2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
55
Owner Complaints
4
Recalls
9
Service Bulletins
1
Investigation
Overview of the 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID
The 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID has received a total of 55 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER, SEATS. 9 technical service bulletins have been issued by Toyota Motor Corporation for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Service Brakes (17 complaints), Service Brakes Electric (7 complaints), and Service Brakes Hydraulic (5 complaints).
Recalls for the 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID
NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID, potentially affecting up to 1,980,915 vehicles.
Recall 15V689000 — VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
| 1,814,284 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
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,...
View full details →Recall 13V396000 — HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER
| 133,081 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
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.
View full details →Recall 13V014000 — SEATS
| 3,235 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
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 contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
View full details →Recall 13V014000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
| 3,235 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
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 contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
View full details →Recall 09V223000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 27,080 vehicles affected
Defect: 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."
Consequence: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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 AT 1-888-270-9371.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID
55 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 17 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Electric | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hybrid Propulsion System Inverter | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System12v24v48v Battery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment Adaptivemobility | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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.
Safety Rating for the 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID
Toyota Motor Corporation has issued 9 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
ZKC_Toyota POL19 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Warranty Enhancement Program: Toyota has received reports regarding the Brake Actuator Assembly and Brake Booster Pump Assembly indicating certain internal malfunctions.
ZKC_Toyota POL19 — PARKING BRAKE:DRIVELINE:HYDRAULIC:ACTUATOR
Warranty Enhancement Program: Toyota has received reports regarding the Brake Actuator Assembly and Brake Booster Pump Assembly indicating certain internal malfunctions.
ZKC_Dealer Email — SERVICE BRAKES
Dealer Email: Toyota has received reports regarding the Brake Actuator Assembly and Brake Booster Pump Assembly on certain 2008 - 2010 model year Highlander Hybrid vehicles. These reports have indicated certain internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator Assembly. Although the Brake Actuator Assembly and Brake Booster Pump Assembly are covered...
ZKC_Region Lette — SERVICE BRAKES
Region Letter: Toyota has received reports regarding the Brake Actuator Assembly and Brake Booster Pump Assembly on certain 2008 - 2010 model year Highlander Hybrid vehicles. These reports have indicated certain internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator Assembly. Although the Brake Actuator Assembly and Brake Booster Pump Assembly are covered...
ZKC_Toyota POL19 — SERVICE BRAKES
Customer Support Program: Toyota has received reports regarding the Brake Actuator Assembly and Brake Booster Pump Assembly indicating certain internal malfunctions.
ZG4 POL17-04 War — STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
Warranty Policy Bulletin POL17-04: Toyota has received reports of customer concerns in which the power back door does not close properly. In some cases, the power back door may reach the fully close position and then reverse to the open position. In certain instances, the power back door closes, but...
TT-0307-14 Rev2 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
TT: Some customers may encounter various Bluetooth connectivity concerns after upgrading to iOS 8.0 and later. Conditions typically experienced include inability to pair the iPhone to the system, poor sound quality during phone calls placed through the audio/navigation system, and the inability to place a hands free phone call using...
TMS-NTC-13214 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
SB-TC-09-017 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
TOYOTA: UPDATE TO LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION. ADDENDUM LABEL WAS INSTALLED AT VEHICLE PROCESSING CENTER WHEN ACCESSORIES WERE INSTALLED. THE ADDENDUM LABEL MUST BE INSTALLED WHEN ACCESSORIES ARE INSTALLED WHICH EXCEED 1.5% OF THE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) OR 100 LBS, WHICHEVER IS LESS, ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST...
NHTSA Investigations for the 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID.
Other Model Years of the TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID
- 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID — 0 complaints
- 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID — 2 complaints
- 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID — 481 complaints
- 2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID — 160 complaints
- 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID — 272 complaints
- 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID (current)
- 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID — 26 complaints
- 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID — 5 complaints
- 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID — 11 complaints
- 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID — 6 complaints
- 2014 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID — 2 complaints
Other TOYOTA Models
- TOYOTA CAMRY — 23,209 total complaints
- TOYOTA PRIUS — 15,411 total complaints
- TOYOTA COROLLA — 14,342 total complaints
- TOYOTA RAV4 — 11,737 total complaints
- TOYOTA SIENNA — 10,769 total complaints
- TOYOTA TACOMA — 10,512 total complaints
- TOYOTA TUNDRA — 8,997 total complaints
- TOYOTA HIGHLANDER — 6,663 total complaints