2023 Toyota Highlander service brakes problems
18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the service brakes on the 2023 Toyota Highlander — 10% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Ongoing severe engine surge after coasting while braking lightly during moderate downhill drives on pavement. It happens consistently with different drivers at speeds between 25 to 45 mph. The surge can cause the vehicle to lurch forward enough to move the vehicle forward suddenly, and rapidly to…”
filed Sep 11, 2026
“2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition loss of brake pad pressure resulting in acceleration of the vehicle under downhill conditions. Have momentarily experienced the loss of braking frequently during braking when going downhill. This results in the vehicle gaining speed during…”
filed Aug 5, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Service Brakes problems in other Highlander years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Highlander | 8 | 19% |
| 2022 Highlander | 37 | 15% |
| 2021 Highlander | 66 | 13% |
| 2020 Highlander | 37 | 12% |
| 2019 Highlander | 18 | 4% |
| 2018 Highlander | 53 | 20% |
| 2017 Highlander | 28 | 11% |
| 2016 Highlander | 19 | 17% |
| 2015 Highlander | 15 | 8% |
| 2014 Highlander | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 Highlander | 16 | 8% |
| 2012 Highlander | 12 | 7% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2023 Toyota Highlander
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.