Here Are The Toyota Highlander Hybrid Years To Avoid

Published June 14, 2023
in Avoid

Since 2006, Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid has been a popular SUV among consumers. If you’re thinking about buying one, you first need to know which Toyota Highlander Hybrid years to avoid.

Quick Answer: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid years to avoid are 2006 and 2008.

The Highlander Hybrid is a rock-solid vehicle that has performed well since its inception. The only “off” years it had were 2006 and 2008. All other years have shown the Highlander Hybrid to be an incredibly reliable SUV.

Of the two unique years that the Highlander Hybrid slipped, the 2008 model rates the worst. Not only does it have the most complaints, but its repairs cost the most, as well.

Let’s take a closer look at what these complaints actually refer to and why you should take them into careful consideration.

THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID

For those searching for an efficient family hauler, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is sure to wind up on many shopping lists. With this in mind, let’s explore the most reliable Toyota Highlander Hybrid years.

Is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid a Good Vehicle to Buy Used?

For an SUV going on 20 years old, having just two models with complaints is a pretty strong indicator of a good vehicle.

As such, the used market is a great place to look for a Toyota Highlander. It consistently rates high in reviews, with smooth performance, a comfortable ride, high reliability, and plenty of power under the hood.

Minor issues like a tight third-row seating configuration and higher price tag are easier to overlook when the rest of the Highlander Hybrid performs so well.

Even better, you can essentially flip a coin on which year to buy, as seen below:

2007 Highlander Hybrid
2009 Highlander Hybrid
2010 Highlander Hybrid
2011 Highlander Hybrid
2012 Highlander Hybrid
2013 Highlander Hybrid
2014 Highlander Hybrid
2015 Highlander Hybrid
2016 Highlander Hybrid
2017 Highlander Hybrid
2018 Highlander Hybrid
2019 Highlander Hybrid
2020 Highlander Hybrid

If we had to choose a year among the above list as being the most problematic, it would have to be 2010. And even then, the reported complaints are minimal.

Still, according to CarComplaints, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) reports that the service brakes have a history of problems. Most notably, the ABS not working when the brakes are pressed.

Also according to CarComplaints, some drivers experienced soft brakes when attempting to come to a stop. To make matters worse, the average cost to repair this issue is around $4,200.

The NHTSA also has a couple of complaints regarding the brakes and electronic stabilizer on the 2013 Highlander Hybrid, as well as two complaints on engine trouble on the 2017 model.

It’s worth mentioning that the 2017 Highlander Hybrid’s engine problems occurred during very low miles. The average mileage when these issues arose was around 1,455.

It is also important to point out that less than a handful of drivers have reported these problems. So it can’t be said with certainty whether this is something the average driver has to be worried about.

The remaining Highlander Hybrids all have a solid history of performance and reliability among consumers. So it’s likely that you will experience the same.

BE CERTAIN YOU’RE GETTING THE BEST DEAL

CoPilot searches your area and lets you know if there’s a better deal on a similar vehicle nearby, so you’re always certain you got the best deal possible. The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a car.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Years to Avoid

In the Highlander Hybrid’s already lengthy run, it has proven itself to be a worthy contender in the crowded SUV market. But as we discussed in the opening, there are two Toyota Highlander Hybrid years to avoid.

2006 Highlander Hybrid
2008 Highlander Hybrid

That’s a pretty impressive run for a vehicle that is more than 15 years old. As stated, the 2008 model takes home the title of worst Highlander Hybrid.

According to CarComplaints, it currently has the most complaints among consumers and the NHTSA. The biggest concern is faulty brakes, which is a very serious problem. To date, braking failure has led to approximately five vehicle accidents.

Moreover, the average cost to repair this issue is $4,170. The silver lining is that the average vehicle mileage when these problems occurred was 119,800.

And then there’s the 2006 Highlander Hybrid. It also has its fair share of braking problems. Most notably, there are numerous reports of a defective brake actuator.

The average cost to repair this is around $2,970. But as with the 2008 model, the 2006 Highlander Hybrid’s brake issues tend to develop when the mileage is high (165,300 miles).

AI-ASSISTED CAR SHOPPING

Never miss out on the best car, never overpay, and never get taken advantage of. Download the CoPilot app to see the magic of AI-assisted car shopping.

Overview of Toyota Highlander Hybrid Problems by Year

Fortunately, the problems that exist in the Highlander Hybrid are few and far between. Let’s look at an overview of the known issues.

2006 Highlander Hybrid: Defective Brakes

2008 Highlander Hybrid: Faulty Brakes

As per data on the 2006 Highlander Hybrid as reported by CarComplaints, the NHTSA has 165 complaints about brake problems. In addition to these, there are another 13 consumer complaints.

In total, the NHTSA reports 76 complaints regarding service brakes, 40 complaints on hydraulic brakes, 24 on electronic stability control, and 21 on electric service brakes.

Lesser-known reported problems include a couple of complaints about the traction control system deactivating during slippery conditions. This issue is certainly nothing to ignore, but it isn’t nearly as widespread as the aforementioned braking problems.

The 2008 Highlander Hybrid has 142 NHTSA complaints and 37 consumer complaints for 179 total. The biggest concern is the ABS light staying on due to a faulty actuator.

The average cost to repair the braking problems on the Toyota Highlander Hybrid years to avoid is $2,970 and $4,170, respectively.

Keep in mind that both models typically don’t experience these reported problems until higher mileage. As such, low-mileage used Highlander Hybrids shouldn’t be much of a concern to you, especially if you invest in models outside of 2006 and 2008.

In Closing

Toyota has a long record of producing reliable vehicles, and the Highlander Hybrid is no exception. From a comfortable riding experience to superior power and features, this is a top-of-the-line SUV that is sure to leave you impressed.

At the end of the day, it is important to remember that you are investing in a Toyota. Regardless of where you stand on favorite manufacturers, there’s no denying that Toyota makes some of the longest-lasting on the market.

Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You

The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.

Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.

The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.