Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2009 Toyota Highlander — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2012 to Dec 2023
The most reported issue is engine problems (18 complaints). 6 complaints involved crashes. 5 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (9)
NHTSA Campaign: 14V743000
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V689000
Component: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V168000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
Risk: If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Fix: Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V396000
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V014000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V035000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V036000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
NHTSA Campaign: 09V223000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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."
Risk: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V023000
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, VENZA AND MATRIX PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT. THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A CAMPAIGN OF 3.8 MILLION OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES ANNOUNCED IN 2009 FOR THE SAME ISSUE (SEE 09V-388).
Risk: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Fix: TOYOTA WILL MODIFY OR REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FLOOR SURFACE MODIFICATIONS ARE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED AND WILL BE INCLUDED FOR ANY MODEL FOR WHICH IT IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE. INITIALLY, DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO RESHAPE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FOR THE REPAIR. AS REPLACEMENT PARTS WITH THE SAME SHAPE AS THE MODIFIED PEDAL BECOME AVAILABLE, THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE DEALERS FOR THE REPAIR. CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD THE PEDAL RESHAPE REMEDY COMPLETED WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A NEW PEDAL IF THEY DESIRE, AFTER REPLACEMENT PEDALS BECOME AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, TOYOTA WILL REPLACE ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT IN A SUBJECT VEHICLE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT BUT DO NOT NEED OR WANT THE NEWLY DESIGNED ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT, TOYOTA WILL RECOVER THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT AND REIMBURSE ITS PRICE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN MARCH 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 134)
Service Brakes →13 issues
Your ABS (anti-lock braking) system has failed, causing your brakes to feel inconsistent and make loud noises during hard braking. Two independent repair shops have confirmed this is an ABS actuator failure, and your ABS and stability control warning lights are illuminated. The fix will require replacement of the ABS actuator unit by a qualified technician.
Parts you may need:
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Your brakes failed to stop the vehicle at low speed, even after pumping the pedal and pressing it all the way to the floor. Your car slowly rolled into another vehicle ahead of you, causing minimal damage to both cars. The dealership inspected your brakes and reported they appeared to be functioning normally. The fix may involve a thorough brake system inspection, including brake fluid condition, brake pads, calipers, and the master cylinder.
Parts you may need:
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While driving, your brake system warning light came on along with the ABS light, traction control symbol, and a warning message telling you to pull over safely. Your regular brakes stopped working, forcing you to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle, and a loud alarm sounded. The issue appears to be a faulty ABS module that disabled your primary braking system. The repair will likely involve diagnosing the ABS module fault codes and replacing or repairing the ABS module to restore normal braking function.
Parts you may need:
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Your ABS (anti-lock braking system) has stopped working properly, causing clunking noises and warning messages telling you to pull over immediately. This is a known issue on your model year, but Toyota's recall expired in 2020 and only covered vehicles actively experiencing the problem at that time. Repairs typically cost around $3,000 out of pocket.
Parts you may need:
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While driving downhill at 65 mph and braking suddenly to avoid another vehicle, your Highlander made a strange noise and multiple warning lights appeared on the dashboard (ABS, service brake, and others). After this incident, the vehicle became difficult to control and did not respond reliably to braking when needed. A dealer inspection is needed to diagnose what caused the brake system and ABS to malfunction.
Parts you may need:
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Your brake warning light, ABS light, anti-skid light, and triangle warning light have all come on. A diagnostic scan shows error code C1253, which points to a problem with the brake actuator or brake booster. You mention this is a known issue affecting 2008-2011 Toyota hybrid Highlanders, and Toyota issued a service bulletin about it (though it expired in 2020). The dealer and Toyota corporate have declined to help with repair costs. Fixing this will likely require replacing or rebuilding the brake actuator and/or brake booster assembly.
Parts you may need:
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Your Highlander's ABS (anti-lock brake) system may malfunction around 135,000–150,000 miles, potentially causing brake failure or wheel lockup. Toyota issued a technical service bulletin in May 2019 but limited coverage to vehicles serviced during that period, and repairs cost around $3,000. The ABS module may need to be replaced or reprogrammed to restore proper brake function.
Parts you may need:
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While driving, you heard a clunking noise and saw warning lights for ABS, traction control, and brakes telling you to pull over immediately. Your dealership found that the ABS actuator and brake pump had both failed and needed replacement. Toyota issued a service bulletin about this issue but did not recall the vehicle.
Parts you may need:
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Your brake system is showing multiple warning lights and messages telling you to stop immediately and contact a dealer. The dealer diagnosed an internal leak in your brake actuator, which is the component that controls your braking power, and recommended replacing both the brake actuator assembly and the booster pump at a cost of nearly $3,000. This repair involves replacing the failed brake actuator and the booster pump that may have been stressed by the leak.
Parts you may need:
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Your brake warning lights turned on after you noticed clunking noises from the front and rear of the vehicle, especially when braking. You've had to press the brake pedal much harder than normal to stop, and the vehicle now takes nearly twice as long to come to a complete stop. This will likely require inspection and replacement of worn brake components.
Parts you may need:
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Your brake system may fail completely while driving due to a faulty brake actuator and pump assembly. Multiple warning lights appear on your dashboard (brake, ABS, and anti-lock brake symbols) along with messages telling you to stop safely and contact a dealer immediately. Toyota has confirmed the issue and provided a repair quote, but this is not currently covered under recall even though hundreds of thousands of 2008-2010 Highlanders have had the same problem fixed under warranty. The repair will involve replacing the brake actuator and pump assembly, which requires professional service at a Toyota dealership.
Parts you may need:
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Your brakes may not stop your vehicle immediately even when you press the pedal firmly, with the car continuing to move a few feet before stopping. You may see warning lights for ABS, brakes, traction control, or tire pressure illuminate on your dashboard. A Toyota dealer diagnosed this as a brake actuator and pump assembly issue (error code C1391) that requires replacement at significant cost, though Toyota previously issued a recall bulletin covering this repair that expired on December 31, 2020. The fix involves replacing the brake actuator and pump assembly.
Parts you may need:
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Your ABS pump and actuator have failed, causing warning lights to appear on your dashboard for ABS, Brakes, Traction Control, and the check engine light. This is a known manufacturing defect affecting over 100,000 vehicles where the actuator develops internal leakage that cannot be seen from outside. Fixing this issue will require replacing the ABS pump and actuator assembly.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →2 issues
Your engine oil filler cap had an internal motor part that melted and nearly broke through while driving. When you opened the hood, you found a 2-inch cylindrical part that had failed. Your brakes, traction control, and stability control all engaged as the engine nearly failed, and your brake pedal went to the floor, though the vehicle stopped before traffic. The engine appears to have experienced severe internal combustion issues that may have affected multiple systems.
Parts you may need:
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Your engine makes a grinding or metallic noise when starting, even when the engine is already warmed up. The dealer says this is normal for cold starts, but you're experiencing it regardless of engine temperature. Toyota has refused to fix the issue.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes, Hydraulic →1 issue
While driving, your Highlander made a loud clunking sound and the ABS, parking brake, and traction control warning lights all came on at once. A mechanic diagnosed that your brake actuator assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. This is the component that helps regulate your braking system, so having it fail is a serious safety concern.
Parts you may need:
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Suspension,service Brakes →1 issue
While driving on the highway, your front passenger-side wheel suddenly locked up, causing you to lose control and safely pull onto the shoulder. A brake malfunction warning light appeared on your dashboard. This suggests a problem with your brake system that needs immediate inspection to prevent future incidents.
Parts you may need:
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Air Bags,forward Collision Avoidance →1 issue
Your airbag warning light is on, and a mechanic couldn't diagnose why it's illuminated—you'll need to visit a Toyota dealer for a scan. Additionally, your emergency brake lever stays stuck all the way down and won't release, which has been happening since you purchased the vehicle. Both issues need professional attention: the airbag light requires a diagnostic scan to identify the sensor or wiring problem, and the stuck emergency brake likely needs cable or lever repair.
Parts you may need:
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Tires →1 issue
The internal layers (ply) of all four of your tires are separating from each other, which is causing a rough, bumpy ride. Even though the tire tread still looks good, the tires appear to have a defect that's causing this internal breakdown. You'll need to replace all four tires, and possibly the spare if it has the same problem.
Parts you may need:
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Visibility →1 issue
Your power window master switch has stopped working, which means you can't control the windows from the driver's door panel. This is a known issue covered under NHTSA campaign 15V689000. The dealer confirmed the master switch needs to be replaced to restore window operation.
Parts you may need:
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Related Vehicles
Other Toyota Highlander years: