2009 Toyota Highlander: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Toyota Highlander? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 134 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2009 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2009 Toyota Highlander trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2009 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Toyota Highlander has 134 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Highlander
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 134
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2009 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Brake System
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Brake System, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Toyota Highlander?
The 2009 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Toyota Highlander
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for reported issues such as stalling or excessive oil consumption.
- Check brake system for premature wear or failure reports.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and steering components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine for reported issues such as stalling or excessive oil consumption.
- Check brake system for premature wear or failure reports.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and steering components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Toyota Highlander, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 134 NHTSA complaints for the 2009 Toyota Highlander, issues appear concentrated in the engine, brake system, and electrical components. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 6, but the data is limited to a single model year and consumer-submitted reports.
- Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints at 28.
- Brake system complaints total 26, the second most reported component.
- Electrical faults are cited in 20 complaints.
- Unintended acceleration is reported in 14 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Brake System
- Electrical Faults
All 2009 Toyota Highlander Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Toyota Highlander. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 28 | — | 4 | — | |
| Brake System | 26 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 20 | — | 2 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 14 | 3 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 independ…
1. Component/System that Failed: The component that has malfunctioned is the ABS actuator, which affects the vehicle’s 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. S…
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 …
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 …
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 I’m scheduled to have them a…
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 t…
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 t…
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 t…
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 r…
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 su…
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 th…
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 13500…
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…
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: “BRAKE (in red) Brake Malfunction” and underneath “Stop the vehicle in a safe place immedia…
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…
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. V…
Brake Actuator and Pump Assembly. If I drive the car Toyota has told me it could be catastrophic when the brakes stop while I’m driving. Yes, Toyota inspected and gave the quote to me. This vehicle had 446,000 others fixed (2008-2010) under a “warranty” instead of a “recall”! …
Engine oil filler cap had interior motor part , melt through while driving , almost hurling all the way through , 2 inch cylindrical part viewed when opening hood to inspect damage . Braking , trac and vsc engaged and motor failed almost dieing , abs allowed brake pedal to go to …
I HAVE OWNED MY 2009 HIGHLANDER HYBRID SINCE I PURCHASED NEW FROM DEALER IN JULY 2009. IN MID DECEMBER 2020 I NOTICED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THAT WITH MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE WOULD STILL BE MOVING A FEW FEET BEFORE STOPPING. NO WARNING LIGHTS SO I FIGURED…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Toyota Highlander.
2009 Toyota Highlander Recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Toyota Highlander. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Toyota Highlander Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Toyota Highlander reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 134 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Toyota Highlander?▾
#1: Engine Problems (28 complaints). #2: Brake System (26 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (20 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Toyota Highlander?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Toyota Highlander?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Toyota Highlander, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 134 total complaints. 9 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Toyota Highlander. A major recall area is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2009 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Toyota Highlander based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.