Abs, traction control, brake malfunction light on in dash due to the abs brake pump and actuator not having enough power and a abnormal leak. the lights stay on for a day or 2 and go off for about the same time first time lights came on i hit pounding water on interstate on my way home from work at around 7pm an lost control of the vehicle. luckily i didnt hit anything. the traction control, abs is not working. i have seen where the 2008 models have been recalled for the same issue.
This is for a 2009 toyota highlander hybrid limited with about 142000 miles. the vehicle has not been in any accidents and is not abused in any way. all maintenance are up to date with the major timing kit replaced most recently at about 140000. while driving the vehicle on normal roads (sometimes highway, sometime city roads), i get three warnings that pop up at the center screen between the air vents; 1) check abs, 2) check brake system, and 3) brake malfunction. for the first two warnings, it is followed by "have your vehicle checked by dealer." but, for the third warning, it is accompanied by "stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact dealer." these warnings also correspond to three lights that pop up by the speedometer; 1) vsc, 2) abs, and 3) brake. the lights stay on for two to three days at a time and then will go away without any reasonable explaination. this happens about every other week. i was unable to bring it to a dealership when the light is on as i live very far away from the dealership. when i call and describe the warnings, i am told that this may be a problem with the actuator and it is common. the dealer estimated the cost to be around $3500. i did a quick search online and find that this is a common problem among same generation highlanders. i should not have to pay for this and the manufacturer needs to get the vehicle right. i feel unsafe driving this vehicle with the uncertainty of being able to stop safely when necessary. i understand that toyota had a recall on the brake system for the prius and camry, but did not include the highlander. they should have since this is a safety problem that is common with the first and second generation highlanders. please get toyota to take responsibility before an accidents occurs. brakes are an important safety feature that should not be compromised.
2009 vehicle (manufactured 9/2008) only has 83k miles on it. croaking sound for week or so and then one morning abs failure warning on display. codes are c1241 and c1391. same problem as others. needs new abs pump and actuator. the parts are #44050-48320 and #44070-48020and cost over $3k for parts alone. very disappointed in toyota, i thought toyota quality was better than this.
I was sold over internet by vandergrift toyota of arlington,tx a falsely advertised 2009 toyota highlander,that was delivered to me in san antonio, tx in enclimate weather and while i was in a full body brace, i had told them of weather, and was in down pour when they delivered, i was unable to examine car in my condition and weather till next morning. car had been wrecked, had silt in rear tail lights, i tried to have dealership fix it, by taking car back to them, i did not hv another car. the conditions of the car were never disclosed, i did not received a buyers guide, only a blank sales contract with my name, car make and model and vin with price paid. i hv repeatedly tried to resolve matter, dealer has lied repeatedly and billigerent. i have called owners of dealership, berkshire hathaway, they defer to dealer, dealer has done nothing, i have tried to tell people at berkshire hathaway this is something a dealer has dropped on me, who are and represent the berkshire hathaway brand, i told bh, i would persue and seek to expose to authoritative entities, and press,they have done nothing. i have also filed a pending complaint with texas dmv. i also have according to use title 18 2511 (2)(d), recorded conversations with dlrships used sales mngr, general mngr/partner, and berkshire hathaway, and previous owner who told me when car traded in, dlr sd wold not keep do to miles and age, wd go to wholes auction. i also hv screen shot where dealer continued to advertise car for sale at reduced price 12 days after initial deposit and over a week after wire trnsfer, and 5 days after delivery. other, problems included components advertised or options not included. toyota tow pkg, turned out to be uhaul hitch bolted on, no wiring to even coonect to brakes, and no additional radiator/fans/ to aid in hauling /towing, and no stellite radio as advertised. original ad photos faked
While driving down the expressway with the family (50mph), check engine light and traction control suddenly turn on and flicker on and off randomly. engine power hesitates. at the stoplight, check engine light continues to turn on, and off randomly, as well as traction control light. engine appears to be stalling at times, and rpm bounces between 500-900. acceleration when pressing against gas pedal results in uneven acceleration. pulled vehicle off to the side, turned engine off, and examined vehicle. examined vehicle and do not see anything suspicious. turned vehicle back on, and check engine light with traction control off. moments later, lights turn back on. limped vehicle back to residence via local roads. continued to experience intermittent on/off check engine light and traction control. after arriving at residence, parked vehicle and performed additional examination. noticed burning smell at rear brake shoes, possibly from traction control holding on to brakes. will bring car to dealership on 08/05/13 first thing in the morning. *tr