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2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid brakes problems

113 complaints (57% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 119,000. 4 crashes reported.

owner complaints
113
of this car's complaints
57%
typical mileage
119,000
crashes
4
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
    2
  • Antilock: ABS warning light
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Toyota Highlander Hybrid brakes problems in other years

2006201020202023

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 79Brake failure 19

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 15, 2025 · Brakes · 227,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the master, brake system, ABS warning, and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the message "Brake System Malfunction - Stop in Safe Place Immediately”, check ABS/VSC system, and check braking system" messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times, but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 227,000.

Filed Dec 1, 2021 · Brakes · 162,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the brake malfunction and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that when she started the vehicle, she was unable to depress the brake pedal to the floor and started to hear an abnormal noise. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the brake booster pump assembly and brake actuator assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.

Filed May 29, 2019 · Brakes · 121,000 miles · CA

All warning lights are on to check brakes, ABS. Abnormal leak in acumulator - ABS brake actuator needs to be replaced. I was sent a recall on this problem with my 2012 prius (although it is fine) but the highlander has the exact problem. When googling this I found many 2008 highlanders with the exact same problem. Toyota wants $3600 to replace the ABS acumulator yet they will replace the same part in the prius as a recall.

Filed May 22, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 158,000 miles · CA

Brake actuator assembly on my 2008 toyota highlander hybrid has been failing. Know issue. I've taken excellent care of this vehicle and had it serviced at the dealership. The manufacturing is replace the previous years, but not the 2008 which is the exact same component. Please let me know why this is happening. Not just to me, but others too. Please help us. Thanks

Filed May 6, 2019 · Brakes, Steering · 139,000 miles · FL

Abs pump and actuator failure. Warning lights on the dash buzzer, and nearly complete loss of stopping power, reduced fuel economy. We own a 2008 toyota highlander hybrid which confirmed by the dealer has a 100% failure rate which is the exact failure previously recalled on 2006-07 highlander hybrids, and 08-09 camry hybrids. This failure throws the same code, same symptoms, same parts as recalled on previous years, and same years in other models however toyota some how got away with not recalling 2008 highlander models. This is well documented on this site, consumer affairs and tons of other sites on the internet. I would like to see the government step in and force toyota to extend there warranty and recall these models. Toyota, there dealers and the public are very much aware of how shady toyota has been not honoring different years with the same part. This repair is on average $3k dollars.

Filed Mar 26, 2019 · Brakes · 140,000 miles · UT

I am told I need to replace the brake actuator assembly on my 2008 toyota highlander hybrid. My research indicates that this component failure was a known problem for years and was actually covered in a recall for 2006-7 models. For reasons unknown the recall does not cover 2008 even though it is the exact same component. This is a serious safety issue and toyota seems to be passing the cost off to the consumer.

Filed Mar 17, 2019 · Brakes · CA

Takata recall .. My car start getting an error light in my dashboard.. It says brake malfunction , vsc system and ABS system .. My car runs fine but sometime when I press the phrase pedal car doesn't break right away and making noise.

Filed Mar 4, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 78,000 miles · UT

Vsc, ABS, traction control error light. My mechanic identified this as a failer accumulator (ABS module), he said there is a tsb from toyota. I know there was a recall on this issue on this vehicle through year 2007. Concerned about possibility of total brake failure.

Filed Feb 26, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 163,500 miles · UT

We were driving the car normally on city streets, not even braking at the time when suddenly the ABS light and a couple others lit up on the dashboard along with a warning message on the screen about the ABS and vcs systems. Braking still worked as did everything else (less the ABS I assume).

Filed Feb 19, 2019 · Brakes · 148,000 miles · TX

The brake malfunction light came on while driving. Toyota says its the brake actuator assembly and it will cost me $4700 to replace the part. They recalled toyota highlander 06-07, prius 04-09 and lexus with the same problem. The result can be total brake failure. Since toyota knows this is an issue with the defective parts , all autos with that part needs to be recalled/repaired with toyota's assistance.

Questions about the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid brakes

Does the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 113 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 57% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 119,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid brakes?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Toyota Highlander Hybrid have bad brakes?

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid model years with the most brakes complaints are 2006 (137 complaints), 2008 (113 complaints) and 2007 (46 complaints).

Other 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems

Electrical 35Driver assistance 25Acceleration 18Fuel system 14Engine 13Transmission 11Tires 9Steering 6Body 5Wheels 3Airbags 2Visibility 2Seat belts 1Suspension 1

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