CarRecallWatchThe 2009 Toyota Highlander has 9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 134 complaints with NHTSA, including 6 crashes, 5 fires, 9 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (23 reports).
2009 Toyota Highlander recalls
Aftermarket Seat Heaters May Short Circuit and Cause Fire
Certain vehicles were equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters that have a copper strand heating element.
Power window switch may overheat and cause a fire
Some Toyota vehicles may have a power window master switch where grease was inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts during manufacturing.
Most common 2009 Toyota Highlander problems
Problem areas named in the 134 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 23 |
| Service Brakes | 21 |
| Electrical System | 20 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 16 |
| Structure | 15 |
| Steering | 12 |
| Air Bags | 8 |
| Power Train | 7 |
| Tires | 6 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 6 |
What owners report
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.
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
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.
2009 Toyota Highlander questions
Does the 2009 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls for the 2009 Toyota Highlander: Aftermarket Seat Heaters May Short Circuit and Cause Fire; Power window switch may overheat and cause a fire; Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler; Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module; Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive; Seats. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Toyota Highlander?
Based on 134 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (23), Service Brakes (21), Electrical System (20).
How do I check if a recall on my 2009 Toyota Highlander has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.