2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: brake failure

Filed Jan 28, 2018 · Driver assistance · 180,000 miles · NC

Most of dashboard lights went on and brakes failed to engage when 17 y/o son driving vehicle as pulling into parking spot. Able to use emergency brake as in parking lot and stop the vehicle. Took to toyota and told actuator needed to be replaced to cost of about $2400. This occurred on 01/09/2018. We found out after the fact the extended warranty on this expired on 12/31/2017 just 9 days before our son had this incident. Luckily in parking lot as we live in the mountains and could have been a fatality/serious injury in another setting. We have filed complaint w/ toyota.

Filed Dec 15, 2017 · Brakes · 181,000 miles · OH

Brake acuatotor failed. Abs system failure. Loss of brakes!!!!!

Filed Nov 17, 2017 · Brakes · 180,000 miles · KY

Warranty enhancement letter zg1 brakes failed to engage for the owner and a third-party mechanic. Mechanic suggested it was the ABS system and recommended to take it to the dealership. I was told of the warranty letter zg1; mechanic at dealership read codes (c1345 and c1368). They attempted a re-calibration but was unsuccessful. The recommendation was to replace the actuator. Toyota corporate was contacted to see if this would fall under the warranty for replacement. They declined replacement because none of the following codes were noted (c1391, c1252, c1253, c1256). The warranty verbiage does not state these codes must be indicated, but instead says they "may be illuminated". My argument is that if there is a known problem with the actuator, regardless of which codes were illuminated, then this component should be replaced by toyota. At this point, I have not been told if it is safe to operate my highlander and depend on the braking system or not.

Filed Mar 4, 2017 · Brakes · 180,000 miles · VA · crash

Brakes disengage momentarily while braking at slow speed. This happens intermittently, and is very disconcerting. The other day it happened on a highway and caused a rear end collision at low speed. This may have been an actual brake failure, but afterward the brakes worked again. We are now afraid to drive the car, and the dealer won't do anything about it because he can't 'replicate' the situation. Online, hundreds of people have posted similar complaints with no remedy.

Filed Sep 4, 2016 · Brakes · 134,000 miles · FL

Brakes stopped working then grabbing. Very dangerous! Needs to be a recall on the actuator.

Filed May 23, 2016 · Brakes · 144,000 miles · MI

We purchased a toyota highlander with the hopes of getting a reliable transportation vehicle due to its high ratings and reported reliability...sadly, I was mistaken when the ABS brakes failed to respond and I nearly got into a horrible accident driving the car on the highway. Upon getting the vehicle looked at, it was ascertained that the ABS actuator assembly was to blame. The cost!!!!!!!!! $1,900 and no recall on a part that should last the lifetime of the vehicle!!!!!! I could of been killed in this faulty contraption due to manufacturers negligence.

Filed Mar 2, 2016 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · TX

Brake actuator / accumulator loosing pressure. Actuator motor runs all the time now and at times results in loss of braking. Loss of braking has occurred both in motion as well as at a stop. One time also right after car was turned on and shifted into reverse with brakes applied the car moved in reverse even with brakes applied. We can no longer drive the car due to a safety concern for ourselves, children, and other people on the road. This temporary loss of braking could kill someone. Repair is $2500 at the dealer essentially rendering the car a financial total loss.

Filed Feb 18, 2016 · Brakes · 159,000 miles · FL

Driving and brakes failed. Luckily, was able to pull over avoiding dangerous accident. Dealer states that this is the brake actuator and requests $2500 to fix. Research hows that this is a known issue for years and should have an action for recall.

Filed Oct 9, 2015 · Brakes · 91,500 miles · PR · crash

Involved in a minor accident on september 29, 2015 that may had been caused by brake failure on september 30 the brakes malfunctioned and dealer diagnosed a brake actuator malfunction. On december 16, 2013 at 68,490 miles this car also a complete and sudden failure of this same part, no accidents involved with this failure. It was repaired at the dealer. The premature failure of the brake booster assembly should be investigated on hybrids since the inability to brake the car can LED to a fatal accident.

Filed Jul 9, 2014 · Brakes · 184,000 miles · TX

My 2006 highlander hybrid has been making a squeaking noise at the end of a moderately hard stop. It also makes the same sound sometimes when beginning to move after start-up and the brakes are released. I took my vehicle to a shop to have them inspect the problem. They said it was the ABS actuator control module making the noise. The service representative said that toyota is aware of the problem and there is a technical service bulletin regarding it, but they have done nothing to correct the problem. They also said that any problem involving the ABS system was a potential hazard if the brakes failed completely as a result. At this point, I don't know if I should continue driving the vehicle. The part is over $2700 to replace. With labor, the cost is about $3200. I read online that ABS actuators have been an issue in highlander hybrids, but nothing has been done by toyota.

Filed Jun 5, 2014 · Brakes · 131,326 miles · NM

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brakes failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not mad aware of problem. The approximate mileage at time of failure was 131,326.

Filed Apr 5, 2012 · Brakes · 48,000 miles · PA · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota highlander hybrid. The contact stated that the brakes failed and caused a crash. The contact applied the brakes, but the vehicle accelerated into another vehicle. The vehicle was repaired, but the contact stated that the failure continued to occur. The failure mileage was 48,000 and the current mileage was 85,000. Updated 04/02/13*lj updated 04/12/2013