator and booster need to be replaced at a cost of $5,100 (mainly the cost of Toyota parts). This is a soccer mom car no rough driving or braking...and no accidents. I called Toyota customer experience and they say the parts are out of warranty. How does these two parts account for over 10% of the original value of the car 6 years ago. Shouldn't I expect more from Toyota?
While driving from orlando to tampa florida my wife had the ABS brake warning light came on and a weird noise coming under the vehicle. She was able to make it home and we took the car to dealer. They said we needed to replace the brake actuator at a cost of more than $3,400! We can't understand why such a small part would cost about a quarter of the value of this vehicle and after doing some research online I found numerous other people that have had the same problem. This issue really needs to be looked into and Toyota should issue an immediate recall.
Once car was sitting in a lot and another time, running on highway. ABS, brake,traction control, vsc lights came on also message display said ABS message and brake message. Codes from ABS DTC,s are all a c-0371, 1271 through 1278, 1281, 1346, & 1391. Seems to be same issue as the '06-'07 Highlander hybrids and the '04-'09 prius. There was an extended coverage for the brake actuator on those vehicles. I have been reading many other complaints, same things, with the '09 highlanders. Looks like repairs range from $2500-$5000,which is ridiculous.
Brakes failed shortly after the ABS warning light went off. Dealer diagnosed this as a break actuator assembly failure. It looks like Toyota had a warranty enhancement program for vehicle years 2006-2007. However, my 2009 appears to be having exactly the same issue, yet it's not covered by the program. Given the severity of the part failure, it's not clear why this is not a recall... We were lucky that no accident resulted from this failure.
ABS light on with warning, brakes performing poorly. The ABS actuator assembly and break pump failed requiring replacement with a cost of over $3764 in repairs. The Toyota camry Hybrid had millions of recalls for the ABS actuator but the Highlander Hybrid was currently not on recall. I own a 2000 Toyota 4 runner with over 200,000 miles and never had an ABS issue. This car is only 6 years old and shouldn't require this problem so early.
Takata recall- when fuiling from the pump, nuzzles keep shuting off itself like the tank is already full. Its been happening recently. At the same time, check break system by deler start appering. It takes 3 to 4 push to start the car after this error message. Sometimes it takes longer and especially it happens in the morning. Took to deler but they did not find a code to check but this is still happening.
Brake complaints in other Highlander Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the brakes of the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 73% of the model year's 40 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 40% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.