The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the brake malfunction and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that when she started the vehicle, she was unable to depress the brake pedal to the floor and started to hear an abnormal noise. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the brake booster pump assembly and brake actuator assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.

- Richmond, VA, USA

I was on a slight incline, as I was approaching a traffic light, I hit the brakes. While I thought the vehicle was going to stop, it began to accelerate. I hit the brakes numerous times and eventually came to a stop. When I brought my vehicle to Toyota, they simply dismissed the issue indirectly saying I didn't know how to drive. I was then lowballed when I attempted to sell the vehicle back to them. I've noticed [xxx] has been able to recreate the incident. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Bronx, NY, USA

When I brake it feels like the vehicle actually accelerates a little before the brake kicks in. Almost as if I were stepping on the accelerator and brake at the same time. Does not happen often but often enough that I notice it. Also rear brake pads worn down to metal after about 36,000 mi. Also pre- mature tire wear out. Had to get new tires at 20K.

- Binghamton, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota highlander. While traveling approximately 15 mph over bumpy roads with his foot on the brake pedal, the braking system would hesitate to engage without warning. He confirmed that the feeling was as if he had removed his foot from the brake pedal when in fact, he had not. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and would not offer any assistance; however a claim was filed appropriately. The failure mileage was 23,000 and the current mileage was unknown.

- Pikesville, MD, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid. The contact stated that as she approached a stop sign and there was a pothole the vehicle lunged forward immediately after she applied the brakes. The dealer was contacted and stated that it was related to the computer electronics but there were no recalls. They will not replace or repair the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.

- St Peters, MO, USA

My Toyota Highlander hybrid '08 has always had a unnerving braking issue. Often, especially at slower speeds, when I first apply the brakes, instead of braking, the car actually jumps forward. I have asked the Toyota service (where I get my oil changed) about this and they say it's just the way the hybrid brake system works. While I haven't gotten in an accident because of this delayed brake response (knock on wood), it really does not seem like an appropriate way for brakes to work. Do the prius hybrids and the Highlander hybrids share the same braking software?

- Ridgefield, CT, USA

Since there has been so much talk about the Toyota hybrids I thought I would file a quick complaint that may need to be investigated. Just like on the Ford Fusion hybrids and some of the Toyota hybrids under recall, my 2008 Highlander hybrid has a bit of a funny brake feeling when going from regenerative braking to mechanical braking. I can duplicate the problem easily and it occurs several times daily. I've learned to live with it, but the first time it happened it startled me. Long story short, when travelling down hill and applying the brakes, the first braking is the regenerative braking. When it changes over to mechanical braking the vehicle sort of lurches forward and requires more pressure on the brake pedal to continue slowing down at the same rate. Again, this is something that I've learned to expect and I always leave plenty of room between me and any car in front.

- Roanoke, VA, USA

Shortly after commencing braking, brakes briefly seem to "let go" or slip. The sensation is of the car lurching forward, almost accelerating. Then braking resumes. Please note that this is not a one-time incident; I notice it every time I drive at slow or moderate speeds, and then need to brake--most recently, today. 2008 model Highlander hybrid was purchased in March 2009; we have owned it for 11 months.

- New Haven, CT, USA

I own a 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid. Sometimes when I apply the brakes, the car feels as though it is actually accelerating and not decelerating. This "gap" in decelerating does not last a long time, but is disconcerting and my normal reaction is to hit the brakes harder. My daughter has also experienced this. The Toyota dealer has denied that there is any problem with the brakes. This has occurred regularly since I purchased the car in April 2008.

- Wilmington, DE, USA

I have a 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid. Ever since it was new, it has inconsistent braking at slow speeds, around 25 mph and slower. When braking at slow speeds, hitting a small bump or pothole will shut down the regen brakes, the brakes momentarily release, and then will reapply with the hydraulic brakes activated, but will require much greater pedal pressure to get the same braking force.

- Huntington Beach, CA, USA

I have a 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid. Ever since it was new, it has inconsistent braking at slow speeds, like 20 mph and slower. When braking at slow speeds, if I hit even a small bump or pothole, the brakes momentarily release, and then will re-apply but will require much greater pedal pressure to get the same braking force. I had the dealer look at it but said nothing was wrong.

- Omaha, NE, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid. On approximately four occasions while driving various speeds including approximately 25 mph with the brake pedal engaged the vehicle failed to stop within a reasonable time. The failure occurred on icy weather conditions. She also stated that intermittently the vehicle would surge when she tapped the brake pedal. She took the vehicle to the dealer who did not inspect the vehicle. She has not called the manufacturer. The vehicle has not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The current mileage was approximately 45,000. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

- Westlake, OH, USA