2010 Toyota Highlander Brakes

Affected by the faulty Brake Actuator & Accumulator on 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Brake malfunction and ABS disabled lights popped up on my Multi-Information Display. This issue disables ABS & VSC systems, which therefore makes this a safety hazard. Upon doing research, I have concluded that many complaints about this specific "Brake actuator & accumulator" have been issued. In the past, Toyota has provided a "Customer Support Program" which expired in 2020, but this does not help current owners like myself, who are stuck with this problem.

When traveling a slow speeds (less than 15 mph) and needing to stop, the brakes are pressed but do not respond. This has happened on several occasions and has caused two separate accidents where the Highlander has failed to stop and it runs into the car in front. After the first accident, we looked for recalls (2015) and there were none for any model Toyota for brakes or brake systems. We brought the car in to the mechanic and had all the brakes and pads replaced, although they said nothing was wrong with the shoes nor pads. Now, years later, another accident in the exact same way. Luckily, due to the slow speed, no one was hurt but this is definitely a problem with the car. There have never been any warning lights, or sounds that would indicate an issue.

On approx. October 19, 2023 my vehicle started showing 4 error messages on the display: Brake Malfunction, Check ABS, Check VSC System, and Check Brake System. 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: 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 and C1253, among others. 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.

1. When braking vehicle accelerates for 1 to 2 seconds. 2. I believe safety is at risk for driver, passengers or people close to accelerating car. 3. This has not been confirmed with dealer. 4. Multiple inspections but not for this problem. 5. No warning has ever appeared on any visible car system. Problem has existed for over one year. 2010 Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid 4WD

My issue is not that I got a brake warning light (see attached image). My issue is that Toyota knows that this is an issue and will only fix it if you experience the issue before 12/30/2020 or at less than 150,000 miles. It is irresponsible of Toyota to know this is an issue, especially regarding the vehicle brakes (see screenshots of the letter from Toyota).

The brake actuator (4405048320) and brake booster pump (4707048020) malfunctioned. The ABS warning came on the display, as well as a warning saying “Brake Malfunction: pull over car immediately.” The traction control light, ABS light, warning light, and parking brake light also came on. The computer code was C1391. This controls the brakes and anti-lock brake system. This is a serious and known safety issue. It is well-documented online, and in 2019 Toyota acknowledged this widespread issue with a Customer Support Program ZKC. However, this program only applied for a limited time, and since then more vehicles have had this same issue with faulty parts. Even vehicles under 150,000 miles no longer qualify for free replacement despite this being a known and widespread issue.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The actuator assembly, and brake booster pump assembly w/ accumulator have failed. Part # 04008-26448 and 04008-51148 How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This controls the brakes and anti-lock brake system. Stopping distance and anti-lock performance has been very erratic. Brake pedal feel has been soft or overly-firm and could easily cause a collision or serious accident. This is a serious and known safety issue and should result in a vehicle recall. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? This problem was confirmed by Norm Reeves Toyota San Diego on 3/12/22, and has been acknowledged by Toyota in Bulletin POL 19-06. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There are many warning lamps on in the car, including an ABS and Brake System warning on the display, the traction control light, ABS light, warning light, and parking brake light. The vehicles brake booster has been running frequently and making a loud noise for about 18 months or 2 years prior to failure and prior to warning lights coming on.

Driving down the highway the abs srs air bag lights and the warning triangle all came on and then shortly after that a loud continuous beeping sound started and when my wife tried to pull over she realized she really had to cram on the brakes to get the car to stop... this scared the daylights out of my wife and thank god we didn't get in wreck!! But I dont understand why this is not a recall problem after all the other people I have read about with the same problem with the abs accumulator bleeding off pressure causing the pump motor to run abnormally long and in our case constantly to the point of no being burnt up and needing to replace.. my wife is the second owner of this car and we have had it since 2015... how is the window switch MORE OF AA CONCERN THAN FAULTY ABS ACCUMULATORS???

Driving when multiple lights related to traction, ABS system illuminated. Warning message to pull over immediately. Power brakes gone. Had to push brake pedal hard and long to floor to get minimal manual brakes to take effect. High pitched alarm sound. Almost ran into other cars in parking lot.

MY 2010 HIGHLANDER HYBRID HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY. CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICE IS EXPIRED ON DEC 31, 2020 WHICH IS NOT FAIR. THIS PROBLEM CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND CAUSE. IT WAS LUCKY THAT MY WIFE MANAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN BRAKE DOES NOT WORK AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON. MY WIFE NOW COULD NOT DRIVE BECAUSE SHE IS TOO SCARED TO DRIVE ANYMORE. THIS ISSUE RAISED A BIG ENOUGH ISSUE FOR TOYOTA TO EXTEND COVERAGE. IT NEEDS TO BE A RECALL, AS THE TOTAL REPAIR COSTS EXCEED $3500 IN MOST CASES FOR A PART TOYOTA HAS ESSENTIALLY ADMITTED WAS DEFECTED.

While driving several passengers, vehicle brakes failed, dash lights came on. Brake booster pump and actuator failed according to Master Mechanic. Vehicle available for inspection. Brake failure sudden reduction is stopping distance unexpected nearly causing collision to other vehicle and possible injury or death to others. Toyota aware of issue (customer support bulletin (zKc) which expired 12/31/21 without notifying me of issue unless NHTSA call for SAFETY RECALL. Problem is same exact as my 2010 PRIUS which was safety rcalled NHTSA Code 13V235000.without any brake problem indicators. Toyota refuses to repair unless NHTSA calls for a SAFETY RECALL beyond 12/31/21 expired date of (csp bulletin zKc. I experienced what I thought was slight & brief dash light which went back to normal immediately. First appeared Sept 1, 2021.

BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY ARE VIBRATING EVERY 30 SECONDS PERIODICALLY AND MAKING VIOLENT NOISE. THIS IS ALSO HAPPENING WHEN I PUSH THE BRAKES. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. TOYOTA REFUSED TO REPLACE THE UNIT, STATING THAT THEIR PROGRAM EXPIRED 12/31/2020. THEY SAID THEY PUBLISHED THIS: "CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM BULLETIN (ZKC): REPAIR COVERAGE FOR BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY ON CERTAIN 2008-2010 MY HIGHLANDER HYBRID VEHICLES". HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2019/MC-10164925-9999.PDF WE HAVE NEVER RECEIVED THIS NOTICE BEFORE. THIS LOOKS LIKE A WAY FOR TOYOTA TO BYPASS A MAJOR RECALL AND REDUCE THE COSTS OF REPLACEMENTS. NHTSA MAY BE ENABLING THIS KIND OF EVASIVE BEHAVIOR.

ABS LIGHTS ARE ON AND IT SAYS TO CHECK THE VEHICLE BY DEALER. THIS MIGHT BE WITH ALL THE HYBRIDS.

MY 2010 HIGHLANDER HYBRID IS PRESENTING A CODE C1391 FOR AN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY. CURRENTLY MY ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHTS ARE ON WITH A MESSAGE NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA HAS RECOGNIZED THIS ISSUE AND OFFERED FREE REPAIRS, EXTENDING COVERAGE UNTIL DEC 31, 2020. THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM BULLETIN TO SUPPORT THIS IS POL19-06. THIS ISSUE RAISED A BIG ENOUGH ISSUE FOR TOYOTA TO EXTEND COVERAGE. IT NEEDS TO BE A RECALL, AS THE TOTAL REPAIR COSTS EXCEED $3500 IN MOST CASES FOR A PART TOYOTA HAS ESSENTIALLY ADMITTED WAS DEFECTED.

VEHICLE WAS ON CITY STREET COMING TO A STOP BRAKE PEDAL WENT AL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND SKID ICON CAME ON LUCILY I STOPPED JUST IN TIME TO AVOID A WRECK. TOYOTA SAID WAS BRAKE ACTUATOR GOING BAD .SAME PROBLEM AS OTHER TOYOTAS THAT WERE RECALLED,AS MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ON RECALL LIST TOYOTA WONT FIX IT UNDER RECALL AND WANT ME TO PAY $3000 TO FIX IT .MAYBE THAT WILL FIX IT? WHY CANT A RECALL FIX A PROCLEM WITH ALL BRAKE ACTUATORS AS THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IN ACTUATORS. THANKS LARRY

I ALMOST GOT IN TO AN ACCIDENT ON 5/11/2018 DUE TO THE ABS SYSTEM NOT STOPPING THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING IN I-95. I GOT A WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH AS I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKES, LATER THE CAR DID NOT WANTED TO STOP, BUT IT DID NOT PREVENT ME FROM HITTING THE OTHER CAR. I PRESS ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR. LATER, I TOOK THE CAR TO GET DIAGNOSE AND PUT ERROR CODES C1391, ABS ACCUMULATOR LEAK OR MALFUNCTION. CONTACTED DELRAY TOYOTA IN DELRAY BEACH, FL AND THEY DENY TO DO A RECALL WHEN THERE IS AN EXTENTED WARRANTY RECALL ON CAMRY AND PRIUS MODEL LINE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. CALLED TOYOTA CORP. AND THEY ARE DENYING TO DO ANYTHING TO FIX THE SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. THEY STATED THAT SINCE THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH BUYERS FOR THIS MODEL, THEY WILL NOT COVER OR MAKE A RECALL ON SAFETY FOR THE PUBLIC. I HAVE FOUND OVER ALL THE INTERNET COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. I AM LOOKING FOR A RESOLUTION. A PICTURE OF THE ERRORS CODES ON THE VEHICLE IS INCLUDED ON THE COMPLAINT.

I WAS DRIVING TO PICK UP MY SON WHEN A BRAKE MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH ABS SYSTEM. AFTER PICKING UP MY SON I WENT DIRECTLY TO THE DEALER AND THE FOUND THE PROBLEM WAS GIVEN BY CODE C1391, A BRAKE ACCUMULATOR VACUUM LEAK. WAS TOLD VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT REPAIR, INTERNAL PRESSURE LOSS COULD PREVENT CAR FROM STOPPING IN A PANIC SITUATION. ALTHOUGH IT APPEARS THIS IS COVERED BY WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR SOME MODEL YEARS OF HIGHLANDER, CAMRY AND PRIUS, TOYOTA WOULD NOT EXTEND SAME COURTESY TO ME, NOR WAS DEALER ABLE TO OFFER ME A GOODWILL ADJUSTMENT. PUMP ASSEMBLY AND ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY PARTS AND REPAIR COST ABOUT $5300.00. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM THE DEALER, HAD ALL RECOMMENDED AND NECESSARY MAINTENANCE AT DEALER ON DEALER SCHEDULE. *BF *TR

ABS - CODE -1391,THIS IS SECOND TIME,FIRST TIME(2016) WAS CHANGED THIS PART -44510-48080

HYBRID BREAKING SYSTEM. THE HYBRID BREAKING SYSTEM (ACTUATOR, ACCUMULATOR, & PUMP) ON MY 2010 HIGHLANDER HYBRID ARE FAULTY AND HAVE FAILED. MY FAMILY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM TOYOTA DEALER WHEN IT WAS APPROXIMATELY 1.5 YEARS YOUNG, AND HAVE PERFORMED ALL NECESSARY SERVICE AT CAMELBACK TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN A TIMELY FASHION. (23 SERVICE HISTORY REPORTS SHOWN ON CARFAX.) OUR HIGHLANDER HAS LESS THAN 100K MILES AND IS LESS THAN 10 YEARS OLD (APPROXIMATELY 8 YEARS OLD). THE FAULTY HYBRID BREAKING SYSTEM IS A KNOWN ISSUE, THAT TOYOTA HAS ISSUED 'LIMITED EXTENDED WARRANTIES' ON AT LEAST 736K VEHICLES (WHICH WOULD COVER MY REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE IF MY VEHICLE WAS OLDER ('WEP-ZG1' COVERS FULL REPLACEMENT OF BREAKING SYSTEM AT NO COST TO CUSTOMER FOR VEHICLES WITH 150K MILES OR LESS OR 10 YEARS OR NEWER) AND FULL RECALLS ON THE PRIUS BREAKING SYSTEM. CAMELBACK TOYOTA FIRST QUOTED ME $2,500 FOR THE REPAIR' BUT THAT FIRST REPAIR WAS ONLY TO REPLACE THE ACCUMULATOR AND THE PUMP. THE NEXT DAY, THE BRAKE MALFUNCTION LIGHTS CAME ON, AND NOW THEY'RE QUOTING ME ANOTHER $2,064 TO REPLACE THE ACTUATOR. MY FAMILY HAS CARED FOR THIS CAR PROPERLY, AND DONE NOTHING THAT WOULD CAUSE A TOTAL BREAK MALFUNCTION. THIS IS A MALFUNCTIONING BREAK SYSTEM THAT TOYOTA (AND THEIR PARTS MANUFACTURER) NEED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR. A BREAKING SYSTEM IS ARGUABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT SYSTEM ON ANY VEHICLE! THIS IS PUTTING MY FAMILY, AND OTHER FAMILIES AT RISK. I ASK THE NTSB TO FORCE A RECALL ON MY 2010 HIGHLANDER HYBRID MODEL. THANK YOU. FURTHER EVIDENCE: IN 2013, TOYOTA RECALLS THE PRIUS: HTTP://WWW.NBCNEWS.COM/BUSINESS/TOYOTA-RECALLS-PRIUS-LEXUS-HYBRID-FAULTY-BRAKES-6C10208931 HIGHLANDER HYBRID 2008 COMPLAINTS: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/TOYOTA/HIGHLANDER_HYBRID/2008/BRAKES/SERVICE_BRAKES.SHTML HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/TOYOTA/HIGHLANDERHYBRID/ABS-BRAKE-FAIL-PROBLEMS.PHP

THIS MORNING AT 7:45 AM EST MY CAR SELF BROKE WHILE IN DRIVE AND TRAVELING AT 45MPH. I WAS LUCKY THE DRIVER BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO AVOID HITTING ME. IS THIS A KNOW PROBLEM? I AM FEARFUL TO DRIVE ME CAR AGAIN

ON JULY 16, 2014 I TURNED MY CAR ON, READY TO RETURN HOME TO NEW JERSEY FROM BROOKLYN, AT THIS POINT THE BRAKE LIGHT SIGNAL, ABS, AND WARNING ICON ALL TURNED ON. THE CAMERA DISPLAYED A TEXT STATING BRAKE MALFUNCTION AND GIVING INSTRUCTIONS TO PARK THE CAR IMMEDIATELY. I CALLED THE TOYOTA 800 NUMBER AND FOLLOWED THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS, L HAD THE CAR TOW TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER, BAY RIDGE TOYOTA OF BROOKLYN. I PICKED UP THE CAR ON THE 18 TH, I WAS TOLD THEY RAN ALL TESTS AN THEY FOUND EVERYTHING PROPERLY INSTALLED. THEY SCAN TEST CLEAN ALL DTC PERFORMED INITIALIZATION AND CALIBRATION OF THE LINEAR SOLENOID VALVE. THEY ROAD TESTED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED REPAIR, NO LIGHTS ON, AT A COST OF $227 PLUS TAX. TODAY THE 28 OF OCTOBER AS I TURNED MY CAR ON I FACE THE SAME PROBLEM ALL THE BRAKE LIGHTS, ABS, WARNING, AND DISPLAY TEXT INDICATING MALFUNCTION, TO STOP THE CAR. I AGAIN CALLED FOR TOW WENT TO TOYOTA OF HILLSIDE IN NJ, EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED. WAS ASK WHY I HAD THE CAR TOW AFTER TELLING THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE ABOUT THE BRAKES. HOW CAN ANYONE DRIVE A VEHICLE THAT IS WARNING YOU NOT TO DO SO. I ALSO SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER STATING THAT I DON'T THINK I SHOULD PAY FOR THIS SERVICE AGAIN SINCE ITS BEEN ONLY 1500 MILES OR A LITTLE OVER 90 DAYS SINCE THE SAME PROBLEM. AM SURE THERE'S MORE TO THIS. THANK YOU *TR

WHEN I DEPRESS THE BRAKE TO MAKE A CONSISTENT SMOOTH STOP IF THE VEHICLE HITS BUMPS THE CAR SEEMS TO LOOSE ITS BRAKING POWER AND ALMOST FEELS LIKE IT SLIPS OUT FROM UNDER ME AS IT LURCHES AHEAD. THIS PROBLEM IS CONSISTENT IN THAT IT HAPPENS IN THE SAME SPOTS UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH IT COULD BE HAZARDOUS IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS. *JS

MY TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID HAS EXTREMELY POOR BRAKING IN SNOW / ICY CONDITIONS. EVEN AT EXTREMELY LOW SPEEDS (10 TO 15 MPH), THE CAR SKIDS FOR TENS OF FEET BEFORE COMING TO A HALT. THREE TIMES SO FAR, IT CAUSED DANGEROUS SITUATIONS BECAUSE THE CAR KEPT GOING DESPITE FULL ENGAGEMENT OF THE BRAKES. ONCE, I NARROWLY MISSED BEING HIT BY A 53' TRUCK BECAUSE MY CAR ROLLED INTO A MAJOR STREET, JUST BARELY GETTING BY BEFORE THE TRUCK CAME THROUGH. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO TALK WITH THE DEALER - THE RESPONSE IS THAT HYBRID CARS BRAKE DIFFERENTLY. I HAVE DRIVEN CARS FOR OVER 30 YEARS, AND I KNOW THERE IS A DEFECT IN HOW THE CAR'S HYBRID SYSTEM IS ENGAGING THE BRAKING FUNCTIONALITY. ITS A SHAME THAT A CAR THAT COST 50K ON THE ROAD HAS SUCH A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT THE MANUFACTURER AND ITS DEALERS REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO STATED THIS WAS NORMAL FOR VEHICLE WITH ABS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

AS I WAS DRIVING TRAFFIC CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP. I APPLIED THE BRAKES HARD, HOWEVER WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP BEFORE HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. AS PART OF THE NECESSARY VEHICLE REPAIRS AFTER THE ACCIDENT, TO GET THE BRAKES TO OPERATE AGAIN PROPERLY, THE BRAKE LOAD SENSOR - AN ELECTRIC SENSOR ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THAT FEEDS BACK TO THE BRAKING COMPUTER SYSTEM HOW HARD BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED WAS FOUND TO HAVE FAILED, PRESUMABLY AT THE TIME AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT. THIS MALFUNCTION TRIPS A WARNING IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM, AND AFFECTS OPERABILITY OF THE BRAKES. RECENTLY ON JUNE 18, 2012 WHILE DRIVING ON A LOCAL STREET AT 25 MPH, A VEHICLE PASSED A STOP SIGN CROSSING IN FRONT OF ME NECESSITATING I BRAKE HARD TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. WHILE AN ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THIS A BRAKE MALFUNCTION WARNING CAME ON, AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM STOPPED OPERATING NORMALLY. THE DEALER FOUND THAT DUE TO THE HARD BRAKING, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME MISALIGNED, AND THE BRAKE LOAD SENSOR FAILED AGAIN. THIS PATTERN LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT IN INSTANCES OF HARD BRAKING, DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND/OR LOAD SENSOR CAN OCCUR, CAUSING A LOSS OF BRAKE POWER POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR