2009 Toyota Highlander engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 28 complaints for the 2009 Toyota Highlander, 16% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 28 16% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 75,000 miles 24 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 4
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 4 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 3 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 7 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 3 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 4 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 3 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 24 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 75,000 miles, and 29% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 4 fires, 1 injury.
What owners wrote
Brand new 2009 toyota highlander defective front o2 sensor made out of ceramic built into all cars in japan then shipped to u.s. First sign of sensor damage the cars traction control light goes on. Soon after the front o2 ceramic sensor heats up. Then the car will not start. When you try to start it up at this point engine has caught on fire. The general manager of dealership stated that toyota knows of this defective part but will not recall. We believe owners should be notified. The part was replaced.
March 10, 2016 vehicle was taken to dealer for oil change. Parked vehicle after return home (10 miles drive between dealership and home) same day and after a few hours, noticed all oil had leaked from vehicle. Vehicle was towed back to dealer that day. Upon investigation dealer said the problem was the oil cooler pipe. Dealer said toyota issued a technical service bulletin t-sb-0201-11 over 5 years prior that issued a repair procedure to replace this oil cooler pipe.
Other problems reported for the 2009 Toyota Highlander
- Brakes 27 complaints
- Electrical system 20 complaints
- Cruise control 16 complaints
- Body & structure 15 complaints