2019 Toyota Highlander hybrid problems

General information about Toyota-Highlander hybrid
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

The Toyota Highlander, also known as the Toyota Kluger (Japanese: トヨタ・クルーガー, Hepburn: Toyota Kurūgā), is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by Toyota since 2000.

Announced in April 2000 at the New York International Auto Show and arriving in late 2000 in Japan and January 2001 in North America, the Highlander became one of the first car-based mid-size SUV or mid-size crossovers. The Highlander is the crossover counterpart to the more rugged, truck-based mid-size 4Runner and became Toyota's best-selling SUV before being surpassed by the smaller RAV4 in 2006.

The first-generation model was sold in Japan as the Kluger, which was exclusive to dealership network called Toyota Netz as a larger alternative to the RAV4. The Kluger nameplate is also used in Australia because "Highlander" is a trademarked trim line name owned by Hyundai. The name is derived from the German word klug, which means smart or clever (Klüger – with diacritics – means "someone who is smarter than another" in German).

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Common 2019 Toyota Highlander hybrid problems

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2019 has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners.

Braking Problems: The 2006 and 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid models have been known to have braking problems. The 2006 model has 165 complaints about brake problems, while the 2008 model has 142 NHTSA complaints and 37 consumer complaints for a total of 179. The biggest concern is the ABS light staying on due to a faulty actuator.

It is important to note that while these problems have been reported by some owners, they may not be representative of all 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid models. Additionally, some of these issues may have been resolved through recalls or other service actions.

Are there any problems with a 2019 Toyota Highlander?

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

Are there problems with Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Reliability Problems. Highlander Hybrid owners have made 122 complaints over 15 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 25th in overall reliability out of 33 Toyota models , with real brakes and engine concerns.

Is there any recalls on 2019 Toyota Highlander?

2019 Toyota Highlander Recalls

The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

What is the suspension problem on the 2019 Toyota Highlander?

Some 2014 – 2019 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise from the rear suspension. This condition may be more noticeable in colder ambient temperatures and may occur when traveling over uneven roads or when the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

Are there problems with Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

What is the suspension problem on the 2019 Toyota Highlander?

What are the brake issues with the 2019 Toyota Highlander?

Prevailing issues that will arise when your 2019 Toyota Highlander brake pads need to be replaced include squealing, screeching, grinding or squeaking when brakes are applied. You may also notice vibrations or pulsation in the pedal or steering wheel.

What is the fuel economy of a 2019 Highlander Hybrid L 100km?

Fuel Economy: 8/10

Fuel consumption for the Highlander Hybrid Limited is rated at 8.1 L/100 km city, 8.5 highway, and 8.3 combined, compared to 12.0 city, 8.9 highway, and 10.6 combined for the equivalent non-hybrid.

2019 Toyota Highlander hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Highlander hybrid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Unknown or other problems
Suspension problems
Engine problems
Forward collision avoidance problems
Hybrid propulsion system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2019 Toyota Highlander hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2019 Toyota Highlander hybrid complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2019 Toyota Highlander hybrid.

2022-09-30

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2022-02-15
VIN: 5TDJGRFH0KS
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, he heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear shocks failed and were leaking hydraulic fluid. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that the rear control arms had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that he had to pay out of pocket for the repair and also that the vehicle had exceeded the warranty mileage coverage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure through voicemail message. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

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2021-04-29

ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-04-26
VIN: 5TDDGRFH1KS
Components: ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND DECELERATED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT, HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT, AND PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EXECUTIVE MOTORS LTD (AUTOMALL GROUP - SHIRLEY ST, NASSAU, BAHAMAS, 1-242-397-1700) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL RAIL PRESSURE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,655.

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2019-05-24

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-05-18
VIN: 5TDJGRFH6KS
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP, THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW EXPLODED AND SHATTERED THE GLASS WITHOUT IMPACT OR WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TEMECULA VALLEY TOYOTA (951-694-0575, LOCATED AT 26631 YNEZ RD, TEMECULA, CA 92591) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN TOOK A PICTURE OF THE SHATTERED WINDOW AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY AN EXTERNAL OBJECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,800. *AS

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2019-04-25

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-04-18
VIN: 5TDDGRFH8KS
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: 0 MILES, BRAND NEW, BROUGHT IT HOME AND FOUND THE VOICE PROMPTS AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM DID NOT WORK, SO YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT THE MAP AND TAKE YOUR EYES OFF OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO FIND THE DIRECTION TO WHERE YOU'RE GOING. BROUGHT IT IN TO THE SHOP THE NEXT DAY, WAS GIVEN A LOANER, AND THEY "UPDATED" THE CAR'S CIOMPUTER. IT WORKED UNTIL YOU TURNED THE CAR OFF, AND ONCE AGAIN, THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM WOULD NO WORK, AND THERE WERE NO VOICE PROMPTS WHATSOEVER TO HELP THE DRIVER KEEP "EYES ON THE ROAD" WHILE FIGURING OUT HOW TO NAVIGATE THE ON BOARD MENU THAT WAS SILENT. ALSO, THE "EASY SPEAK" FUNCTION DIDN'T WORK, SO IF YOU HAVE A BABY IN THE SECOND OR THIRD ROW, THE BAY MAY NOT HEAR YOU TRYING TO ASSESS WHAT IS WRONG. NO TURN-BYTURN GUIDANCE WORKING. NO

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2019-02-18

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-09-19
VIN: 3TMAZ5CN9KM
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: MY TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED PLATINUM HYBRID NAVIGATION SYSTEM VEHICLE VOICE COMMAND DOESN'T WORK ON INITIAL START UP OF THE VEHICLE. THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM DOES ACCEPT DRIVER VOICE COMMANDS AND DOES SET UP THE NAVIGATION AND PROVIDES THE DRIVER WITH ON SCREEN DRIVING DIRECTIONS BUT THE VEHICLE VOICE COMMAND DOESN'T WORK AND THERE ARE NO TURN BY TURN VOICE INSTRUCTIONS. (NOTE: THERE IS A WORK AROUND AND THAT IS TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY AND RESTART THE SYSTEM ... THEN VOICE COMMAND OPERATES PROPERLY). MY SAFETY CONCERN IS: UNLESS I ANTICIPATE USING THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND RESTART THE VEHICLE A SECOND TIME I WILL NOT GET TURN BY TURN VOICE COMMANDS FROM THE VEHICLES NAVIGATION SYSTEM. SINCE THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM RESPONDS TO THE DRIVERS COMMANDS I DO GET ON SCREEN DIRECTION (W/O VOICE COMMAND) AND FIND MYSELF WATCHING THE SCREEN FOR DIRECTIONS RATHER THAT THE TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME. TO DATE I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT BUT HAVE HAD A COUPLE OF CLOSE CALLS IN URBAN DRIVING SITUATION WHEN I'M MISSING VEHICLE TURN BY TURN VOICE COMMANDS. I SEE THIS AS A VEHICLE DEFECT THAT WILL BE CAUSING SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES AS THE NUMBER OF THESE VEHICLES INCREASE ON THE ROAD*. I HAVE MADE NUMEROUS TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND CONTACTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SUPPORT A NUMBER OF TIMES. AT THIS TIME IT IS AN ISSUE THEORETICALLY BEING WORKED BY TOYOTA WITH NO KNOWN ECD. *I'VE GOOGLED NUMEROUS HIGHLANDER FORUMS AND FOUND OWNERS OF THE 2019 HYBRID LIMITED PLATINUM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY HAVE THIS SIMILAR ISSUE AND HAVE RECEIVED THE SAME RESPONSE FROM TOYOTA. IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME THAT SOMEONE WATCHING THEIR NAVIGATION SCREEN BECAUSE THEY WEREN'T GETTING TURN BY TURN VOICE COMMANDS FROM THE VEHICLE WILL CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR RUN OVER A PEDESTRIAN. PLEASE HELP US 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID LIMITED PLATINUM OWNERS RESOLVE THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THKS.

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Negative 2019 Toyota Highlander hybrid car reviews

Sage Bosco 2024-07-20

I'm really looking forward to the Highlander 2020 with a 4-cylinder engine. I had the chance to test drive the 2019 Highlander hybrid and I really enjoyed it. I currently own a Prius V five and I've noticed that gas mileage depends on the time of year and driving habits. During the summer, I average around 45 mpg, but in the winter it drops to around 35 mpg. To get the best gas mileage, it's important to drive conservatively and use ECO mode. I assume that all Toyota hybrids will have similar gas mileage. If the 2019 or previous Highlander hybrid claims 28 mpg, I'm sure it achieves that in warmer weather, using ECO mode and driving carefully. However, in the winter, I'm sure it falls to around 22 mpg. The new 2020 Highlander is supposed to have a 4-cylinder engine and get 35 mpg, so in the winter, I expect around 28 mpg. This was one of the reasons why I didn't buy the 2019 model, along with a few others. I also test drove a RAV4 and, like my Prius, all windows are auto up and down. However, on the Highlander, only the front windows are auto up/down. Hopefully, in the 2020 model, all four windows will be. I prefer the digital dash of the RAV4 and the fact that the rearview mirror is also digital. The RAV4 also has better safe sense technology at night and comes with a full-size spare. I almost bought the RAV4, but the placement of the cupholders in front wasn't ideal, so I decided against it. I'm really excited about the 2020 Highlander and I've read that the electronics should be more upgraded, like the RAV4, so that's what I'm waiting for.
Thurman Wehner 2024-07-07

This car has consistently failed to meet the advertised mileage, averaging only 23-25 miles per gallon. Additionally, we experienced a concerning issue where the hybrid system stopped working and the car would not start, leaving us stranded. However, thanks to the expertise of the service manager at the Toyota dealership, the issue was resolved and we were able to continue using the car. We also had an issue with the coating on the wheels, which required replacement. Despite these challenges, we remain confident in our decision to purchase a Toyota and believe that any issues will be promptly and effectively addressed by the knowledgeable staff at the dealership.
Nelson Wintheiser 2024-03-20

First car I ever bought new. It's a really great car for the family and I know they will be safe. Although it was small and not as comfortable as our Ford Explorer for our family, we enjoyed it while we had it. Unfortunately, we had to sell it because it was too small and didn't have very good mileage for a hybrid.

Positive 2019 Toyota Highlander hybrid car reviews

Reese Bogan 2024-11-21

This SUV is not only comfortable and spacious, but also practical and powerful. The leather heated ventilated front seats and heated 2nd row captain chairs make for a luxurious ride. Additionally, it has plenty of cargo space and a good towing capacity of 5000lbs. The safety features are top-notch and the sound system is excellent. The only minor issue is that the steering assist is a bit excessive and lacks road feel.
Travis Marvin 2024-11-10

I really like that my Highlander Hybrid looks great and does everything I need it to, while also achieving an impressive fuel mileage of 27-29mpg, which meets the EPA estimate.
Baron Wiegand 2024-10-24

I spent two years reviewing and monitoring different reviews before test driving. I had narrowed down my selection to just a couple of cars. Based on the reviews, I chose the Toyota Highlander hybrid. It's very quiet, comfortable, and stylish.
Miles Hahn 2024-08-12

That's a lot of compliments!
Rusty Donnelly 2024-07-28

Hi there! I just wanted to share that I recently got a Highlander XLE with a two-wheel drive and six-cylinder engine. I've only driven it for 130 miles, so it's a bit too early for me to form an opinion on it. What do you think?

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2019 Toyota Highlander hybrid problems:

2014-2019 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid Buying Guide ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey_hD7PUF88

Aug 4, 2020 ... A Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician goes over common problems and issues with the 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander and Toyota Highlander Hybrid ...

Common problems on 4th Gen Highlanders? : r/ToyotaHighlander

https://www.reddit.com/r/ToyotaHighlander/comments/z8snf6/common_problems_on_4th_gen_highlanders/

Nov 30, 2022 ... Getting a new 23 hybrid highlander this week to upgrade the mpg! Can't go wrong with toyota! I'll never buy a kia, gmc or Chevrolet product ...

Top 5 Problems Toyota Highlander SUV 2014-2019 3rd Generation ...

2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Problems | Kelley Blue Book

https://www.kbb.com/toyota/highlander-hybrid/2019/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next ...