2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid brakes problems

Filed Apr 2, 2024 · Brakes · 96,153 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a drained battery. The dealer determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an ABS actuator malfunction, and the ABS actuator was replaced. The failure recurred and the ABS actuator was replaced a second time. The contact stated that the brake pedal needed to be depressed multiple times for the brakes to respond as needed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with ABS actuator malfunction for the third time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,153.

Filed May 13, 2019 · Brakes · 155,000 miles · AZ

The ABS brake modulator began exhibiting very loud and continuous pumping/priming sounds for several weeks. During this time period upon hard braking the brake system would fail to respond immediately - there was a delay between the instant the brake pedal was depressed, and when the brakes were actually engaged to slow the vehicle. Today, all the instrument warning lights illuminated, including: master warning light, brake warning light, electronically controlled brake warning, anti-lock brake system, and slip indicator. All this indicates a failure of the ABS brake modular component. Toyota motor sales, USA, inc. Published warranty enhancement program - zg1 to address this issue. The warranty is only valid for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles and has recently expired for my vehicle. Toyota motors, knowing this component is prone to failure and could have catastrophic consequences, should take a more proactive approach to ensure the safe operation of all affected models. At present there is no warranty coverage, and toyota will not repair the faulty brake system. I am left with an inoperable vehicle with an unsafe braking system, unless I bear the full cost of replacement myself.

Filed May 6, 2019 · Brakes · 128,000 miles · CA

This complaint is in regards to the toyota warranty enchancement program zg1. This warranty was applicable for 10 years after first use or 150,000 miles whichever comes first. In order to get the ABS actuator replaced a set of symptoms was required. I own a 2007 toyota highlander hybrid fwd with 128,000 miles. Last week the ABS actuator started making these loud noises and the ABS, brake, check vsc, and master warning light all came on. The braking function has definitely changed and now does a sudden jolt forward when the car is turned on while also hearing the ABS actuator making unusual noises. It turns out that the ABS actuator has an internal malfunction. Toyota has told me that because it has been 10 years(even though my mileage is less than 150k), my vehicle would not be covered. Toyota has also stated that this issue is a safety hazard. I do not understand why this issue is not listed as a recall as it is related to the braking system making this issue a safety hazard. Instead I am stuck with many others having to pay $3000 to get the part replaced even though my specific vehicle is affected by this ABS actuator issue. I use this vehicle as my main transportation for my family. If anyone can help me or explain why this is not a recall please contact me at [xxx]. I am left with an unusable vehicle because my ABS actuator decided to malfunction on the 11th year after first use even though it only has 128,000 miles. It seems to me that this should be a safety recall because of the consequences of a malfunctioning ABS actuator. I am reporting the sudden failing of brakes and more importantly, the sudden forward jolt the car makes when the car engine starts. I believe that the issues I am experiencing is directly correlated to the malfunctioning ABS actuator. Again, please feel free to contact me at [xxx] regarding my complaint. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Filed Apr 30, 2019 · Brakes · 108,000 miles · TX

The vsdc warning came on with code c1391, which means the ABS pump accumulator assembly has gone bad, which costs thousands of dollars to fix. When I contacted toyota, they said they extended the warranty on this and that extension ran out a couple of years ago. However, this makes no sense to extend a warranty on a part you have admitted is bad and a safety hazard, as the brakes will fail after this faulty part remains in the dysfunctional state. It appears to me that toyota, was trying to appease as few as people as possible by extending a warranty on something as dangerous as this. They refuse to fix the problem, even though it will cause death to many. The mechanic said this has happened to many toyota highlanders, per his information too. *js

Filed Feb 21, 2019 · Brakes · 152,000 miles · AL

A sound of squeaking/pumping air occurs sometimes when I depress the brakes. This sometimes continues to happen even with the car is stopped completely. If the brake is depressed less, the sound occurs less frequently. I had it inspected by an independent mechanic and a dealership mechanic and was told the ABS assembly has a leak and needs to be completely replaced for a fee of roughly $2,300. This first occurred with mileage around 152,000.

Filed Sep 12, 2018 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · CA

When braking at any speed, the brake pedal vibrates and makes a "chirping" sound. After researching I've discovered it's a brake actuator issue. Toyota did extend the warranty briefly, but no recall was issued. My toyota certified mechanic said brake failure could definitely occur when the actuator fails completely. When braking over bumps, the brakes seem to give out briefly as well which is quite startling. The replacement part is $1800 plus labor, which is ridiculous considering this is definitely a safety issue.

Filed Aug 18, 2018 · Brakes · 175,000 miles · GA

I have owned a 2007 toyota highlander hybrid for several years. I bought the car used and was never notified of a safety recall warranty extension for the antilock braking system (ABS module). The known defective part failed 6 months after the extension expired and was never notified of the recall. Local dealer now states the repair will cost $2500 which is about what the car is actually worth. This is my highschool daughter's car and the liability of the ABS module & brakes failing could be significant. The car is otherwise drivable and the brakes work although the ABS module continues to light up the vsc warning light on the LED monitor in the dash. My hope is to find some goodwill through toyota or possibly the part manufacturer, however have been unable to do so to this point.

Filed Aug 3, 2018 · Brakes · 202,000 miles · CO

The ABS brake pump leaks. It's a $2000 repair. There was a recall, but I never got the recall letter. The recall expired 8 months ago and toyota won't honor it, even though they confirmed they sent the recall letter to the former owner, 17 months after I purchased the car. They did not send the letter to the registered owner on file with the state, they sent it to the address they had on file with toyota.

Filed Jun 12, 2018 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 60,035 miles · GA

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. It's barely worth the cost of repairing it. If this is a known public safety issue why doesn't toyota recall this part? The service person told me the brakes may now fail at any time, in a day or in two weeks. He told me to avoid other vehicles on the road!

Filed May 7, 2018 · Brakes · 146,000 miles · AZ

My brake actuator began making noises and vibrating while still covered by the secondary warranty. I took it into local toyota dealership, and was told that despite the sound and vibration the car has to throw the proper warning codes to be covered. When my rear window motor overloaded and failed, immediately the vsc/brake/ABS warning lights all came on the dashboard. I believe that the brake actuator has been bad for awhile, but only an unrelated electrical surge caused the ecu to trip the brake actuator error codes. I'm grateful that toyota responded to previous complaints by extending the warranty -but the delay in tripping the error code cost me 6 months of driving with the pulsating and pounding brake noise and allowed my secondary warranty to expire.