CarComplaints.com Notes: 2008 is the first year of the 2nd generation Highlander, & it may be a model year to avoid as Toyota most likely worked out some production quality issues with the new model.
The 2009 Highlander is the has far fewer complaints.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
82,837 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
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".
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 past two-three years since purchasing this vehicle. This is a known issue throughout the Toyota Highlander Hybrid community and the dealership is not upholding their previous recall which occurred in late 2019 and ended in 2020, after I had purchased the vehicle. The cost of repairs is upwards of $4,000 and Toyota has not given the proper opportunity for recall repairs to owners. This is a significant safety issue because if the brakes fail, a severe crash may injure myself or others. The problem has been reproduced by several other owners, dealerships, and independent service centers (this is a well known and common issue). This vehicle is available for inspection if requested. I plead that you please insist on Toyota reopening their recall to provide service to the owners of this vehicle, this is an issue with their manufacturing and not on the owners/operators. This problem occurred immediately after receiving scheduled maintenance to my vehicle from a certified Toyota Dealership, whom have quoted me the above cost for repairs and may have caused the issue in the first place.
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.
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 +$3,000(.) Seeing as this is an issue with Toyota manufacturing it seems that Toyota is much more concerned with keeping their money instead of preventing injury by issuing a recall and taking care of their customers.
This exact issue has occurred before and was already recalled and repaired. The issue is the brake system malfunctions and the vehicle information center states to take vehicle to dealership for repair immediately. Brakes can fail and multiple warning system are displayed.
- Lake Winnebago, MO, USA
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I checked by local car repair shop found out failure code C1391. Mean- Brake Actuator Assembly fault. Recall program ended already by 2020. But is not my mistake, i every time on time change oil, tire, brake pads and do State inspection. this is Part defect from beginning some cars failing low mileage some failing after. This is whole part failure only by Toyota Hybrid vehicles. This repair only done by Toyota dealership because of Toyota software to install. Repair cost about 3500$ 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).
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.
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.
ABS system failure for the second time after repair, cost $3400 to replace after causing complete loss of brakes. 4 years after incident same exact ABS warning and VCS system failure with message to immediately take vehicle to dealership. There is a class action lawsuit on other hybrid models but Toyota inspected and said it would cost another $3500 to fix because there is no recall on the part.
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.
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).
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.
On November 26, 2021 my 2008 Highlander Hybrid started displaying Check ABS, Check VSC System, Check Brake System and Brake Malfunction, errors on the display screen. I could feel the the grinding noise and brake pedal seemed different than normal. The Brake Malfunction error was displayed with a warning to "Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately, and contact a dealer". I bought a vehicle diagnosis code reader and it showed C1391 (Abnormal Leak in Accumulator Pressure). I received the same code late last year in 2020 and took my vehicle to dealer. They told me that I was not driving my vehicle due to pandemic and the 12V battery went bad. They removed the errors and I replaced the battery from Walmart. I did not see the error code again until now (after 1 year). I received a Customer Support Program Bulletin letter (POL19-06) from Toyota in 2019 or early 2020 which mentioned C1391 as a verification of problem in vehicle. I showed it to the dealership during my 2020 visit and they said my vehicle is not covered. I believed them since I did not see the error again after replacing the 12V battery. Now I am having the same problem again. The ABS error was displayed on 11/26/2021. I was able to read and reset the ABS error code C1391 on 11/30/2021. The ABS error showed up again on 12/2/2021 while I was driving the car with my family in it. I had to reset it to reach home safely. It ABS error came back ON again before reaching home. I am unable to get it fixed because the extended warranty provided by Toyota for this known safety issue expired on 12/31/2020 and now I am billed for the replacement parts and labor ($4000). Toyota should have opened a recall for this faulty ABS system or should not have an expiry date to this program. After searching the internet I am also surprised that this problem is not only with Highlander Hybrid but though out Toyota and Lexus product lines. I request you to please ask Toyota to open a recall on this life threatening issue.
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
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- American Fork, UT, USA