Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While driving down a road without warning one of the ignition coils failed causing the engine and the car to immediately stop in traffic. Fortunately, we were on a rural road and going less than 30 MPH, but on a freeway at speed we would have been in an extremely dangerous situation. The Highlander Hybrid unlike most cars will not run at all with an ignition coil failure. Thus, there is a risk of a sudden loss of power. The Toyota dealer was unable to offer any explanation other than thee things happen. The vehicle had only 80,000 miles, had been maintained by Toyota dealers on a regular basis and is five years old. I have been driving for 58 years and have never experienced an ignition coil failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact was driving approximately 20 MPH, during braking there was a delay in the response time. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was able to continue in operation. Additionally, when in an idling position the vehicle would shake causing a jerking motion to occur. The authorized dealer was notified of the malfunctions which there were no resolutions. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was 1,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. While driving up a hill at 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the ABS, traction control, steering system, and battery warning indicators illuminated. In addition, "stop vehicle in a safe place immediately" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact had to depress the brake pedal with excessive force to stop the vehicle. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road and had it towed home. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to royal south Toyota (located at 3115 s walnut st, bloomington, in 47401, [phone]) where it was diagnosed, but no failure code was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,842.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. While driving 30 MPH, the contact heard a clunking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle lost power and failed to accelerate or restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer immediately noticed that the vehicle seemed to consume abnormal quantities of oil. The vehicle had an oil change a month and a half prior to the failure and the oil meter measured one quart of engine oil left in the vehicle. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. Several months later, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13V396000 (Hybrid propulsion system). After the recall repair was performed, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000. The VIN was not available.
I was driving to an off ramp when my 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid just stop in the middle of a very busy traffic! It almost caused a terrible accident. I had it towed and the Toyota dealership diagnosed it as an inverter converter problem and will cause me $11000 (yes, eleven thousand dollars) to replace it. This appear to be an engineering defect fault. Of all the warning in place it seems to inform the driver, such as the ABS light, low gas gauge, low air, oil maintenance warning, why not the 'inverter problem detected, bring your car to the dealer now?'. I feel that Toyota is being irresponsible in designing a car that just simply stop in the middle of the highway or on any street without warning. This error is super dangerous and can cause innocent lives and Toyota should take responsibility in correcting the wrong instead of hiding behind the scene. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the engine stalled and the instrument panel warning indicators flashed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was water in the Hybrid battery compartment and the compartment needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact's son stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.
Driving on an interstate received a check Hybrid light then the engine powered down and then shut down. Was able to pull off interstate without crashing. Had to have it towed to Toyota dealer where they said it was the ivs, inverter system, which overheated and shut engine down. The vehicle was recalled in 2014 for bad soldering in the ivs system. Car has only 72,000 miles on it, but over 8 years on warranty. So I am waiting on Toyota to decide if they are going to assume responsibility for $9,500 repair. I am now aware of lawsuits and complaints on the inverter system of the Hybrid Highlander.
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004 avalon vehicles; 2004 and 2005 camry, camry solara, highlander, and sienna vehicles, 2006 highlander hybrid; 2004 and 2005 Lexus es330 and rx330; and 2006 Lexus rx400h vehicles manufactured from June 1, 2004 through March 31, 2005, equipped with the 1mz-fe or 3mz-fe engine.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the crankshaft pulley to identify whether it was produced by the U.S. Supplier. If so, the dealer will replace the pulley with a new one at no charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Highlander Hybrid years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (53), 2008 (13), 2007 (11) and 2009 (5) model years. Engine complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Toyota Highlander Hybrid engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 11V-539 (engine and engine cooling, Nov 9, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Toyota Highlander Hybrid engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (7 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (1).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.