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Toyota Highlander Hybrid

EPA MPG: 28 mpg

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2019 Highlander Hybrid has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"The moon roof that is a required option on all models that include all available safety features is leaking gallons of water into our vehicle. This is a known problem on the internet. The repair methods online do not work for the 2015 highlanders as Toyota has changed their design to discourage owner repairs. The dealer said we had to get the repair done with 1. modification to the draining system to improve draining rates 2. Replace moonroof seal 3. Replacement of all carpeting and headliner 4. Come in for drain line cleaning maintenance at least yearly for $200 per service. I attempted to clean the drains myself and they designed blockers so I cannot reach them and only the dealer can reach them. The insurance company says our car will be totaled ($35k current value) if the carpet shoes signs of mold, forcing us to go for the full repair and claiming the water damage on our insurance. The water damage repair is ($12k on insurance and $3k on us plus $500 insurance deductible). Of course our insurance rates will likely increase due to this claim. Toyota knows about this problem and they continue to make their moonroofs this way and do not let you get all safety features without the moonroof."

Anonymous, MD (2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 3.5-L V6 hybrid)
Other noises & leaks problem

"Breaks squeak after Toyota dealership replaced breaks. Very frustrating. No resolution."

Anonymous, OH (2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)
Squeaks or rattles

"3 years started"

Anonymous, FL (2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

"If the vehicle is not driven for a week the battery runs down."

Anonymous, NC (2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

"Started in Fall 2024. I would have to cycle through the power on process a number of times before it started. It finally just stopped starting and told me to contact the dealer 2 days before Christmas. I had it towed and the battery was replaced costing $620 which was a shock. You could only replace them at a dealer. I know 3other persons who had to replace 2018/19 batteries last year as well. It's like they have a preset life expectancy. The dealer said that it cost alot because of where the battery is placed. Shame on toyota for relocating the battery which is an item that needs regular replacement in an inaccessible spot that only a dealer can replace! My brother's older Highlander Hybrid was located in the 'usual' place and AAA or anyone could replace it. Seems like profit driven decision for dealers and toyota."

Anonymous, NY (2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

"Car would fail to start sometimes and dealer couldn't find problem. We found problem by connecting car to plug in error detector."

Anonymous, VA (2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Navigation system somehow lost its ability to display navigation traffic alerts and Toyota cannot figure out what the problem is."

Anonymous A., PA (2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 3.5-L V6 hybrid)
Other in-car electronics problem

"Would reboot intermittently while driving, dealer wants to replace it for $2300"

Anonymous, NH (2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)
Speakers

"If you dont pay for the SOS service after the free period times out the system will send very loud terrifying squeals through the speaker system. Scaring the driver and passengers. The only fix is paying for the service, going in for $3k or diagnostics and repairs, or unplugging the fuse to the passenger speaker. This speaker also controls the cars microphone for hands free Bluetooth phone calls through the audio system. We chose to unplug the fuse. This is a know issue with these systems, however, Toyota ignored our calls and complaints and will not acknowledge the problem or a repair that keeps our vehicle functioning as it should. Im extremely disappointed."

Anonymous, MD (2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

"auto A/C does not blow faster / cool faster"

Anonymous, FL (2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE 3.5-L V6 hybrid)
Refrigerant leaks

"AC stopped working after winter season, diagnosed as a refrigerant leak caused by corrosion on lines to rear cabin. Total cost of repair was over $2,000."

Anonymous A., WI (2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Unsure 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Fuel pump

""Replaced both fuel pump issues: one on recall, the other an expensive replacement/repair $1800""

Anonymous, MD (2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"Leakage which was rather expensive to get fixed."

Anonymous, IL (2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

Brakes

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

What Owners Say

Other brakes problem

""Significant brake issues, dealership charged several expensive repair attempts (all in which were not the problem) (started within the warranty 3yr/under 36K)after several expensive false repairs, went to the leadership of dealership, where they repaired the actual problem (somewhat)at their cost.soon after I received a generic letter from Toyota identifying brake issues and offered reimbursement to costs (with complete documentation)a known very expensive problem which Toyota dealership ignored for a couple years, costing time, inconvenience, costs to the customer.""

Anonymous, MD (2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

EV Battery

Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

2019 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Electric Motor
EV Battery
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
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