*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Service brakes
Multiple warning lights appeared on the dash board including ABS, also check VSC system in the dialogue window. Code C1391 (Abnormal leak in accumulator) appeared in a diagnostic scan. After some internet research, it appears this a common problem with the 2006 Toyota Highlander and is a very costly repair $2000-$4000. The leaky accumulator creates an unsafe driving condition as the ABS and VSC system are disabled due to the leak. Due to the high number of failures for these vehicles, I feel that Toyota should take responsibility and warranty this part and repair. Thank you
Sep 23, 2026Service brakes
The Antilock Braking Actuator has failed. This seems to be a known issue and was already recalled on the Toyota Camry. Toyota sells the part for $1500 locally and labor will be added to that as well - which will put the cost of replacing this critical part almost above the current value of the vehicle. This is a safety issue if I lose braking capability. It has not yet catastrophically failed, but is making a buzzing sound which is the indication of this unit losing brake fluid pressure and trying to keep the brake booster pump running to restore the pressure. The booster pump will burn out, possibly catch fire and/or blow the fuse and then the braking will loose power assist, and with unit…
Sep 5, 2026Service brakes
The ABS/Brake Actuator is going out. There is a stuttering as I'm coming to a stop, but when I brake from normal speeds to slow down, there is no stutter/vibration. Only when I'm going very slow and about to stop the car is when I feel a vibration/stutter in the vehicle. When pressing the brakes all the way down, there is a weird chirping/clicking noise that comes from under the hood towards the passenger side of the car. I do not have and did not get any warning lights about this, even still I don't have any. I have taken it to 2 mechanic shops now and they both have diagnosed the brake/ABS actuator failing.
Aug 29, 2026Service brakes
ABS actuator/accumulator issue on 2006 Toyota Highlander hybrid limited. Internal component failure there are recalls on others but not this particular year. Was driving along hit the brakes and got hard pedal. Yes there were other indicator lights on including the VSC system and traction control I came to an intersection and I couldn't stop I couldn't even kind of stop it was all hard pedal were before it was normal as if there wasn't an issue. I've done a lot of research and I've seen a lot of forums and people are complaining that Toyota isn't backing this problem my 2006 Toyota is in perfect condition not a single problem except for this break issue and if you take it to Toyota the park…
Jun 19, 2026Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to decelerate while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that excessive pressure was needed on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The ABS and ESC warning lights were illuminated. In addition, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic for a second opinion, and it was confirmed that the ABS unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a local…
Jun 26, 2026 · 195,000 milesService brakes
My 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited has an ABS fault that has caused my vehicle to undergo several maintenance issues and poses a serious safety hazard. My vehicle has less than 150,000, and over the course of the last year, my ABS light, my emergency brake light, my TSC light, and my tire pressure sensor light have all come on and refuse to go away. Additionally, the maintenance light, along with a "CHECK VSC SYSTEM" message has been on my dash for months and will not reset. My ABS has been making an intermittent buzzing sound that cycles every ten seconds when my car is on. That has been going one since shortly before the lights. When the lights came on, I noticed a serious change in…
Jan 12, 2026Service brakes
Toyotaâs part number 44050-48190 brake actuator assembly failed, as it has in other models and is very commonly doing in the Highlander model. It is triggering other warning lights issues in the vehicle. Vehicle safety is at risk. Many others have reported the same issue.
May 1, 2025Engine
I was on the interstate driving about 72 mph when the car just shut off all the dash lights came on and the dash it said check hybrid system I had no brakes or steering I got it off the road turned it off and back on again it started up and I drove it home but the dash still displayed check hybrid system , a week later I get in it to go to work and thereâs an alarm that wonât cut off and the abs , traction control and brake light and warning light and tire pressure light are all on and the brakes are hard and thereâs a weird noise coming from somewhere when u push on the brake and it says check VSC system on the dash now
Aug 1, 2025
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
