2009 Toyota Highlander Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 6%of 134 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,392miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the air bags of the 2009 Toyota Highlander, 6% of the 134 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,392 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Without prejudice my vehicle was rear -ended by another vehicle at speed of approximately 75, and got crashed on to the car in front at speed of 40 to 50. Air bags failed to deploy and dash board indicator light came on and it does not go off. I strongly believe this is a manufacturer defect. This SUV consists with six air bags. Non of them responded. I purchase with confidence that air bags are in working order. Manufacturer risk our life for nearly two years. I deserve compensation for risking 6 lives.”
NHTSA complaint #10432520, filed 2011-10, 11,395 miles“$7155 quote to replace 2 electrical harnesses. Reason: warning: srs airbag check. Take vehicle to dealer . The junction box is hidden behind the driver side front panel. The pins in the junction box belonging to the airbag wiring harness (part # 82141-48r51) that runs underneath the dashboard were fried due to electrical short (unexplained). Because the junction box also brings the rear wiring harness (part # 82162-48d40 ) to tail, headliner, and back of the vehicle, this must be replaced as well. …”
NHTSA complaint #10762752, filed 2015-09, 72,900 miles“Passenger side front air bag warning light indicates air bag not functional. Occurs at random times, will stay that way for days or weeks, then revert to normal. Sometimes at same time fan goes to high, air conditioning goes on, or floor/air dial switches to all defrost, or emergency lights switch on. Dealership said the problem was malfunctioning weight lever in seat, couldn't explain the rest of it, and they never did anything to try to fix it. However, it seems to be electronic issue as it sometimes works.”
NHTSA complaint #10318069, filed 2010-03, 8,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11620896, filed 2024-10“I have not had an accident with this vehicle, however I was told by Toyota to check this website to see if my particular year and model is one of the ones affected by the airbag malfunction. If so, I want to get it in to be repaired as soon as possible in case there is an accident and someone in my vehicle is killed or injured. I am a sports mom so at times I have 6 children in my vehicle and 2 are my grandchildren.”
NHTSA complaint #10654762, filed 2014-11Related recalls
- 14V168000Apr 9, 2014Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors…Covers: Toyota Highlander 2008–2010, Yaris 2006–2010, RAV4 2006–2008 +4 more
Related service bulletins
- 10244113Aug 17, 2023TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most…
- 10227898Nov 23, 2022TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this…
- 10190460Mar 17, 2021Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10132410Jul 20, 2017TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 20, 2017 Rev1: Applicability has been updated to exclude 2007 ? 2017 model year Avanza vehicles. Some hazardous material treatment and handling…
- 10131852Mar 8, 2017Dealer Letter: Toyota will be sending Safety Recall Follow-Up Notices to remind owners whose vehicles have not yet had campaign repairs completed.
- 10131851Mar 8, 2017Region Letter: Toyota will be sending Safety Recall Follow-Up Notices to remind owners whose vehicles have not yet had campaign repairs completed.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 | 6% |
| 2022 | 32 | 12% |
| 2021 | 42 | 8% |
| 2020 | 32 | 10% |
| 2019 | 14 | 3% |
| 2018 | 19 | 7% |
| 2017 | 9 | 3% |
| 2016 | 10 | 9% |
| 2015 | 8 | 4% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 17 | 8% |
| 2012 | 10 | 5% |
| 2011 | 8 | 4% |
| 2010 | 14 | 6% |
| 2009 | 8 | 6% |
| 2008 | 58 | 14% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 12 | 4% |
| 2005 | 9 | 4% |
| 2004 | 9 | 3% |
| 2003 | 9 | 3% |
| 2002 | 13 | 4% |
| 2001 | 10 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2009 Toyota Highlander
26 complaintsEngine
23 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsTires
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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