2006 Toyota Highlander: multiple warning lights

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Brakes · CA

Multiple warning lights appeared on the dash board including ABS, also check VSC system in the dialogue window. Code C1391 (Abnormal leak in accumulator) appeared in a diagnostic scan. After some internet research, it appears this a common problem with the 2006 Toyota Highlander and is a very costly repair $2000-$4000. The leaky accumulator creates an unsafe driving condition as the ABS and VSC system are disabled due to the leak. Due to the high number of failures for these vehicles, I feel that Toyota should take responsibility and warranty this part and repair. Thank you

Filed Aug 13, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · VA

I was on the interstate driving about 72 mph when the car just shut off all the dash lights came on and the dash it said check hybrid system I had no brakes or steering I got it off the road turned it off and back on again it started up and I drove it home but the dash still displayed check hybrid system , a week later I get in it to go to work and there’s an alarm that won’t cut off and the abs , traction control and brake light and warning light and tire pressure light are all on and the brakes are hard and there’s a weird noise coming from somewhere when u push on the brake and it says check VSC system on the dash now

Filed Jul 12, 2024 · Brakes, Transmission · VA

Two problems being reported are severe safety issues, and could result in injury, death, and/or property damage. Problem 1: While driving, the brake pedal suddenly went all the way to the floor, and the car would not stop. To avoid hitting the car in front at a stop sign, I had to turn the wheel, resulting in running through the stop sign and onto the grass and shoulder before the car finally stopped. Multiple dashboard warning lights appeared. After stopping, the brakes momentarily returned but failed again within 2-3 minutes. A loud, high-pitched, piercing whistle sound began, indicating a complete loss of brakes. The car had to be towed 200 miles back home. It is not safe to drive the car without functioning brakes. The OBD scan codes are: C1256 (accumulator low pressure), C1391 (abnormal leak of accumulator pressure), and C1256 (accumulator low pressure). Problem 2: When starting the car, the brakes are applied first, and then the car is placed in gear. The car involuntarily and immediately jumps forward or backward and continues to move, even though the brakes are being applied. Having the foot on the brakes has NO EFFECT on the car moving! The car should not move at all when the brakes are being applied. To stop the movement, I must quickly pump the brakes repeatedly. This occurs every time the car is placed into gear after starting the engine, causing it to jump forward or backward and continue moving despite brake application. Both problems are severe safety issues, and could result in injury, death, or property damage.

Filed Dec 28, 2020 · Electrical, Fuel system · 174,000 miles · PA

While driving my vehicle all the lights on my dashboard illuminated. My vehicle lost power and I had to pull over. It died there. I was on belfield ave and gratz street in philadelphia, pa . I subsequently had it towedback to my residence.

Filed Aug 12, 2020 · Brakes · KY

About a week ago, I was driving my toyota highlander 2006 and everything was perfect. On monday, out of the sudden the dash turned to a christmas tree lights + vsc system. I was terrified so I called my local toyota dealership and took an appointment. Went there the next day and they made me wait 6 hours and told me it has brake actuator assembly problem and to get it fixed, I have to pay $2,246. As a college student this is very pricy. It puts me in a major stress. After I told them I can't offered it, I was told it's safe to drive it, nothing going to happened but a a weird feeling on the brake. After researching, I found out it's very dangerous to drive it like that. I felt like toyota wanted me to put myself in danger. I'm scared to drive this car right now. I lost my father last week and with this problem, I feel very bad. Please help.

Filed Mar 10, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 15 miles · TX

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.

Filed Mar 8, 2016 · Engine · 125,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled as all the dashboard warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

Filed Sep 8, 2015 · Brakes · 169,563 miles · CA

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.

Filed Jan 7, 2015 · Acceleration, Brakes · 150,500 miles · FL

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.

Filed Sep 2, 2010 · Electrical · 115,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander hybrid. While traveling 65 MPH the contact noticed that all warning lights had appeared on the dashboard, seconds later the vehicle had suddenly shut off without warnings. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the inverter needed to be replaced. There were no prior warnings and the vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were 115000.

Filed Aug 9, 2010 · Engine · 75,000 miles · IN

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander hybrid. While driving the vehicle stalled and all lights on the instrumental panel remained illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the failure was caused by the inverter. The dealer replaced the inverter. The VIN information wasn't available. The failure mileage was 75, 000 and the current mileage was 83,000.

Filed Jul 8, 2010 · Brakes · 54,540 miles · CA

For approximately 2-3 days (june 23-25) was experiencing honk when pushing brake pedal, almost constant tick of the ABS actuator and stuttering at stops in 2006 toyota highlander (54,540 miles). Took to own mechanic with diagnostic of faulty ABS actuator. Hoping part was covered under warranty made appointment with toyota dealer for service. Before made it to appointment was driving forward when all dash lights and alarms for ABS & traction control went off. Upon pushing the brake pedal it was very soft requiring multiple pumps before vehicle slowed. Called for tow to dealership. They confirmed ABS actuator needed replaced and vehicle unsafe to drive. Part replaced at owner's expense. My research has revealed other toyota vehicles, land cruiser, of similar year have same problem. Service director of toyota and own mechanic said part generally expected to last life of vehicle if not well beyond the 4 year life of my vehicle.