2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

20082010
Complaints
55
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Fatalities
Recalls
3

Worst 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#117 complaints

Brakes

Avg mileage:130,558 mi
#27 complaints

Service Brakes, Electric

Avg mileage:7,167 mi
Crash-related:1
#35 complaints

Hydraulic Brakes

Avg mileage:3,900 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Brakes
17
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
130,558
Service Brakes, Electric
7
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
7,167
Hydraulic Brakes
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
3,900
Engine Problems
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical Faults
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Airbags
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hybrid Propulsion System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Traction Control System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,950,600 vehicles.

15V689000Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls
~1,814,284 affected

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.

13V396000Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter
~133,081 affected

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.

13V014000Seats · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive
~3,235 affected

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.

Other Toyota Highlander Hybrid Years

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has 55 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Brakes with 17 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
Top reported problems: Brakes (17 complaints, avg 130,558 mi); Service Brakes, Electric (7 complaints, avg 7,167 mi); Hydraulic Brakes (5 complaints, avg 3,900 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 78,936 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
NHTSA complaints for the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid include 4 crash-related reports, 0 fire reports, 1 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,950,600 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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