2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 40
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 2009
Opened by NHTSA
73% of complaints
Complaints per year
2009: 40 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 371 |
| 2007 | 110 |
| 2008 | 197 |
| 2009 | 40 |
| 2010 | 22 |
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
73% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing electric and hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-23
ABS vsc and brake lights are on - as per hartford dealer need to replace these parts 44050-48320 and 47070-48020
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-18
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
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-16
Engine
10% · 4 reportsHybrid propulsion system
8% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing inverter.
Electrical system
8% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
Vehicle speed control
5% · 2 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I arrive at a parking lot on flower avenue strip driving slowly into a parking space in front of a clinic, at a very low speed, when the car suddenly accelerated--by the time I hit the brakes attempting to stop, it was in the office of of maternal...
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-08-26
Also filed under Structure
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2009-09-18Equipment09V223000 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…
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…
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R
2013-03-21Air bags, seats13V014000 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…
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…
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2013-11-04Hybrid propulsion system13V396000 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.
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.
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2015-11-25Visibility15V689000 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,...
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.
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I
2018-05-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 2018-11-20 Upper Steering Column Separation
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2018-11-16Engineering analysisClosed 2024-04-02 Steering Column Separation
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I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 29 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Hybrid propulsion system: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 09V223000 · Equipment
- Recall 13V014000 · Air bags, seats
- Recall 13V396000 · Hybrid propulsion system
- Recall 15V689000 · Visibility
FAQ
- Is the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 73% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.