2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Service Brakes Problems

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 recall or safety campaign by Toyota.

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 models and are experiencing this issue, you can visit a Toyota dealership and request this specific TSB repair. Addendum: There is no charge for this fix if your vehicle is within the warranty period. The repair procedure under Toyota’s Technical Service Bulletin (TSB-0059-23) is covered by Toyota’s warranty, meaning the brake actuator control module reprogramming is performed at no cost to the owner.

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 depressing the brakes and the engine died leaving a red triangle on the dash. Toyota has acknowledged this condition through Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0059-23, which applies to my vehicle. The bulletin involves reprogramming the brake actuator assembly control module to address the braking transition between regenerative and hydraulic braking. Despite this, Toyota has refused to apply hybrid system warranty coverage, misclassifying the defect as a conventional brake issue. My vehicle is available for an inspection. I contacted Toyota corporate, who initially responded but failed to provide follow-up or resolution. The defect persists after the bulletin was applied. Toyota’s refusal to cover the repair under the hybrid warranty leaves me with an unresolved safety defect. This complaint is intended to document the ongoing safety risk and Toyota’s failure to provide adequate remedy under warranty. I request NHTSA investigate this issue as a systemic safety defect affecting 2020–2022 Highlander Hybrid models.

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 developed over a long period of time and indicates that the vehicle could not have passed a legitimate safety inspection at the time of sale. The rear brakes had to be replaced immediately to prevent potential brake failure. After replacing the rear rotors and pads, the vehicle passed the New York State Inspection on the same day, proving that the previous brake condition was unsafe and improperly inspected. This raises concerns of: Brake safety failure Improper or falsified dealership inspection Risk of reduced stopping power Potential loss of vehicle control I am submitting photos, the repair invoice, and the inspection result that confirmed the brakes were unsafe prior to repair.

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.

Vehicle had a very loud high pitch whining noise the rapid accelerated I was braking and brakes were not working vehicle screen was flashing Vehicle Malfunction. yes vehicle is available. I could not stop the vehicle I struck three signs and a lady fell down as i was approaching the the building very fast, hit a wrought iron black fence and it fell on a park vehicle and then i hit a park vehicle and it stop i threw it in park. i am not sure. Insurance company After the vehicle accelerated there was a message saying VEHICLE MALFUNCTION, not before the accident.

My 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a braking issue identified in Toyota Service Bulletin T-SB-0059-23, Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition Feeling Improvement. When going downhill and applying the brake, the vehicle lurches forward temporarily as the braking system transitions from regenerative to hydraulic braking. The first time my vehicle did this, it was very alarming and I had to take additional measures to slow my vehicle as I was driving downhill. My vehicle frequently demonstrates this problem, however, I did not report it to my local Toyota dealer because I read in an online chat group that it was a characteristic of this vehicle. Although the TSB recommends a Reprogram of the Brake Actuator Assembly Control Module, the repair is only covered under the Toyota Basic Warranty which is in effect for 36 months or 36k miles, whichever occurs first. My vehicle is past the warranty limit, and because I did not report it to my dealer previously, this repair is not covered under the TSB or the Toyota Basic Warranty. Toyota Highlander Hybrid model years 2020-2022 are affected. The Technical Service Bulletin was issued August 29, 2023, so if a 2020 model Highlander Hybrid has this problem, 2020 models would have already passed the warranty limit by the time the TSB was issued and thus would not be covered. This is a safety risk as drivers can lose control of the vehicle when braking, particularly when going downhill. The Warranty should be extended, or this problem should be elevated to a RECALL so that older affected vehicles, or those with higher mileage can be covered under warranty. Drivers should not have to pay for a recognized problem that affects the safety of this vehicle and has been identified in a Technical Service Bulletin. This problem puts drivers at risk of losing control of the vehicle and the problem can be mediated with a software reprogram. T-SB-0059.23 should be elevated to a RECALL, or extended regardless of age or mileage.

As your braking coming to a stop, the vehicle surges forward, feels like you lost your brakes and then it stops. If the car in front of you were to stop suddenly, you would hit them from behind. It had been going on for a while, but since it was my wife’s car she said she just stayed way back from the car ahead of her. I came within inches of hitting someone in early June 2025. I took the car to my Toyota dealer June 25, 2025 and they said there was a computer update for the braking system. It took away most of the problem, but it still surged.On August 19, 2025 I took the car back to the dealer where they had another computer update for the brakes. We will see if that works!! I feel it’s a safety issue, we should have been notified. Out of warranty cost me $348.01

Vehicle: 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE Approximate Mileage: 92,000 Location: Boerne, TX (Texas Hill Country) ⸻ 🔧 Summary of the Problem: My vehicle experienced serious electrical failure after heavy rainfall in the Texas Hill Country, where catastrophic flooding recently occurred. At a red light, the dashboard began flashing, power windows stopped working, and the electronic parking brake would not disengage. I was nearly rear-ended with my children in the car because the vehicle temporarily lost responsiveness. ⸻ 💧 Pattern of Issue: This problem only occurs after rain. Once the vehicle dries out, the systems return to normal. Toyota tested the battery and alternator and found no faults. The dealership and Toyota Corporate have been notified, but they have so far refused to approve a Goodwill Repair or perform deeper inspection for water intrusion into the fuse box, firewall harness, or Body Control Module (BCM). ⸻ 🧩 Suspected Cause: I believe there is water intrusion due to a design flaw, likely through the windshield cowl or firewall. Other Highlander XSE owners have reported nearly identical symptoms following rain exposure. Toyota has issued service bulletins in the past about water reaching electrical components in other models. ⸻ 📣 Safety Concern: This is a serious safety issue. A near-crash involving my children occurred. If Toyota does not resolve this issue and it leads to an accident, I will hold them fully accountable. I am reporting this so it can be formally investigated and linked with similar complaints.

Yesterday, as I do a couple times a month, I went to switch parking places, putting my 2021 Toyota Highlander where my 2007 Mazda was parked, in order to drive it and keep the battery from dying. After starting both cars I first moved the Mazda to make room for the Toyota. As I was slowly steering the Toyota at (idle speed) into the now vacant parking spot, the car accelerated on it's own, prompting me to hit the brakes, but to no avail. The car jumped the curb hitting, knocking over and and damaging a large ceramic planter and small tree in my neighbor's yard. My split second reaction upon having no brakes and a run away car was to push it out of drive, which ended up putting the car into reverse, causing a harsh jolt, followed by the car accelerating again on it's own, in reverse towards another neighbor's garage. I live in a condo complex, so all of this took place within about 30 feet of forward/backward/forward motion. My second split second decision (with no brakes) to avoid smashing into the garage was throwing it back into drive, which sent it accelerating back towards the parking place again. This time I had the presence of mind to push the power button on the dash, allowing me to barely come to stop before jumping the curb again. Whole thing lasted about 15 seconds. I had an appointment to attend, so after a brief conversation explaining to my (now outside) neighbor what happened, I left in the older car. Returning later in the day I found damage to the front of my Toyota and wonder if my transmission is damaged as well. I'm reimbursing my neighbor today. I've not attempted to drive the Toyota since, and am seeking your advice on how best to proceed, whether I should initiate contact with Toyota regarding this incident, or is that something you should initiate? Please advise. Thank you.

My 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a braking issue identified in Toyota Service Bulletin T-SB-0059-23, Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition Feeling Improvement. When going downhill and applying the brake, the vehicle lurches forward temporarily as the braking system transitions from regenerative to hydraulic braking. The first time my vehicle did this, it was very alarming and I had to take additional measures to slow my vehicle as I was driving downhill. My vehicle frequently demonstrates this problem, however, I did not report it to my local Toyota dealer because I read in an online chat group that it was a characteristic of this vehicle. Although the TSB recommends a Reprogram of the Brake Actuator Assembly Control Module, the repair is only covered under the Toyota Basic Warranty which is in effect for 36 months or 36k miles, whichever occurs first. My vehicle is past the warranty limit, and because I did not report it to my dealer previously, this repair is not covered under the TSB or the Toyota Basic Warranty. Toyota Highlander Hybrid model years 2020-2022 are affected. The Technical Service Bulletin was issued August 29, 2023, so if a 2020 model Highlander Hybrid has this problem, 2020 models would have already passed the warranty limit by the time the TSB was issued and thus would not be covered. This is a safety risk as drivers can lose control of the vehicle when braking, particularly when going downhill. The Warranty should be extended, or this problem should be elevated to a RECALL so that older affected vehicles, or those with higher mileage can be covered under warranty. Drivers should not have to pay for a recognized problem that affects the safety of this vehicle and has been identified in a Technical Service Bulletin. This problem puts drivers at risk of losing control of the vehicle and the problem can be mediated with a software reprogram. T-SB-0059.23 should be elevated to a RECALL, or extended regardless of age or mileage.

Since I got his vehicle i satated to the Toyota that having the breaks problem and dash is not working properly and blind spot is not working on time

While braking, the car often lurches forward (so much so that it will throw my head back against the headrest). It almost feels like the car accelerated even though I have my foot on the brake. It will "re-engage" but it is frightening and also unsafe if you are close behind another vehicle or object. I have also felt the car lurch forward while it was in park a few times. Again, completely scared me because I thought I was going to be pushed into my garage wall. These incidences do not happen every time but they shouldn't be happening at all. I understand the hybrid aspect of it with the brakes and expect a small sensation but to be lurched forward so much is completely unsafe. I initially told the dealership about the brake sensation shortly after punching the car in 2021 and was told there was nothing wrong. I now see hundreds of people posting on social media with the same problem. Toyota needs to do a recall and have this fixed. There are no warning lights or messages that appear when the problem takes place.

My brakes seem to have an issue at times and I am happy to provide it for inspection if needed. When traveling downhill with a slight curve to a stop at slower speeds, the car lunges forward for a second just after the brakes have been engaged. It does not happen all the time, but when it does happen it feels like you could crash into a car in front of you. This issue happens 2-4 times a month and has been happening since I purchased the vehicle. I recently found a Toyota forum with many people stating they have the same problem. Toyota does not seem to be aware of the issue when I have asked them. There have not been any warning lights etc. at any time during this issue nor any recalls with the issue. I am requesting it to be looked at by the manufacturer at the next scheduled service.

2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid - experiences the sensation of brake loss during transitional period when car switches between regenerative brakes and mechanical brakes; most often occurs on a downgrade approaching a stop. During the transition, the car will surge ahead unexpectedly. I would consider this a significant safety issue; causes the driver to misjudge the required stopping distance and it is possible to hit something (or someone) in front of you. There is a TSB-0059-23 against this issue that requires a software update of the brake actuator. The issue is serious enough in my opinion that a recall of all Highlander hybrids is justified and Toyota should cover the cost of the update. The issue is intermittent and has occurred since new.

The vehicle is a hybrid. While traveling downhill at a speed around 35 mph with light brake pressure, the vehicle feels like it lurches forward a second or so before returning to braking. It has occurred since we purchased the vehicle new in 2021. It has happened multiple times in a variety of scenarios but it occurs most consistently in the downhill scenario described above.

The electric park brake makes a loud screaming sound during engaging cycle as I put the gear in park. The sound gets worse during warmer weather. I visited the dealer twice for the same problem and reported it to Toyota. During my visit another highlander came into dealership. It made the same sound when the driver placed it in Park. According to the dealer, this sound is normal. I say it’s not. I have way cheaper cars with Electric park and they don’t make this sound. If the park brake unit fails it’s going to be real costly to repair and may fail while driving and gets engaged.

When decelerating from a speed of approximately 25 mph on a downward slope of about 5 degrees, and applying the brakes, a number of things occur: 1) There is a 1-2 second delay in the braking action. 2) When applied the braking action is less than expected for certain brake pedal pressure, which causes the driver to increase the brake pedal pressure 3) When the brake pedal is initially depressed, the speed of the vehicle experiences a slight upward speed bump before the braking action is applied, which is 'light' as described in 2). This behavior is transient. Most of the time, it does not happen. It happens often enough to be of concern.

When braking, there is a momentary period where it feels like the brakes fail, then function again. When approaching stopped traffic, this could put those vehicle occupants, and our vehicle occupants at risk of an accident. Toyota maintains this is normal for a hybrid, however our 2013 Camry Hybrid has no such momentary brake failure. Our independent repair shop has been unable to replicate this condition , but they have found no obvious problems with the braking system - they believe it is something computer caused, likely when the hybrid generation brake switches to the hydraulic brake. There are no warning lights displayed. This has been a long standing issue.

The vehicle hesitates during right turns, creating a hazardous, potentially dangerous, situation. From research I understand this is a known issue when transitioning between battery and gasoline propulsion. Research indicates this is a known situation, Toyota T-SB-0059-23. However, the TSB expires at the termination of the vehicle 3 years/36 months warranty. As a safety issue, in my opinion this problem should be addressed, regardless of vehicle age or mileage.

While depressing the brake pedal the vehicle continues to accelerate before finally slowing to a stop. This happens on bumpy road surfaces as well as level road surfaces. There were no warning lights, alarms or messages prior to or during the failure. This issue started around 35,000 mileage and has progressively gotten worse to current day. (Current mileage as of 1/29/2024 is 54,346.) This issue would cause the vehicle to potentially rear end a vehicle you are following or propel the vehicle into an intersection typically controlled by a traffic signal or device. Local dealer has said there is nothing wrong as they could not replicate the issue.

I’ve had brakes inspected and was told my brakes look great. However there is major chattering coming off highway to slow on off ramp sometimes they don’t grab as they should and I have to be extra proactive. Sometimes steering back and forth quickly to slow vehicle until the brakes will work properly bringing vehicle to a stop or before a collision could occur

Varias veces mientras conduzco en la ruta la velocidad permitida, el carro frena, pierde potencia el motor, el sistema de aceleración no responde, esas veces me salve de accidentes mortales junto a mi familia, reclame a toyota corporación indicar eso y para ellos no paso nada nunca tomaron en serio, mientras que el carro para reparar eso, paso más de 25 días en las veces que se daño xq prácticamente el carro no es seguro para manejar

My 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid braking system has, since about 18 months ago, been intermittently failing. When coming to a stop, with my foot on the break, the break releases (or at least feels like it does) before coming to a full stop and then re-engages a moment later once I press harder. Such, gives one a start and is quit disconcerting. There have been times when I was sure the car was going to drift into an intersection. Also I am concerned that such breaking behavior may put pedestrians, cyclists, etc., at risk. I have on two occations reported this to the dealer. They have not been able to reproduce the problem, which is typical of intermittent problems. Tomorrow, December 11, 2023, they are looking at it again. No warning lights or messages have occured. Neither the manufacturer, insurance company, nor the police have inspected the vehicle.

Electronic parking brake not always disengaging and sending error.

While slowing and braking to stops (approximately less than 20 mph), the vehicle will lurch/lunge forward. It feels like you took your foot off the brake pedal but you did not. This occurs randomly. It does not happen every time. There are no warning lamps, messages, etc., prior to or during this issue. The vehicle has ~39000 miles. This has been occurring for at least 20000 miles. Risk: If this occurs when close to pedestrians, other vehicles, intersections, etc., it could result in an impact. The dealer could not reproduce but did find online message forums that reported the same issue.

My 2021 Toyota highlander hybrid is having seemingly random issues when braking. I notice it most of the time when the vehicle is going downhill. The vehicle will lose braking briefly, and I have to depress the brake harder to slow the vehicle. In that moment when it loses the brake, the vehicle gives the feeling it is lurching forward, which can cause unpredictable stopping distance. It creates a hazard for the driver, the vehicles in front, and the vehicles behind.

The vehicle has accelerated suddenly when I apply the brakes. It has happened on multiple occasions in different circumstances. I was heading up a hill into a slow stop at a stop sign and once I applied the brakes it suddenly jolted forward for a second until I slammed on the brakes more over riding it. I have had the car for a week and thought it could be just happen stance but it has happened multiple times. The first time there was a car in front of me as I applied the breaks and it is terrifying as I almost crashed into them.

When slowing down with steady brake pressure, sometimes there is a short pause, 1-2 seconds where it feels like you just lost the brakes. Sometimes this happens when turning and braking too. It isn’t something I can recreate and Toyota opened a case, looked at the car, and said it is normal. Not my 1st hybrid and this is not normal. This has happened many times over the last year and Toyota has looked at the brakes at least 3 or 4 times.

ON OCCASSION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BREAK IN TRAFFIC OR SLOW DOWN AT A YIELD OR STOP SIGN THE BREAKS SEEM TO "FADE". THE CAR DOES NOT STOP UNTIL I PRESS HARDER ON THE BREAKS. I FEEL THAT THE CAR SEEMS TO MOVE FORWARD EVEN THOUGH I HAVE PRESSED ON BRAKE. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO OCCUR MOST FREQUENTLY DURING STOPING AT THE BOTTOM OF A SLOPE, DURING TURNING OR TRYING TO STOP ON A ROUGH SURFACE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER ON 2 OCCASSIONS AND HAS APPARENTLY BEEN RECALIBRATED, WITH THE PROBLEM ONLY TO REOCCUR. THE DEALER DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE A PERMANENT FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. WHERE THIS PROBLEM OCCURS INTERMITENTLY THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A TSB0017-21 TO RECALIBRATE. ON OCCASSION I FELT I WAS GOING TO REAR END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME OR DRIFT INTO THE INTERSECTION WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. BREAKING HARD TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM COULD CAUSE MY VEHICLE TO BE REAR ENDED. TO MY KNOWLEDGE, THERE WERE NO WARNING LAMPS, MESSAGES OR OTHER SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE "FAILURE"

While braking at random times, at any speed, the vehicle surges forward. This makes you have to break harder to get the vehicle to stop. It seems as if the breaks do not work at all for a brief period. I have brought it into the dealer, my car is no longer under warranty, they found nothing wrong.

With increasing frequency, we have noticed what feels like the brakes releasing after being applied. This has happened at low speeds 5-10mph and mid speeds of 20-30's mph. It seems to happen more often when cornering or coming to full stop at low speeds. When the brakes let up it seems almost to accelerate the vehicle. So far we have been able to avoid a collision, but we are fearful that we may hit and injure someone as a pedestrian or in another vehicle. We have complained to Toyota twice now and had the car looked at. They can't find anything wrong and tell us it is normal for hybrid cars?

my vehicle showing break power low and indicating all safty feature malfunction

When braking, often it feels like the brakes are not engaged, not right away, but during the braking process. This causes the vehicle to surge forward like there are no brakes. Immediately you feel like the brakes failed, then you push them again, they work. It is very random with no reference to different speeds, inclines, never know when it may happen. It has caused many near misses for our family whenever this happens.

While in the process of slowing down, especially through roundabouts, the car braking systems seem to fail for a few seconds and actually surge/accelerate forward. It is sporadic but has happened to me more than 10 times in the last 6 month but I worry that it will jet forward into another car. I have notified my Dealer Ed Martin of Noblesville and they have stated this is the hybrid braking system (part of how it works). I understand this system but it should fail while braking. I was dismissed and wanted to report it as I did see on-line of other complaints.

I came to a stop sign in my neighborhood on Windy Drive and I heard what sounded like a gunshot. I immediately put my vehicle into park and got out and noticed that the sunroof glass was shattered. The best description I can give is the glass looked like a volcano where the broken pieces were facing upward. I then proceeded to my local Toyota dealership located in Alexandria, Louisiana. They told me my car was out of warranty and provided me with a quote of $1,450.00. I believe that this occurred due to a defect from the manufacturing process and I don't think the consumer should be responsible for the cost to fix the sunroof. After researching on the internet, I see several complaints from other Toyota owners that have experienced the same incident and I feel this should be a recall on Toyota's part. I am frustrated that I have to pay $1,450.00 for damage that I know was a manufacturing defect after I researched and found hundreds of other consumers with the same experience.

When coming to a stop, when I apply the brakes, they stop working and I have to press harder on the petal to stop the car. It feels like the brakes "let go" , it is scary since the brakes stop working. I have searched the web and found the Manufacturer has been sited with an issue on another model. Toyota Camry- NHTSA 21V890 - bad vacuum pumps- "van cap" - many break causes the break to lose brake assist . I am planned to see my dealer for its 35000 mile checkup and plan to report to the dealer this issue- 5/19/2023

This occurs occasionally when I brake. I have my foot softly on the brake and the brakes cut out. The car feels like it accelerates/surges forward rather than slowing down. I need to apply the brakes hard to then stop the vehicle. I never know when it will happen. When it occurs and a car is in front of me, I have had near miss accidents. The issue seems to be worse on bumpy roads or downhill road when I tried to hit break to slow down or stop the car. I brought the car into dealer on 5/17 which they connected with diagnostic tool. However it showed everything is normal. The service agent told me there is one case just reported few days ago with same issue. Toyota sent expert to dealer to investigate the issue so I need to come back on same day for further investigation.

While parking, the shifter was inadvertently left in reverse. The engine was turned off while foot was still on the brake. After preparing to exit the car and removing my foot from the brake, the car began rolling forward until I noticed and slammed on the foot brake. We are used to the vehicle parking brake engaging automatically as there is no way to do so manually, that we know of. There was no warning that the shifter was not in park and no audible or noticeable visual notification that the vehicle was not in park. In some cases, on a flat surface when the vehicle wasn't in park, it didn't allow me to shut off or arm the security system. In this case, I was able to stop the vehicle and fortunately there was nothing in front of the vehicle. Since the vehicle was powered off, anti-collision likely would not have stopped a collision.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Braking system How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle braking is unpredictable. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? We can not get the issue to be reproduced, braking variables seem random Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspected by Toyota Dealership Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lights or computer codes go off Assessment of the incident: When applying the brakes to stop or slow, the brakes will slip for a second then re-engage. This can happen when coming to a slow stop or an abrupt stop. The exact parameters to cause this issue are unknown at this time and is unpredictable. My dealership is aware and has documented the issue but has been unable to reproduce the issue. Never experienced this before with other Toyota hybrids I have owned.

my car experiences intermittent acceleration when applying the breaks. It lunges forward for some reason. It has also not stopped when hitting the breaks hard but lunges as well. I am using the last date that this happened.

Warning lights appeared while driving on city streets.

Brakes temporarily fail at low speed when regenative brakes switch to hydraulic brakes.

This occurs occasionally when I brake. I have my foot softly on the brake and the brakes cut out. The car feels like it accelerates/surges forward rather than slowing down. I need to apply the brakes hard to then stop the vehicle. I never know when it will happen. When it occurs and a car is in front of me, I have had near miss accidents. I often transport my grandchildren to daycare so I'm not only concerned with my safety, but my passengers as well. I have shared with my dealer and have called to report this to the Toyota corporate office. My dealer has noted this problem on my scheduled service invoice. They have inspected and recalibrated the brakes, but it is still happening. The dealer has checked each service appointment for any recall or notification from Toyota. I have researched online and know there are other Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners who are experiencing this same malfunction. When I called the Toyota national number, they indicated they would give my situation a case number. No one from Toyota has admitted there is a problem, but from my online research many owners have reported this problem. I would assume there are owners that have not reported it. It's truly a safety issue. I love everything else about the vehicle and hope by submitting this malfunction, it will lead to a recall and repair.

Upon starting my 2021 Highlander Platinum with 10,700 miles on it several warning lights repeatedly came across my display including reduced engine power, brake system malfunction, pre collision system malfunction. See your dealer. No codes showed up on their scan but every time they cleared the screen the messages came back. They decided it was a bad knock sensor. Then I received a call that a critter had chewed wires and they might find further damage. I was surprised because I’ve been in my house for 45 years and I’ve never had a critter in my garage. The service manager said “Toyotas attract critters because of the covering they use on the wires.” I said, “Soy?” And he said, “Yes”. So, isn’t this a manufacturing defect? How many times a year is this going to happen? I’ve owned Toyotas for 27 years. I’ve never had a problem until this car. I’m also having problems with the navigation system, 2 visits to the dealership and 45 minutes on the phone with the Toyota Engagement Center.

I have noticed that if I hit a bump in the road while braking, the brakes release momentarily and I have to press harder to continue braking. I have confirmed that this happens consistently, and is more likely to happen when I am braking slowly (i.e. I'm not pushing very hard on the brake pedal, just slowing the car gradually). This indicates that it's the regenerative brakes that are disengaging when I hit a bump or pothole. It has happened 20+ times and continues to happen consistently under these circumstances.

We have owned our 2021 hybrid awd platinum highlander for 8 months and within the past two months (around 16k miles) it has started to do an acceleration upon applying the brake. The car does catch itself and then after hitting the brake harder it does stop. This has happen on 7 different occasions, flat roads, hills, parking spots now. It has happened while my husband drives it and myself. It was brought it for computer recalls around the same time that this issue started. After the recalls were fixed I brought it back in and left it with the dealer for a few days. They cannot replicate it and therefor won’t do anything. They tried to tell me that I can’t drive with two feet…. Which I don’t. I’ve seen other reports where Toyota claims it’s inexperienced regenerative braking driving. We have owned a 2011 Prius that we had for 6 years and it never did it once. We also had a 2021 Audi e-from which fully relies on regenerative braking. We are not novice when it comes to hybrid driving systems. It has come to the point where I’d like to sell the car and get something else rather than worry about a car crash with my babies in the car. I also owned a 2019 awd regular gas highlander that never had any braking issues. So I don’t know what the solution is, but this is a very expensive car to be having these kinds of issues.

I bought this car in March 2021 to haul my 1st grandchild around. I noticed early on their was something weird happening when I braked, but it occurred randomly, so I thought maybe it's a hybrid thing (or even my imagination). I was the sole driver of the car 99.9% of the time. It gradually got worse over the first 12 months. My husband would occasional drive us to town, but never experienced it, until he did. Scared and concerned for my safety, he didn't want me to drive it anymore. The brakes literally fail when you least expect it causing you to turn too fast, it catapults you forward and you have no control of the vehicle for several seconds. We have had numerous near accidents. I took it to the dealership and they said they fixed the problem with a computer update. I picked it up on a Friday around closing time and got halfway home when I decided I needed Starbucks. Turning into the drive thru I nearly rear-ended a DPS car! GAVE ME A HEART ATTACK! I called the dealership that Monday morning and they said it fixed, but I could bring it back in. Took it back and they basically handed the keys to me and said there's nothing wrong. I told them it's dangerous and when my luck runs out and I have an accident, then what?? Who will be responsible?! No one is allowed to drive my car. My mom, my sister, not even my 21 year old who could drive a NASCAR. It is extremely dangerous and will eventually get someone hurt or dead. I told them I refuse to pick the car up until they figure this out. Gullo Toyota in Conroe, where I bought the car, said my keys are ready when I am. I am contacting a lawyer and filing a complaint here.

Vehicle was driving at highway speed, transitioning to off ramp. Warning lights came on stating Braking Power low. Brakes proceeded to fail. Stepping on brakes did nothing but initiate a stuttering response. Vehicle would not slow down. Rolled into dealership that was luckily .5 miles away. It was diagnosed to be a wheel speed sensor. A sensor failing should not cause a vehicle to be unable to brake. Shocked and traumatized over the incident.

Mileage: 27,109

When braking approaching a stop light or braking while having curved into a designated turn lane the car lurches forward even though the brake peddle is properly engaged. This causes one to react by pressing harder on the brake pedal and the brakes thankfully stop the surge . I could describe it as an acceleration during the middle of braking. This could easily cause me to hit the car in front of me, a pedestrian or fail to stop at the stop sign or stop light. This is very dangerous. The dealership has been unable to reproduce the problem. It has occurred 3 times in 10 weeks (as I just purchased the vehicle). There were no warning lamps or messages prior to all three incidents. I input the most recent date that it occurred even though the dealership was unable to see the third incident on their computer readout. They did find the prior 2 incidents IN ADDITION to one in 2020 prior to my owning the vehicle. I have noticed on an internet forum others have experienced the same issue. One case has this number associated with NHTSA 220314000811. PLEASE help!!!

When slowing down, It doesn’t happen all the time, but it’s as if the brakes disengage and the car feels like it is accelerating . After a second or two it will engage after I applied a lot harder because I’m freaking out because it feels like I have complete brake failure. I took the vehicle to Toyota and they told me it is normal to experience this because the breaking system is switching between the electric motors and the break calipers. I have been driving for over 40 years and there is NOTHING normal about this! I have gone into intersections at stop signs and almost rear ended vehicles in front of me as a result of this. Just because Toyota has a problem that they acknowledge, but claim that it isn't a problem, doesn't make it right and it is downright dangerous. This issue has been present since purchasing the vehicle.

On May 24th I was driving back to work form my lunch break, had to make an additional stop before going back and in the moment I was to make a right suddenly the car would not stop or turn, no light were on at the moment, now the car is a total loss and I went trough the scariest time of my life after running into mangroves

The Highlander Hybrid is dangerous and someone will get hurt. The brakes will occasionally, at lower speeds and under a variety of circumstances, stop working for a second or two. It actually gives the feeling that the car is accelerating or surging forward. My dealer was able to replicate the problem but said they hadn't heard of a fix yet. They had heard of this issue from several customers. Toyota maintains it is normal operation and is simply the hybrid switching from regenerative braking to mechanical braking. It is completely unpredictable. Sometimes it will go a week without happening. Sometimes it will happen several times in 1 day. My wife and I do not feel safe in this car. Very frustrating that Toyota doesn't seem to take this seriously. It's simply a matter of time before we rear end someone, or hit something else.

At only 12,000 miles there is significant vibrating and shuddering when applying brakes. I was told after an inspection that it is the rotors.

Regarding brakes: There is an inconsistent involuntary brake pressure release occurring when slowing down via braking where the brakes let loose for about a second before applying again. This occurs with no change in pressure applied to the brake pedal. This is a dangerous situation, especially if in emergency braking situation. This has occurred multiple times over the 16k miles that it's been driven, but more recently. There is no consistency on the speeds it occurs at either. Regarding fuel: We are unable to fill fuel tank completely due to poor venting in gas tank, which could lead to spilled gas similar to overfill, causing a hazard. This vehicle has a 17.1 gallon fuel tank but we are only able to get 12-13 gallons upon fill-up at empty. Both of these issues have been reported to our local Toyota dealership, with no resolution.

I am noticing a little "gap" in the brakes when I am slowing down in traffic and going down hill. It is as if the brakes let up for just a second the car surges slightly as if I had taken my foot off the brake, the brakes loss the power and I have to press on it harder to stop the car. It's a bit disconcerting! I've checked with the dealer, they confirmed the brake is fully function no issue.

My new 2021 Toyota highlander hybrid having random issues when braking, I noticed most of the time when the car is going downhill, the car will lose braking for a second and I have to depress the brake harder to slow the vehicle. In that second when it loses the brake the car is actually going forward, which can cause unpredictable stopping distance, it can accident if I follow too close. There is no warning light show in the dashboard, the problem is not able to reproduce. It can happen randomly.

At random times, when traveling at 10-15 mph and applying the brakes to stop or slow, the brakes will slip for a second or less and then re-in-gauge. Never experienced this before with 2 other Toyota hybrids I have owned. Scary feeling. Have notified Toyota Customer service since I have read others with same model (highlander hybrid platinum) have same problem.

Upon attempting to engage the brakes, it was found that they did not work. Immediately thereafter, the car began an uncommanded full acceleration. The insurance company has totaled the car. Our safety as occupants was obviously at serious risk. The driver chose to take the car off the road rather than jeopardize the lives of others on the same road. The car plowed through boulders and trees, coming to rest upside down wedged between an earthen berm and a tree......suspended about 2 feet above the ground. There were no warnings prior to the incident. The car has been inspected by the insurance company, and has been authorized for inspection by the manufacturer. There were no serious injuries as a result of the accident. We were VERY lucky! Uncommanded acceleration without any control is a frightening event any time....but definitely in the vicinity of other vehicles full of families.

WE ARE EXPERIENCING PCS IS NOT WORKING, WE WERE DRIVING ON FREEWAY WHEN CARS STOPPED SUDDENLY AND NOT EVEN DISPLAYING ANY WARNING SIGNAL OF 'BRAKE' ON THAT MOMENT, WE WERE SO CLOSE TO IMPACT A TRAILER, SECOND TIME SIMILAR SITUATION THE NEXT DAY AFTER THE FIRST APPT AT SERVICE WHERE THEY STATED THAT PCS WAS WORKING PROPERLY , CARS STOPPED SUDDENLY AND NOT EVEN WITH THE WARNING TIMING SET UP IN TO THE 'EARLY TIME', WARNING US TO USE THE BRAKE. THE EXPLANATION FROM SECOND APPT IT WAS 'IT WORKED WITH CRUISE ON', ON MY PREVIOUS CARS NEVER NEEDED TO TURN ON CRUISE, HAVE A 3TH APPOINTMENT COMING THIS WEEK, BUT ON ELECTRICIAN OPINION IS WORKING FINE WITHOUT HE EVEN KNOWING YOU COULD SET THE WARNING TIMING ON THE MENU BY YOURSELF.

Mileage: 2,600