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BrakesPart report

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Brakes Problems

Complaints
29about this part
Share
73%of 40 total for the year
Median mileage
80,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the brakes of the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 73% of the 40 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Brakes failed shortly after the ABS warning light went off. Dealer diagnosed this as a break actuator assembly failure. It looks like Toyota had a warranty enhancement program for vehicle years 2006-2007. However, my 2009 appears to be having exactly the same issue, yet it's not covered by the program. Given the severity of the part failure, it's not clear why this is not a recall... We were lucky that no accident resulted from this failure.”

NHTSA complaint #11184733, filed 2019-03, 215,000 miles

“I was driving 5 MPH and my brakes completely went out. Luckily, since it was on halloween night with kids everywhere no one was hurt. Abs warning lights came on and warning lights said to pull over and take to mechanic. I had no brakes and coasted home going 2mph. It was my ABS actuator pump.”

NHTSA complaint #10927284, filed 2016-11, 69,000 miles

“While driving from orlando to tampa florida my wife had the ABS brake warning light came on and a weird noise coming under the vehicle. She was able to make it home and we took the car to dealer. They said we needed to replace the brake actuator at a cost of more than $3,400! We can't understand why such a small part would cost about a quarter of the value of this vehicle and after doing some research online I found numerous other people that have had the same problem. This issue really needs to be looked into and Toyota should issue an immediate recall.”

NHTSA complaint #10924610, filed 2016-11, 122,000 miles

“At roughly 80k miles, every time I started the car, a brake malfunction alert would display. Multiple sensors on the are illuminated. The brakes feel normal, but recently I did notice some audible noises when I use the brakes. I took it to the dealership and they said the brake actuator needed to be replaced for around 3200 w/ labor. After doing some research, I found that this same system was recalled on the camry hybrid but not the Highlander Hybrid, despite many complaints.if this is a manufacturing defect, it is a very dangerous one that could cause brake failure and lead to death”

NHTSA complaint #11001249, filed 2017-06, 80,000 miles

“Toyota hybrids surge when braking. I took the car in twice to the dealer. The dealer told me they were aware of the surge. It occurs when the car is braking and the car goes from gas to charging the battery.”

NHTSA complaint #10316586, filed 2010-03, 1,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2023111%
2022233%
202117%
2020222%
2018120%
2016350%
2013120%
2012111%
2011120%
2010627%
20092973%
200811357%
20074642%
200613737%

Other parts of the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Engine
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsHybrid propulsion system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology