TSB: Some 2018 ? 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with an A25A-FKS, A25A-FXS, M20A-FKS, or M20A-FXS engine may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Milky/discolored engine oil. ?An ?Oil Pressure Low? warning message on the Multi-information Display (MID). ?A MIL ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P05202A (Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch ?A? Signal Stuck in Range) and/or P052477 (Engine Oil Pressure Too Low [Severe]) present. Moisture from blow-by gases condenses and accumulates in the engine oil during short trips in extreme cold weather. When the moisture in the oil freezes, the oil pressure may drop, and the aforementioned warning indicators may displa
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Toyota Highlander brakes problems
critical 28 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
2crashes
1fatality
What stands out
Owners have filed 28 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.
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.
TSB: Some drivers of 2020 ? 2022 model year Highlander Hybrid vehicles may be sensitive to the momentary transition from regenerative braking to hydraulic braking under certain driving conditions, such as while driving downhill, or turning with light brake pedal application. The brake actuator control module can be updated to improve brake feeling for this condition. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a pattern where brakes momentarily stop working during routine braking—especially when slowing down hills, at low speeds, during gentle braking, or over bumps—causing the vehicle to lurch or surge forward unexpectedly. The brake pedal feels spongy or unresponsive for a second or two, then re-engages. Some report the ABS engaging during normal (not hard) braking. The issue is intermittent and unpredictable; dealers have taken vehicles in multiple times but cannot replicate it. When Toyota has scanned vehicles, no warning lights or codes appear. Multiple owners note an online forum with many 2022 Highlander owners reporting the same problem.
A separate rotor issue affects some vehicles: one owner reports rust clusters on rotors after winter weather, reducing stopping power and doubling stopping distance. A dealership blamed low-quality rotor steel unsuitable for salt-treated roads, yet classified the corrosion as wear-and-tear outside warranty.
Several owners report warped or prematurely failing rotors causing brake vibration at highway speeds or at very low mileage (8,500 miles). One owner's vehicle suffered complete brake system failure in March 2024 after months of prior soft-pedal incidents; Toyota dismissed the safety concern despite no warning codes.
One owner also reports the brake booster shutting off after prolonged idle with the engine running, leaving brakes inoperative at low speeds—the dealership stated this is normal. An owner mentions becoming aware of Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0059-23 only after their vehicle fell out of warranty, with the dealership initially unaware of it.
Same Toyota Highlander brakes reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Brake system momentary disengagement / unexpected forward lurch during braking
Brakes momentarily stop responding during normal or moderate braking, causing the vehicle to lurch or surge forward unexpectedly. Owners report the sensation of either stepping on air, the brakes slipping, or a sudden loss of braking pressure, typically followed by the brakes re-engaging. This occurs intermittently and at low to moderate speeds, often during downhill grades, gentle braking, or while going over bumps. Some owners report the ABS system engaging briefly during these events.
When: Intermittent, typically at speeds under 40 mph, during downhill grades, gentle braking, and when going over bumps. One owner reports it occurring since vehicle purchase in July 2022; another notes the frequency increasing over months of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes momentarily feel like they disengage or slip; Vehicle lunges or surges forward while owner is actively braking; Brake pedal feels spongy or loses resistance momentarily; Sensation of stepping on air or loss of braking pressure; ABS system engaging briefly during normal (not emergency) braking; Increased stopping distance during the event; No warning lights or error codes present
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to reproduce the issue in most cases. One owner reports a dealership scan revealed ABS engagement during one event. One owner mentions an active technical service bulletin (T-SB-0059-23) was discovered after warranty expiration, but dealership reportedly had no awareness of it. Multiple owners report dealerships stating there is nothing they can do if the problem cannot be replicated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota dismissed complaints via phone contact; Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0059-23 exists but does not appear to be widely communicated by dealerships. Some dealers advised driving slower, which owners report does not resolve the issue. One owner notes vehicle is out of warranty and dealership refuses to fix without out-of-pocket payment despite active TSB.
Rotor rust and corrosion leading to brake noise and reduced stopping power
Rotors develop excessive rust clustering that reduces braking effectiveness and increases stopping distance. One owner reports the vehicle takes twice as long to stop. The rust buildup is attributed to poor rotor steel quality that does not perform well in climates using road salt and chemicals. Brake noise and shaking accompany the degradation.
When: Developed a few months after winter 2022–2023; noticed initially in April 2023 during regular maintenance, then worsened significantly over subsequent months.
Symptoms owners cite: Noise and shaking while braking; Brakes not stopping properly; Significantly increased stopping distance; Visible rust clusters on rotors
Repairs/costs cited: Rotor thickness increased in areas with rust clusters. Dealer stated rotors are wear-and-tear parts not covered under warranty. Independent mechanic attributed the corrosion to low-quality steel used in rotors, unsuitable for salt-treated roads.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty does not cover rotor rust as it is classified as wear-and-tear.
Rotor warping and brake vibration at highway speeds
Rotors warp prematurely, causing noticeable shaking in the steering wheel and brake pedal when braking at highway speeds. One owner with approximately 12,000 miles reports steering wheel vibration and vehicle shuddering at 65 mph. Multiple owners report similar vibration at speeds above 60 mph.
When: Occurs at highway speeds above 60 mph. One failure documented at approximately 12,000 miles. Another owner reports issue started during winter months on a one-year-old vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel vibrates noticeably during braking; Shaking or shuddering felt through the vehicle when braking at highway speeds; Brake pedal vibrates
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealer diagnosis of warped rotors at 12,000 miles. Owner attempted to relate failure to TSB-0072-18 (Front Brake), but vehicle was not covered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin 0072-18 (Front Brake) exists but does not cover all model years. Owners report this TSB may not apply to their specific vehicle year.
Faulty rotors—premature wear or defect at very low mileage
Rotors fail prematurely with minimal vehicle use, causing brake vibration at very low mileage (under 9,000 miles). One owner with 8,500 miles reports brake vibration upon braking and is told by independent mechanic that rotor defect is the cause, not normal wear.
When: At 8,500 miles, well before expected wear interval.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake vibration when braking; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic identified faulty rotors as cause due to mileage being insufficient for normal wear. Owner has extended warranty with zero deductible; dealership initially attempted to charge $195 inspection fee despite bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage under 36,000 miles. Dealership made exception after owner complaint.
Soft or spongy brake pedal and loss of brake responsiveness
Brake pedal becomes spongy or loses resistance, delaying brake engagement and requiring hard pressing to stop the vehicle. Owners report a delayed response when attempting emergency or firm braking, with the pedal taking moments to register before brakes finally engage.
When: Intermittent, occurs during normal braking situations and when attempting firm braking.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal feels spongy or soft; Delayed brake engagement when pedal is pressed; Requires hard pressing to achieve full braking effect; Moments of no brake response before engagement
Brake system failure—complete loss of braking
Complete brake system failure occurred on one vehicle, with brake pedal depressing to the floor as the vehicle accelerated forward. This represents the most severe manifestation of the braking issues. The incident followed multiple prior braking incidents where the brake pedal went soft and depressed to the floor.
When: Complete failure on March 16, 2024. Prior incidents reported; initial complaint filed June 12, 2023 (Reference #11526496).
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed to floor; Complete loss of braking effect; Vehicle accelerates forward during brake application
Repairs/costs cited: Incident occurred on Saturday; not yet reported to service department at time of complaint filing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota Motor Corp dismissed the issue, citing lack of codes or warning lights prior to failure. Complaint filed with Toyota Motor Corp; manufacturer stated this is a very serious safety concern but was dismissed by Toyota.
Brake booster shutdown with engine running at idle—loss of braking after extended parked time
Brake booster shuts off after vehicle is parked for 15–20 minutes with engine running. When the vehicle begins moving forward at very low speed (under 5 mph), brakes do not function. Dealership confirmed this is normal operation.
When: Occurs after vehicle is parked 15–20 minutes with engine running, upon forward motion.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of braking at speeds under 5 mph; Brakes do not respond after idle period with engine running
Repairs/costs cited: Incident caused a minor rear-end collision. Dealership stated brake booster shutdown is normal.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership (San Marcos Toyota) stated this behavior is normal.
Engine hold/park brake feature unexpectedly triggering vehicle movement and engine restart
With the hold feature activated and engine running at idle, the vehicle produced three consecutive beeps followed by unexpected engine restart (as if push-start button was pressed) and forward lunge. Unrelated to the primary braking complaint but represents a critical safety issue interacting with brake and acceleration systems.
When: Occurred after hold feature was active for approximately 5+ minutes. Has happened on multiple occasions.
Symptoms owners cite: Three consecutive beeps; Engine restarts unexpectedly; Vehicle lunges forward; Acceleration lag and stalling when getting up to speed on freeway/highway
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle at dealership at time of complaint; no diagnostic resolution reported.
Synthesized from 28 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Sudden acceleration when applying the brakes. This has happened several times
Occasionally when slowing to a stop, the brakes feel like they slip and i begin to speed up suddenly. Pressing hard on the brakes stops the car again. This is a safety issue if for example you were braking for someone in a crosswalk or a car in front of you. The dealer was unable to reproduce the issue. It happens maybe once a week, for the last several months. They examined the brakes and said…
Had brakes trouble with your 2022 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 2022 Toyota Highlander?
It's a serious issue. 28 complaints have been filed, including 2 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 28 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 12,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2022/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.