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Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD

2009 Toyota Highlander HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 174 owner complaints for the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Most complaints involve service brakes (38) and engine (27). The EPA rates it 26 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
26mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Oct 2015
Owner complaints
174
Top: service brakes
Fuel cost / yr
$2,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Visibility: power window devices and controls

Free remedy

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.

VisibilityReported Oct 22, 2015NHTSA 15V689000

Hybrid propulsion system: inverter

Free remedy

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.

Hybrid propulsion systemReported Sep 4, 2013NHTSA 13V396000

Air bags: sensor

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Jan 16, 2013NHTSA 13V014000
See all 4 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

174 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2009 – Jul 2025
  1. Service brakes38
  2. Engine27
  3. Electrical system23
  4. Structure16
  5. Vehicle speed control16
  6. Steering11
  7. Service brakes, hydraulic10
  8. Air bags9
  9. Tires8

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Highlander Hybrid model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2006650
2007234
2008603
2009174
2010238
2015182
2016108
2017224
20185
20196
20209
202115
20226
20239
Crashes reported
8
Fires reported
5
Injuries reported
10
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Service brakes

38 reports1 crash
“1. Component/System that Failed: The component that has malfunctioned is the ABS actuator, which affects the vehicle’s anti-lock braking system. The issue has been diagnosed and confirmed by two independent repair shops. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk: This issue has placed my safety—and the safety of others—at serious risk. There have been multiple situations where I feared I would be unable to stop in time, especially during sudden stops at red lights, heavy traffic braking, and even a brake check from an aggressive driver. The brakes feel inconsistent and make loud noises during hard braking. I transport my child in this vehicle regularly, and the fear of losing braking ability in an emergency is deeply unsettling. 3. Confirmation of Problem: Yes, the problem has been confirmed by two independent service centers, both of which diagnosed the issue as a known ABS actuator failure. They informed me that this is tied to a Toyota Customer Service Bulletin and recommended I contact the manufacturer for further assistance. 4. Inspection by Others: I contacted Toyota directly through their national customer service line and also…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 9, 2025Service brakesODI 11653771

Engine

27 reports2 fires
“When starting it would make grinding noise,sounds like metallic noise until the engine oil starts circulating.Dealer said that its normal due to cold starts but this can happen even when the engine is up to temperature.Toyota refuse to remedy the issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 4, 2022EngineODI 11492363

Electrical system

23 reports2 fires
“3 TIMES OVER THE LAST MONTH, WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLASHED ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT WORKING, AND I WAS JUST BARELY ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CAR TURNED OFF AND WAS ABLE TO TURN BACK ON, NOW WITH ILLUMINATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE AS THE CAR IS LOSING POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE MY FOOT IS ON THE ACCELERATOR. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I WAS ABLE TO PULL A COUPLE CODES FROM THE CODE READER. CODES WERE: U0001 & U0100 THE SECOND AND 3RD TIME THIS HAPPENED THERE WERE NO CODES COMING UP ON THE CODE READER.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 24, 2020Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11376111
All 2009 Highlander Hybrid problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
3.3L 6-cyl hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive
4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Highlander Hybrid 4WD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
272526$2,400342
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 5344
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2009 Highlander Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have?

4 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 174 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (38), engine (27), electrical system (23). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026