2008 Toyota Highlander Brakes

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 DIED MID-JULY, WITHOUT REPLACEMENT SINCE. I LIVE IN LA JUNTA, 70 MILES EAST OF THE DEALER. SO WE'RE LOOKING AT 99,000 TOTAL MILES AS IT SITS.

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 repair or a new car right now because of family budget limits — we have three children and rely on this vehicle every day(only one car). Toyota declined to help, even though I later found this issue was once covered under Program ZKC, which I missed. The vehicle is still unsafe and available for inspection. Thank you very much for considering my issue!

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

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 had issued a recall for vehicles with the same year/make/model for the braking system, so we had it towed to our local Toyota dealership to verify that they had no open recalls on the brakes and complete a full inspection otherwise. They validated that the brake booster pump and actuator assembly needed to be replaced. I am left wondering why my vehicle was not included in Toyota's recall.

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 system light, master warning light, abs light and ABS Malfunction warning noted on the screen. The vehicle can be inspected. Toyota has inspected and confirmed it is the same issue again. The new and improved parts from 2019 should not fail within 20,000 miles. Toyota did confirm that they used the new parts issued as part of the recall and cannot explain why they failed faster than the original parts causing dangerous braking issues.

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 Toyota Service center since it requires specialized tool and software. Customer should not be forced to pay the excessive fees because Toyota used faulty parts in the beginning.

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 telling me to stop the vehicle, pull over, shut the car off and contact a dealer. We exited the freeway at a gas station to see what the matter was about. I didn't since any tightness in the brake pedal so I drove back home to be safe. Warning messages read: Check VSC System, BRAKE Malfunction, Cheak Brake , Check ABS. I have not been able to get it fix due to the cost of the repair on an issue Toyota already knew about. It's our brakes Toyota. Has money over ridden the performance of these vehicle's? Safety for the customer is first, I thought.

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 SINCE ISSUES RECALLS AND WARRANTY EXTENSIONS FOR THE OTHER TOYOTA HYBRID MODEL THAT UTILIZE THE SAME PLATFORM/SYSTEM BUT JUST NOT FOR THE LATER 2008 HIGHLANDER HYBRID. SOMEONE NEEDS TO STEP UP AND HOLD TOYOTA ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE SAME FAULTY PARTS THEY CONTINUED TO INSTALL IN THEIR OTHER HYBRID VEHICLES THEY SOLD TO CONSUMERS. THE ABS SYSTEM IS CLEARLY NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AS HUNDREDS OF CONSUMERS HAVE PREVIOUSLY NOTED. WHY WOULD TOYOTA COVER THE COST OF REPAIR FOR OTHER HYBRIDS WITH THIS SAME DEFECT BUT NOT OTHERS? THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL OR WARRANTY EXTENSION ISSUED FOR THIS MODEL/YEAR AS TOYOTA HAS ISSUED FOR OTHER HYBRID MODELS USING THE SAME PLATFORM. THIS IS CLEARLY A WELL-DOCUMENTED PROBLEM FOR THE 2008 MODELS.

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".

I checked by local car repair shop found out failure code C1391. Mean- Brake Actuator Assembly fault. Recall program ended already by 2020. But is not my mistake, i every time on time change oil, tire, brake pads and do State inspection. this is Part defect from beginning some cars failing low mileage some failing after. This is whole part failure only by Toyota Hybrid vehicles. This repair only done by Toyota dealership because of Toyota software to install. Repair cost about 3500$ and i can't afford this repair cost i have 3 children 6years, 3years, 10 month old. Dangerous to drive with kids. Toyota USA already denied my request. Sincerly, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

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 BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY ON CERTAIN 2008-2010 MY HIGHLANDER HYBRID VEHICLES) stating, " Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the certain internal malfunctions of the brake booster assemblies. One or more of the following specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) C1391, C1252, C1256 or C1253 will be stored in the vehicles memory to be used as verification." This 'customer support' bulletin was published June 6TH, 2019 and revised August 28TH, 2019. The bulletin continues, "Primary Coverage offers the Customer Support Program until December 31, 2020, regardless of mileage. After the Primary Coverage, the Secondary Coverage is applicable for 10 years or 150,000 miles from the vehicle’s date of first use, whichever occurs first." However, as this document clearly states that the affected and covered vehicles range from those manufactured in the years 2008-2010, the owners of a 2008/2009 model would only be eligible for primary coverage; allowing only about 1 year and 7 months for possible brake failure before a customer could file a claim for repair under warranty. Without any coverage the total cost for repair amounts to +$3,000.00(.) Seeing as this is an issue with Toyota manufacturing it seems that Toyota is much more concerned with keeping their money instead of preventing injury by issuing a recall and taking care of their customers.

This exact issue has occurred before and was already recalled and repaired. The issue is the brake system malfunctions and the vehicle information center states to take vehicle to dealership for repair immediately. Brakes can fail and multiple warning system are displayed.

Brake system failed in hybrid and issue is well documented. Current lawsuits however not including this make/model.

Needed to have hub and bearing and spindles replaced in front driver's side wheel (AWD). Repair shop completed repairs and aligned the vehicle. Computer needed to be reset after alignment. Shop followed reset instructions and vehicle then showed codes for the ABS system (ABS pump and actuator and skid control module). Repair shop cannot reset computer without replacing parts estimated cost is over $5,600. No work on brakes or ABS system was done. No errors or codes previously existed prior to replacement of bearing and hub. No codes existed until after the alignment was completed. ABS system no longer works. Repair was completed at an independent repair shop. Have appointment with dealership on 9/29 to see if code can be reset. These codes were an issue in 06-07 Highlander hybrids and Prius models and part of a recall.

ABS warning light at 118,000 7/8/2022 C1391 This is a known recall and problem on the earlier model Highlanders, as well as the second generation Highlanders, but not recalled as of today 8/19/22. It is a flawed ABS design and safety hazzard.

All the lights relating to brakes and ABS flashed up on the dashboard. We continued home slowly. Upon investigation from a trusted mechanic it seems it is the brake actuator. From numerous reviews and complaints online this is a reoccurring issue with Toyota cars but recalls were only issued for 2006-2007 models even though the 2008 Highlander hybrids use the same part.

When I started my 2008 Highlander Hybrid on Valentine’s Day and drove 3 car lengths from my drive way, my dash screen notified me with “Check ABS, Check Brake System, and Check VSC System” all with “Have your car checked by a dealer”. I reversed the car and returned to my driveway. My husband called a friend mechanic shop owner who ran the diagnostic report that showed a C1391code. I remembered I received a notification letter regarding this issue and called the dealer. Service agent indicated that without Toyota doing the diagnostic run on my vehicle, they could not give me any quote on the price, but notified me that the letter I received had expired on December 31, 2020 or 10 years or 150,000 miles. My Highlander had this alert screen notification at 144,000 miles. I was told I would be responsible for repair charges. Feeling very frustrated, I called the Toyota corporate number and spoke to a female who then connected me with a supervisor. I explained my experience and the representative explained the notification letter had expired and was unlike a recall, which was indefinite. I emphasized to him that since Toyota knew this was a problem, how could they put an expiration date on the failed Brake Booster Actuator Pump Assembly that they clearly knew was a brake problem. Furthermore, Toyota, which I have been a loyal owner of five vehicles, had only allowed one year + for their accountability to the fixing the brake assembly parts. This meant it was a luck of the draw depending on miles driven for the brake assembly to fail during the little more than a year notification period for Toyota to be responsible for replacing the parts. I find this to be very unfair and unjust. I voiced my opinion to the 800 number a second time, & was told that if the NHTSA had determined it a recall, no expiration date. As a senior citizen who is on a fixed income, I believe Toyota should fix all Brake Booster Actuator Pumps that fail and NHTSA should demand a recall.

The Brake Actuator Assembly and Brake Booster Pump Assembly have failed on my 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. As I understand, this is a common problem for my vehicle and Toyota has agreed to fix it if the mileage is under 150,000 miles (which mine is) AND the time since first use is less than 10 years (which is not the case.) For this safety issue, I think Toyota should be standing behind the safety of their vehicles and fix my brake pump. This is putting my family at risk. This issue has been confirmed by my local independent auto service company. The warning lights came on after the failure (brake, ABS, master warning, traction control).

Chief complaint ISSUES were as follow : " BRAKE MALFUNCTION STOP The vehicle in a safe plase immediately and contact Dealer." Warning lights were illuminated on the instrument cluster or information display: yellow master warning light, the red brake system warning light and buzzer, yellow ABS warning light, yellow SLIP indicator light. After carefull diagnosis, it was determined that the brake booster pump was turning on frequently or working constantly. Unusual squeaky noise can be heard when depressing the brake pedal. In addition, the ABS Diagnostic Trouble Codes were identical as the problem. From research it should be noted. Toyota has previously identified and issued safety recall for the same vehicle however stopped short of including the 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid model with the aforementioned Vin number.

The ABS ACTUATOR failed in my 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The screen inside the car flashed ABS // VSC // CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM. Vehicle is at 144,000 miles The component is out of stock nationwide and Toyota dealer has issued a warranty extension.

MY 2008 HIGHLANDER HYBRID CAME UP WITH THE FOLLOWING LIGHTS IN THE DASHBOARD AND INFORMATION DISPLAY: BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM, CHECK ABS AND CHECK VSC SYSTEM. THE BRAKES GOT HARD TO PRESS ALL THE SUDDEN AFTER THE LIGHTS CAME ON, I WAS LUCKY I WASN'T DRIVING THE CAR WHEN IT HAPPENED. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM TOYOTA BACK IN 2019 STATING THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH MY MODEL'S BRAKE ACTUATOR AND THAT IF MY VEHICLE HAD THESE SYMPTOMS, THEY WOULD REPAIR IT FOR FREE, BUT I HAD TO WAIT UNTIL THE PROBLEM PRESENTED ITSELF. THE PRIMARY COVERAGE FOR THIS WAS UNTIL DECEMBER 31ST, 2020 AND THE SECONDARY COVERAGE WAS UNTIL THE CAR HAD 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES ON IT. THEY TOLD ME I DON'T QUALIFY FOR EITHER COVERAGES SINCE THE WARRANTY EXTENSION WAS UNTIL 2020 AND MY CAR ALREADY HAS 12 YEARS (FIRST DATE OF USE MAY, 2009), EVEN THOUGH IT ONLY HAS 80,280 MILES ON IT. MY LOCAL DEALER'S ESTIMATE FOR THIS PROBLEM TOTALS $3,873.55 WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS FOR A PROBLEM THEY RECOGNIZED HAPPENS TO EVERY MODEL IN MY CATEGORY, AND A PROBLEM THEY WOULD'VE FIXED FOR FREE LESS THAN 4 MONTHS AGO. EVEN MY SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME TO BE CAREFUL AND NOT DRIVE THE CAR AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS SHOULD'VE BEEN A RECALL, NOT A WARRANTY EXTENSION.

On approx. August 13, 2021, my 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicle began making grinding sounds when the brake is fully depressed while the transmission lever is set to "drive". On approx. August 20, 2021, my vehicle started showing 4 error messages on the display: Brake Malfunction, Check ABS, Check VSC System, and Check Brake System. The Brake Malfunction error was displayed with a warning to "Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately, and contact a dealer". At the same time, these 5 warning lamps became illuminated: Brake System Warning Light and Warning Buzzer (Red), Brake System Warning Light (Yellow), Master Warning Light (Yellow), ABS Warning Light (Yellow), and SLIP Indicator (Yellow). A car repair technician obtained the following error codes from the vehicle in a diagnosis: C1241 (Low or High Power Supply Voltage), C1253 (Pump Motor Relay), and C1391 (Abnormal Leak in Accumulator). I was informed that the VSC (vehicle stability control) safety feature of the vehicle is disabled while the error codes and messages are present. Toyota previously issued a customer support bulletin (No. POL19-06) on June 6, 2019, titled "Customer Support Program ZKC: Certain 2008-2010 Model Year Highlander Hybrid Vehicles Coverage for Brake Actuator Assembly and Brake Booster Pump Assembly". In the bulletin, Toyota acknowledged that its 2008-2010 Highlander Hybrid models had "certain internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator Assembly". Affected error codes include C1391, C1252, C1256, and C1253. Affected warning lamps consists of all 5 of the warning lamps that were illuminated in my vehicle. Affected parts include 04008-26448 (Actuator Assy, Brake w/ Fluid) and 04008-51148 (Pump Kit, Brake Booster w/ Accumulator). Instead of issuing a recall for this hazardous defect, Toyota opted to offer "Customer Support Program ZKC". The malfunction that manifested my vehicle is not eligible for this program. Toyota should issue a proper recall to address this safety hazard.

2008-2010 Toyota Highlander (hybrid, in my case) has an ongoing problem with the brake actuator and brake booster. In my case, within a year I will have had these items replaced twice. The cost to me will be about $3000. According to many website chats and blogs, this is a repeated repair even after having replaced it.

MAY 2021 UPDATE: 2008 HIGHLANDER HYBRID 184,XXXMI I OWN A 2008 HIGHLANDER HYBRID IN GREAT SHAPE, MINUS INTERNAL LEAKAGE IN MY BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. MY CAR THREW THE DEATH CODE [C1391] WHICH IS THE INDICATION THAT THIS IS THE ISSUE. THE SCREEN INSIDE THE CAR FLASHED ABS // VSC // CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM A DEALERSHIP AND HAS BEEN IN THE FAMILY EVER SINCE. THE "RECALL" ON THE ACTUATOR IS NOT ACTUALLY A RECALL, IT IS A "WARRANTY EXTENSION."AFTER RECEIVING A QUOTE FOR REPLACEMENT OF $4200CAD, I CONTACTED TOYOTA ABOUT MY ISSUE. MY HIGHLANDER HAS 184,XXXMI AND IS A 2008 SO IT IS BEYOND THE MILAGE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY (150,000MI) AND BEYOND THE END DATE OF THE INFINITY MILEAGE REPLACEMENT (NEW WARRANTY ENDED DEC 2020, OF COURSE). I CALLED TOYOTA, MADE A CLAIM, AND 24HRS LATER I CALLED BACK IN AND WAS DIRECTED TO SPEAK WITH THE WARRANTY DEPARTMENT MANAGER. ALTHOUGH MY APPROACH WAS DIRECT, THOROUGH, AND CALM, HE REALLY DIDN'T SEEM TO CARE. HE DEFENDED TOYOTA STATING THAT THEY "ALREADY WERE BEING VERY GRACIOUS BY EXTENDING THE CLAIM TO BEGIN WITH" AND THAT "THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO." I FIND THE FACT THAT TOYOTA RECOGNIZES THEY HAVE USED A FAULTY PART IN THEIR HIGHLANDERS, AND DID NOT LIST IT AS A "RECALL" (SO YOU COULD GET IT SWAPPED OUT BEFORE IT CAUSED PROBLEMS) IS RIDICULOUS. I MISSED THE CUT-OFF BY 5MO AND HIS ONLY RECOMMENDATION WAS TO CALL MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS AND "SHOP AROUND" FOR A CHEAPER PART. ESTIMATED REPAIR COST: $4,200CAD

ON MARCH 26, 2021 WHEN WE STARTED THE VEHICLE, THERE WERE SEVERAL INDICATORS AND MESSAGES THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE SERVICED BY A TOYOTA DEALER IMMEDIATELY. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH IT BECAME CLEAR THAT TOYOTA IS FULLY AWARE OF MALFUNCTIONS OF THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ON THIS VEHICLE AND COMMUNICATED IT TO OWNERS IN A CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM NOTIFICATION-ZKC IN 2019. IN THAT VOLUNTARY COMMUNICATION, TOYOTA IDENTIFIED THE MALFUNCTIONS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND STATED THAT THE COST OF REPAIRS WAS COVERED THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2020. HOWEVER, SINCE THIS PROBLEM DID NOT BECOME APPARENT UNTIL MARCH 26, 2021 TOYOTA DID NOT FULLY COVER THE COST OF REPAIRS. IT IS UNCLEAR WHY THIS KNOWN DEFECT AND MALFUNCTION HAVE NOT BEEN TREATED AS A RECALL. THERE ARE NUMEROUS CASES THAT HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTED ONLINE OF BRAKE FAILURE ON THIS VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF THE MALFUNCTIONS OF THE BRAKE ACTUATOR AND BOOSTER PUMP SOME WITH CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES. NO ONE AT TOYOTA HAS BEEN ABLE TO EXPLAIN WHY REPAIRS ARE NOT COVERED AFTER DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND INDICATE THAT IT WAS APPARENTLY AN ARBITRARY DATE. MY ASSUMPTION IS THAT THIS WAS A DELIBERATE EFFORT BY TOYOTA TO LIMIT THEIR FINANCIAL EXPOSURE WITH NO REGARD FOR THE SAFETY OF DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS. HOPEFULLY THE NHTSA WILL INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND REQUIRE TOYOTA TO NOTIFY ALL OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE OF THE DEFECT AND POTENTIAL DANGER ASSOCIATED WITH BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE AND HAVE TOYOTA RECALL THE VEHICLE AND MAKE THE APPROPRIATE REPAIRS. THE ESTIMATED COST FOR THE REPAIR IS $2,700.