Toyota Highlander Hybrid Traction Control Problems

Traction Control complaints by model year

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  47%
• 25k–50k
  35%
• 50k–75k
  814%
• 75k–100k
  610%
• 100k–150k
  2339%
• 150k+
  1525%

What owners report

On June 15th, 2016 while over 200 miles from home on a family trip with my pregnant wife and 2 year old son in the car driving down a 2 lane highway with a semi truck behind us at approximately 45 MPH constant speed our 2008 Highlander Hybrid brakes locked up, a warning tone sounded, several lights lit up on the dash including brakes, ABS, vsc, (((!))), and /!\, and the car stopped completely in the highway with the engine still running. The lcd displayed several alternating messages about the brakes, ABS, and vsc and also about needing to have the vehicle checked by a dealer. As our car was about to be smashed by a semi truck I pressed the gas pedal to the floor. The brakes were completely locked up, but fortunately the car inched forward at less than 5 MPH with wide open/full throttle to pull off of the road before the semi truck could hit us from behind. The situation was terrifying. …

I was driving straight on a city street at 40 MPH when the vehicle stability control and check brake system warnings alerted, as well as the cabin alarm. At that time I pulled into a gas station and realized the brakes had gone soft and were not functioning properly. I turned off and restarted the car; the problem persisted. I cautiously drove a half mile to my house and connected my vehicle to a diagnostic tool. The codes indicated c1252-7 (brake booster pump motor), c1256-7 (low pressure accumulator), and c1345-7 (linear solenoid valve offset learning undone). The combination of codes points to the brake actuator and pump needing to be replaced. The brake pads, speed sensors, wheel bearings, and relays are all good. After much online research I discovered that brake actuator/pump failure is a common complaint on this vehicle and costs thousands to repair. …

While driving under normal conditions, all dash lights went on saying check vsc system, ABS, brake lights, warnings and traction. Took vehicle to service at Toyota dealer and was told the ABS actuator assembly has to be replaced, for nearly $2500. This is a vehicle with under 65,000 miles on it and the actuator should last for the life of the vehicle. I just had the radiator replaced and brakes replaced two months ago. This problem was not detected. Brakes have always been soft on this vehicle. Now the battery is not charging and the brakes only seem to work off and on. I have to pump the brakes to make them work right. This is a huge safety problem as all of my driving is in the city in traffic. From reading online this is a problem that occurs frequently with this type of Toyota Highlander and other models. I don't feel safe driving it and I can't afford to fix it. …

I replaced my brakes after several warning lights and codes kept popping up on my dash. Had the rotors turned. But when I returned to driving my car after I thought it was fixed the brakes would all of a sudden just go out the hydraulic part would go completely to the floor. The car would make a high pitched noise and then no brakes. Took it to Toyota in clinton tn. Said my ABS brake actuator was failing. Would cost me 2200 dollars to fix. This certain part on your car is supposed to last you a lifetime. I dont have money like that now it was take me a lifetime to save up for the repairs. Very scary. This would happen to me randomly as I was driving no matter where or how far the trip I was taking. Didn't know if I was going to be able to make it home sometimes. You just never knew when. Sometimes it would be fine and others it would be absolutely scary.

My wife was parked in front of our apartment building, idling with her foot on the brake, when our 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid suddenly accelerated and crashed into a gate. Before the car crashed, she repeatedly applied the brake and even put the car in park. The car did not stop. After the impact, the engine continued to rev and accelerate before finally stopping. This had never happened before. The body has been repaired, but per Toyota, nothing mechanical or electronic has been touched. Last week Toyota sent a specialist out to inspect the car and download data. We were present at the time, and 5 DTC codes displayed. The descriptions displayed on the investigator's lap top mentioned vehicle speed sensors on right wheel and left wheel, the emps, body ECU switch circuit and "low or high power supply voltage". The car was test driven, and no errors or codes were reported. …

I purchased the vehicle used in August 2018. In January, warning lights indicated a 'vsc system' problem. The event occurred while I was driving. I researched car repair websites and forums, and discovered that this is often a simple problem with a sensor for the fuel door, or a linkage in the accelerator assembly. I followed instructions, and the light turned off. Over the past six weeks, the lights have returned, usually in association with refueling the vehicle. I took the vehicle to a dealer today, and was informed that an ABS actuator was failing. The part is $1700 from Toyota, with labor totaling $600. Further research revealed the problem was widespread, but the only remedy was a 'warranty enhancement' that has already expired. I cannot afford this repair, and I was not informed of this issue at purchase. …

Related recalls (1)