YearToAvoid

2005 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

10/100

#19 most-complained of 21 Highlander Hybrid years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2005 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has 1 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 10 out of 100 — #19 highest of 21 Highlander Hybrid model years. The most reported problem area is brakes (1 complaints, 100% of the total).

Complaints
1
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2005 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Brakes1 (100%)
  2. Steering1 (100%)

2005 Toyota Highlander Hybrid recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 11V112000Feb 24, 2011Engine769,379 vehicles

    Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal

    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 highlander, highlander hybrid, and model year 2004-2007 lexus rx330, rx350, and rx400h vehicles. If the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center console, is not installed properly the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm.

    Risk: If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may temporarily become stuck in a partially depressed position rather than return to the idle position. A stuck accelerator pedal may result in unintended and sustained vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the floor carpet cover with a newly designed one free or charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during march 2011. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

2005 compared with other Highlander Hybrid years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005No verdict1011—
2006Avoid100370626.5
2007Avoid90110226

All Toyota Highlander Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2005 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Toyota Highlander Hybrid ranks #19 of 21 among Highlander Hybrid model years (Complaint Index 10/100). It has 1 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The most reported problem areas are brakes (1 complaints) and steering (1 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 131,000 miles.
Does the 2005 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2005 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, most recently reported 2011, covering engine.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.