2008 Toyota Highlander Service Brakes Problems
- 26
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 26 stored complaint records:
- 2 indicate a crash
- 2 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- brake system · 8 records
- brake pedal · 8 records
- actuator assembly · 5 records
- brake booster · 5 records
- warning lights · 4 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 150–400k mi | 11 |
| 60–100k mi | 5 |
| 100–150k mi | 5 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Electronic Stability Control · Service Brakes
Recently we've got a bunch of warning lights on the dashboard of our car indicating a brake system malfunction and urging us to stop the vehicle in a safe location. The brakes were still working and we were able to carefully and safely drive home. After scanning the car for abs error codes and doing a quick online search, i realized that the brake booster pump assembly and actuator assembly failed in our car.
ODI 11307403
Electronic Stability Control · Service Brakes · Steering
Brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly (problem known to toyota for this and other models,) failed, leading to dash messages: master warning, abs warning, brake system warning (brake malfunction: stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact a dealer), slip indicator. Brake pedal function seems limited, and dangerous. All warnings come back upon shutting off and restarting vehicle.
ODI 11291811
Service Brakes
Toyota just denied our claim for the reimbursement for the brake actuator assembly customer support program (malfunction of the break actuator assembly in 2008 highlander hybrid). Supposedly the repair performed on our vehicle "does not meet the criteria for reimbursement". Interesting. Problem with our vehicle was exactly what the customer support program zkc is for. They have been playing games with us for almost…
ODI 11279726
Electrical System · Electronic Stability Control · Service Brakes
I sent a letter to toyota motor sales usa after being refused service at a local dealer to resolve a safety issue, with no reply. While pressing brake when starting i got a couple of error messages that said to contact a toyota dealer. I did some very detailed research into this problem and what others had encountered. I found the errors would only show when the 12 volt battery was getting low on charge. The brake…
ODI 11282336
Service Brakes
While driving approximately 25 mph on a city street, the brake system failed entirely when attempting to stop at a red light. There was no previous warning that the brakes were not functioning. In the moment of failure, the abs warning system alert showed on the dashboard display. Eventually, the brakes began to work again, and i pulled to the side of the street and turned off the vehicle. No warning lights or…
ODI 11270147
Electrical System · Electronic Stability Control · Service Brakes
At toyota, we are dedicated to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value. As part of our continual efforts to ensure customer satisfaction, toyota would like to advise you of a voluntary customer support program that has been initiated for your vehicle. Toyota has received reports regarding certain internal malfunctions of the brake actuator assembly in certain 2008-2010 model year highlander hybrid…
ODI 11255430
Service Brakes
When applying pressure to the breaks there is a chirping sound. Toyota has deemed this an abs actuator failing issue; which is an issue i have seen repeatedly online posted by other hy hi drivers. I am also seeing 2 years previous have been recalled for this very issue. Why is the recall not extended and is there any way for it to be? The cost of the vehicle to the cost of repair is so great and unfortunately, this…
ODI 11244055
Service Brakes
I have toyota highlander hybrid 2008. My car is giving a sound under the hood whenever i hit the brake. No matter the car is halt or moving. Initially toyota service guys said that the sound is expected and nothing wrong my car. Yesterday they were telling that the "abs actuator" is bad and has to be replaced now or later. The estimated cost to fix the problem is $3000. I have read online about the similar cases. I…
ODI 11308098
Electronic Stability Control · Service Brakes
Abs module failure, same us other people complaining. Got dash lights on and the car lost complete brake power. Abs actuator needs to be replaced. The price for the part is unbelievable high and seems to be recalled on earlier models
ODI 11231847
Service Brakes
Abs system has failed just like everyone else. Pump keeps coming on every 5 seconds or so. Screen tells you to stop the car and contact the dealer. Toyota needs to cover this expensive repair or at least some portion of it.
ODI 11182327
Service Brakes
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…
ODI 11162223
Service Brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota highlander. While driving 45 mph, the brakes completely malfunctioned. The contact had to apply the emergency brakes to stop the vehicle and avoid a crash. The contact also stated that the abs warning indicator illuminated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer (toyota of stamford, 909 e main st, stamford, ct 06902, [redacted])…
ODI 11130309
Service Brakes
I was driving on the street and an error message displayed along with a loud ringing sound. The message on the screen said to pull over immediately and call a dealer because there is a brake malfunction. It also said to check the abs and the vsc. I could feel the my brake pedal wasn't reacting when i pressed on it. I had to press the pedal all the way down really hard to get the car to slow down.
ODI 11121056
Service Brakes
Abs actuator not working. Brake malfunction warning on display screen.
ODI 11084339
Service Brakes
When driving in routine city driving at low speed, brake warning lights lit up dash. "check brake system, check vsc system, check abs system, pull to side and go to dealer" dealer diagnosed problem as brake accumulator pump assembly. Part alone cost about 2,000.00 plus labor. Part is not covered under any warranty and unless you fix it, it is unsafe to drive. This part has failed in other toyota models that has…
ODI 11000661
Service Brakes
Undetected brake fluid leak while in use. Vehicle undercarriage was checked for leaks but not visible.
ODI 10958538
Electronic Stability Control · Service Brakes
Braking became erratic. Pedal was squishy and abs lights came on. This occurred over several months but on an intermittent basis. Lights would go off for a while then come back on.
ODI 10929981
Service Brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota highlander. The contact stated that the brake warning indicator illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the accumulator and activator failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred. The manufacturer stated that the repair was not covered by warranty or recall. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.…
ODI 10897229
Service Brakes · Steering
The steering wheel had been adjusted to a setting for a shorter driver, and while in the process of re-setting it for a taller driver, the steering wheel and its housing came completely off of the shaft that reaches into the engine. To safely get off the road, an attempt was made to stick it back on, and it was unable to stay in the correct position. Once the vehicle was pulled over, to try to reattach it, the…
ODI 10888043
Service Brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota highlander. While driving at 5 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and became stuck. The contact had to depress the brake pedal multiple times to release the pedal. The check engine and brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified…
ODI 10733345
Air Bags · Service Brakes
While driving down highway 17 south towards santa cruz, california on a raining wednesday morning, i suddenly felt my vehicle loosing control in a slippery downhill highway and i hit the center divider with the left front of vehicle and car spun multiple times and hitting the left rear bumper to the wall facing the oncoming traffic. There are 4 of us in the vehicle all wearing seat belts and suffered injuries. The…
Crash reported · 4 injuries
ODI 10576766
Service Brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the brake sensor, vsc sensor and the trac off sensor lights illuminated. The contact then noticed that the braking system malfunctioned, making the vehicle difficult to stop. The contact indicated that additional pressure was applied to the brake pedal in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed by…
ODI 10563450
Service Brakes
While driving at 35 miles per hour, the brake light on the dashboard came on, brake pedal began going all the way down while braking, and the brake pedal began making noise. I stopped the car, open the hood and found that all my brake fluid was gone. The toyota dealership was nearby i drove the car slowly to the dealership. They checked the brake system only to find out that all the brake fluid was in the brake…
ODI 10557373
Air Bags · Service Brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota highlander. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph and applying the brakes to avoid hitting a deer, the brakes seized and the vehicle failed to respond. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed. The contact mentioned that none of the air bags deployed. As a result, the driver and a passenger sustained minor injuries. A police report was filed. The…
Crash reported · 2 injuries
ODI 10470586
Electronic Stability Control · Service Brakes
Vsc, tracking and abs lights come on when driving. Sometimes on as soon as i reverse in the morning. Used to go off if i turned car off and restarted. Sometimes doesn't come on until i am almost home from work (30 miles) sometimes the brakes feel off and not gripping. Had brakes inspected and everything fine. *tt
ODI 10462589
Catalog parts for this system
Catalog year/make/model rows for 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Catalog fitment does not by itself prove OEM-equivalent compatibility.