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
Toyota Highlander warning lights comes on
44 of the 5,815 owner complaints about the Toyota Highlander describe multiple warning lights, most of them for the 2006 model year.
- owner complaints
- 44
- worst model year
- 2006
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,901
- typical mileage
- 90,000
By model year
Often reported together
ABS 17Check engine light 11Loss of power 10Stalling 6Engine failure 3Brake failure 3Steering lock-up 2Spongy pedal 2
Trouble codes mentioned
C1391 5U0100 1U0001 1C1AC2 1C1256 1C1253 1C1241 1B1281 1
What owners say
Four days after I took delivery of this used vehicle (April 25, 2026), multiple warning lights appeared at once: BRAKE, ABS, PARK, Check Engine, Blind Spot Monitor Unavailable, and RCTA OFF. An independent Toyota dealership diagnosed the vehicle April 27-28, 2026 (approx. 109,000 miles) and found (1) water leaking into the rear hybrid battery area through a sunroof drain "installed incorrectly," causing a Brake System Control Module low-voltage code, starting issues, a headlight only partially functioning on one side, possible air in the brake system, and a musty HVAC odor; and (2) blind spot monitor fault code C1AC2 (Slave Module Horizontal Axis Misalignment) - the blind spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring systems do not function reliably. At a second visit on May 4, 2026, recalibration was unsuccessful; per Toyota procedure the only remaining option is replacing the right-rear blind spot sensor. The technician wrote the cause is a mystery, "whether it be body damage related or electrical short." Toyota service records show the same C1AC2 code was documented during the selling dealer's own pre-sale inspection, and that in December 2024 another Toyota dealership pulled the rear bumper and found the RR blind spot sensor bracket bent, causing incorrect readings - a recurring safety defect that prior calibrations and repairs have not resolved. Separately, federal safety recall 23V865 (occupant classification sensors; the passenger airbag may not deploy as designed) was open and incomplete when I purchased the vehicle and remains incomplete, and Toyota service campaign 25TD01 (rear traction motor cable corrosion) is also outstanding. The defect has been reproduced and confirmed by two Toyota dealerships, reported to the selling dealer in writing, and reported to Toyota's customer-care center. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. No crash, fire, or injury.
The transmission went on my 2018 Toyota Highlander. The other day as I was driving on highway, lost power as I was driving in neutral. I went from 70mph to 10 or less mph, would not accelerate. All of a sudden all warning lights. Check AWD, check engine light came on, many messages at once. There were no warning lights displayed prior to this. I was able to get off an exit. Could not move the car anymore was not in a safe area, called police for assistance. The car was towed to an independent service center who confirmed it was a transmission issue.
On or about Oct, 3rd, 2025 , my vehicle experienced the 'Check Engine' light and all the warning lights lit up, the hybrid system failed to engage, the vehicle would say “park somewhere safe /take to dealer” . I immediately took the vehicle to the authorized Toyota dealership, Wonderies Toyota Alhambra , for diagnosis. They said they could not find anything, reset the sensors, and told us to come back if the problem persisted, and one hour later the system lights lit up again. We returned the same day and the dealership informed me that the issue is a severe corrosion of the underbody wiring harness , specifically citing external damage or 'spillage' as the cause. The estimated cost for a complete replacement of the wiring harness is approximately $6- 7,000.00. I contend that this corrosion is not the result of customer spillage but rather a manufacturing defect related to inadequate design, covering, or routing of the wiring harness, which makes it highly susceptible to road hazards, moisture, and environmental contaminants. Crucially, this issue appears to be covered under the Toyota Limited Service Campaign (LSC) related to wiring harness deterioration (LSC25TD01 / LSC-J02). Toyota states my vehicle is not covered however Toyotas own website states the Highlander HV 2024 has been added recently in Sep.2025 . I request that the federal safety agency review my case in light of this known issue to determine if the defect presents an unreasonable risk to safety and to urge Toyota to properly remedy this problem under the terms of the applicable coverage or warranty enhancement. I formally request that Toyota honor the spirit of the Limited Service Campaign LSC25TD01 and cover the full cost of the replacement wiring harness and labor. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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
2007 hybrid ABS brake actuator problem. The primer motor continues to run to prime the pump even when car if off. The humming noise changes when you press on the brakes to load knocking groaning noises. No dash warning signs. I bought this car used and it has always made the humming noise since I bought it. I thought this was normal for a hybrid. Sometimes brake pedal would push easily to floor, but then get tighter. I would hear the knocking grinding noise. No warning lights, had brakes checked and they are good. Thought maybe air in line. This noise and loose pedal started about 1 year ago. 6/2024 it did not happen all the time. I also have a company car, so I do not drive the toyota highlander that often. Now I cannot drive it at all. For fear that the brakes would go out. I started looking further online on information regarding this. It seems toyota and lexus rx 300 hybrids (same part model number) 44510-48060 are all doing this. I looked up recall's and nothing for ABS hybrid problems. Just last week all warning lights came on in my car brake vsc. Reading all the problems with this ABS actuator pump, this should be recalled. 6/2025 per online, it is a known problem with toyota in the hybrid models. All of these units will need to be replaced, only a matter of time. Usually toyota's run up to and overr 300k miles. I planned on keeping mine around. But it is a 2007 with 189k miles on it. I am not sure I want to invest $2000.00 on just a part for a car this old! Junk yards sell used ones for $800+. Same model number and only in time that will fail. Apparently toyota has issued a new model number 44510-48061. There is also another new model 44050-48191. The replacement part (no labor) varies in price 44510-48060 new $1200.00, 44510-48061 $1350.00, 44050-48191 $2000.00
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with several warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that an image with the brake pedal depressed was displayed. The contact was informed by his wife that the vehicle then stalled. The driver was unable to restart the vehicle and assistance was provided to push the vehicle to the side of the roadway. The driver was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred, and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
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.
On a trip to NC on June 27 2024, then on to Hilton Head SC on 6/29, multiple system warning lights suddenly appeared on the dash including ABS, Lane Departure Warning, BSM, notifying me that those safety features were not available on the vehicle. Sometimes the the lights would disappear, especially if the vehicle was stopped and the engine was turned off at a rest area. Because the check engine light was not lit, I continued to our NC destination. We continued our trip on 6/29 to Hilton Head, and the lights continued to appear, sometimes staying on for an hour or more. I called my Binghamton NY Toyota dealer who advised me to have the problem looked. I was able to have the car seen at Savannah Toyota (GA) where they diagnosed the problem as an issue with rust and debris on the left front speed sensor. I had the recommended service performed. The service report says that I requested replacing the ABS sensor, which is totally false, because I had no idea what the problem was, I just wanted it fixed. The part was ordered and replaced the next morning. All the lights were back on the next day when I drove back from Savannah to Hilton Head. I did not have time to go back to the dealer, but did notify the service manager of the situation. I drove the vehicle back to NY with the warning lights on (most of the time). I now have a service appt with my local dealer on 7/9/24 to determine the next step.
Car started to not start after getting fuel. Come to find out the purge valve was remaining stuck open. Dealer told me that this was concerning as it was allowing vapor to gather in my engine. Vehicle was confirmed by two different Toyota dealerships to have faulty purge valve. The purge valve would cause all the warning lights to come on in the Highlander, telling you your AWD system was bad to other warning lights. In doing research this seems to be a problem in various years of Toyota Highlanders. Concerning that something related to controlling fuel vapor could be this common and leading to a build up that could cause something more serious to happen.
Related recalls
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.
Recall number 25V595000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Highlander vehicles manufactured May 26, 2016, to September 16, 2016. The brake fluid level sensor may not be connected to the wire harness, preventing the sensor from detecting the brake fluid level. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- If the brake fluid level is low and is not detected, the braking performance may be decreased, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, connect the wire harness to the sensor, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this G03.
Recall number 16V775000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles may have improper software installed in the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) for the operation of the front passenger seat belt force limiter, and as a result, the force limiter may use the restraint setting designed for small occupants, such as those that weigh approximately 110 pounds, for all occupants regardless of their size. As such, some of these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, a larger front passenger seat occupant may not be properly restrained and be at an increased risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update in the air bag electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on June 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331.
Recall number 14V272000 · Recall details
Questions about the Toyota Highlander warning lights
Why does the warning lights come on in the Toyota Highlander?
Owners who report it most often also describe abs light or abs activating, check engine light and sudden loss of power, and the codes they mention most are C1391, U0100 and U0001.
Which Toyota Highlander years have multiple warning lights problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2006 (12 complaints), 2017 (9 complaints) and 2009 (4 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix multiple warning lights on the Toyota Highlander?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,901 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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