Total Complaints
178 filings
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER · model year
178 NHTSA complaints, 7 crash reports, and 9 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2009TOYOTAHIGHLANDER carries 178 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 7 crashes, 7 fires, 9 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2009 HIGHLANDER is engine with 23 filings, followed by service brakes (21) and electrical system (19). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 9 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2009 HIGHLANDER. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
178 filings
Crashes Reported
7 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 23 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 21 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 19 |
| STEERING | 11 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 11 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 10 |
| AIR BAGS | 6 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 6 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL | 5 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 5 |
| TIRES | 5 |
| SUSPENSION | 5 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 5 |
| POWER TRAIN | 4 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4 |
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
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 Vib
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 affec
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 y
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 S
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
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 CAPA
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.
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 Priu
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal, loud clunking sound. The ABS, the parking brake, and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
Mileage: 137,000
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal, loud clunking sound. The ABS, the parking brake, and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
Mileage: 137,000
1. Component/System that Failed: The component that has malfunctioned is the ABS actuator, which affects the vehicleâs 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 safetyâand the safety of othersâat 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 Ser
My airbag light came on and I don't understand why the airbag light came on. I took it to a auto shop and they said I would have to take it to a Toyato dealer. Also, my emergency brake is all the way to the floor and it has never released. It will not release at all. It has been that way ever since I bought the vehicle.
My airbag light came on and I don't understand why the airbag light came on. I took it to a auto shop and they said I would have to take it to a Toyato dealer. Also, my emergency brake is all the way to the floor and it has never released. It will not release at all. It has been that way ever since I bought the vehicle.
the ABS pump and actuator on this vehicle have failed. The warning lights on dash indicate ABS, BRAKE, TRACTION CONTROL, and (!). Toyota knows that the actuator on over one hundred thousand vehicles has an internal leakage (which can not be seen on visual inspection). I have requested Toyota to repair and replace this manufacturing malady and Toyota has declined any assistance.
245/55R19 is the tire size. I went to have my tires balanced and aligned on [XXX] at a local shop, Arrow. Alignment here in Eau Claire, WI. They advised me that the ply in all 4 tires was separating and that is why the ride was so rough. Presently Iâm scheduled to have them all replaced to the tune of $1,034 and change this Friday, [XXX] at arrow alignment because although the tread - confirmed at a dealership to still be good - the tires themselves seem to have some sort of defect in them causing them all to have the ply separating. Iâll have them check the spare this Friday as well to ensure that is not also experiencing ply separation and if it is have that replaced as well. Fortunately this didnât cause a horrid accident, but Iâve been driving on these at high speeds assuming I just had to get them aligned and balanced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Brakes failed at a low rate of speed despite pumping them and pushing the petal all the way to the floor. Several witnesses in the car support this narrative. Vehicle ended up slowly rolling into the car in front of us. Minimal damage to both. Took it in to the dealership and they said the brakes appear fine.
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the power window master switch inoperable. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V689000 (Visibility). There were no warnings lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to dealer. The dealer stated that the power window master switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 127,000.
Mileage: 127,000
2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid; mileage 97,849. While driving a red BRAKE alert showed up along with an ABS light, traction symbol and an encircled exclamation mark. This malfunction (which I now see is a known safety issue) shut down my regular braking system and I had to use the emergency brake to stop. A message appeared telling me to pull over to a safe spot and contact my dealer. A shrill high pitched sound also went off. How can a faulty designed ABS module that blocks the braking system from working when it fails not be under a safety recall - just an expired Safety Bulletin? I was fortunate to think to use my emergency brake to stop to avoid an accident and injury to myself and/or others. Vehicle was towed to Gates Toyota, South Bend, IN. if you wish to contact them regarding codes & costly repair bill expenses. I have a call in to the Toyota Headquarters Resolution Team and am waiting for them to contact me back on my case.
Similar to what many other complainants have stated, the ABS has apparently failed. There are clunking noises and warning messages to pull over and not drive the vehicle. This is a known issue on these vehicles and Toyota did a very short recall that expired in 2020. The recall required that your vehicle was experiencing the problem at that moment, so everyone who has this issue after 2020 gets a $3k repair bill or an unsafe vehicle.
Going down a hill with my family the suv was traveling at a speed of 65mph when suddenly another vehicle jump into my lane so i tried to brake with a fast push on the brake pedal but not too hard so i would stop the suv completely for the cars that were traveling behind so the suv made a weird noise and the lights on dash from the abs,service brake and other warning lights went on and the most scary thing is that from that moment the suv didnt respond safely to the road it was really hard for me to control it and there times that it didnt braked safely when it required to do so..i havent take the truck to a dealer but am about to do so i have the appointment for 05/06/2023 btw my suv is a 2009 toyota highlander hybrid and the suv hasnt being driven by anybody since then so i hope the authorities take matter on this situations thanks
The brake warning light has come on, including the abs, anti skid , and the triangle warning light. The OBD 2 scanner is indicating code C1253. This indicates brake actuator, & or brake booster. This a known problem for Toyota hybrid highlanders from 2008 to 2011. Toyota knows there is a problem, has a posted a customer service bulletin (CZN), but expired 2020. (This doesn't mean the part still can't fail.)The local dealer, and the Toyota home office refuses to step in with any help. If this was a known problem by Toyota, why isn't there a recall? If I'm driving the car and have an accident, from this part failure, is Toyota liable, since this is a known problem? Would appreciate any help, or you could direct me to who could help. Thanks, [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Mileage: 193,000
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.
2008-2010 Toyota Highlander vehicles are at risk for a brake malfunction caused by the ABS system. Toyota issued a TSB in May 2019 but that was only covered IF you had the issue during that specific time period of the issued TSB. The ABS issue seems to be malfunction around 135000-150000 miles and cause a brake failure or lockup. Since the TSB was issued, it voids 3rd party warranty coverage and Toyota will not assist with cost at almost $3000 even though they are aware of the issue.
While driving I heard a clunking noise and warning lights for ABS, slip indicator, brake warning system instructing me to pull over and service vehicle as it was unsafe to drive I took the vehicle to local dealership and they found that the ABS Actuator and Brake pump had failed and needed to be replaced. While researching the issue I found that the manufacturer had issued an extended warranty service bulletin but did not issue a recall. I have included the service bulletin below.
Why is there no recall for all these hybrid Highlanders with Brake Actuator failures? My 2009 Highlander has just over 70,000 miles. I was driving and this warning showed up on the screen: âBRAKE (in red) Brake Malfunctionâ and underneath âStop the vehicle in a safe place immediately, and contact a dealer.â âABS Check ABSâ and âCheck Brake Systemâ both of which say âHave your vehicle checked by a Dealerâ. The dashboard also shows warning lights -warning light in yellow with an !), BRAKE in red, and ABS (!), and the anti-skid brake symbol is on - yellow with a car symbol and skid marks. I took it to the dealer in Tucson (Desert Toyota - where I purchased it in 2018) and they diagnosed it: "DTC C1391 FOUND BRAKE ACTUATOR TO LEAK INTERNALLY. RECOMMEND REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BOOSTER PUMP (BOOSTER PUMP DUE TO POSSIBLE WEAKENED BY RUNNING MORE SINCE ACUTATOR IS LEAKING INTERNALLY)" The cost for repairing this is $2,945.96. I now see that this is far fr
Braking system warning lights came on. Prior to that the vehicle was making several clunking noises from the front and rear mostly when braking. The stopping distance while braking has been reduced to nearly double the distance while much more force is needed to be applied to the brake pedal to get the vehicle to come to a stop.
on 26/Jan/2022 i driving on highway suddendly the front wheel passanger side lock, luckily i quickly get off drive land to emergency land. The Brake Malfuntion light come up, i so scare, do not what happen. But i should do complaint about brake system on this vehicle. Thanks. Vu Dam.
on 26/Jan/2022 i driving on highway suddendly the front wheel passanger side lock, luckily i quickly get off drive land to emergency land. The Brake Malfuntion light come up, i so scare, do not what happen. But i should do complaint about brake system on this vehicle. Thanks. Vu Dam.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.