2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a Good verdict, ranking 14th worst of 21 model years with a complaint index of 35 and just 5 complaints on file. It has one recall, for a headlight switch, and no crashes, fires, or injuries reported.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 35/100
- #14 of 21 Highlander Hybrid years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 5
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 28
- 28 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine3 (60%)
- Brakes1 (20%)
- Other1 (20%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report unintended acceleration when shifting into gear, requiring heavy brake pressure to stop the vehicle.
- One owner described brakes failing while driving, needing both feet to press the pedal to the floor to stop uphill.
- Engine problems were reported at low speeds without clear warning before failure.
- One owner heard a grinding noise from the engine at highway speed, later diagnosed as a damaged rubber oil hose.
- Engine-related complaints show a median failure mileage of 72,000 miles, while the brake complaint occurred at 153,000 miles.
2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 15V689000Oct 22, 2015Visibility & Wipers1,814,284 vehicles
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.
Remedy: 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.
2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 28 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other Highlander Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 model year earns a Good verdict compared to other Highlander Hybrid years, with only 5 complaints and a complaint index of 35.
- What problems does the 2011 Highlander Hybrid have?
- NHTSA complaints show engine issues as the top problem area, making up 60% of complaints, followed by brakes at 20%. The median mileage at engine failure was 72,000.
- Does the 2011 Highlander Hybrid have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 15V689000) covers a visibility and wipers component related to a headlight switch, with dealers inspecting and lubricating or replacing the switch.
- How does 2011 compare to other Highlander Hybrid years?
- The 2011 model ranks 14th worst out of 21 years tracked, well below the highest-complaint years like 2006, which has a complaint index of 100 and an Avoid verdict.