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2001 Toyota Highlander brakes problems

20 complaints (15% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 24,000. 6 crashes reported.

owner complaints
20
of this car's complaints
15%
typical mileage
24,000
crashes
6
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Foundation components: master cylinder
    7
  • Foundation components
    3
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    3
  • Foundation components: disc: rotor
    1
  • Foundation components: disc: pads
    1
  • Foundation components: disc
    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 brakes problems in other years

200120052010201520202025

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinderReported July 5, 2001 · 41,169 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sport utiity vehicles. The reservoir filler cap of the brake master cylinder may induce a vacuum, introducing some air into the brake master cylinder reservoir. This could cause abnormal brake noise and increased pedal stroke when the brakes are applied.
Risk
The increased pedal stroke will lengthen the stopping distance of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will bleed the air from the brake lines and replace the reservoir filler cap. Owner notification began july 30, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.

Recall number 01V228000 · Recall details

What 2001 Toyota Highlander owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 19, 2017 · Acceleration, Body · 105,000 miles · OR · crash · 1 injury

On 11/17/2015 I hit a parking island in an unlit parking lot. When I tried to stop, my brakes failed. This caused me to lose control of the vehicle and it hit 2 parked cars and a tree. I have lost wages and live in pain every day due to injuries from this accident.

Filed Nov 1, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · FL · crash

Wiring problem with passenger side brake light. Kept replacing bulb, then replacing socket, now going to put a whole kit. Toyota neglected to tell me this in the first place, even after several tickets and wasted money on different things telling me it would fix the problem.

Filed Nov 12, 2013 · Brakes · 72,071 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal had to be applied forcefully in order for the vehicle to respond. The failure recurred numerous times. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 01v228000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The dealer's records indicated that there was no remedy repair performed. The recall was not honored and the vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 72,071.

Filed Apr 24, 2011 · Brakes · 101,531 miles · NJ

I am experiencing problems with my 2001 toyota highlander. Whenever I press on the brake it pulsates,vibrates and it makes a distracting loud ratcheting sound. When the speedometer drops to less than 10mph- it happens. This happens so frequently, that I really hate driving anywhere. I took it to several different mechanics. After being told the problem that I am having is due to warped rotors and warn brake pads- I paid to have new brake pads and rotors installed. That didn't work. (now they say it is an ABS problem) I took the highlander to a toyota dealer who without properly performing a computer scan, blamed the mechanics who replaced my rotors and brake pads for the problem that I have been having-and they told me that it was not the ABS system. Anyway, I am still having the same problem that both professional mechanics disagree on. Pulsation, vibration and loud noises. Note: neither of the two indicator lights brake/ABS has activated since the problem started. Finally, I took the highlander to a third mechanic, paid for an inspection of my ABS system and received several computer scan ABS faults codes:c1271-c1278- ABS activates at a lower speed. Also, master cylinder pressure sensor malfunction c1281. I want toyota to repair the defects in my toyota highlander.

Filed Feb 16, 2010 · Brakes · 200 miles · GA

I bought a toyota highlander in 2001. I think my car does have a brake problem. When I apply brakes at speed over 50 miles, car is vibrating and hard to stop. I have to stop applying brake. After buying a car, I took it to the dealer, and the sales agent said, "it is not a brake problem, it is because of hard pressure." recently, my husband drove the car and he felt it too.(date for this incident is some where in september 2001) (2) occasionally my car ignition is not working, I have to give gas to start car! I took it to toyota dealer located at buford mall of ga, in the u.s.a. They worked on it twice. I have spent more than $650. The problem is still not resolved. Then somebody called me to inform that something is bad (coast is $800)and it might fix the problem! I complained to the people who take survey on customer satisfaction. No body follow up on it. I sent an email. Then an agent named "tony" called me and said, "I do not want to spend $800 more and which might fix the problem. I said, "what happened to the first two repairs?" his response was, "it is like you go to doctor. They try one medicine. If you are not cured, they try another medicine!" then he asked me,"what you want to do? Do you want to fix the problem?" I said, "yes, but I can't let you keep on trying new repairs, spend money and problem is not fixed!." he said, "if you are thinking that I will fix your problem free, it is not going to happen!." then he hang up the call. Yes, toyota should have improve their service and change the attitude. Their service price varies with the team/service agent. I do not remember exact date, the following date is approximate.

Filed Apr 23, 2009 · Brakes · 53,000 miles · CA · crash · 2 injuries

The car accident in which I was involved in had suspicious activities that followed, for example, finance company repossessed my vehicle although my payments were current. Recently, while researching vehicle recalls, I found that my 2001 toyota highlander had a hydraulic brake recall. The accident caused injuries as well as totaling out two vehicles. I was driving on fwy when I had to stop suddenly due to construction traffic. My highlander's brakes went to the floor which made it impossible to stop.

Filed Aug 25, 2005 · Brakes · NC

Increased pedal stroke lengthen the stopping distance. Saw in your website a recall for it. Took it to dealer they don't have it in the system so they won't fix the problem. They looked up the VIN# your website won't specify VIN#, only specify's year.

Filed Jul 15, 2004 · Body, Brakes · 2,000 miles · PA

Frequently when the brake pedal was depressed the pedal went to the floor, which caused the brakes not to stop immediately in a panic or emergency situation. Dealership indicated that this was normal for the brake system for this vehicle. Three different mechanics inspected the brake system, and determined that the master cylinder was not functioning correctly. The master cylinder needed to be constantly replenished with brake fluid. Also, the brake system had to be bled because air got in it. Dealership indicated that the brake system was designed for a passenger vehicle and not an SUV. *ak repairs were also performed on vehicle due to premature wear on pads and rotors, and on vehicle's front door weather stripping due to premature wear. *la recall#01v228000. The brake problem had been a problem since purchase.

Filed Aug 22, 2003 · Brakes · 24,000 miles · MO

Consumer stated that when attempting to apply the anti lock brakes, the vehicle experienced heavy vibration and caused a distraction to the consumer. The dealer was notified. *ak at 55 MPH when braking, the steering wheel shook, but the consumer was able to the control the vehicle. However at 75-80 MPH, when braking (no emergency), the steering shook violently. *scc

Filed Jun 30, 2003 · Airbags, Brakes · TX · crash

Consumer states while traveling 2-3 MPH and applying the brakes vehicle went into extended stopping distance, running into garage door. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy.

Questions about the 2001 Toyota Highlander brakes

Does the 2001 Toyota Highlander have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 20 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Toyota Highlander, 15% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2001 Toyota Highlander brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 24,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2001 Toyota Highlander brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 01V228000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Toyota Highlander have bad brakes?

The Toyota Highlander model years with the most brakes complaints are 2006 (103 complaints), 2008 (82 complaints) and 2021 (68 complaints).

Other 2001 Toyota Highlander problems

Visibility 26Engine 19Acceleration 15Body 13Transmission 13Airbags 10Tires 9Electrical 5Fuel system 5Seat belts 4Lights 2Locks 1Steering 1Suspension 1

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