Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2019 Toyota Highlander HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints for the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (1) and suspension (1). The EPA rates it 28–29 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
28–29mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
6
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
$2,150est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

6 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2019 – Mar 2025
  1. Engine and engine cooling1
  2. Suspension1
  3. Engine1
  4. Forward collision avoidance1
  5. Hybrid propulsion system1
  6. Visibility1
  7. Other / unknown2

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
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine and engine cooling

1 report
“The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an oil leak coming from the upper oil pan. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the dealer attempted to repair the leak with a seal. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where an oil pan bolt was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Nalley Toyota of Roswell (11130 Alpharetta Hwy, Roswell, GA 30076), and was repaired, and the gaskets were sealed to the upper and lower oil pan. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back and remained with a second local dealer for additional repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 3,033.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 19, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11649195

Suspension

1 report
“The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, he heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear shocks failed and were leaking hydraulic fluid. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that the rear control arms had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that he had to pay out of pocket for the repair and also that the vehicle had exceeded the warranty mileage coverage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure through voicemail message. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2022SuspensionODI 11487201

Engine

1 report
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND DECELERATED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT, HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT, AND PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EXECUTIVE MOTORS LTD (AUTOMALL GROUP - SHIRLEY ST, NASSAU, BAHAMAS, 1-242-397-1700) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL RAIL PRESSURE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,655.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 29, 2021Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Hybrid propulsion systemODI 11414436
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (AV-S6)
Drive
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 AWD LE Plus
Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
302829$2,150305
Highlander Hybrid AWD
Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
292728$2,200314
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
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 13215
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

2019 Highlander Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.

What are the most common 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (1), suspension (1), engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at 28–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026