2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Brakes Problems

“The ABS brake pump leaks. It's a $2000 repair. There was a recall, but I never got the recall letter. The recall expired 8 months ago and Toyota won't honor it, even though they confirmed they sent the recall letter to the former owner, 17 months after I purchased the car. They did not send the letter to the registered owner on file with the state, they sent it to the address they had on file with Toyota.”

“A sound of squeaking/pumping air occurs sometimes when I depress the brakes. This sometimes continues to happen even with the car is stopped completely. If the brake is depressed less, the sound occurs less frequently. I had it inspected by an independent mechanic and a dealership mechanic and was told the ABS assembly has a leak and needs to be completely replaced for a fee of roughly $2,300. This first occurred with mileage around 152,000.”

“After parking on an incline, in cold weather, with the emergency brake on, then starting up the car and driving slowly, the rear tires make a grinding noise. I have taken the car in to the dealer twice to address the issue, and they have completely replaced all the brake equipment and still the issue continues. They have suggested that I don't need to use my emergency brake when parking the car.”

“While entering into a driveway at a very slow speed, I stepped on the brake to slow down further. But instead of braking, the car lunged forward. I felt I was not in control of the vehicle. I continued to hit the brakes, but the vehicle continued to go forward. It slammed into the car that was parked in the driveway and caused major damage. It also shoved the car into their garage, split the frame in half and ripped off brick from their home. …”

“When braking at any speed, the brake pedal vibrates and makes a chirping sound. After researching I've discovered it's a brake actuator issue. Toyota did extend the warranty briefly, but no recall was issued. My Toyota certified mechanic said brake failure could definitely occur when the actuator fails completely. When braking over bumps, the brakes seem to give out briefly as well which is quite startling. The replacement part is $1800 plus labor, which is ridiculous considering this is definitely a safety issue.”