Toyota Highlander spongy pedal problems

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Brakes · SD

ABS actuator/accumulator issue on 2006 Toyota Highlander hybrid limited. Internal component failure there are recalls on others but not this particular year. Was driving along hit the brakes and got hard pedal. Yes there were other indicator lights on including the VSC system and traction control I came to an intersection and I couldn't stop I couldn't even kind of stop it was all hard pedal were before it was normal as if there wasn't an issue. I've done a lot of research and I've seen a lot of forums and people are complaining that Toyota isn't backing this problem my 2006 Toyota is in perfect condition not a single problem except for this break issue and if you take it to Toyota the park cost $2,200 in about roughly over $5,000 to fix it well who wants to put that kind of money into a car of that year the problem is it's just a shame and a safety deal that it put my family's life at risk we could have crashed it if I wasn't an actual driver by trade I wouldn't have known how to react in other families could be harmed in this. It's worth looking into I did not need to make her police report because I veered off into a field that saved my family's life. As of now I'm hoping to open a recall campaign and just have that part replaced I could have a car that could drive another 100,000 miles and give and keepToyota good name

Filed Jan 12, 2026 · Brakes · MD

My 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited has an ABS fault that has caused my vehicle to undergo several maintenance issues and poses a serious safety hazard. My vehicle has less than 150,000, and over the course of the last year, my ABS light, my emergency brake light, my TSC light, and my tire pressure sensor light have all come on and refuse to go away. Additionally, the maintenance light, along with a "CHECK VSC SYSTEM" message has been on my dash for months and will not reset. My ABS has been making an intermittent buzzing sound that cycles every ten seconds when my car is on. That has been going one since shortly before the lights. When the lights came on, I noticed a serious change in my braking. The pedal would become spongy one moment and rock solid the next, or my car would brake intensely with the lightest pressure or require my foot basically to the floor to stop it. This has caused a serious issue for the safety of myself and my family. After using and OBDII scanner with ABS capabilities, the codes I received point to the ABS assembly failing to retain pressure, hence the persistent cycling to compensate for it loosing pressure. This was confirmed after the battery voltage/connection, relays, fuses, and speed sensors had all been tested. After doing further research, several other owners of similar configurations to mine share the same issue. My dashboard even makes an incredibly distracting ringing noise that can only be stopped by removing all the fuses and relays to the ABS entirely. This has not been caused as a lack of proper maintenance as this vehicle has only been in my possession for the past 3 years, of which before it came from the Toyota dealership. The dealership wants over $3,000 to fix the issue, and the part alone is $1,850 since the part has been discontinued. This fix costs more than the car is worth given its age and mileage. During any inclement weather, or in traffic, the car is unpredictable in how hard it might brake.

Filed Sep 11, 2024 · Brakes · AZ

We were driving at about 40 MPH and approached our turn. When I depressed the brakes, they felt spongy and I had trouble slowing quickly. The yellow triangle illuminated on the dash and a long warning beep sounded. I was able to get safely parked in a parking lot, and my son came and took a look as well. We had the car towed to a shop, who diagnosed the problem, stating that we needed to replace the brake booster pump and actuator assembly. A family member noted that Toyota had issued a recall for vehicles with the same year/make/model for the braking system, so we had it towed to our local Toyota dealership to verify that they had no open recalls on the brakes and complete a full inspection otherwise. They validated that the brake booster pump and actuator assembly needed to be replaced. I am left wondering why my vehicle was not included in Toyota's recall.

Filed May 26, 2023 · Brakes · PA

While driving in town and coming to a stop sign at a four way intersection I applied the brakes at under 15 to 20mph to stop and my vehicle lurched forward and my brakes were unresponsive. The brake peddle got very spongy for a split second and immediately returned to normal. When I finally stopped my Highlander was half way out into the intersection. This is about the third time it has happened since I got the car in April 14, 2022. Each time it has happened I remember the roadway surface being very rough and full of small potholes or a uneven braking surface.

Filed Sep 13, 2022 · Brakes · 27,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and she experienced a spongy brake pedal. The brake warning light was illuminated and the Power Failure to Brake System message was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle made an abnormal sound while the brake pedal was depressed. The brakes failed to stop the vehicle immediately which nearly caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V211000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

Filed May 9, 2022 · Brakes · GA

Driving when multiple lights related to traction, ABS system illuminated. Warning message to pull over immediately. Power brakes gone. Had to push brake pedal hard and long to floor to get minimal manual brakes to take effect. High pitched alarm sound. Almost ran into other cars in parking lot.

Filed Aug 26, 2019 · Brakes · 16,500 miles · IL

Our toyota highlander started showing symptoms of "soft brake pedal" in 4.2019 - nothing was found on diagnostic at dealership. Symptoms of "soft brake pedal continued to happen. Vehicle went into dealership again in 7.2019 and was diagnosed w/master cylinder brake fitting loose - fitting tightened and brake system flushed. Symptoms returned within 2 days and was brought back to dealership - case opened with toyota engineering and master cylinder replaced. Picked up vehicle following day but symptoms of "soft brake pedal" returned 2 days later. Replication of "soft brake pedal" unable.to be replicated/diagnosed at dealership. Vehicle still "unsafe and hazardous" to drive. Awaiting follow up with toyota.

Filed Dec 18, 2018 · Brakes · 121,700 miles · FL

After researching online, I have noticed this is a very common issue and toyota issued recalls out for 2006 & 2007 but has not acknowledged 2008 as having the same issue. I was almost in an accident and noticed there are others out there that have been in accidents. Why is it that nothing has been done to correct this? First, I heard an airy sound when braking then a soft brake pedal before almost complete brake failure. The highlander truly felt like it was not stopping. I literally had to put my complete body weight on the brake pedal to finally get it to stop as it keeps surging forward. It was scary, to say the least. I was in a heavy populated parking lot. I could've hit a pedestrian or hit another car because I couldn't get the car to stop from surging forward. After all this, finally, lights appeared. (engine light, brake light, vsc light & skid lights came on). Wouldn't you think after just being fully serviced at a toyota dealership, something would've been noticeable? I reached out to toyota corp. And again I was told this is not common and no recalls have been issued. I saw a very common denominator that once the highlander hits a certain mileage this happens and a very costly master cylinder and brake booster needs to be replaced. A parking lot and in motion.

Filed Jun 29, 2018 · Electrical, Suspension · 50,000 miles · NJ

Gps/radio often turns off while driving. Screen completely goes blank and keeps trying to reset itself. Voice commands often don't work while driving or stationary. Blue tooth often doesn't connect while driving or stationary. Tailgate often doesn't close and takes multiple tries to get to working again when stationary. Spongy/broken spring sound coming from the rear of the car as I drove over uneven road. Rear left tail light always foggy and contains moisture even after replacing it. Chirping sound coming from right side of car when driving on highway on windy days. Wheel and car shaking while driving on highway at speed over 60 MPH.

Filed Jun 28, 2016 · Brakes · 186,000 miles · TX

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.