2021 Toyota Highlander brakes problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 5, 2026OHBrakes

   When traveling at slower speeds and applying the brakes on a slight decline, my 2021 Toyota Highlander HYBRID lurches forward with alarming force. On probably 5 separate occasions, this has nearly resulted in me lurching into traffic running perpendicular to me. I have come within 2-3 feet of lunging into oncoming traffic and I am probably the poster child for defensive driving. I had to push the brake petal forcefully to stop. I have not allowed my daughter to drive my car…

   NHTSA complaint #11769154 · source
2. Filed Sep 17, 2026123,000 miCABrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. While driving 20 MPH uphill, the messages "Engine Failure," "Brake Failure," and "Pull Over to A Safe Place, See Owner's Manual" were displayed, and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted. After a second restart, the message "See Dealer" was displayed with the check engine warning light illuminated. After a third restart, the vehicle was driving rough…

   NHTSA complaint #11764949 · source
3. Filed Sep 2, 2026ILBrakes

   While driving and applying the brakes to come to a complete stop at low speed (approximately 5–15 mph), the vehicle intermittently loses brake responsiveness for a brief moment during the transition from regenerative braking to hydraulic (friction) braking. This causes the vehicle to lurch forward unexpectedly before the brakes fully re-engage. The issue is intermittent and unpredictable, occurring most often when coming to a stop at slow speed, which makes it difficult to…

   NHTSA complaint #11761604 · source
4. Filed Aug 10, 2026MDBrakes

   I had the dealer perform the repair described in Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0059-23 (Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition Feeling Improvement), which reprograms the brake actuator control module. Following this repair, the vehicle continues to exhibit the same lurching behavior at the same frequency as before the update. The TSB did not resolve the underlying condition. This is a safety concern because the unpredictable brake transition affects the driver’s…

   NHTSA complaint #11755975 · source
5. Filed May 5, 2026MIBrakes

   When applying the brakes when slowing down fro a traffic light or in traffic, the brkaes suddely stop workign for a few sseconds at a speed of 5-10 mph, causing car to lurch forward before the brakes reengage. This has existed for a couple of year but has gotten worse in thelast 6 month.s The risk is that the lurch occurs prior ot the full stop ,potentilly causing the car to run into the car directly in ftont of our car. Toyota is aware of the problem and issued a technical…

   NHTSA complaint #11735875 · source
6. Filed Mar 16, 2026MEBrakes

   When slowing down to stop and the brake is depressed, multiple occasions where the brakes don’t catch. The car jerks forward and I am unable to engage the brakes. I have ended up in the middle of an intersection due to this. It happens frequently, and Toyota continues to brush me off.

   NHTSA complaint #11724520 · source
7. Filed Feb 10, 2026GABrakesOther / UnknownSuspension

   •The transmission malfunctioned and developed an abnormal internal noise at approximately 67,000 miles, which is an unexpected failure at low mileage. The vehicle had been properly maintained and had no prior mechanical issues. Atlanta Toyota inspected the vehicle and confirmed the transmission had failed and required full replacement. The dealer also stated that as a result of the transmission failure, other related components showed excessive and abnormal wear. A second…

   NHTSA complaint #11717006 · source
8. Filed Jan 9, 2026INBrakes

   Under braking conditions, typically at higher speeds or while going downhill, vehicle will lurch or accelerate momentarily before braking again. This has caught 3 drivers in our family off-guard as it is intermittent and sudden. This is unpredictable and causes the braking distance to vary. We are working to reproduce it. The dealership has not tried to recreate the issue but has told us there is a software update that will fix the issue, it is not covered under any safety…

   NHTSA complaint #11709958 · source
9. Filed Dec 21, 2025MABrakes

   There is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB-0059-23) issued for 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid models addressing a braking issue. It happens every day. There are a lot of issues Some drivers reported a momentary transition from regenerative braking to hydraulic braking, particularly when driving downhill or turning with light brake pedal application. Toyota has provided a software update for the brake actuator control module to improve brake feel. If you own one of these…

   NHTSA complaint #11706427 · source
10. Filed Dec 16, 2025MABrakes

    I own a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The vehicle exhibits a dangerous braking surge defect. When braking during cornering or in stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle randomly surges forward even though the brake pedal is depressed. This creates a serious safety hazard and increases the risk of collision. On multiple occasions, this defect has nearly caused an accident. The last time it happened we were driving in stop and go traffic and the vehicle surged forward while…

    NHTSA complaint #11705290 · source
11. Filed Nov 20, 2025NYBrakesOther / UnknownWheels & Tires

    I am reporting a serious safety defect involving the rear brake system of my 2021 Toyota Highlander, purchased from Penn Toyota (Glen Cove, NY). The dealership represented the vehicle as “Toyota Certified” and indicated that it passed all safety inspections. On November 15, 2025, I discovered that the rear brake rotors and pads were in extremely unsafe condition, showing severe corrosion, deep pitting, uneven pad wear, and structural deterioration. This damage clearly…

    NHTSA complaint #11700687 · source
12. Filed Nov 12, 2025CABrakes

    When I apply my foot to the brake pedal the car slows, but just as I am about to reach the final part it feels like the brake is let go and the vehicle goes forward and I have to push harder on the brake to stop the vehicle. This issue can cause me to run into a vehicle that is stopped. I have not taken it to a dealer yet. No warning signs on the dash. This has been going on for about a year now.

    NHTSA complaint #11699050 · 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