2008 Toyota Highlander brakes problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 25, 2025COBrakes

   There was no incident. When the brake malfunction screen displayed, i drove the vehicle to the nearest toyota dealer in pueblo, colorado. I received the attached service message and picking ticket; 17june2025. It also needs new brake pads, rotor adjustment, and 5 new tires. Total~$6000. Way too pricy! I paid for the diagnostic test, and drove home carefully! The vehicle has been sitting in my carport since, and i am walking the city limits for all purposes. The 12v battery…

   NHTSA complaint #11689649 · source
2. Filed Sep 12, 2025PABrakesElectrical System

   My 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is having severe issues with the ABS system. Toyota is reporting that it needs an ABS actuator and ABS pump replacements. These were a part of Toyota's previous Customer Support Program, but the program expired before I owned the vehicle. That is EXTREMELY dangerous and the issue with the ABS system should be considered a Safety Recall that is ALWAYS available to Toyota customers to rectify and paid for by Toyota. It is a BRAKING ISSUE. It is…

   NHTSA complaint #11686896 · source
3. Filed Jul 17, 2025PABrakes

   Good Afternoon, The brake actuator and booster pump failed on my 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. ABS, Brake, and VSC warning lights came on, and the brakes became weak and unsafe. A repair shop confirmed the issue with codes C1252, C1256, and C1391. I tried to fix it at a local shop last year, but the problem came back. It seems this repair can only be fully done at a Toyota dealer due to software requirements. However, the dealer repair cost is very high. I cannot afford the…

   NHTSA complaint #11674307 · source
4. Filed Nov 26, 2024CABrakes

   Brake actuator failure. Have to manually brake, stopping distance significantly increased. 3,145$ to replace at Toyota dealership.

   NHTSA complaint #11627605 · source
5. Filed Oct 22, 2024VABrakes

   In June 2019, Toyota issued a recall for ABS malfunction, diagnostic code C1391 - brake actuator and accumulator. New parts were issued by Toyota in 2019 as part of the recall. My vehicle experienced ABS malfunction, diagnostic code C1391 in March 2022 and was repaired by Toyota with the new and improved parts issued as part of the recall. As of October 14, 2024, my vehicle is experiencing the same issue again - ABS brake malfunction diagnostic code C1391, with the brake…

   NHTSA complaint #11621337 · source
6. Filed Sep 11, 2024AZBrakes

   We were driving at about 40 MPH and approached our turn. When I depressed the brakes, they felt spongy and I had trouble slowing quickly. The yellow triangle illuminated on the dash and a long warning beep sounded. I was able to get safely parked in a parking lot, and my son came and took a look as well. We had the car towed to a shop, who diagnosed the problem, stating that we needed to replace the brake booster pump and actuator assembly. A family member noted that Toyota…

   NHTSA complaint #11613980 · source
7. Filed Aug 14, 2024KSBrakes

   There was a customer support program from Toyota for certain Highlander from 2008 to 2010. The deadline was in 2020. The same issue started for me three weeks ago. Local Toyota Service center confirmed that it is the same code and issue but quoted me over $3000 to replace the whole thing. Since Toyota admitted that this is a faulty part and had support program to replace the parts, there should not be expiration date on the support program. This issue can only be fixed by…

   NHTSA complaint #11608546 · source
8. Filed Jul 23, 2024WABrakes

   The brake pedal gave no resistance, going right to the floor. The ABS system warnings lit up on the dashboard at the same time. I was able to pull the car over safely, but it was not driveable and needed a tow to a repair shop. The repair shop noted that the brake actuator assembly and skid module failed and needed replacement. AFTER DOING RESEARCH WE ARE CONFIDENT THE ISSUE IS EXACTLY AS HUNDREDS OF OTHER OWNERS HAVE PREVIOUSLY REPORTED TO TOYOTA, BBB, AND NHTSA. TOYOTA HAS…

   NHTSA complaint #11604087 · source
9. Filed Mar 14, 2024UTBrakes

   Intermittent warnings "Check ABS", "Check Brake System", "Check VSC System" have been showing up on the vehicle display along with the brake and traction control warning lights. This has been happening on and off for several months. Diagnostic Trouble Code reader shows "C1391 Abnormal Leak of Accumulator pressure".

   NHTSA complaint #11577488 · source
10. Filed Feb 27, 2024ORBrakesElectrical System

    Myself, and many other 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners, have a vehicle code labeled C1391 "Leak in Accumulator" wherein the vehicles brake actuator and brake booster pump malfunction. The dash of my vehicle has the following indicators on; Check ABS, Check Brake System, Check VSC System, Yellow Master Warning Light, Red Brake System Light & Buzzer, Yellow ABS Warning Light, and Yellow Slip Indicator Light. This has been a significant cause of concern for me over the…

    NHTSA complaint #11574334 · source
11. Filed Jan 8, 2024TXBrakes

    Brought this sport utility truck from a dealership out of Sandersville, Geogia in 2018. Never had an issue with this vehicle. All services are done in the dealership. It previously has 168k mileage. I have always heard sounds from as i have learned is the ABS motor\pump system since purchasing the vehicle in 2018, but never any issues. Now November 2023 this ABS situation has my whole dashboard lit up. This got full attention due we were traveling when this occurred to us…

    NHTSA complaint #11564245 · source
12. Filed Sep 22, 2023TNBrakes

    I own a 2008 Highlander Hybrid Limited. The ABS actuator and assembly have gone bad. The following dash lights are illuminated: ABS, VSC, brake warning, and parking brake. The issue has been confirmed by toyota dealer. This defect has been reported HUNDREDS of times and Toyota has yet to issue a recall for 2008 and above models. In 2019 there was a Customer Support Program Bulletin(CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM BULLETIN (ZKC): REPAIR COVERAGE FOR BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE…

    NHTSA complaint #11546037 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology