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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 370 |
| 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 | 8 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
43% of complaints: service brakes — 17 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow 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, 20181023
ABS VSC AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON - AS PER HARTFORD DEALER NEED TO REPLACE THESE PARTS 44050-48320 AND 47070-48020
NHTSA ODI report, 20180418
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, 20180316
18% of complaints: service brakes, electric — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I OWN A 2009 HIGHLANDER HYBRID AND AM CONCERNED THAT I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEMS WITH BRAKING THAT ARE NOW BEING REPORTED FOR THE PRIUS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100207
BRAKES FADE FOR A BRIEF MOMENT -- PERHAPS HALF OF A SECOND -- AND THEN COME BACK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100202
13% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I OWN A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID, PURCHASED NEW IN AUG. 2009. I HAVE EXPERIENCED A FEW INCIDENTS RELATED TO BRAKING THAT ARE SIMILAR TO WHAT'S BEING DESCRIBED BY PRIUS OWNERS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100204
10% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20160826
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 WH
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
Campaign 09V223000 — check if this car was fixed
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, an
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 contac
Campaign 13V014000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 13V396000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 15V689000 — check if this car was fixed
Upper Steering Column Separation
Steering Column Separation
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, electric issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V223000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V014000 (air bags, seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V396000 (hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V689000 (visibility) has been completed.
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 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.