I was driving in the coastal hills of the san francisco peninsula when I noticed that the car started vibrating severely when applying the brakes on downward slopes. I realized that this was due to the brake discs overheating. For the remained of the trip I used the gearshift to slow down the car when driving along downward sloping roads by selecting 2nd gear in the automatic gearshift. By avoiding use of the brakes, I avoided the vibration and was able to get home safely. I subsequently brought the car to the dealership for maintenance. The technical staff confirmed that the brake discs showed signs of overheating but did not replace them under warranty. This same problem presented itself earlier, too, at approximately 15,000 miles, during a trip in the sierra nevada. On this previous incident, when I brought the car to the dealership, the brake disks were replaced under warranty, but the underlying problem was not addressed: the undersized discs being unable to dissipate the heat generated by the brakes when driving downhill. Please, consider this a severe problem, potentially requiring a recall: the severe vibrations caused by the brakes on a downward sloping mountain road, especially with wet or snowy roads, could easily make the vehicle to slip out of control and cause a crash.
2011 Toyota Highlander brakes complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 17 of 17, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Both front inner brakespads completely warned out damaging both rotors badly, some metal pieces found on floor broke loose from both front rotors. Outside pads has 60% thickness left on it. Ended up changing both front rotors and pads costing $375. Mechanic said this may be a result of a faulty brake system. Talk to toyota representative without any solution or response.
I was driving about 40 MPH and approaching a left turn. I tried to brake the car to slow down and the brake did not work. My foot pushed all the way down and since I had 2 kids in the car I was really concerned that I could not stop the vehicle. I tried to bring the car to a stop and hit the side walk. This was not the first time or the last time it happened. Even after the car has been repaired, the brakes continue to malfunction at least twice a week. I apply the brakes and the vehicle accelerates and then slowly brakes, sometimes does not brake at all. I have reported this to toyota and they are denying there is anything wrong. I believe there is some programming issuing with the car and the brakes continue to malfunction. I don't know where else to turn. I have 5 kids and driving an unsafe car.
Vehicle makes a very noticeable, irritating whine or whistle noise when accelerating at 40mph. Stops when gas pedal is released. Very constant and annoying. Did not happen when car was first purchased. Have been told by toyota that it was the transfer case, which they replaced. Did not fix the problem. Now they tell me it is normal. Test drove another vehicle from their lot of the same exact year, make, model. No noise at all. This is not normal. Toyota knows about the problem, but they are denying it. Other toyota vehicles (I.e. Rav4, tundra) had/have the same problem. Forums tell me it is the transmission. Waiting on appointment for a field tech from toyota to examine it.
Purchased my 2011 highlander in march, & it had 7000 miles on it at the time of the incident. I started the vehicle in my driveway, put it in drive, and started down my driveway. Pressed the brake pedal, and there were no brakes and seemed not to have power steering. The lights in the dash came on, and the screen said brake malfunction contact dealer immediately. There were no brakes, I finally came to a stop at the bottom of the hill, put the car in park, and turned the ignition off. When I turned the key, the car started, the dash lights were still lit up, and I guess the computer seemed to "reset". I pulled back into my driveway & had the car towed to the dealer the next day. The dealer has had it for over two weeks, and the incident has not happened again, and they said that they cannot find a single thing wrong with it. They can, however, see that there was an "incident" with the brakes on that date by the computer reading. I have been told that I am going to be getting this car back, and that it is fine. Everyone say a prayer for myself and my 3 kids that are in it, & hope that it doesn't happen again in these mountains that I live!
I was driving my brand new (3 weeks after I bought it) toyota highlander v6 in a secondary down hill road when the brake system failed completely and the car started to accelerate downhill. Not being able to control it I ignored the "full stop" sign at the end of the secondary road and I continued in a flat main road where cars normally speed until I was able to put the shift into park and finally the car stopped with a lurch. The life of my son and mine were seriously endangered. The car was towed by the dealer and it is still there after they have replaced at least 2 parts so far. We paid almost $32 000 for a brand new defect free car but insetad they are going to give us the same car which is now undergoing major repairs.
I was driving 2011 toyota highlander, stopped the car at red light (intersection of catharpin rd and us 55). During the green light, I was trying to take a right turn on the light and the car did not allow me to turn the power steering (stuck) and on the lcd panel it started blinking message saying break malfunction, the car went on to the oncoming traffic lane and finally with some struggle stopped the car on the oncoming traffic lane. Luckily, no one was coming on that lane (my good fortune). Called the cops and they helped the car to pull on side of the road. Looks like serious problem with the car. Requesting the toyota take a look at the problem before someone gets into serious trouble.
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