2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid acceleration problems

Filed Jul 8, 2018 · Acceleration, Airbags · 296,000 miles · NY

The ABS ,vsc ,check engine light coming on when accelerating. Stating to park vehicle and take it to the dealer.

Filed Mar 7, 2018 · Acceleration, Brakes · 159,000 miles · GA

In august of 2017 we were driving our 20088 toyota highlander hybrid and all of sudden the display warned of ABS vsc malfunction and to pull over or take car to nearest dealer, the brake pedals lost compression or pressure and the brake was not working hardly. Took to the mechanic shop that has been doing the regular maintenance, they performed diagnostics and stated ABS module needed to be replaced. They advise car was not safe to drive. Checked this website and carcomplaints to see many other users same issue, contacted toyota, they stated they had no recalls, its out of warranty, we would have to pay the $4000 to have fixed, we paid for the repair out of pocket, which was a financial hit for us. Contacted toyota today about reimbursement for repair cost, said they dont have it recalled or a campaign for the issue, I stated this website with the complaints and other sites, was basically told until a recall is on the issue, wouldnt be refunded.

Filed Nov 12, 2015 · Acceleration, Brakes · 115,000 miles · OR · 1 injury

While driving ABS, vsc and check engine light illuminated, I continued driving (was 10 miles from home on fwy). Five minutes later I encountered traffic, traveling at 40-50 MPH I took foot off gas and began to apply brakes. Brakes immediately seized and the car started to skid. I released the brakes, then tried again, same result. I pulled to side of fwy and stopped. I drove surface streets using the parking brake when I needed to stop, until I got to my house. That evening and the next morning I checked toe cars operation, it didn't matter if I was traveling in fwd or reverse, the brakes immediately grabbed at the slightest application of the pedal. I took the car to a repair shop, he witnessed the same circumstance and did a computer diagnosis, which indicated a new brake actuator unit was needed ($3000). My primary concern (and my mechanic's) was that there was no fail safe, if the unit malfunctioned I would expect the ABS system not to work, not to make the braking system completely inoperable. I narrowly avoided being rear-ended when they malfunctioned on the fwy. I reported the problem to toyota motor as well (case #1511120583)

Filed Sep 7, 2015 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 111,141 miles · TN

While trying to get back on the freeway, the indicator lights for the ABS system, the vsb system, the 4wd system and anti-skid system came on and the vehicle lost all drive power. It defaulted to failsafe/limp mode even though the engine was still running. The car will start and move but within 60 seconds reverts to fail safe mode.

Filed Mar 19, 2015 · Acceleration, Brakes · 143,000 miles · TX

While pulling into a parking lot I heard a loud warning indicator inside the car and immediately noticed that I lost ability to brake. I was only traveling 10 MPH or less when this occurred and was able to slowly roll into a parking space. The ABS, vsc, and stability control lights were already on, and had been for months. Fred haas toyota dealer in houston, tx area recommended having the ABS actuator replaced at a cost of $2700 for the part plus tax and labor. The braking seemed to work fine so I continued to drive the vehicle. This latest incident disabled the brakes almost entirely so I had to address the problem. Now fred haas toyota says its the brake pump and worn brake pads. These were replaced at over $2600 and the brakes seem to be working as well as before. But of course, all of the warning lights have now turned back on and fred haas still wants to replace the ABS actuator at $2700 plus tax and labor. I see that the world wide web has hundreds of examples of consumers in my predicament and even a few complaints over the years on this site. Can this finally be thoroughly investigated please?

Filed Oct 15, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 107,263 miles · AZ

Driving at a speed of approximately 40 MPH and slowing down for a stop sign. Vsc, ABS, and brake malfunction warning lights came on. Brakes functioned, but dealer said that the accumulator and booster assemblies need to be replaced.

Filed May 21, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 70,000 miles · IL

After purchasing the car (our first hybrid) we noticed that the brakes were acting different when slowing; while slowing down to stop at a stop light or sign or to slow in traffic, if the car is under 30 MPH and hits a bump the brakes will release (while your foot is on the brakes) and the car will lunge forward even though your foot is pressing down and has not been released. This has happened over the past year and no one can seem to figure out the problem. The brakes are new and several forums have been read in regards to trying to figure out the issue. It seems that several hybrids experience the same issues. Braking under 30, the car will hit a bump, brakes will release causing the car to lunge forward and possibly causing an accident. It has happened enough that our family is considering trading in the car. We have almost been in 10 plus accidents because we are almost stopped at the stop sign and the car hits a bump and accelerates into traffic coming from the left/right. With children in the back seat, this is a huge concern. We have sent toyota an email asking for inspection, however they said they would just like to have our dealer look at it, however they have not been noted of this issue in the past, when clearly there are hundreds of others that are having the same issues and they have been in accidents. I find it very difficult to believe that acceleration/break release when hitting a bump causing the car to lunge forward into moving traffic is a safety concern when the brakes are perfectly good. We will be trading in the vehicle if something is not done about it shortly, not only are we worried about our family but we are also worried about others who could be involved. This issue has nothing to do with the brakes, they are good, and the issue is still re-occurring.

Filed Aug 27, 2013 · Acceleration, Transmission · 116,992 miles · NJ

I was driving from maryland back home to new jersey and the vehicle could not accelerate or move at all when in gears. The engine was on, however the car stopped moving. I was on backroads with low visibility so neighbors and others came out immediately to push the car off the road so it would not create an accident. It was towed to the dealership and was told that it was a faulty inverter on the hybrid system. After researching, I found that the previous years models were recalled, however 2008 model was not. But as I do the research, it appears that numerous buyers of this model have had the same issue.

Filed Mar 28, 2012 · Acceleration · 88,000 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota highlander hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while engaging the brakes. As a result, the vehicle suddenly accelerated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 88,000 and the current mileage was 89,000.

Filed Dec 14, 2011 · Acceleration, Brakes · 58,805 miles · NY

I was on a slight incline, as I was approaching a traffic light, I hit the brakes. While I thought the vehicle was going to stop, it began to accelerate. I hit the brakes numerous times and eventually came to a stop. When I brought my vehicle to toyota, they simply dismissed the issue indirectly saying I didn't know how to drive. I was then lowballed when I attempted to sell the vehicle back to them. I've noticed [xxx] has been able to recreate the incident. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).