Took 2006 Toyota hybrid highlander in for a popping sound and vsc light, ABS brake lights on. The Toyota dealer told me it needed a new ABS accumulator for $ $28881.71. I was told this was dangerous that brakes could fail !!! upon looking I find this to be a problem with others... time for a recall !!!!!!!!!!

- Shreveport, LA, USA

My 2006 Highlander hybrid has been making a squeaking noise at the end of a moderately hard stop. It also makes the same sound sometimes when beginning to move after start-up and the brakes are released. I took my vehicle to a shop to have them inspect the problem. They said it was the ABS actuator control module making the noise. The service representative said that Toyota is aware of the problem and there is a technical service bulletin regarding it, but they have done nothing to correct the problem. They also said that any problem involving the ABS system was a potential hazard if the brakes failed completely as a result. At this point, I don't know if I should continue driving the vehicle. The part is over $2700 to replace. With labor, the cost is about $3200. I read online that ABS actuators have been an issue in Highlander hybrids, but nothing has been done by Toyota.

- Hutto, TX, USA

Step on brake pedal, hit a small bump in road, brakes let go for a second and then grab. It's like you hit a patch of ice. This has been happening since I got the car. I went onto the edmunds forum forums.edmunds.com/discussion/5357/Toyota/highlander-hybrid/highlander-hybrid-brake-problems/P5 and counted over 350 exact same complaints for 2006 Highlander hybrids, including many fender benders.

- Chelmsford, MA, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the brakes failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not mad aware of problem. The approximate mileage at time of failure was 131,326.

- Albuqureque, NM, USA

ABS brake accumulator failure. Vsc warning light. Code C1391 90K miles. $3000 repair. ABS pump fails so you have less braking force on heavy SUV at highway speed... all 2006 Highlander hybrid and Lexus 400H impacted. Toyota internally acknowledged this and redesigned the accumulator for the new highlander. No recall due to the significant cost of accumulator.

- Houston, TX, USA

When applying brakes to slow down for a stop sign or red light, the vehicle will lunge forward or accelerate until the brake is applied harder/pedal pushed down further. This has been described in other complaints as unintended acceleration when the brake is applied. It also feels as if the brakes are applied and the vehicle begins to slow down, however, once it slows to about 10-15 miles per hour, the car accelerates forwards or the brakes some release themselves even though the brake pedal is continuously held down.

- Quakertown, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the brakes where depressed when suddenly the all the lights on the instrumental panel illuminated and the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS modulator valve needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 72,000.

- Villa Capri , PR, USA

In November, 2013, the vsc system warning light and several other lights ("ABS")came on in the car. A warning noise remains on at all times since then...the same sound that comes on if you fail to fasten your seat belt. The dealership tested the system and determined it needs a new brake actuator part which with labor comes to over $2,000. I filed complaints with Toyota and other national groups to no avail. I recently was notified of another Toyota recall and came on this site and discovered an identical incident (NHTSA id number:10562656.) please investigate this matter and advise of the findings as it apparently is a growing issue and risk experienced and documented by owners.

- Parkland, FL, USA

In October 2013 I had a "check vsc system" warning light. Upon taking it to the dealership, they said it was due to the battery and replaced it and the warning light went away. However, over the next few months, we started noticing a "squeaking" sound coming from the area underneath the front of the car when the car was in drive but the brakes were applied. Yesterday, the same "check vsc system" warning popped up, only now it was accompanied by a number of other lights on the dash, including "ABS" "brake" the "tire pressure (!)" and one other light on the left side to the upper right of the "ready" text. The dealer has just told me there were two computer codes, one is C1241. They said the previous dealer did not dig deep enough into the issue in October, and that the braking system was not getting enough pressure. The brake actuator needs replacement, the part is $1,800 and with labor and taxes the bill comes to over $2,400. Based on other research I have done today this seems to be a growing issue that many owners are facing.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

As I pulled out of the parking lot of a hotel the check vcs system, check hybrid system, check AWD system warnings began to illuminate and alternate. The master warning light, slip indicator light, check engine warning light and the electronically controlled brake system warning light were all illuminated as well. The car would drive, however, the power steering and ABS were not working. I was able to drive the car to the closest Toyota dealership. I was originally told that the car simply needed a new battery. Once the battery was replaced, I was told that the ECU for the ABS system had died and would need to be replaced at the cost of $2000. When I mentioned the recall and the fact that the symptoms were directly in line with the recall notice for the imp I was told that while my VIN fell under the boj recall, the specific serial # of my imp did not. I was also told that this was not the problem my car was having. When I asked whether the serial numbers of the D1M recall were checked I was told this was an "interim recall" and that they were not authorized to do repairs on this one yet so they couldn't check. Research has indicated that an imp failure can cause and ECU failure. Furthermore, an ECU failure would not have caused the system to go into fail safe mode as it did. I have a Toyota case #, but they have told me there is nothing they can do.

- Allen, TX, USA

Loud squeaky noise from ABS actuator every time brake pedal depressed. Was told $2,000+ to fix and now I hear it is a very common problem with my vehicle. Time for a recall!

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

While driving the vehicle at approx. 60 miles per hour the brake light and vcs system light came on. The warning light also went on. In accordance with the owner's manual, I took the car to an authorized Toyota dealership. According to the automobile status report, the ABS-hydraulic control assembly: With ECU must be replaced. According to complaints I researched on-line, several complaints have been documented relating to this make, model and ABS system. I filed an incident with Toyota (reference number: [xxx]). the intake representative who checked with the dealership said this wasn't a recall item and no support was available to extend the warranty on the part. She confirmed that the service department stated that there was no defect in the workmanship. I asked [xxx] (the person I spoke to) if I could take the vehicle for a second opinion relating to the ABS part. I also asked for verification that the service department actually checked the part for a defect or is qualified to determine if in fact it is a manufacturers' defect. The dealership quoted that the ABS part; brake flush/fluid exchange/bf; engine air filter replacement;A/C service-acs; coolant flush (premium)-cf; and fuel injection service would cost $2,250. I also asked the Toyota customer service representative what the battery expectancy on the car is and whether the manufacturer offers any support in terms of the costs. I was told by the dealership that the battery can cost $5,000 to replace but the manufacturer may offer some support. I would appreciate your assistance, research and filling of this complaint. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Parkland, FL, USA

Check vsc system came on, then off, it happens a lot took it to a dealer they found nothing now the warning is on all the time, took it to the dealer and now they want $2,600.

- Bayamon, PR, USA

There's an engine surge, slight but still can be felt, when applying the brakes. The surge is intermittent but the surge is felt often. Example: After take off from a stop the next time the brakes are applied there'll be a slight bump, as if the accelerator is stepped on at the same time the brakes are applied. There's no high rev, just a bump.

- Austin, TX, USA

Brakes started making loud grunting noises and felt odd and a bit less responsive; extremely loud noises when brake pedal was pushed hard; lots of buzzing when doors were opened (related to the ABS); took vehicle to local dealer who failed to diagnose the problem then took to independent repair shop and was told that this has been seen somewhat frequently in Toyota hybrids. There was even a Toyota bulletin about the issue. Had to replace the ABS hydraulic unit - issue was also with the brake actuator.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

2006 Highlander hybrid, 34,000 miles bought used. Fairly often when I apply the brakes at lower speeds, the SUV surges forward like the brakes have released for a moment and then have reapplied. It is dangerous. I took the car to lee's Toyota (on 03/03/12) for recall not related to this. They told me there was some air in the braking system, the mechanic fixed. And I will not be charged for. The rotors needed to be cut and pads changed. When I got home I took the wheels off and the rotors and pads are fine. The dealer did not generate the ticket number for the problem. I did not make anything of it because they did not charge me. Just the other day while backing up the SUV did just that and the bumper ended up on the stop sign pole. I did online research & now I know I'm not the only one with this problem. It's defiantly dangerous and it should be recalled.

- Glendale, NY, USA