VehicleVerdict

2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2011 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.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Highlander Hybrid years?

Highlander Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 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, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Highlander Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control240%
Brakes120%
Engine120%
Other120%

Does the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have recalls?

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

15V689000Visibility & WipersOctober 22, 2015 · 1,814,284 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.

Consequence

If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 9, 2019

“BREAK LIGHT WARNINGS ALL CAME ON. BRAKES WENT OUT WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. HAD TO SHOVE BREAK PEDAL DOWN WITH BOTH FEET TO THE FLOOR GOING UPHILL TO STOP. DEALERSHIP TOLD US IT'S THE BREAK ACTUATOR PUMP AND WILL BE $5000 TO REPAIR. THIS IS A SERIOUS HARDSHIP ON US. I'M A FOSTER PARENT AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 26, 2018

“THE BACK-UP CAMERA HAS STARTED SHOWN MORE OF THE BUMPER... IT HAS STARTED POINTING MORE TO IT. THE CAMERA DID NOT SEE LOOSE. BUT I SEE THE MORE BUMPER ON THE SCREEN. WHEN I CONTACTED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE I PURCHASED INCLUDE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY IN 2011. I WAS TOLD THAT I STILL HAVE TO PAY THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 10, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, A GRINDING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NORTH BROOK TOYOTA (1530 FRONTAGE RD, NORTH BROOK, IL) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RUBBER OIL HOSE WAS DAMAGED. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 1, 2019

2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 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 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations 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.