VehicleVerdict

2004 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2004 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Highlander Hybrid years?

Highlander Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted481 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 2 complaints2006: 481 complaints2007: 160 complaints2008: 272 complaints2009: 55 complaints2010: 26 complaints2011: 5 complaints2012: 11 complaints2013: 6 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 5 complaints2016: 9 complaints2017: 7 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 9 complaints2020: 9 complaints2021: 17 complaints2022: 10 complaints2023: 10 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
Highlander Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Highlander Hybrid years to avoid →

Does the 2004 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V112000Speed ControlFebruary 24, 2011 · 769,379 units

Defect

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 LEXUS RX330, RX350, AND RX400H VEHICLES. IF THE FORWARD RETENTION CLIP USED TO SECURE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, WHICH IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE CENTER CONSOLE, IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY TEMPORARILY BECOME STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION RATHER THAN RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. A STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN UNINTENDED AND SUSTAINED VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE FREE OR CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

2004 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2004 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2004 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Toyota Highlander Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Highlander Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Highlander Hybrid years to avoid are 2006, 2008, 2007, 2009. The cleanest record among Highlander Hybrid years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.