2020 Toyota Highlander Brakes Problems

I was told by oxmoor dealership I had to talk to toyota corporate before I could get my car touched and that I did not need to talk to a lawyer. I called. Prior to the accident, the vehicle had been exhibiting multiple symptoms: an intermittent airbag warning light had illuminated briefly on the dashboard on a few occasions, and the vehicle had begun requiring noticeably longer physical distances to come to a complete stop at traffic signs and lights when not using cruise control. The vehicle was experiencing regular phantom seatbelt warnings—dinging as if a passenger was unbuckled when the seat was completely empty. The phantom seatbelt warnings i didnt think we're a big deal were occurring across multiple seating rows simultaneously in front and back. Directly preceding the crash, while making a turn, the vehicle swerved slightly. When I applied the physical brake pedal, the vehicle did not decelerate normally; instead, it experienced a sudden, abrupt forward acceleration surge into the building. I still haven't gotten my vehicle back or any information on what has been done or when I am getting my car back. I was also charged for an extra day for my rental when I was told to return it on the 16th. I haven't had a rental since then. I keep contacting oxmoor toyota and they said they were waiting on toyota corporate. I haven't had my car for a month. I tried to email. It was returned. My mailbox on my phone has been full of drs and other calls non stop. I texted online on the toyota page for the claim as well. Ive repeatedly asked the toyota dealership what is going on and I get we are waiting on corporate. I called toyota corporate again today and was told they would get back to me. I told the dealership. I am under medical care and in severe pain. Yes my safety was put at risk. Police and fire department were here the night it happened. They said they don't do a police report on private property. There is an insurance claim through state farm.

NHTSA ID

11756049

Incident

May 28, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious braking safety issue with my 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited, which currently has approximately 70,000 miles. I brought my vehicle to Victory Toyota of Canton (46352 Michigan Ave, Canton, MI 48188) and reported to Service Manager John Maddison that, at low speeds, the vehicle briefly surges or feels as though it accelerates when I press the brake pedal before it actually begins to slow down. This behavior is alarming and creates the impression that the vehicle is moving forward when I am attempting to stop. This is a serious safety concern that could increase the risk of a crash, particularly in parking lots, stop-and-go traffic, or around pedestrians. The issue has become so concerning that my daughter refuses to drive the vehicle because she no longer feels confident that it will stop properly when she applies the brakes. A driver should never have to question whether a vehicle will respond correctly during normal braking. After researching the problem, I discovered that Toyota has already acknowledged this exact condition by issuing Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) TSB-0059-23. The symptoms described in the TSB closely match the behavior my vehicle is experiencing. I therefore requested that the dealership inspect the vehicle and perform the repair outlined in the bulletin. Instead of addressing what appears to be a known braking-related issue, the dealership informed me that I must first pay a $190 diagnostic fee before they would even determine whether the TSB applies. I believe it is unreasonable to require customers to pay to confirm a condition that Toyota has already documented, particularly when it involves the vehicle's braking system and potential safety risks. I am concerned that other owners experiencing the same braking behavior may delay seeking repairs because of the required diagnostic charge, leaving potentially unsafe vehicles on the road.I respectfully request that NHTSA review this issue.

NHTSA ID

11752951

Incident

Jan 6, 2026

I pushed the brake and swerved and the car kept going and a greater speed and surged into a house.

NHTSA ID

11750781

Incident

Jun 28, 2026

My 2020 Toyota Highlander hybrid sometimes has a brake slipping or surging sensation when I apply my brakes while stopping. It happens periodically and not every time. I have not taken it to a Toyota service station for this specific reason but I mentioned it while in for a recent oil change. They checked for a recall but didn't find any. I have somewhat gotten accustomed to the issue and have been able to adjust. As I have stated, it doesn't happen every time I apply my brakes. My concern is if I allow someone else to borrow my car or even sell to a new owner. I believe I am the second owner.

NHTSA ID

11737274

Incident

May 10, 2025

The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection is a good thing, but there's a problem. It stops the car too abruptly on the highway, leading to rear-end collisions. When you release the brake pedal, the car remains stationary. To get it moving, you need to press the accelerator pedal. There have been four instances of the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection being activated in the last 12 months. Two of them ended in rear-end collisions. In the other two cases, there were no cars behind.

NHTSA ID

11734587

Incident

Mar 12, 2026

My 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a braking issue identified in Toyota Service Bulletin T-SB-0059-23, Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition Feeling Improvement. When going downhill and applying the brake, the vehicle lurches forward temporarily as the braking system transitions from regenerative to hydraulic braking. The first time my vehicle did this, it was very alarming and I had to take additional measures to slow my vehicle as I was driving downhill. My vehicle frequently demonstrates this problem, however, I did not report it to my local Toyota dealer because I read in an online chat group that it was a characteristic of this vehicle. Although the TSB recommends a Reprogram of the Brake Actuator Assembly Control Module, the repair is only covered under the Toyota Basic Warranty which is in effect for 36 months or 36k miles, whichever occurs first. My vehicle is past the warranty limit, and because I did not report it to my dealer previously, this repair is not covered under the TSB or the Toyota Basic Warranty. Toyota Highlander Hybrid model years 2020-2022 are affected. The Technical Service Bulletin was issued August 29, 2023, so if a 2020 model Highlander Hybrid has this problem, 2020 models would have already passed the warranty limit by the time the TSB was issued and thus would not be covered. This is a safety risk as drivers can lose control of the vehicle when braking, particularly when going downhill. The Warranty should be extended, or this problem should be elevated to a RECALL so that older affected vehicles, or those with higher mileage can be covered under warranty. Drivers should not have to pay for a recognized problem that affects the safety of this vehicle and has been identified in a Technical Service Bulletin. This problem puts drivers at risk of losing control of the vehicle and the problem can be mediated with a software reprogram. T-SB-0059.23 should be elevated to a RECALL, or extended regardless of age or mileage.

NHTSA ID

11708018

Incident

Dec 31, 2025

When braking, and decelerating through 25 to 20 MPH, the brakes temporarily stop functioning. There is a noticeable change in deceleration that can be felt by the driver AND passengers. This almost feels like an acceleration, but we believe it's the brakes briefly stop functioning. The same problem occurs with different drivers so we are confident the problem is mechanical and not operator dependent. We believe this is a brake actuator issue and there may have been a similar problem in earlier model Toyotas.

NHTSA ID

11699177

Incident

Nov 12, 2025

Just went back for secondary break malfunction and was told fuel 🤷🏻‍♀️ i just filled it. Still no remedy for recall since my Last maintenance visit

NHTSA ID

11678369

Incident

Aug 2, 2025

Sensation of loss of braking, especially at low/crawling speeds, when braking on a downhill, or when braking on bumpy road surfaces. Dealer described it as "INCONSISTENT APPLICATION OF BRAKES WITH CONSISTENT PRESSURE ON PEDAL ON LOW SPEEDS". A very noticeable moment between regenerative braking disengaging and traditional brakes engaging. It was a very unsettling feeling when pulling into a garage or parking space, or making a hard stop at highway speeds. Dealer reprogrammed braking computer per Toyota T-SB-0059-23 ("Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition Feeling Improvement"). It is improved but not perfect and I still notice this unsettling sensation from time to time.

NHTSA ID

11640492

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

When coming to a stop the vehicle will often lurch forward. The lurch is powerful and could easily cause a collision. This problem occurs both when stopping in traffic and pulling into parking spaces. We were told by the dealer that the problem is caused by hybrid cars but we've had hybrid cars before that did not exhibit this behavior. It sounds like the dealership is aware of the problem but Toyota is not addressing it. This issue certainly poses a safety issue, especially for vehicles in front of the affected vehicle when attempting to stop.

NHTSA ID

11626803

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

While steering to the right to exit a parallel parking spot, the ABS sensor cable came into contact with a suspension bolt, snapping the sensor wire. This triggered the Check Engine Light and caused a malfunction in the braking systems.

NHTSA ID

11614588

Incident

Sep 14, 2024

During the first 20K miles of driving our 2020 Highlander Hybrid; we noticed that while braking; the car would sometimes lung forward as though we had accelerated quickly. It startles you and it causes you to "hit the brakes" quickly. It doesn't happen all the time. It seems to occur more so when we're braking at low speeds in parking lots; while slowing down on a slight decline or simply making a turn left or right while braking. I mentioned this to my Toyota Dealer a few times as to whether or not they had a recall notice for this. I was told "no". I had my oil changed on June 15, 2022 MIL/35,379 and I asked them to check this problem. They checked and advised no problem was duplicated and the invoice stated in part "will wait on any diagnostics at this time". I was never contacted with a "fix". Today (August 16, 2023) I located a Technical Service Bulletin that appeared to address my issue. It is "T-SB-0059-23". This issue is a safety concern to both me and my wife; I'd like to see this problem addressed. This was all mentioned during the warranty period but no notifications were made by Toyota. My current mileage is 89,202. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11609073

Incident

Jun 15, 2022

This vehicle was purchased new. Early in our ownership we ( my wife and I ) occasionally notice that the brakes momentarily release when they are applied for just a second causing us to increase braking which results in the brakes working again. This usually happens when slowing to make a turn at slow speeds. It doesn’t happen all the time but has persisted throughout the four years we have owned the car. We have continued to document this issue with the dealers service department in hopes a service bulletin would be issued with a fix. They have driven the car and done computer diagnostic checks to no avail. Just wonder if anyone else has had this issue and whether anything can be done to fix it ?

NHTSA ID

11589790

Incident

Oct 20, 2020

On numerous occasions when applying the brakes on my vehicle there is a very noticeable "surge" when the vehicle slows to a near stop. It feels like there is a momentary loss of braking before the brakes re-engage. I have had the vehicle since new and it seems like the problem has become more noticeable over time. I have lost some confidence in the safety performance of the vehicle due to this dangerous issue.

NHTSA ID

11584472

Incident

Apr 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal to slow for traffic. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating and as he depressed the brake pedal the pedal stiffened and required more pressure to depress. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal failure occurred only between driving 60 to 70 MPH. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

NHTSA ID

11571819

Incident

Feb 8, 2024

Mileage

87,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling or parked, the engine would suddenly seize. The failure occurred intermittently. The check engine warning light illuminated with a message that the brakes were enabled. The contact restarted the vehicle several times before the vehicle operated as needed. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer 3 times however, the dealer was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 45,600.

NHTSA ID

11564942

Incident

Jan 11, 2023

Mileage

45,600 mi

On more than 50 occasions while coming to a stop or slowing down I have experienced a surge forward while applying the brakes. It has happened at stop signs, stop lights, going downhill. I cannot duplicate on demand. Several times it has surged me past a stop sign/stop light while I still had my foot on the brake. Also, when the surge happens, I have to push harder on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. I took it to the dealership on 9/2023 and was told it was not a problem that could be replicated and it has happened several times since then.

NHTSA ID

11552375

Incident

Sep 15, 2023

Was following a truck that was pulling a utility trailer. We had just stopped and started moving again when when he suddenly stopped. I had just sped up maybe going 10 to 15 mph when I applied my brake, the brakes did not engage until after I hit the trailer in front of me and jammed it into truck it was being pulled by.I had front end damage and radiator damage and the car was not drivable. I had noticed previous to this that at times at low speeds the brakes would not engage and would need to be double tapped to get them to engage. Could go weeks without it happening or could happen multiple times in a day. No consistency to the issue.

NHTSA ID

11549268

Incident

Oct 6, 2023

On several occasions while coming to a stop or slowing down I have experienced a surge forward while applying the brakes. It has happened at stop signs, stop lights, going downhill. I cannot duplicate on demand. Several times it has surged me past a stop sign while I still had my foot on the brake. Also, when the surge happens, I have to push harder on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. I have had the hub replaced as well as the wheel censer and I still have the problem. I took it to the dealership on 8/15/22 and it has happened several times since then.

NHTSA ID

11543876

Incident

Aug 15, 2023

Random loss of braking feeling and jolting forward when stopping due to regenerative braking letting off. Happened randomly since purchase. Happens around 20mph mark

NHTSA ID

11543608

Incident

Sep 7, 2023

it does occasionally when coming to a complete stop sign to seems to jolt forward . I have taken it to the local Toyota dealer as a safety concern and was told after they analyized the computer data couldn’t find any problem . Yet it seems to keep happening

NHTSA ID

11540953

Incident

Feb 3, 2021

UNKNOWN. Brakes have temporary failure midway through braking. The pedal feels like it drops and the car ceases to brake. You press down hard quickly, and it takes a second for the car to then brake again. Naturally the car jerks, at time throwing people forward and locking seatbelts. This happens most frequently going downhill, and happens at a variety of different speeds. Dealership says there is no issue. It happens multiple times a week, if not multiple times a day. While I typically drive with adequate space for this failure, I cannot control other drivers. I almost rear ended a person who cut in front of me from the right lane when the braking failure occurred.

NHTSA ID

11521889

Incident

May 13, 2023

My car frequently accelerates suddenly when I am actively braking. I will begin braking, start to slow down, then the car will accelerate, jolt forward, then start braking again. This puts me at risk for having an accident at stop lights and any time I should be braking. I have an appointment to take it to the dealer. It does not happen every time I am braking and it is not easily reproducible, however it has started happening more often. I have no warnings. An independent auto shop has looked at it and they believe there is a problem when my car is switching from regenerative to hydraulic braking.

NHTSA ID

11521563

Incident

May 11, 2023

When I am using the brakes an a medium rate the vehicle will loose its brakes for a second causing a loss of control on the vehicle. This happens randomly and caused us to almost go off a culvert of a driveway once. It has scared us many times to thinking we were going to hit the car in front of us. It makes my wife sick every time it happens. Smart motors and regional techs from Toyota have looked into this issue and determined this to be a “feeling” and not a safety hazard. This is not the case and needs to be fixed before someone gets hurt. Lane Keeping assist is unusable. When it is turned on it fights with the driver. It will swerve back in forth in its lane and sometimes so bad it feels like the car would roll if it was not turned off and got worse. Every once in a while it will try to take an exit on the highway by itself. Date of incident in questionnaire is approx to the last time it happened. It has happened too many times to count. Vehicle mileage is when we first started really having issues with the brakes. Lane assist is an always thing.

NHTSA ID

11512616

Incident

Mar 17, 2023

We purchased the highlander a few days ago from a Toyota dealership. There are currently no recalls that have not been addressed and the car seemed to be in great condition. Driving the last few days there have been times that the brakes just don't function properly. I went online to see if this was an issue that had been reported. I found this description below and it is exactly my experience as well. This site has the other complaints that match my experience. Feeling like you don't have brakes for a few seconds is going to lead to accidents. I have a 2005 Highlander and I am sad I spent so much money and would feel safer driving my old car. It has not been confirmed by a dealer, or inspected, and there are no lights on the vehicle. I don't know where to go for an honest assessment. https://m.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Highlander/2020/brakes/service_brakes.shtml I have experienced brake issues, on any slight decline where the braking system will let up as if the braking is not working for a moment, and also, a jerk forward once stopped. This will lead to an accident and potentially, a pedestrian getting hurt if not addressed. I took it to the dealer and they stated they could not replicate the issue, therefore, did not run diagnostics on the vehicle and will do nothing else for me. I have great concern this will lead to an accident and after 30 years of driving, I'm having to constantly think of leaving enough room between myself and other cars to avoid an accident, and adequate room for a brake malfunction. I have another 2020 hybrid Toyota that does not have this issue. So, it is not an issue with all hybrids. - Berkley, MI, USA

NHTSA ID

11510966

Incident

Mar 8, 2023