Brake malfunction/ ABS malfunction/ needs new brake actuator/ $3600 to repair this. Happened when we had to apply brakes repetitively in stalled traffic.

- Andalusia, AL, USA

My 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid was just deemed totaled by the car dealership (newburgh Toyota) and my insurance company (Liberty mutual), because of excessive rodent damage. It turns out that the rodents were attracted to the wiring because toyoyta uses eco-friendly soy-based coating on their wires which attract rodents!! rodents chewed wires, the wiring harness, plugged drainage holes with their bedding thus causing water damage, and ruined the hybrid batteries. The damage was estimated at more than $12,000, which of course Toyota would not cover under warranty. The vehicle would not start unless the battery was unhooked to "clear" the computer system. When it started the error messages/warning lights on dash were lit up everywhere, indicating it was unsafe to drive. It was taken to the dealership where a service tech stripped the interior and discovered rodents nests, droppings, water, and lots of damage. Photos attached. Parts alone for the repair were more than $10,000, and that did not take into account additional diagnostics or labor costs. As you can imagine, this has been a giant headache!

- Gardiner, NY, USA

The ABS system failure warning light came on along with a brake malfunction warning. I had the ABS accumulator replaced and the ABS pump replaced, but now Toyota is telling me that I need to have the ABS actuator replaced as well. The ABS system in the 2008 Highlander hybrid is faulty and eventually leaks the hydraulic fluid rendering the ABS system inoperable. This tends to happen over a long period of time and gets worse with age. Thus it typically occurs after all warranties are expired. The parts required to fix this problem cost over $5000 from Toyota and only dealers have the expertise to attempt this fix. Toyota did make a voluntary recall "customer service update" for the 206 and 2007 Highlander hybrids ABS systems. However, the 2008 still has tremendous ABS system problems, and the parts should last the lifetime of the car, but Toyota has yet to issue a recall on the 2008 hh ABS system. This is a well documented problem for the 2008 hh and the ABS system needs to be recalled as this is a safety issue and most cannot afford to pay almost the value of the car just to have it be in a safe, driveable condition.

- Tomball, TX, USA

The brakes have been making a chirping noise while stopped for the last few months. Starting yesterday the car info screen started displaying warnings such as check ABS, brake malfunction, etc. The brakes can be difficult to press sometimes, like it is losing pressure. I took the vehicle to a local mechanic and they said the brake actuator/modulator needs to be replaced. They said they are seeing this on a lot of Toyota/Lexus built SUVS. From what I have read today, it looks like many people are having this problem.

- Dallas, TX, USA

The brake system and other warning lights went on suddenly. The car still stopped, but the brakes required more pressure. Toyota confirmed that the brake actuator assembly needed replacement, this part alone is $1600. Another related part Toyota says is required costs another $2600. Toyota has issued a warranty enhancement for the 2006 and 2007 models. Given that the problem is the same and involves vehicle safety, Toyota should extend the warranty to the 2008 highlander's.

- Pasadena, CA, USA

I started the car one morning to find all of my brake warnings suddenly on. The vehicle showed no signs of any issues prior to this, and upon getting the vehicle to the mechanic, it was diagnosed as an abnormal leak in the accumulator. No incident or signs of issues led up to the sudden malfunction--it was in great operating shape leading up to the incident, and even upon parking and disengaging the car the evening before. There have been other accounts of this happening with Highlander hybrid owners, even in the middle of driving somewhere. I just happened to be lucky enough to encounter the problem upon turning on the car.

- Charlottesville, VA, USA

My vehicle was purchased from a dealership in January 2017 and three weeks later, the ABS control module/pump failed. Without a properly functioning ABS control module/pump, operating the vehicle would be dangerous due to the 'sticking brake' behavior. My Toyota-certified garage charged me over $3,000 to replace this part. The garage, who I've been using for over 7 years and absolutely trust, said that the local Toyota parts distributor had over 10 units of this part in stock, which the garage said was highly unusual for an item this expensive. I searched multiple online forums (toyotanation.com, us.toyotaownersclub.com) and this same premature failing of the ABS actuator within the ABS control module/pump has happened to hundreds of owners, usually after their Highlander hybrid passes 100,000 miles. I feel that this problem is due to a defective part and based on the high inventory levels kept on hand by Toyota parts distributors, it appears that Toyota is aware of this problem. I feel that Toyota should provide an extended warranty for this ABS assembly and refund the amount that owners have had to pay out of pocket to have this defective part replaced.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

While driving slowly in a school zone I attempted to stop for the crossing guard and children. The brake peddle began pulsating but I was able to stop using the emergency brake. The brake dashboard warning lights came on and showed ABS and vsc failure. The vehicle was taken to the nearest Toyota dealership who advised they would have to special order a part and charged me $1,800 for the part. They received the part 1 week later and called to advise that it was the wrong part and that the correct part was $1,000 more because they needed the whole assembly. I complained to the service manager and the Toyota motor Corp. And they were unwilling to help me. My vehicle was removed from the dealership and taken to a certified independent repair shop. The owner, (a retired certified Toyota master technician) advised he could order the oem assembly, install it, and provide the same warranty as the dealership for $ $2,100. He further stated that while working for Toyota he had replaced hundreds of assemblies on 2007-2011 Toyota Camry hybrid models as part of "Toyota limited repair assistance campaign". he further advised the assembly was the same for both the Camry hybrid & Highlander hybrid models. Additionally he could supply acceptable paperwork if Toyota conducts a limited repair assistance campaign for the 2008 Highlander hybrid

- New Orleans, LA, USA

I have been experiencing odd screeching noise from the rt front while stopped. Last week several warning lights came on telling me to pull over and call for repairs. I was subsequently told by my mechanic that the brake actuator assembly and skid control ECU units have failed. The cost of repair ( $3000) is beyond comprehension for a vehicle of this vintage, 2008 with under 100,000. While this would be covered under an extended warranty for the next model year it does not cover 2008. I believe it should, being that so many owners are having this exact, life threatening problem. At this time the brakes work but when applied they make a constant click and I feel rhythmic release and catching through the brake pedal.

- Tequesta, FL, USA

Brake failure while driving. Warning lights did come on and loud alarm too. Dealer says this is problem with defective ABS pump and/or actuator. This issue has life-threatening potential because loss of brakes was sudden. Had to resort to parking brake to stop vehicle. Same part was deemed defective and replaced on Camry hybrid models by Toyota. Same warranty extension should be applied to highlander.

- Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA

Check brake system warnings; code traced to accumulator not holding pressure (C1391 abnormal leak of acc press). $2,500+ repair. This same part was already covered under a warranty extension for the Camry hybrid and they are built on the same platform. Should be covered for the highlander as well.

- Lawrence, KS, USA

While braking to stop car in a school pick up line, warning lights and messages began flashing. Warning lights stated brake malfunction, ABS system etc. Dealer ran diagnostic, stated there is an internal leak of brake actuator, repair costs $5500. Lights were reset and 2 weeks later while driving lights and warnings came back on. Toyota has recall for 2006and 2007but not 2008.

- Humble, TX, USA

Check brake systems, check vsc lights, brake malfunction etc lights have come

- Houston, TX, USA

Dear NHTSA, I was recently informed by my mechanic that my ABS brake actuator requires replacement. The cost of this repair is exorbitant...approximately $3,200. While the brakes themselves still function, and will pass Pennsylvania state inspection, the vehicle apparently no longer has anti-lock brake capabilities. My 17-year old daughter currently drives this vehicle. As you can imagine I have great concerns over her safety. Unfortunately, at this time we cannot afford to make this repair. What is most concerning as a Toyota owner, is their lack of concern. Interestingly, if my car was a year older, Toyota would cover the repair of this device as part of an expanded warranty spearheaded through NHTSA. This is a considerable safety issue and could result is serious injury to my daughter. Please look into Toyota's refusal to expand the warranty on this part. The lives of thousands of Toyota highlander owners is potentially at stake. Thanks you. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Camp Hill, PA, USA

The ABS actuator and pump on my 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid spontaneously failed while driving at moderate speeds on a city street. The ABS indicator light, brake failure light, and vehicle stability control light all came on at once. The car then abruptly decelerated to idle speed before I turned off the roadway. There was no impact on the car and no speed bumps/abnormalities on the pavement. I took the vehicle to a local Toyota dealership who stated the problem is as listed above, that the ABS actuator and pump had failed and would require replacement. I have not yet performed the replacement.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

ABS light, vsc light, and check engine light came on. Brakes went out completely while driving on road. Luckily it was at low speed through town and I was able to make it home safely. Alarm sounded and would not turn off. Towed to dealer and was told that it would cost $4300 for repair. Dealer would not take it as trade in even though they sold it to me only about a year prior, leaving me with no option but to pay for the repair.

- Mililani, HI, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid. While driving various speeds, the emergency repair indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer diagnosed that the brake booster actuator pump and accumulator pump would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.

- Jacksonville Beach, FL, USA

My 2008 highlander ABS is failed and that put our family and others in danger because of the ABS is not working properly. The lights keep stayed on doesn't matter what you do, reset it or not. The brakes stopped working, the siren inside the vehicle making buzzy noise when open the door or attempt to start the vehicle. I've done many research online regarding to the Toyota hybrid models and found many disappointed customers reviews, they all point to the ABS platform design flaws by Toyota just like the ABS on Camry hyrids & other hybrids models that has recalled. I took my vehicle to a local Toyota dealer as suggest by Toyota presentative, the same Toyota dealership where I bought my two Camry from; paid $125 to have them checked out my highlander ABS and the results tuned out to be both ABS actuator (47070-48010) and ABS pump (44510-48080) are failed and the costs to have both fix is $5240.46 while the vehicle only worth between $8000-$9000 which is more than half of the vehicle’'s value, for just a few small defective parts made by Toyota, which I do believe that the cost is ridiculously high and because of the manufacture design flaws & not from end users fault. See attached quotes from dealer. I've called Toyota twice to brought to their attention but I got disappointed results instead. Case # 1604020974. Toyota offer us $1000 for repair cost which I denied and asked for a complete free replacement parts. We, Toyota Highlander hybrid owners need to unite and contact Toyota and or smart attorneys to connect all the dots and sue Toyota for the above problems. Our life and others is in danger due to Toyota's defective parts.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

Started car in evening and got warning "brake malfunction, check ABS, check vsc system". took car to our mechanic and he found code C1391. Mechanic said part very expensive and recommended contacting Toyota service as cost to repair would probably be similar. Mechanic said he had replaced for another customer (2004 model highlander) who after the repair got notice from Toyota about recall repair last week. Toyota service said cost to repair is $4000! reading on this site I see others with this issue. Definitely needs to be addressed by NHTSA.

- Poway, CA, USA

On June 15th, 2016 while over 200 miles from home on a family trip with my pregnant wife and 2 year old son in the car driving down a 2 lane highway with a semi truck behind us at approximately 45 mph constant speed our 2008 Highlander hybrid brakes locked up, a warning tone sounded, several lights lit up on the dash including brakes, ABS, vsc, (((!))), and /!\, and the car stopped completely in the highway with the engine still running. The lcd displayed several alternating messages about the brakes, ABS, and vsc and also about needing to have the vehicle checked by a dealer. As our car was about to be smashed by a semi truck I pressed the gas pedal to the floor. The brakes were completely locked up, but fortunately the car inched forward at less than 5 mph with wide open/full throttle to pull off of the road before the semi truck could hit us from behind. The situation was terrifying. I have taken the vehicle to a dealer. They do not know the reason for the issue. They want $500 to trouble shoot and generate a repair estimate. It sounds like the ABS actuators are commonly $3,000. I have noted many similar problems on the NHTSA website for the 2008 Highlander hybrid and other Toyota hybrid vehicles in which the brakes, ABS, and vsc lights illuminate and braking issues occur.

- Olathe, KS, USA