2001 Toyota Highlander Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 14%of 137 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Toyota Highlander, 14% of the 137 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On 11/17/2015 I hit a parking island in an unlit parking lot. When I tried to stop, my brakes failed. This caused me to lose control of the vehicle and it hit 2 parked cars and a tree. I have lost wages and live in pain every day due to injuries from this accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10990497, filed 2017-05, 105,000 miles“I am experiencing problems with my 2001 Toyota Highlander. Whenever I press on the brake it pulsates,vibrates and it makes a distracting loud ratcheting sound. When the speedometer drops to less than 10mph- it happens. This happens so frequently, that I really hate driving anywhere. I took it to several different mechanics. After being told the problem that I am having is due to warped rotors and warn brake pads- I paid to have new brake pads and rotors installed. That didn't work. …”
NHTSA complaint #10397246, filed 2011-04, 101,531 miles“The car accident in which I was involved in had suspicious activities that followed, for example, finance company repossessed my vehicle although my payments were current. Recently, while researching vehicle recalls, I found that my 2001 Toyota Highlander had a hydraulic brake recall. The accident caused injuries as well as totaling out two vehicles. I was driving on fwy when I had to stop suddenly due to construction traffic. My Highlander's brakes went to the floor which made it impossible to stop.”
NHTSA complaint #10266486, filed 2009-04, 53,000 miles“I bought a Toyota Highlander in 2001. I think my car does have a brake problem. When I apply brakes at speed over 50 miles, car is vibrating and hard to stop. I have to stop applying brake. After buying a car, I took it to the dealer, and the sales agent said, it is not a brake problem, it is because of hard pressure. Recently, my husband drove the car and he felt it too.(date for this incident is some where in september 2001) (2) occasionally my car ignition is not working, I have to give gas to start car! I took it to Toyota dealer located at buford mall of ga, in the u.s.a. …”
NHTSA complaint #10310731, filed 2010-02, 200 miles“Consumer stated that when attempting to apply the anti lock brakes, the vehicle experienced heavy vibration and caused a distraction to the consumer. The dealer was notified. At 55 MPH when braking, the steering wheel shook, but the consumer was able to the control the vehicle. However at 75-80 MPH, when braking (no emergency), the steering shook violently.”
NHTSA complaint #10031428, filed 2003-08, 24,000 milesRelated recalls
- 01V228000Jul 5, 2001Vehicle description: sport utiity vehicles. The reservoir filler cap of the brake master cylinder may induce a vacuum, introducing some air into the brake…Covers: Toyota Highlander 2001
Related service bulletins
- 10214323Mar 17, 2022TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
- 10210375Mar 9, 2022TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in…
- 10190453Mar 12, 2021TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10187241Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10186195Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10131928Feb 5, 2014A key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle's braking system is to perform a visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers, and discs…
- 10131984Sep 9, 2013A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system…
- 10061620Sep 9, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 20% |
| 2024 | 8 | 19% |
| 2023 | 20 | 11% |
| 2022 | 40 | 15% |
| 2021 | 68 | 13% |
| 2020 | 41 | 13% |
| 2019 | 20 | 4% |
| 2018 | 58 | 21% |
| 2017 | 29 | 11% |
| 2016 | 19 | 17% |
| 2015 | 15 | 8% |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 17 | 8% |
| 2012 | 14 | 8% |
| 2011 | 17 | 9% |
| 2010 | 30 | 14% |
| 2009 | 26 | 19% |
| 2008 | 81 | 20% |
| 2007 | 36 | 29% |
| 2006 | 102 | 37% |
| 2005 | 24 | 11% |
| 2004 | 24 | 8% |
| 2003 | 33 | 13% |
| 2002 | 12 | 4% |
| 2001 | 19 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2001 Toyota Highlander
26 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsTires
9 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology