The brake accumulator/actuator is a defective part and toyota has refused to honor the repair. They manipulated owners by having a warrenty support program with end dates, instead of having a recall on it. Which is why when I researched before I bought, is not listed on car fax. The warranty support was before I purchased vehicle and previously it was either ignored or missed between owners. They have had many of these and get away with it. Right now there is a class action filed in ohio over this same issue with other cars. It is a $3000 dollar part and not a knob on radio. It is a safety issue due to it being part of the braking system. I've seen where the support program said miles didn't matter but when talking to toyota they say 114,000 miles. The car is a 2006, yeah that's reasonable, even for 2017/18 letter. While driving the vsc alarm system comes on and the braking becomes difficult. The pump has always made a sound but was told by dealer it was the security alarm system making the noise. It happened in 2019 also, the alarm, but repair shop said it was calipers, so paid $800 to have them replaced with pads. Its always made noise but the alarm system started back up again last month. Now with research on my own, I know exactly what it is but toyota said they sent letter to previous owner and sorry about my luck! This has rendered this vehicle worth $5500, worthless. Cant trade in a vehicle like this and lost my income from delivery with it. I have checked off everything that would apply if it was a recall but since the support program has an end date to get out of toyota ever being responsible for their defective part, they push it off on owners. I'm just lucky, I have a cdl and good driver and have not had an accident with it. I filed a complaint with toyota and they just swiped me away as another poor sucker that didn't figure it out before I purchased.
2006 Toyota Highlander brakes complaints
Page 3 of 5: complaints 41 to 70 of 103, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I have been having problems with the brake actuator, ABS which failed prematurely. I have contacted toyota in july 2019 and was told the extender warranty campaign expired in dec 2018. The refused to covered the cost of the repair. $1,186.19 for the part plus $653. 00 fro the installation. After the repair was done the new brake actuator pump still doesnt work properly. When trying to brake on uneven road , manhole covers or over bumps feels like when I brake I am hitting accelerator and brake takes time to kick in..I have found myself in dangerous situations. This car was purchase for my 16 year old daughter and I dont feel comfortable letting her drive this car.
Brake actuator went out, I had read this is am ongoing issue with this vehicle. I tried to see if I qualified for a covered repair and was told it had ended.
The brake actuator assembly has gone out at 135000 miles. It interfers with braking. The brakes lock up frequently and car will almost hop to a halt. It is quite concerning and scary when it occurs.
My 2006 highlander hybrid brake lights came on and had no brakes. Took to a mechanic who cleared the codes and after 24 hours they came back on. Called toyota and they said the warranty expired in 2017 for that extended warranty. I was quoted almost $2500.00 to get it fixed. Toyota said they can't do anything about the price. Now I have a vehicle I am making payments on that isn't safe to drive cause I have no brakes.
When driving down highway and needing to suddenly brake, ABS light and check vsc system lights came on, the car did brake in time. However, soon afterwards the brakes did not immediately engage when reversing out of parking space or anytime when pressing brakes while reversing.
The ABS pump and module are defective
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander. The contact stated that with the vehicle in reverse, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to operate as intended. The brake failure warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was shifted into park to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to (rice toyota 2630 battleground ave, greensboro, nc 27408) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake assentura needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty since the 150,000 miles had been exceeded. The manufacturer was made informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander. The contact stated while driving at various speeds the vehicle made an abnormal sound and while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged forward. The contact also stated that the sound was present while the vehicle was stopped with the gear shift lever in the park position. The vehicle was taken to a certified toyota mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a failed brake actuator assembly. The manufacturer was made aware of this issue. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Ongoing issue with generation 1 highlander hybrids and prius from same date ranges. A warranty adjustment has already been issued and ended. The ABS brake accumulator gets an internal leak code c1391. Reduced braking, ESC, brake and other lights come on. Many of those repaired under warranty are already failing a second time. Vehicle is dangerous to drive since it can be driving perfectly and fail while in motion causing dangerous braking conditions.
I purchased this vehicle from a private used car lot. They told me all service was completed through toyota so I had faith in toyota repairing any problems, within the first year the ABS system started makeing strainge noices and the breaks were not very effeective, I have no choice but to continue driving since this is my family primary vehicle as a retired disable vet, I called toyota and they told me too bad that the previous owner could of had the extended warentiy but they didnt do it, now im stuck driving a dangerious vehicle with my family which includes 2 boys that are special needs and myself a 100% disabled vet. Not happy with toyota.
I was driving straight on the main road coming to a stop light.the vehicle would not stop after pressing on the brakes several times. There are several lights on the dash:brakes,traction control, 2 yellow exclamation marks one inside a triangle and the ,ABS. The mechanic is saying the brake actuator is faulty and needs to replaced.
Brake actuator. On september 2016 I had my car self brake at 45 MPH. No injuries occurred, but I had car towed to toyota dealer ship in orlando florida. After local dealership and corporate inspector diagnosis. They found no problem. However I recently discovered in june of 2016 toyota did issue a customer satisfaction warranty issue with my cars braking actuator. I was never informed. In november of 2018 I reported a issue with brakes. Dealer confirmed it was actuator. Toyota refused ot assist with repair. In january of 2019, my braes failed while driving. Again no injuries. It was determined to be the actuator. Toyota again refused to take any responsibility.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander. While driving at an unknown speed, all the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to toyota of cleveland (3560 village n blvd, mcdonald, tn 37353) where it was diagnosed that the ABS actuator assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 259,294.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander. While making a turn at 5 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle accelerated at an unknown speed. As a result, the vehicle struck a pedestrian. A police report was filed. The pedestrian suffered injuries and medical attention was required. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Two months ago, my car system noted ABS system problem: ABS light, brake light, and other lights on. I took my car to toyota place in garden grove, ca dealer, they told me ABS system failed, it would be replaced as possible, the cost is from $2500 to 3500. They also said the car I can drive but the ABS didn't work. The problem is the cost is too high and I can't afford for it. On last monday 04/16/2018, around 7:30am on the way driving to the work place, I stepped on brake pedal, the brake system did nothing, my car ran out of control. Luckily, I was first in the line, then I drove the car with no step on gas pedal, hit emergency lights on, and used the leg brake to stop the car. After that, my car was towed to the toyota dealer, they said ABS actuator stopped working and had to be replaced. They charged me $2,642.32; the part cost is $1,834.94, brake fluid is $7.04, the labor is $650 (from the arriving time 9:36am to the calling time to note my car to be done around 3:40pm) and sales tax is $143.30. You should know my car is permanently changed oil and maintenance at the same dealer from 2011, the year I bought the car as a pre-owner car. In this period time, my car is always inspected by the dealer with nothing big problem and specifically with no warning about ABS system. In addition, in owner's manual and scheduled maintenance guide the manufactory keeps silent recommendation about ABS system replacement. Today, I am filing a complain about the ABS system problem of toyota highlander 2006 because it is very, very dangerous for its customers when driving on it. I also read more the same problem from its customers on online. They may or may not open a file, but it is vital of the consumer and also the budget of each family. I hope you have to help to save the life of people on the road and save their money also. Thank you very much for your time.
Please disregard complain number 10994017. The agent didn't put correct description. The vehicle's brake warning light was suddenly on on 6/4/2017. The brake fluid was low. The vehicle had brake work done in late april with toyota of nashua and replaced the brake fluid. The next morning the brake was not effective (making noise when pressing brake paddle and did not effectively stop). Brought to the toyota dealer and was told the seal broke, caused brake fluid get to master cylinder, thus failure, and the brake fluid also leaked to the brake booster and both parts needs to be replaced. We found toyota had a recall on oct 21 2010, which described the exactly the same cause as happened to this car. File a case with toyota corp and the response was any part can fail at any time. The vehicle passed 1 year warranty of recall work. So toyota is not responsible for the repair. Note, in the original recall, which was 2010 for highlander manufactured in 2004-2006, which is as long as 6 years later, toyota made this recall and stated that they reimbursed the repair cost of master cylinder and brake booster if damaged. There was no mileage restriction. With toyota's response, why even bother recall? This raised serious safety issue. It's very likely to crash with such damage due to the seal leak. If this continued to be a safety issue, toyota should put this check into their regular maintenance check and replacement. There are quite a few reported problems with this issue: http://www.carproblemzoo.com/toyota/highlander/brake-master-cylinder-problems.php. Toyota's response shows indifference to the consumers and safety of their lives. I hope this brings toyota more attention to be responsible to the defect as apparently this is not the single occurrence. With such condition of the brake, it is highly likely to cause crash. I hope someone can do further investigation.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander. While driving various speeds, the brakes failed to work and the brake warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (toyota of nashua; 10 marmon dr, nashua, nh 03060; (603) 689-1500) where it was diagnosed that the brake fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at 800‑331‑4331 and stated that they were not responsible for the failure. The manufacturer provided case number: [xxx]. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 08/03/17*lj information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
The brakes on our toyota highlander hybrid randomly get mushy (slip) and don't engage for a second, then will engage. This creates a dangerous situation as the vehicle will not stop as intended and when needed. Also, the vehicle at other times will surge when the brakes have been applied and you attempting to come to a stop. This has been happening for quite some time. These problems have been well-documented at the following site. We are experiencing the exact same issues as noted by others with our vehicle. Http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/5357/toyota/highlander-hybrid/highlander-hybrid-brake-problems
Vehicle is leaking brake fluid through the vacuum line from the master cylinder to the intake and then out the exhaust. Brakes are now spongy and do not operate as required for safe driving. Toyota refuses to acknowledge this recall stating my vehicle does not fall under the recall notice. The brake fluid slow leak happens both when stationary and in use. The recall was issued on october 21, 2010. Brake fluid travelling down this path also affects other components of the engine; such as, vacuum lines, fuel air sensors both prior to and after the catalytic converter, and the catalytic converter itself.
The "brake actuator" became defective, and was not able to be repaired. The part was very expensive and seems to be a problem that could be considered wide spread enough that it should be "recalled".
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander. When the vehicle was started, the brake light, antilock brake light, and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle did not accelerate and the antilock brakes did not work. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the computer core needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. ..updated 05/02/16 *bf
When applying the brakes there is a noise that comes from the brakes and it feels like the brakes are failing so I went to the toyota dealership to find out the problem and they said that the brake actuator was bad and had to be replaced. The cost of the replacement was quoted at $3200.00. I searched the web and found that this has occurred not just once but many times on numerous toyota vehicles over many years. I also determined that even if I were to pay to repair this condition that it would reoccur do to the defect in the design of this part of the braking system. Why hasn't this been addressed and a recall issued?
Driving vehicle when warning lights for ABS and skid control came on. Check vsc system in dash. When brake is applied right front tire locks and causes vehicle to spin. Slow speed is the only reason for no accident. Took vehicle to dealer and was told "brake accuator " electronics had failed and needed to be replaced for $3800. Research shows this is an issue on the highlander, the lexus and the camry so why have the highlanders not been included in the recall?
While driving on the freeway and the traffic came to a slow as I was braking to slow down I noticed all the lights on my dashboard suddenly lit up, all the following engine, ABS, brakes and check vsc lights came on. I took to a dealership, piercey toyota and they did a diagnostic and came back with codes c1391 and b1281.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander. While driving at any speed, the instrument panel displayed a "vehicle stability control" error message. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the anti-lock brake system accumulator pump remained activated and drained the battery. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
After an synthetic oil change and rear brake job at firestone a few days earlier in atlanta, I was driving along and my check vsc system light came on. I then took it back to firestone and they put it on the computer and there were no codes; subsequently they suggested that I take it to the dealer for diagnosis. The diagnosis at the dealer revealed that I needed a new ABS accumulator and this could be repaired for $3,118. I was not interested in spending this amount since the part has a know design manufacturers defect. I decided to do some research on clearing the check vsc system light and followed the instructions and the code cleared for about 9 days and reappeared on yesterday for some reason. What can I do?
While driving the car, the brakes failed. I was able to stop the car without an accident, but it had to be towed. The repair shop found the master cylinder had failed. Per toyota, the VIN # for the car is not in the "batch" involved in a recall in 2010 involving the master cylinders for highlanders, and they refuse to honor the recall for this car.
Was driving in traffic when an alarm sounded and several dashboard lights lit up. Center display said "check vsc system". I took it to the dealer who said the ABS module needs to be replaced at a cost $2,800. Other than a vibration under the hood while slowing down the car appears to be operating normally. The ABS warning light is on which leads me to believe the ABS maybe disabled. I was able to run a vsc diagnostic and pulled code 45. Given the number of reported incidents for this failure it appears to be a wide spread problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise when depressing the brake pedal and the brakes failed to respond. The vehicle was shifted into neutral in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to dealer who diagnosed that the hybrid was calibrating and was performing normally. In addition, the contact stated that the vsc and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the actuator and the hybrid pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
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