2006 Highlander - sensitive brakes

Geechee · #1 (**permalink**) 05-31-2006, 04:40 PM

First post, newbie.

Just got the wife an '06 Highlander V-6 and we both think the brakes are way too sensitive - took to our local Chas, SC dealer and they say nothing's wrong. We've compared to her Mom's 02 and sister's 03 Highlanders and they are quite normal and not comparable in feel. Have seen a few posts on Hybrid brakes, but no issues on normal models. Anyone else have issues with touchy brakes? Didn't Toyota add elec. brake assist on 06 models?

Many thanks for this forum! Geechee

jim256 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-31-2006, 04:55 PM

The posting at the top of the list here will show you the 06 Highlander New Features. They added Brake Assist and the entire VSC package in 04, I believe, but that will only activate if you get on the brakes quickly with force. Comparing 3 and 4 year old cars to a new one with an improved system would be difficult, but our 05 has had good brakes, not the best I've ever experienced, but good ones, since new. Progressive and stable, aided when need be by brake assist and/or ABS.

bob259 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-01-2006, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geechee

First post, newbie.

Just got the wife an '06 Highlander V-6 and we both think the brakes are way too sensitive - took to our local Chas, SC dealer and they say nothing's wrong. We've compared to her Mom's 02 and sister's 03 Highlanders and they are quite normal and not comparable in feel. Have seen a few posts on Hybrid brakes, but no issues on normal models. Anyone else have issues with touchy brakes? Didn't Toyota add elec. brake assist on 06 models?

Many thanks for this forum! Geechee

You must also keep in mind that you are feeling/perceiving some increased braking force because of the regenerative brake system when you let off the accelerator or coast. It's normal and once you get accustomed to it you'll be fine.

Geechee · #4 (**permalink**) 06-01-2006, 04:02 PM

"You must also keep in mind that you are feeling/perceiving some increased braking force because of the regenerative brake system when you let off the accelerator or coast. It's normal and once you get accustomed to it you'll be fine."

bob259 - I may have confused the issue by adding my Hybrid comment in the orig post- have seen a few reviews that the Hybrid's brakes were sensitive. Our 06 is the regular (non-hybrid) model so don't think the regenerative aspect applies. tx, geechee

Gary622 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-13-2006, 06:05 PM

I just got an '06 V6 Highlander for my wife and in driving it compared to my Camry it requires a pretty light touch, but nothing bothersome once you get used to it. In my experience 4 wheel disk brakes are often this way (unless it's a Ford Expedition like we just got rid of, then the "heavy as a freight train" factor kind of overwhelms the "4 wheel disk brake" factor), especially when the pads are brand new.

So are they grabby and really hard to control if you're trying to, say, slow down smoothly, along with other traffic, in an urban environment at a stop light, or do they just take a shorter pedal throw than you're used to? If it's the latter, you'll adapt and you won't even be thinking about it in a week (until, like me, you get back in another car with perfectly good brakes and wonder when you're going to stop because you're not pushing the pedal hard enough).

Geechee · #6 (**permalink**) 06-13-2006, 06:34 PM

I don't consider it the pedal throw (distance)- just the slightest touch on the pedal seems to make it grab quickly... My wife and I have compared to her Mom's and sisters Highlanders - they both feel quite normal. A neighbor down the street has an '06 model as well - we're going to swap for a test drive comparison...Thanks, Geech

Gary622 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-14-2006, 11:50 AM

If it's "grabby," it could be mis-aligned brake parts. I'd make the dealer take the wheels off and look. I know it's frustrating when the dealer says "they all do that..."

dexley74 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-30-2006, 09:55 AM

we too just bought an 06 highlander and the brakes are extremely sensitive. You barely tap them and they grab tight. its very difficult to bring this vehicle to a smooth stop. we havent taken it into the dealer yet.

Geechee · #9 (**permalink**) 08-01-2006, 09:01 PM

Took ours back to the dealer for the second time - again they say no issues. We seem to be left to live with it and hope in time it is less sensitive.
tx, Geech

pittmanb8 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-01-2006, 09:53 PM

I dislike the sensitivity of the brakes on my 06 Highlander purchased last month, however, they feel like most new cars that have 4 wheel disc brakes. It feels normal to me.

VTHighlander · #11 (**permalink**) 09-05-2006, 03:26 PM

Wow is that a familar story .. bought the wife a new 2006 limited .. love the Highlander but was concerned ... and thought I would need to return to the dealer to have the "grabby" brakes checked.
Thanks for saving me a trip ... I guess they are what they are ....

LifeTech · #12 (**permalink**) 09-11-2006, 12:41 PM

I too have a recently purchased Hiland. LTD. brakes were touchy at times till I broke in at about 3000 miles. Understand that if the car is not used for several days or better the rotors will rust slightly. and feel very grippy till the pads and rotors rebed themselves . ...normal for all cars most noticeable with 4 wheel disc cars and trucks. It can feel worse if the car or truck has sat outside in a rain storm for a few days or yu washed the car at home and did not drive it till the next day or more and thus, failing to remove the moisture on the brakes.