TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Toyota Highlander brakes problems
severe 32 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
32
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
3crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 32 brakes complaints filed for the 2010 Toyota Highlander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 32 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2008 ? 2010 model year Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition where the brake, ABS, and/or TRAC warning light(s) are on and/or a Check VSC message displays. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) C1391, C1252, C1253, and C1256 may be stored. This condition may be caused by a small internal brake fluid leak inside the brake actuator. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition. APPLICABLE WARRANTY ? This repair is covered under the Toyota Basic Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle?s in-service date. ? Warranty application is limited to occurrence of the specified condition describ
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2010 Highlander brake complaints cluster around two main patterns: hybrid-specific actuator failures and broader braking response issues affecting both powertrains.
Hybrid owners report brake actuator and booster pump assemblies failing catastrophically, triggering brake malfunction warnings, ABS light activation, and loss of brake assist. Multiple owners cite diagnostic code C1391 (accumulator leak/pressure loss) and reference Toyota's Customer Support Program ZKC (issued June 2019), which offered free actuator and pump replacement but expired December 31, 2020—leaving later failures unfunded despite Toyota's documented acknowledgment of the defect. Repair costs run $2,500 to $5,300+. Owners describe erratic stopping distances, soft/firm pedal feel, and brake booster pumps running constantly with loud noise for months before failure. Some report collisions when brakes failed to engage at low speeds.
Non-hybrid and hybrid models both exhibit delayed brake response, especially at parking speeds, with soft or mushy pedal feel initially that requires excessive pressure to engage. One owner reported brake load sensor failure after hard braking, causing pedal misalignment and loss of system function.
Additional complaints include unresponsive brakes at low speeds (resulting in rear-end collisions), poor traction braking in snow/ice conditions, and one case of vehicle acceleration during brake application. Dealers consistently dismiss complaints as normal hybrid behavior or find no fault codes; Toyota has not expanded recall coverage despite similar failures in Prius and Camry hybrid lines.
Same Toyota Highlander brakes reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Brake Actuator Assembly & Brake Booster Pump Assembly Failure (Hybrid Models)
Hybrid brake system actuator and booster pump fail, disabling anti-lock braking and causing loss of brake assist. Owners report internal malfunctions, vacuum leaks, and accumulator pressure loss in 2008–2010 Highlander Hybrid models. Multiple owners cite Toyota's Customer Support Program ZKC (POL19-06, issued June 2019) covering brake actuator and pump replacement, but coverage expired December 31, 2020, leaving out-of-coverage owners without manufacturer support despite Toyota's acknowledgment of the defect.
When: Mileage varies; some failures occur before 100K miles; several incidents reported 2014–2023. Program coverage limited to 10 years from model year (expired 12/31/2020) or 150K miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake malfunction warning light and/or 'Check Brake System' message on display; ABS warning light illuminated; Traction control (VSC) light and warning lights activated; Loss of brake power or severely reduced stopping ability; Erratic stopping distance, soft or overly-firm brake pedal feel; Brake booster pump running frequently with loud noise for 18 months prior to failure; Vibration and violent noise from brake actuator/pump assembly every 30 seconds; VSC and ABS systems disabled
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report repair costs of $2,500–$5,300+ for actuator and pump replacement. Parts referenced: Actuator Assy Brake (04008-26448), Pump Kit Brake Booster w/ Accumulator (04008-51148). One owner cited $2,473.89 estimate; another $5,300 total for both actuator and pump. Toyota Customer Support Program ZKC would have covered full replacement free for eligible vehicles (150K miles or less, within 10 years of model year) but program expired 12/31/2020.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued Customer Support Program Bulletin ZKC (POL19-06, dated June 6, 2019, revised August 28, 2019) offering free repair coverage for brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly on certain 2008–2010 Highlander Hybrid models. Coverage included parts 04008-26448 (actuator) and 04008-51148 (pump kit) but was limited to vehicles with ≤150K miles and ≤10 years old from model year, expiring 12/31/2020. Toyota has not issued a full recall despite widespread complaints and similar recalls on Prius and Camry hybrid models (e.g., NHTSA 13V235000). Some owners report dealer refusals to repair under bulletin when ABS light was not yet illuminated, leaving them unprotected after expiration.
Brake Pedal Fade & Delayed Brake Response (Non-Hybrid & Hybrid)
Owners report soft, mushy, or delayed brake response, particularly at low speeds or during parking and stop-sign maneuvers. Some describe a gap or delay between pressing the pedal and actual braking engagement. Affects both conventional and hybrid models.
When: Reported at low mileage (22K–43K miles) and continues for months to years; one owner noted delay since purchase 2 months prior.
Symptoms owners cite: Soft or mushy brake pedal at initial application; Delayed brake response, especially at low speeds (under 15 mph) during parking and stop-sign stops; Gap between pedal depression and braking action; Brake pedal goes down but does not engage until extreme pressure applied; Small surge before braking delay in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report brake pads and shoes inspected and found normal; no repairs completed in some cases. Dealer responses indicate no defect found or issue attributed to normal hybrid operation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers dismiss complaint as 'normal for vehicles with ABS' or 'hybrid cars brake differently.' No recalls or service bulletins cited by owners for non-hybrid delayed-response complaints.
Brake Load Sensor Failure
Brake load sensor (electric sensor on brake pedal) fails, typically following hard braking events or impact. Sensor provides feedback to braking computer system. Failure causes brake malfunction warning and loss of normal brake operation.
When: First incident reported ~2012 after hard braking (25 mph emergency stop); recurred after second hard braking event same year. Appears intermittent and triggered by hard-braking stress.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake malfunction warning light; Loss of normal brake operation following hard braking; Brake pedal misalignment; Brake system stops operating normally
Repairs/costs cited: Brake load sensor replacement required after failure. Exact cost not cited by owner.
Poor Braking Performance in Winter/Low-Speed Conditions
Vehicles exhibit poor braking traction and extended skid distances in snow and icy conditions, even at very low speeds (10–15 mph), suggesting hybrid brake system integration issue. Dealer attribute to normal hybrid braking behavior, but owner disputes this is abnormal.
When: Winter/icy driving conditions; skids occur at 10–15 mph low-speed stops.
Symptoms owners cite: Extended skid distances (tens of feet) in snow/ice even at very low speeds; Vehicle continues rolling despite full brake engagement; Braking failure in low-speed stop scenarios in winter
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer response dismisses complaint as normal hybrid braking behavior; no service bulletin or recall action mentioned.
Unresponsive Brakes / Complete Brake Failure at Low Speeds
Brake pedal depressed but brakes do not respond, resulting in vehicle rolling into vehicles ahead at low speeds (15–30 mph). Multiple owners report two separate collisions from identical brake failure at low speeds with no prior warning lights.
When: Multiple incidents at 15–30 mph; no warning lights reported prior to failure. One instance at 20 mph, another at 25–30 mph in traffic.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed but vehicle does not slow or stop; No warning lights or indicators prior to failure (in some cases); Vehicle rolls into vehicle ahead despite brake pressure; Brake pedal may go to floor
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports mechanic diagnosed brake actuator failure; some brake pads/shoes replaced but issue recurred. One owner notes two separate accidents from identical failure mode.
ABS System Failure During Emergency Braking
ABS fails to engage during hard braking, resulting in vehicle not stopping and colliding with another vehicle. Warning lights illuminate on dashboard during emergency braking event.
When: May 11, 2018, while driving on I-95; vehicle did not stop despite braking attempt until emergency brake applied.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminates during hard braking; Vehicle does not stop when braking applied; ABS system fails to function during emergency stop; Owner must engage emergency brake to stop vehicle
Codes mentioned: C1391
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed as ABS accumulator leak/malfunction (C1391).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer denies recall despite extended warranty available for Camry and Prius models with same defect. Toyota corporate denies repair, citing insufficient buyer base for Highlander Hybrid to justify recall.
Brake Pedal Misalignment & Mechanism Failure
Brake pedal mechanism fails or becomes misaligned, particularly following hard braking or impact. Failure prevents normal brake operation.
When: Triggered by hard braking or accident impact; one incident at 30 mph in traffic-stop scenario.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal misalignment; Vehicle cannot stop in time during hard braking; Brake pedal mechanism failure requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Brake pedal mechanism replacement required.
Unexpected Vehicle Acceleration During Braking
Vehicle accelerates for 1–2 seconds when brake is applied, creating sudden forward motion and collision risk. Problem occurs without warning lights or ABS engagement.
When: Ongoing problem for over one year; no specific incident mileage cited.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates 1–2 seconds when brakes applied; No warning lights on instrument cluster; Safety risk during braking maneuvers
Repairs/costs cited: Not confirmed with dealer; owner notes multiple inspections but not for this specific problem.
Brake Loss & Erratic Braking on Uneven Road Surface
Brakes lose power or slip when vehicle hits bumps or uneven road surfaces during normal stop, vehicle lurches forward as if braking disengages.
When: Consistent in same locations under same road conditions (bumps during braking).
Symptoms owners cite: Braking power loss when vehicle hits bumps; Vehicle lurches forward despite brake application; Inconsistent brake engagement on uneven surfaces
Hill Assist System Interaction with Brake & Throttle Control (Non-Hybrid)
When Hill Assist system engages (intentionally or unintentionally), brake pedal fade occurs at stop, and subsequent throttle application requires excessive pressure to move vehicle forward. Creates risk of abrupt forward acceleration into vehicle ahead.
When: January 15, 2010, at red traffic signal; vehicle was 1.5 months old at delivery (December 2, 2009).
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal fade while stopped on level ground; Hill Assist warning buzzer sounds despite no wheel spin or slope; Excessive throttle pressure required to move from dead stop; Risk of abrupt acceleration into vehicle ahead
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer scan found no fault codes; advised to stop pressing brake pedal so hard.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer indicated computer shows no defects and symptoms are normal.
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I was driving on a straight and level road, at approximately 30 MPH. Traffic came to a sudden stop and I applied the brakes in a hard and sudden manner, but the vehicle failed to stop in time, though I believe it should have. No airbags deployed. My vehicle struck the vehicle in front of me, also pushing that vehicle into the one in front of it. During repairs, it was discovered the brake…
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…
Had brakes trouble with your 2010 Toyota Highlander?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2010 Toyota Highlander?
It's a meaningful issue. 32 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 25,581 and 92,000 miles, with the median around 43,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,581; a quarter make it past 92,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Toyota/Highlander.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.