Toyota Highlander Hybrid Best and Worst Years (2005–2025)

2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Index 100 · 370 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2006 model year has the highest complaint index (100) and the most complaints of any year (370). Brakes lead the problem list with 151 complaints, 41% of the year's total, at a median 90,000 miles. Owners describe brake pedal feel dropping or brakes releasing momentarily then re-engaging. Electrical System (89 complaints) and Engine (81 complaints) follow, including reports of smoke and fire from under the hood. NHTSA lists 6 recalls, covering the fuel system inverter module (IPM), a crankshaft pulley issue, and an inverter module with inadequately soldered connections.

2006 brakes problems →2006 electrical system problems →2006 engine problems →

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Index 95 · 197 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2008 model year has a complaint index of 95 across 197 complaints, the second-highest in the lineup. Brakes dominate with 118 complaints, 60% of the year's total, at a median 119,450 miles; owners describe brake response delays and momentary release before re-engaging. Electrical System complaints (35) include reports of smoke and melting around window switches. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this year, covering a wiper switch, the fuel system IPM, and a power window switch lubrication issue.

2008 brakes problems →2008 electrical system problems →2008 engine problems →

2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Index 90 · 110 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2007 model year carries a complaint index of 90 with 110 total complaints. Brakes account for 54 complaints (49% share) at a median 98,076.5 miles, with owners describing brakes skipping over bumps or potholes and unexpected forward movement while parking. Electrical System (28 complaints) and Engine (25 complaints) issues follow. NHTSA lists 2 recalls tied to this year: the fuel system IPM replacement and an inverter module recall shared with the 2006 model.

2007 brakes problems →2007 electrical system problems →2007 engine problems →

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Index 85 · 40 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2009 model year has a complaint index of 85 from 40 complaints. Brakes make up 75% of the year's complaints (30 total) at a median 74,500 miles, with owners describing brake fade lasting a fraction of a second followed by the pedal requiring firmer pressure. Engine (6 complaints) and Fuel System (4 complaints) issues follow. NHTSA lists 4 recalls tied to this model year, including the wiper switch campaign, the fuel system IPM replacement, and an occupant detection sensor recalibration.

2009 brakes problems →

2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Index 80 · 22 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2010 model year has a complaint index of 80 from 22 complaints. Brakes account for 7 complaints (32% share) at a median 34,500 miles, alongside Engine complaints (5) describing unintended acceleration and idle shaking. Electrical System reports describe the hybrid system disabling all-wheel drive during tire slippage. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year, including the wiper switch campaign, the fuel system IPM replacement, and a mislabeling correction recall.

2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Index 75 · 15 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2021 model year has a complaint index of 75 from 15 complaints. Airbags lead the problem areas with 8 complaints (53% share) at a median 31,000 miles, including reports of delayed recall parts availability. Structure & Body complaints (4) relate to a front bumper cover recall and second-row seat back locking issue. NHTSA lists 4 recalls tied to this year, covering seat back return springs, an airbag sensor inspection, and a front bumper cover repair.