2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 40 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (38% of complaints); the 2010 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Brakes failed shortly after the ABS warning light went off. Dealer diagnosed this as a break actuator assembly failure. It looks like toyota had a warranty enhancement program for vehicle years 2006-2007. However, my 2009 appears to be having exactly the same issue, yet it's not covered by the program. Given the severity of the part failure, it's not clear why this is not a recall... We were lucky that no accident resulted from this failure.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2019
“Once car was sitting in a lot and another time, running on highway. ABS, brake,traction control, vsc lights came on also message display said ABS message and brake message. Codes from ABS dtc,s are all a c-0371, 1271 through 1278, 1281, 1346, & 1391. Seems to be same issue as the '06-'07 highlander hybrids and the '04-'09 prius. There was an extended coverage for the brake actuator on those vehicles. I have been reading many other complaints, same things, with the '09 highlanders. Looks like repairs range from $2500-$5000,which is ridiculous.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2019
“Takata recall- when fuiling from the pump, nuzzles keep shuting off itself like the tank is already full. Its been happening recently. At the same time, check break system by deler start appering. It takes 3 to 4 push to start the car after this error message. Sometimes it takes longer and especially it happens in the morning. Took to deler but they did not find a code to check but this is still happening.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“The brake system completely went out of order suddenly, during the motion in the street. Although the brake system liquid was renewed in toyota center just few days ago, few days prior to required scheduled maintenance date. Now the price of the brake system repair is catastrophic. As I am asking for advice, all the other highlander owners complain about the same. This is a big shame for toyota”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2018
“ABS and brake malfunction light comes on. Auto repair shop told me the ABS actuator needs to be replaced at a cost of $3,500”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2018
“When applying the brakes, a "croaking" noise can be heard and vibration felt through the brake pedal. Dealer says the ABS actuator is failing. If it fails, the ABS will be inactive and brake performance will be diminished. Apparently toyota is aware if this issue on 2006-2007 models as they have extended the warranty for the ABS actuator replacement.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2017
“At roughly 80k miles, every time I started the car, a "brake malfunction" alert would display. Multiple sensors on the are illuminated. The brakes feel normal, but recently I did notice some audible noises when I use the brakes. I took it to the dealership and they said the brake actuator needed to be replaced for around 3200 w/ labor. After doing some research, I found that this same system was recalled on the camry hybrid but not the highlander hybrid, despite many complaints.if this is a manufacturing defect, it is a very dangerous one that could cause brake failure and lead to death”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2017
“While braking to stop car in a school pick up line, warning lights and messages began flashing. Warning lights stated brake malfunction, ABS system etc. Dealer ran diagnostic, stated there is an internal leak of brake actuator, repair costs $5500. Lights were reset and 2 weeks later while driving lights and warnings came back on. Toyota has recall for 2006 and 2007 but not 2009.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2017
“I was driving 5 mph and my brakes completely went out. Luckily, since it was on halloween night with kids everywhere no one was hurt. ABS warning lights came on and warning lights said to pull over and take to mechanic. I had no brakes and coasted home going 2mph. It was my ABS actuator pump.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2016
“While driving from orlando to tampa florida my wife had the ABS brake warning light came on and a weird noise coming under the vehicle. She was able to make it home and we took the car to dealer. They said we needed to replace the brake actuator at a cost of more than $3,400! We can't understand why such a small part would cost about a quarter of the value of this vehicle and after doing some research online I found numerous other people that have had the same problem. This issue really needs to be looked into and toyota should issue an immediate recall.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through December 2, 2008. The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module may contain transistors that have higher operating temperatures than the solder can support and the transistors may be heat damaged by the solder. If this occurs, various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, will be illuminated on the instrument panel.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPM free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicles that had their IPM replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by this campaign.
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
How other years compare
Check your exact Highlander Hybrid by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA has 40 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The most complained-about area is service brakes (38% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 66,000 miles or less.
Does the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning hybrid propulsion system: inverter. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.