When traveling a slow speeds (less than 15 mph) and needing to stop, the brakes are pressed but do not respond. This has happened on several occasions and has caused two separate accidents where the Highlander has failed to stop and it runs into the car in front. After the first accident, we looked for recalls (2015) and there were none for any model Toyota for brakes or brake systems. We brought the car in to the mechanic and had all the brakes and pads replaced, although they said nothing was wrong with the shoes nor pads. Now, years later, another accident in the exact same way. Luckily, due to the slow speed, no one was hurt but this is definitely a problem with the car. There have never been any warning lights, or sounds that would indicate an issue.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

Affected by the faulty Brake Actuator & Accumulator on 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Brake malfunction and ABS disabled lights popped up on my Multi-Information Display. This issue disables ABS & VSC systems, which therefore makes this a safety hazard. Upon doing research, I have concluded that many complaints about this specific "Brake actuator & accumulator" have been issued. In the past, Toyota has provided a "Customer Support Program" which expired in 2020, but this does not help current owners like myself, who are stuck with this problem.

- Springfield, MO, USA

On approx. October 19, 2023 my vehicle started showing 4 error messages on the display: Brake Malfunction, Check ABS, Check VSC System, and Check Brake System. At the same time, these 5 warning lamps became illuminated: Brake System Warning Light and Warning Buzzer (Red), Brake System Warning Light (Yellow), Master Warning Light (Yellow), ABS Warning Light (Yellow), and SLIP Indicator (Yellow). A car repair technician obtained the following error codes from the vehicle in a diagnosis: C1391 (Abnormal Leak in Accumulator). I was informed that the VSC (vehicle stability control) safety feature of the vehicle is disabled while the error codes and messages are present. Toyota previously issued a customer support bulletin (No. POL19-06) on June 6, 2019, titled "Customer Support Program ZKC: Certain 2008-2010 Model Year Highlander Hybrid Vehicles Coverage for Brake Actuator Assembly and Brake Booster Pump Assembly". In the bulletin, Toyota acknowledged that its 2008-2010 Highlander Hybrid models had "certain internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator Assembly". Affected error codes include C1391 and C1253, among others. Affected warning lamps consists of all 5 of the warning lamps that were illuminated in my vehicle. Affected parts include 04008-26448 (Actuator Assy, Brake w/ Fluid) and 04008-51148 (Pump Kit, Brake Booster w/ Accumulator). Instead of issuing a recall for this hazardous defect, Toyota opted to offer "Customer Support Program ZKC". The malfunction that manifested my vehicle is not eligible for this program. Toyota should issue a proper recall to address this safety hazard.

- Mandevlle, LA, USA

1. When braking vehicle accelerates for 1 to 2 seconds. 2. I believe safety is at risk for driver, passengers or people close to accelerating car. 3. This has not been confirmed with dealer. 4. Multiple inspections but not for this problem. 5. No warning has ever appeared on any visible car system. Problem has existed for over one year. 2010 Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid 4WD

- Enumclaw, WA, USA

The brake actuator (4405048320) and brake booster pump (4707048020) malfunctioned. The ABS warning came on the display, as well as a warning saying -??Brake Malfunction: pull over car immediately.-?? The traction control light, ABS light, warning light, and parking brake light also came on. The computer code was C1391. This controls the brakes and anti-lock brake system. This is a serious and known safety issue. It is well-documented online, and in 2019 Toyota acknowledged this widespread issue with a Customer Support Program ZKC. However, this program only applied for a limited time, and since then more vehicles have had this same issue with faulty parts. Even vehicles under 150,000 miles no longer qualify for free replacement despite this being a known and widespread issue.

- Carrboro, NC, USA

My issue is not that I got a brake warning light (see attached image). My issue is that Toyota knows that this is an issue and will only fix it if you experience the issue before 12/30/2020 or at less than 150,000 miles. It is irresponsible of Toyota to know this is an issue, especially regarding the vehicle brakes (see screenshots of the letter from Toyota).

- Golden, CO, USA

Driving down the highway the abs srs air bag lights and the warning triangle all came on and then shortly after that a loud continuous beeping sound started and when my wife tried to pull over she realized she really had to cram on the brakes to get the car to stop... this scared the daylights out of my wife and thank god we didn't get in wreck!! But I dont understand why this is not a recall problem after all the other people I have read about with the same problem with the abs accumulator bleeding off pressure causing the pump motor to run abnormally long and in our case constantly to the point of no being burnt up and needing to replace.. my wife is the second owner of this car and we have had it since 2015... how is the window switch MORE OF AA CONCERN THAN FAULTY ABS ACCUMULATORS"?"

- Seminole, OK, USA

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.

- Marietta, GA, USA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request" The actuator assembly, and brake booster pump assembly w/ accumulator have failed. Part # 04008-26448 and 04008-51148 How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This controls the brakes and anti-lock brake system. Stopping distance and anti-lock performance has been very erratic. Brake pedal feel has been soft or overly-firm and could easily cause a collision or serious accident. This is a serious and known safety issue and should result in a vehicle recall. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? This problem was confirmed by Norm Reeves Toyota San Diego on 3/12/22, and has been acknowledged by Toyota in Bulletin POL 19-06. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear" There are many warning lamps on in the car, including an ABS and Brake System warning on the display, the traction control light, ABS light, warning light, and parking brake light. The vehicles brake booster has been running frequently and making a loud noise for about 18 months or 2 years prior to failure and prior to warning lights coming on.

- San Diego, CA, USA

My 2010 Highlander hybrid had an issue with the brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly. Customer support service is expired on Dec 31, 2020 which is not fair. This problem can cause serious accident and cause. It was lucky that my wife managed to stop the vehicle when brake does not work and all the lights on. My wife now could not drive because she is too scared to drive anymore. This issue raised a big enough issue for Toyota to extend coverage. It needs to be a recall, as the total repair costs exceed $3500 in most cases for a part Toyota has essentially admitted was defected.

- La, CA, USA

While driving several passengers, vehicle brakes failed, dash lights came on. Brake booster pump and actuator failed according to Master Mechanic. Vehicle available for inspection. Brake failure sudden reduction is stopping distance unexpected nearly causing collision to other vehicle and possible injury or death to others. Toyota aware of issue (customer support bulletin (zKc) which expired 12/31/21 without notifying me of issue unless NHTSA call for SAFETY RECALL. Problem is same exact as my 2010 PRIUS which was safety rcalled NHTSA Code 13V235000.without any brake problem indicators. Toyota refuses to repair unless NHTSA calls for a SAFETY RECALL beyond 12/31/21 expired date of (csp bulletin zKc. I experienced what I thought was slight & brief dash light which went back to normal immediately. First appeared Sept 1, 2021.

- Medway, MN, USA

The brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly had a recall on it but my truck was not having problems then. I noticed that when I start braking, the truck speeds up. Then all the light on the dash board came on. When my vehicle started having problems I call and they told me that the recall had expired 3 months earlier for my vehicle and it was up to the owner to have it fixed. I didn't get a notice and I wasn't aware of such recall so why am I liable for the repairs. I need help with this please.

- Bentonia, MS, USA

ABS lights are on and it says to check the vehicle by dealer. This might be with all the hybrids.

- Rancho Cordova, CA, USA

Brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly are vibrating every 30 seconds periodically and making violent noise. This is also happening when I push the brakes. The car is not safe to drive. Toyota refused to replace the unit, stating that their program expired 12/31/2020. They said they published this: "customer support program bulletin (zkc): Repair coverage for brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly on certain 2008-2010 my Highlander hybrid vehicles". https://static.NHTSA.gov/ODI/tsbs/2019/mc-10164925-9999.pdf we have never received this notice before. This looks like a way for Toyota to bypass a major recall and reduce the costs of replacements. NHTSA may be enabling this kind of evasive behavior.

- Metairie, LA, USA

My 2010 Highlander hybrid is presenting a code C1391 for an issue with the brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly. Currently my ABS, traction control, and check brake system lights are on with a message not to drive the vehicle. Toyota has recognized this issue and offered free repairs, extending coverage until Dec 31, 2020. The customer support program bulletin to support this is pol19-06. This issue raised a big enough issue for Toyota to extend coverage. It needs to be a recall, as the total repair costs exceed $3500 in most cases for a part Toyota has essentially admitted was defected.

- Signal Moutain, TN, USA

Vehicle was on city street coming to a stop brake pedal went al the way to the floor and skid icon came on lucily I stopped just in time to avoid a wreck. Toyota said was brake actuator going bad.same problem as other Toyota that were recalled, as my vehicle was not on recall list Toyota wont fix it under recall and want me to pay $3000 to fix it.maybe that will fix it? why cant a recall fix a proclem with all brake actuators as there is obviously a defect in actuators. Thanks larry

- Canton, GA, USA

Hybrid breaking system. The hybrid breaking system (actuator, accumulator, & pump) on my 2010 Highlander hybrid are faulty and have failed. My family purchased this vehicle from Toyota dealer when it was approximately 1.5 years young, and have performed all necessary service at camelback Toyota dealership in a timely fashion. (23 service history reports shown on carfax.) our Highlander has less than 100K miles and is less than 10 years old (approximately 8 years old). The faulty hybrid breaking system is a known issue, that Toyota has issued 'limited extended warranties' on at least 736K vehicles (which would cover my repair free of charge if my vehicle was older ('wep-ZG1' covers full replacement of breaking system at no cost to customer for vehicles with 150K miles or less or 10 years or newer) and full recalls on the prius breaking system. Camelback Toyota first quoted me $2,500 for the repair' but that first repair was only to replace the accumulator and the pump. The next day, the brake malfunction lights came on, and now they're quoting me another $2,064 to replace the actuator. My family has cared for this car properly, and done nothing that would cause a total break malfunction. This is a malfunctioning break system that Toyota (and their parts manufacturer) need to be responsible for. A breaking system is arguably the most important system on any vehicle! this is putting my family, and other families at risk. I ask the ntsb to force a recall on my 2010 Highlander hybrid model. Thank you. Further evidence: In 2013, Toyota recalls the prius: www.nbcnews.com/business/Toyota-recalls-prius-Lexus-hybrid-faulty-brakes-6C10208931 Highlander hybrid 2008 complaints: www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/highlander_hybrid/2008/brakes/service_brakes.shtml

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

This morning at 7:45 am est my car self broke while in drive and traveling at 45mph. I was lucky the driver behind me was able to avoid hitting me. Is this a know problem? I am fearful to drive me car again

- Orlando, FL, USA

I was backing out of a parking space at a taco bell when I noticed a car coming so I decided to stop and pull back into my parking space to let it pass. When I stepped on the brake my car suddenly accelerated in reverse and I stepped on the brake again, but my car continued to accelerate. I turned my car to avoid hitting the car and any other cars that may have been behind me. My car continued to accelerate and jumped a curb, crossed over a sidewalk and onto a lawn area behind taco bell. I stepped on the brake again trying to get my car to stop. I turned my wheels to keep from going into the drive up lane and finally got my car to stop.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

On July 16, 2014 I turned my car on, ready to return home to New Jersey from brooklyn, at this point the brake light signal, ABS, and warning icon all turned on. The camera displayed a text stating brake malfunction and giving instructions to park the car immediately. I called the Toyota 800 number and followed their recommendations, L had the car tow to the nearest Toyota dealer, bay ridge Toyota of brooklyn. I picked up the car on the 18 th, I was told they ran all tests an they found everything properly installed. They scan test clean all dtc performed initialization and calibration of the linear solenoid valve. They road tested the vehicle and confirmed repair, no lights on, at a cost of $227 plus tax. Today the 28 of October as I turned my car on I face the same problem all the brake lights, ABS, warning, and display text indicating malfunction, to stop the car. I again called for tow went to Toyota of hillside in NJ, explained what happened. Was ask why I had the car tow after telling the service representative about the brakes. How can anyone drive a vehicle that is warning you not to do so. I also spoke to the service manager stating that I don't think I should pay for this service again since its been only 1500 miles or a little over 90 days since the same problem. Am sure there's more to this. Thank you

- Union, NJ, USA