2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › Toyota › Highlander Hybrid › 2009
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
4 recalls name the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Newest first.
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…
If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
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. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
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…
The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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…
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
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 contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
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 which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims."
Incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 at 1-888-270-9371.
TL* the contact owns a 2009 toyota highlander hybrid. While driving up a hill at 20 mph, the vehicle stalled and the ABS, traction control, steering system, and battery warning indicators illuminated. In addition, "stop vehicle in a safe place immediately" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact had to depress the brake pedal with excessive force to stop the vehicle. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road and had it towed home. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to royal south toyota (located at 3115 s walnut st, bloomington, in 47401, (812) 331-1100) where it was diagnosed, but no failure code was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,842.
Brakes failed shortly after the ABS warning light went off. dealer diagnosed this as a break actuator assembly failure. it looks like toyota had a warranty enhancement program for vehicle years 2006-2007. however, my 2009 appears to be having exactly the same issue, yet it's not covered by the program. given the severity of the part failure, it's not clear why this IS not a recall... We were lucky that no accident resulted from this failure.
Once car was sitting in a lot and another time, running on highway. ABS, brake,traction control, vsc lights came on also message display said ABS message and brake message. Codes from ABS dtc,s are all a c-0371, 1271 through 1278, 1281, 1346, & 1391. Seems to be same issue as the '06-'07 highlander hybrids and the '04-'09 prius. There was an extended coverage for the brake actuator on those vehicles. I have been reading many other complaints, same things, with the '09 highlanders. Looks like repairs range from $2500-$5000,which IS ridiculous.
Takata recall- when fuiling from the pump, nuzzles keep shuting off itself like the tank IS already full. Its been happening recently. At the same time, check break system by deler start appering. It takes 3 to 4 push to start the car after this error message. Sometimes it takes longer and especially it happens in the morning. Took to deler but they did not find a code to check but this IS still happening.
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. Now the price of the brake system repair IS catastrophic. As I am asking for advice, all the other highlander owners complain about the same. This IS a big shame for toyota
ABS vsc and brake lights are on - as per hartford dealer need to replace these parts 44050-48320 and 47070-48020
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
TL* the contact owns a 2009 toyota highlander hybrid. The contact stated that the ABS failed. The vehicle was taken to robbins toyota of texarkana (6233 mall dr, nash, tx 75569 (903) 794-5121) where it was diagnosed that the accumulator part failed and the accumulator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000. *Ln the consumer stated an independent diagnostic test found the actuator to be the cause of the failure. *Js 5 warning lights are illuminated on my vehicle. 1) master warning light 2) brake system warning light in red 3) brake system warning in yellow 4) ABS warning light 5) light above ABS in yellow, I can be contacted at 903-280-0111 updated 9/12/18*jb
When applying the brakes, a "croaking" noise can be heard and vibration felt through the brake pedal. dealer says the ABS actuator IS failing. if it fails, the ABS will be inactive and brake performance will be diminished. apparently toyota IS aware if this issue on 2006-2007 models as they have extended the warranty for the ABS actuator replacement.
At roughly 80K miles, every time I started the car, a "brake malfunction" alert would display. Multiple sensors on the are illuminated. The brakes feel normal, but recently I did notice some audible noises when I use the brakes. I took it to the dealership and they said the brake actuator needed to be replaced for around 3200 w/ labor. After doing some research, I found that this same system was recalled on the camry hybrid but not the highlander hybrid, despite many complaints.if this IS a manufacturing defect, it IS a very dangerous one that could cause brake failure and lead to death
While braking to stop car in a school pick up line, warning lights and messages began flashing. Warning lights stated brake malfunction, ABS system etc. Dealer ran diagnostic, stated there IS an internal leak of brake actuator, repair costs $5500. Lights were reset and 2 weeks later while driving lights and warnings came back on. toyota has recall for 2006 and 2007 but not 2009.
I was driving 5 mph and my brakes completely went out. luckily, since it was on halloween night with kids everywhere no one was hurt. ABS warning lights came on and warning lights said to pull over and take to mechanic. I had no brakes and coasted home going 2MPH. it was my ABS actuator pump.
While driving from orlando to tampa florida my wife had the ABS brake warning light came on and a weird noise coming under the vehicle. She was able to make it home and we took the car to dealer. They said we needed to replace the brake actuator at a cost of more than $3,400! we can't understand why such a small part would cost about a quarter of the value of this vehicle and after doing some research online I found numerous other people that have had the same problem. This issue really needs to be looked into and toyota should issue an immediate recall.
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 and child care, unstoppable--fortunately, it was on a sunday afternoon and there were no employees or patients in the reception area of the office...sudden acceleration was the cause of this accident. this car must be recalled---i took it to koons toyota in vienna, virginia-- where I bought it last october--a 2009 toyota highlander...
ABS actuator noise when depressing and releasing brakes. May lead to failed ABS system.
ABS light on with warning, brakes performing poorly. the ABS actuator assembly and break pump failed requiring replacement with a cost of over $3764 in repairs. the toyota camry hybrid had millions of recalls for the ABS actuator but the highlander hybrid was currently not on recall. I own a 2000 toyota 4 runner with over 200,000 miles and never had an ABS issue. this car IS only 6 years old and shouldn't require this problem so early.
TL* the contact owns a 2009 toyota highlander hybrid. While driving 30 mph, the contact heard a clunking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle lost power and failed to accelerate or restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer immediately noticed that the vehicle seemed to consume abnormal quantities of oil. The vehicle had an oil change a month and a half prior to the failure and the oil meter measured one quart of engine oil left in the vehicle. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. Several months later, the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 13v396000 (hybrid propulsion system). After the recall repair was performed, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000. The vin was not available.
Brake and ABS warning lights came on while travel city speed (35-40mph). no noticeable braking problem but advised car IS unsafe to drive. dealer says there IS an internal leak and the brake actuator and booster need to be replaced at a cost of $5,100 (mainly the cost of toyota parts). this IS a soccer mom car no rough driving or braking...and no accidents. I called toyota customer experience and they say the parts are out of warranty. how does these two parts account for over 10% of the original value of the car 6 years ago. shouldn't I expect more from toyota?
We took the vehicle to the dealer in for a 5,000 mile service maintenance. After our service advisor looked over the vehicle he said we needed new set of tires as the current ones were at the wear indicators. our service advisor also said our vehicle was in the open campaign (nhtsa campaign number: 13v396000) to replace the intelligent power module (ipm) in the vehicle hybrid system. the service advisor said it would take about four hours and there would be no charge. since the replacement of the ipm the vehicle has experienced a significant drop in mpg. before the replacement of the ipm the vehicle was averaging 26 - 27 mph in the city and about 30 mpg (29.8 mpg highest) freeway driving. after the replacement of the ipm the vehicle IS averaging 21 - 22 mpg in the city and 24-25 on the freeway. this IS a 5-6 mpg decrease. we have been told by the dealer the replacement of the ipm has nothing to do with the mpg and it IS because of the winter months our mpg has drop. I do not believe the winter months would have this much effect on the mpg. I have done some online research and found other owners having the exact same issue after their ipm was replaced. *tr
TL* the contact owns a 2009 toyota highlander hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact stated that when the light was illuminated, the stopping distance would increase. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection but they could not determine the cause of failure. The failure mileage was 4,300 updated 01/07/2014 *lj also, the air bag light illuminated. The dealer replaced a sensor
Driving about 40mph went to accelerate and the whole car stopped responding to anything. Couldn't drive it at all, was able to limp to side of road, at first couldn't turn vehicle off. Once able to turn off and back on car would drive. Warning messages came on "check brake system-have your vehicle checked by dealer immediately" and then "check hybrid system-stop the vehicle in a safe place (as if I had a choice since the vehicle stopped itself0, immediately contact dealer" had it towed to dealer who did a check and informed me that the problem IS a part of the most recent recall however they do not have the parts as of yet and arent sure when they are going to get them.
TL* the contact owns a 2009 toyota highlander hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, the check hybrid system warning light illuminated then the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the hybrid inverter would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred two more times. The approximate failure mileage was 21,000. updated 6/21/13 *cn updated 07/18/2013 *js
Depressed accelerator after being stopped at traffic light. car jerked forward, stopped and would not restart. warning messages for the hybrid system (message was 'stop immediately and notify dealer'), brake system and 4 wheel drive. car was towed to dealer who determined it was failure of hybrid inverter requiring complete replacement. I'm concerned because this sound similar to issues reported for 2006 and 2007 highlander models. *tr
The tires on my 2009 toyota highlander hybrid failed and had to be replaced. The car was unsafe to drive in the snow even though it was an all wheel drive vehicle. *tr
Right front brake "clanks" when brake pedal IS pressed fairly hard. dealer claims this IS normal for highlanders and that his entire inventory exhibits the same symptoms. (start last year and continues; comments are from dealer today -- june 3, 2010.) *tr
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005). The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism. Given the separation occurring when operating the tilt and/or telescoping function and failure of both shear capsules to maintain the lower steering column mounting position, potential for shear capsule damage in the known failures due to collisions, the overall low rate of occurrence, and the updated manufacturer documentation, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. A detailed summary of the investigation is attached to this closing resume. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Since opening PE18-005, one (1) additional VOQ involving steering column separation has been received. This incident occurred while the vehicle was stationary.As part of PE18-005, ODI examined the field data, warranty data, and relevant technical information submitted by Toyota in response to the PE18-005 information request letter. Ten (10) additional incidents of steering column separation were identified. Four (4) of these instances occurred while driving. During PE18-005, ODI confirmed that the steering columns in the subject vehicles are equipped with breakaway capsules that are designed to collapse/shear during certain types of vehicle collisions. This design feature aims to reduce driver injury severity from impact with the steering wheel in frontal vehicle collisions. There is no direct method for detecting when the capsules in the subject vehicles have sheared. If the driver operates the tilt/telescoping feature after the breakaway capsules have separated, the steering column may drop out of position and could subsequently detach entirely from the rest of the steering assembly. Loss of steering while driving may cause a loss of vehicle control, which could lead to a vehicle crash.To date, ODI has identified 14 incidents involving complete steering column separation, 6 of which occurred while driving. One of these incidents involved a minor crash. Additionally, there have been 16 events where the steering column dropped from the dashboard mounting brackets, but column separation did not occur. Four of these incidents happened while driving. Of these 30 total separation/drop incidents, 5 of the vehicles have evidence of minor collision repairs months or years prior to the steering column failure.This investigation has been upgraded an to Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) in order to 1) conduct a more detailed analysis of the conditions that may cause the steering column breakaway capsules to separate and 2) assess factors that may contribute to the problem of failing to detect and repair breakaway capsules after they have separated. Toyota has recently revised their repair manual and issued a Collision Repair Information Bulletin to help address the second concern.The VOQs associated with this investigation can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI complaint numbers: 11141761, 11083623, 11083280, 10888043.
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.