2008 Toyota Highlander: jerking or lurching

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 Mar 1, 2021 · Brakes · 177,000 miles · NJ

The car keeps lunging forward as the brake is being pressed at times. This is particularly dangerous in snowy and slippery conditions. I was forced onto oncoming traffic as the car lunged forward when I attempted to stop at a stop. The car brake stopped working briefly and the car instead jerk forward. I called toyota on 3/1/2021 who claimed it is part a customer support program to repair as of december 31, 2021 and not classified as a recall and will they will not make the necessary repairs. This is a definite recall and should be addressed asap. I was driving on a local road, snowy conditions, and attempted to stop going downhill when the car jerked forward as the brake was being applied.

Filed Jul 12, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 160,000 miles · ID

Highlander hybrid 2008 we were driving on a country back road. In idaho, we had just stopped at a stop sign and went to drive forward after going around 100-200 meters and the car lurched forward while I was driving and then the screen with all the warnings began going off. All of them saying pull over tot the side of the road and that all the systems were failing. All the warnings said things to take the car to dealer. We pulled over to the side of the road and then tried to get the car to move forward by putting it in drive and you could hear the car trying to do something but nothing happened. The car did turn on but that was it.

Filed Jun 1, 2010 · Acceleration · 5,000 miles · CA

On may 22, 2010 my toyota highlander sudden accelerated. I was at a full stop (red light) on 14th street at the intersection of castro heading west uphill. My foot was on the brake when my truck suddenly accelerated. The truck jerked forward even though my foot was on the brake. I reported it to san francisco toyota service representative when I brought in my truck for the recall service on may 29, 2010. They completed the recall as required, but he dismissed my comment about the above incident. I believe the real issue is the electronic or software programming of vehicle controls and wish to have this documented if a more serious problem occurs.

Filed Feb 5, 2010 · Acceleration, Transmission · 20,000 miles · CA

I am leasing two toyota vehicles ... A 2008 toyota highlander and a 2009 toyota camry. During december 2009 I experienced problems with the 2008 toyota highlander transmission and sudden acceleration while braking. Details include a transmission noise rattle while driving on a california freeway at about 60 MPH. This transmission noise continued for 3-4 minutes, sounding louder as if a part was loose inside of the transmission. I shifted the transmission on the 2008 highlander between gears and the noise eventually stopped. The second complaint on the 2008 toyota highlander occurred on december 5, 2009, while I was parking the vehicle. As I approached the parking place, with my foot covering the brake pedal, I experienced unexpected acceleration while braking. The 2008 toyota highlander suddenly lurched without warning and would have continued to accelerate through a plate glass window at the bank if I didn't apply full force of the brake! I was able to apply the brake firmly enough to overcome the sudden acceleration in order to stop the vehicle in time. Carlsbad, california toyota of carlsbad was notified on december 9, 2009 in writing regarding these two issues. I had personally delivered a two page document detailing both of these complaints to the toyota of carlsbad service department. I have not received any response from my complaint by toyota of carlsbad or the toyota motor corporation.

Filed Mar 13, 2009 · Acceleration · 12,000 miles · NJ

2008 toyota highlander - accelerated to pass a car in the next lane so I could pass and the accelerator got stuck. I could not stop the car. I pulled into the shoulder and though the car into neutral and had both feet on the brake and still the car wanted to go but it slowed a bit so I threw it into park and the jerked but finally came to a stop and I shut off the car. This is the 2nd time this has happened to me and I am afraid that it may cause a serious accident. Currently the car is at the dealership. However, the dealership says they haven't heard of this before. Yet when I googled the issue toyota has had this problem before with the highlander as well as other vehicles including the camry.