2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Feb 21, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 120,000 miles · LA

While driving on a residential road the brake system failed to properly stop the car. This issue first happened in january 2017. At that time I took the car in and had the brake actuator assembly replaced under a limited service recall by toyota and the replacement actuator assembly also failed within 18 months. While driving through a residential area the brakes again failed to stop the car, making a grinding noise and jerking to a halt after pressure applied to the brake pedal. Because the actuator assembly was replaced under the limited service recall toyota denies any culpability in the failure of the replacement part and refuses to offer further assistance.

Filed Dec 29, 2014 · Brakes · 170,000 miles · CA

While traveling on a mountain highway my toyota highlander started making an extremely loud squealing noise from underneath the dash. All of the warning lights on the dash came on and remained on. I lost braking power and pedal went extremely hard. Vehicle brakes locked up while going downhill and vehicle spun out of control. Almost hit an oncoming vehicle coming from the opposite direction. Brakes have been malfunctioning since, vehicle is currently not being driven.

Filed Sep 9, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 90,000 miles · CA

In june 2014 we heard a squeaking noise when we put the car in drive and the brakes were applied while we were on a trip. Two days after we returned the"check vsc system" came on and the car would not start.. The dealer said it was due to the battery. We replaced it and the warning light went away. However, three months later the noise is back. The dealer (different one) said the brake actuator needs replacement. Very expensive repair costing $3,600. After doing research, I saw many complaints (and a recall) for this defective part in other toyota vehicles. Toyota needs to do a recall for the highlander as well. Our car has been meticulously maintained. We bought it new. Very unhappy.

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 Feb 3, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 95,450 miles · NC

In october 2013 I had a "check vsc system" warning light. Upon taking it to the dealership, they said it was due to the battery and replaced it and the warning light went away. However, over the next few months, we started noticing a "squeaking" sound coming from the area underneath the front of the car when the car was in drive but the brakes were applied. Yesterday, the same "check vsc system" warning popped up, only now it was accompanied by a number of other lights on the dash, including "ABS" "brake" the "tire pressure (!)" and one other light on the left side to the upper right of the "ready" text. The dealer has just told me there were two computer codes, one is c1241. They said the previous dealer did not dig deep enough into the issue in october, and that the braking system was not getting enough pressure. The brake actuator needs replacement, the part is $1,800 and with labor and taxes the bill comes to over $2,400. Based on other research I have done today this seems to be a growing issue that many owners are facing.

Filed Sep 10, 2013 · Brakes · 50,000 miles · FL

Loud squeaky noise from ABS actuator every time brake pedal depressed. Was told $2,000+ to fix and now I hear it is a very common problem with my vehicle. Time for a recall!

Filed Feb 24, 2012 · Brakes · 129,000 miles · MI

For the past month or so, the highlander 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 went to the dealer on feb. 21, 2012, and they said it was the ABS actuator making the noise. The service representative told me that the noise was no problem, he said it was not a safety issue, and that the ABS actuator only needed to be replaced if I did not want to put up with the sound. It is a very expensive part to replace, and should be expected not to fail over the life of the vehicle. I read online that ABS actuators have been an issue in highlander hybrids, so I have reported this incident.

Filed Sep 27, 2011 · Suspension, Wheels · 82,117 miles · OH

I am the original owner of this vehicle. This vehicle is used on standard suburban and highway paved roads. No dirt or special condition driving. In march 2011 at about 82,000 miles, the front wheels started making a grinding noise which was noticeable at speeds of 35mph or greater. The dealer replaced the right front hub and bearing assembly. This solved the problem. Then at 87,943 miles in september 2011, the same grinding noise happened to the rear wheels. The dealer replaced the left and right rear hub assemblies and bearings. This solved the problem. I have never owned a car that had 3 out of 4 wheel hub assemblies and bearings break.

Filed May 23, 2010 · Brakes · 10,000 miles · MA

My 2006 toyota highlander hybrid lurches forward when you first apply the brakes at about 20-25 MPH or less, giving the sensation of losing braking power. The brakes also squeak when pedal applied and have since I purchased the car. Now has 65,000 miles. Prius aside, the problem can be dangerous and dealer says simply knows nothing about the problem and no one else complains. Just look at your complaints as well as hundreds all over the internet. Let's try to fix the problem before there is a death which gets someone's attention at your office. Thank you. Below date is irrelevant. Happens all the time and has for years.

Filed Feb 7, 2010 · Brakes · 100 miles · OH

We purchased a new 2006 highlander hybrid in june of 2006. The problem we have encountered is when the car is slowing down when braked and the rear end gets bounced by rough pavement. The brakes will fade and the stopping takes a few feet longer than expected. We took the car back to the dealer "kerry toyota", and were told that they did not find any problems. We will both say that the panic "heavy brake pedal" braking mode on this vehicle is amazing and works quite well. We love this car and have adjusted to it; but with anticipated longer stops on rough roads, or potholes! We like the car so well that we recently purchased the 2010 prius. After the 1st servicing of the prius, we did notice a high pitched squeal in the rear brakes. We are anxiously awaiting solutions to the toyota braking problems that have been reported by their customers.