Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 11% | 6,000 miles |
| 2022 | 2 | 33% | 35,000 miles |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% | 6,000 miles |
| 2020 | 2 | 22% | 38,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 20% | 36,000 miles |
| 2017 | 1 | 33% | 55,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 50% | 52,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 20% | 53,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 11% | 114,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 20% | 153,000 miles |
| 2010 | 6 | 27% | 35,000 miles |
| 2009 | 29 | 73% | 80,000 miles |
| 2008 | 113 | 57% | 119,000 miles |
| 2007 | 46 | 42% | 92,000 miles |
| 2006 | 137 | 37% | 88,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Brake booster is bad. Brake is spongy. Repeated attempts to take to dealer lead to no action after complaining loudly and the dealer said my wife just has high blood pressure. But that is not the case, my Highlander has low brake pressure not "high blood pressure. Toyota does not share information about this defect by pretending defect doesn't exist and not notifying dealers. Check prius booster recall. Similar technology that doesn't seem to change.
I was stopped and in park with the vehicle running when the "check vsc system," "check ABS, brake malfunction" warning lights came on. They have since gone away and returned intermittently. Fortunately, there was no failure while in motion, but dealer estimated $4600 for repair. If this is the same problem for which warranty coverage was extended for 2006-07 models, this appears to be an ongoing issue.
I almost got in to an accident on 5/11/2018 due to the ABS system not stopping the vehicle while driving in I-95. I got a warning light on the dash as I was pressing the brakes, later the car did not wanted to stop, but it did not prevent me from hitting the other car. I press on the emergency brake and I was able to stop the car. Later, I took the car to get diagnose and put error codes c1391, ABS accumulator leak or malfunction. Contacted delray Toyota in delray beach, fl and they deny to do a recall when there is an extented warranty recall on camry and prius model line for the same problem. Called Toyota corp. And they are denying to do anything to fix the safety problem with this vehicle. They stated that since there were not enough buyers for this model, they will not cover or make a recall on safety for the public. …
I was driving to pick up my son when a brake malfunction warning light came on indicating a problem with ABS system. After picking up my son I went directly to the dealer and the found the problem was given by code c1391, a brake accumulator vacuum leak. Was told vehicle was unsafe to drive without repair, internal pressure loss could prevent car from stopping in a panic situation. Although it appears this is covered by warranty extension for some model years of Highlander, camry and prius, Toyota would not extend same courtesy to me, nor was dealer able to offer me a goodwill adjustment. Pump assembly and actuator assembly parts and repair cost about $5300.00. Vehicle was purchased new from the dealer, had all recommended and necessary maintenance at dealer on dealer schedule.
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.
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the brake malfunction and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that when she started the vehicle, she was unable to depress the brake pedal to the floor and started to hear an abnormal noise. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the brake booster pump assembly and brake actuator assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the master, brake system, ABS warning, and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the message "Brake System Malfunction - Stop in Safe Place Immediately", check ABS/VSC system, and check braking system" messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times, but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 227,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Highlander Hybrid years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (137), 2008 (113), 2007 (46), 2009 (29) and 2010 (6) model years. Brake complaints make up 37% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Toyota Highlander Hybrid brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Toyota Highlander Hybrid model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Toyota Highlander Hybrid brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock › abs warning light (2 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module (2).
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.