2008 Toyota Highlander: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Brakes · WA

Subject: Sudden Unintended Braking and Loss of Vehicle Control – 2008 Toyota Highlander V6 AWD I am reporting a serious and potentially life-threatening incident involving my 2008 Toyota Highlander V6 AWD. Shortly before this incident, I had all four tires replaced at Les Schwab. While driving approximately at highway speeds, with my foot on the accelerator and absolutely no pressure on the brake pedal, I suddenly heard a knocking sound and felt the vehicle jerking violently. It felt similar to ABS activation, although I do not know what system was responsible. I stopped and inspected everything finding nothing wrong so proceeded to drive the car back home. The vehicle then suddenly and forcefully applied the brakes without any input from me. The rear wheels appeared to lock, causing the tires to skid. The back end of the vehicle fishtailed and began attempting to spin around. I struggled to maintain control. There were three children riding in the vehicle with me. All four occupants were placed in immediate danger. After stopping, I shifted into Park and then back into Drive. The brakes released, and the vehicle began moving normally again. However, I subsequently noticed a continuous metallic grinding noise. No ABS, traction control, or other warning lights illuminated. I am requesting an investigation into the cause of this sudden unintended braking, rear-wheel lockup, and loss of vehicle control. This incident could easily have resulted in a fatal collision. Three children were passengers in the vehicle when it unexpectedly applied its own brakes at approximately 45 mph.

Filed Sep 12, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · PA

My 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is having severe issues with the ABS system. Toyota is reporting that it needs an ABS actuator and ABS pump replacements. These were a part of Toyota's previous Customer Support Program, but the program expired before I owned the vehicle. That is EXTREMELY dangerous and the issue with the ABS system should be considered a Safety Recall that is ALWAYS available to Toyota customers to rectify and paid for by Toyota. It is a BRAKING ISSUE. It is not just brake pads, or normal wear and tear. This is a known issue and regardless of the timeline, Toyota should absolutely pay for the repair.

Filed Jul 17, 2025 · Brakes · PA

Good Afternoon, The brake actuator and booster pump failed on my 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. ABS, Brake, and VSC warning lights came on, and the brakes became weak and unsafe. A repair shop confirmed the issue with codes C1252, C1256, and C1391. I tried to fix it at a local shop last year, but the problem came back. It seems this repair can only be fully done at a Toyota dealer due to software requirements. However, the dealer repair cost is very high. I cannot afford the repair or a new car right now because of family budget limits — we have three children and rely on this vehicle every day(only one car). Toyota declined to help, even though I later found this issue was once covered under Program ZKC, which I missed. The vehicle is still unsafe and available for inspection. Thank you very much for considering my issue!

Filed Oct 22, 2024 · Brakes · VA

In June 2019, Toyota issued a recall for ABS malfunction, diagnostic code C1391 - brake actuator and accumulator. New parts were issued by Toyota in 2019 as part of the recall. My vehicle experienced ABS malfunction, diagnostic code C1391 in March 2022 and was repaired by Toyota with the new and improved parts issued as part of the recall. As of October 14, 2024, my vehicle is experiencing the same issue again - ABS brake malfunction diagnostic code C1391, with the brake system light, master warning light, abs light and ABS Malfunction warning noted on the screen. The vehicle can be inspected. Toyota has inspected and confirmed it is the same issue again. The new and improved parts from 2019 should not fail within 20,000 miles. Toyota did confirm that they used the new parts issued as part of the recall and cannot explain why they failed faster than the original parts causing dangerous braking issues.

Filed Jul 23, 2024 · Brakes · WA

The brake pedal gave no resistance, going right to the floor. The ABS system warnings lit up on the dashboard at the same time. I was able to pull the car over safely, but it was not driveable and needed a tow to a repair shop. The repair shop noted that the brake actuator assembly and skid module failed and needed replacement. After doing research we are confident the issue is exactly as hundreds of other owners have previously reported to toyota, bbb, and the federal safety agency. Toyota has since issues recalls and warranty extensions for the other toyota hybrid model that utilize the same platform/system but just not for the later 2008 highlander hybrid. Someone needs to step up and hold toyota accountable for the same faulty parts they continued to install in their other hybrid vehicles they sold to consumers. The ABS system is clearly not functioning properly as hundreds of consumers have previously noted. Why would toyota cover the cost of repair for other hybrids with this same defect but not others? There needs to be a recall or warranty extension issued for this model/year as toyota has issued for other hybrid models using the same platform. This is clearly a well-documented problem for the 2008 models.

Filed Mar 14, 2024 · Brakes · UT

Intermittent warnings "Check ABS", "Check Brake System", "Check VSC System" have been showing up on the vehicle display along with the brake and traction control warning lights. This has been happening on and off for several months. Diagnostic Trouble Code reader shows "C1391 Abnormal Leak of Accumulator pressure".

Filed Feb 27, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · OR

Myself, and many other 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners, have a vehicle code labeled C1391 "Leak in Accumulator" wherein the vehicles brake actuator and brake booster pump malfunction. The dash of my vehicle has the following indicators on; Check ABS, Check Brake System, Check VSC System, Yellow Master Warning Light, Red Brake System Light & Buzzer, Yellow ABS Warning Light, and Yellow Slip Indicator Light. This has been a significant cause of concern for me over the past two-three years since purchasing this vehicle. This is a known issue throughout the Toyota Highlander Hybrid community and the dealership is not upholding their previous recall which occurred in late 2019 and ended in 2020, after I had purchased the vehicle. The cost of repairs is upwards of $4,000 and Toyota has not given the proper opportunity for recall repairs to owners. This is a significant safety issue because if the brakes fail, a severe crash may injure myself or others. The problem has been reproduced by several other owners, dealerships, and independent service centers (this is a well known and common issue). This vehicle is available for inspection if requested. I plead that you please insist on Toyota reopening their recall to provide service to the owners of this vehicle, this is an issue with their manufacturing and not on the owners/operators. This problem occurred immediately after receiving scheduled maintenance to my vehicle from a certified Toyota Dealership, whom have quoted me the above cost for repairs and may have caused the issue in the first place.

Filed Jan 8, 2024 · Brakes · TX

Brought this sport utility truck from a dealership out of Sandersville, Geogia in 2018. Never had an issue with this vehicle. All services are done in the dealership. It previously has 168k mileage. I have always heard sounds from as i have learned is the ABS motor\pump system since purchasing the vehicle in 2018, but never any issues. Now November 2023 this ABS situation has my whole dashboard lit up. This got full attention due we were traveling when this occurred to us telling me to stop the vehicle, pull over, shut the car off and contact a dealer. We exited the freeway at a gas station to see what the matter was about. I didn't since any tightness in the brake pedal so I drove back home to be safe. Warning messages read: Check VSC System, BRAKE Malfunction, Cheak Brake , Check ABS. I have not been able to get it fix due to the cost of the repair on an issue Toyota already knew about. It's our brakes Toyota. Has money over ridden the performance of these vehicle's? Safety for the customer is first, I thought.

Filed Sep 22, 2023 · Brakes · TN

I own a 2008 Highlander Hybrid Limited. The ABS actuator and assembly have gone bad. The following dash lights are illuminated: ABS, VSC, brake warning, and parking brake. The issue has been confirmed by toyota dealer. This defect has been reported HUNDREDS of times and Toyota has yet to issue a recall for 2008 and above models. In 2019 there was a Customer Support Program Bulletin(CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM BULLETIN (ZKC): REPAIR COVERAGE FOR BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY ON CERTAIN 2008-2010 MY HIGHLANDER HYBRID VEHICLES) stating, " Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the certain internal malfunctions of the brake booster assemblies. One or more of the following specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) C1391, C1252, C1256 or C1253 will be stored in the vehicles memory to be used as verification." This 'customer support' bulletin was published June 6TH, 2019 and revised August 28TH, 2019. The bulletin continues, "Primary Coverage offers the Customer Support Program until December 31, 2020, regardless of mileage. After the Primary Coverage, the Secondary Coverage is applicable for 10 years or 150,000 miles from the vehicle’s date of first use, whichever occurs first." However, as this document clearly states that the affected and covered vehicles range from those manufactured in the years 2008-2010, the owners of a 2008/2009 model would only be eligible for primary coverage; allowing only about 1 year and 7 months for possible brake failure before a customer could file a claim for repair under warranty. Without any coverage the total cost for repair amounts to +$3,000.00(.) Seeing as this is an issue with Toyota manufacturing it seems that Toyota is much more concerned with keeping their money instead of preventing injury by issuing a recall and taking care of their customers.

Filed Feb 21, 2023 · Brakes · 180,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC: C1391, indicating that the brake actuator assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the Extended Program had expired, and the contact was advised to call the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Filed Nov 3, 2022 · Brakes · NC

All the lights relating to brakes and ABS flashed up on the dashboard. We continued home slowly. Upon investigation from a trusted mechanic it seems it is the brake actuator. From numerous reviews and complaints online this is a reoccurring issue with Toyota cars but recalls were only issued for 2006-2007 models even though the 2008 Highlander hybrids use the same part.

Filed Sep 22, 2022 · Brakes · IN

Needed to have hub and bearing and spindles replaced in front driver's side wheel (AWD). Repair shop completed repairs and aligned the vehicle. Computer needed to be reset after alignment. Shop followed reset instructions and vehicle then showed codes for the ABS system (ABS pump and actuator and skid control module). Repair shop cannot reset computer without replacing parts estimated cost is over $5,600. No work on brakes or ABS system was done. No errors or codes previously existed prior to replacement of bearing and hub. No codes existed until after the alignment was completed. ABS system no longer works. Repair was completed at an independent repair shop. Have appointment with dealership on 9/29 to see if code can be reset. These codes were an issue in 06-07 Highlander hybrids and Prius models and part of a recall.