Engine
3.3L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 370 of 370 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 324 of 370 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Brakes
139 complaint records14 crash reports
"DEALER STATED THAT BRAKE ACTUATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. BRAKES ARE NOT WORKING< VSC LIGHT ON< NOISE< $3200.00 TO FIX??? NO RECALL?..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Electrical system
74 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"ENGINE MECHANICAL ~|~CHECK AND REPORT...CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND VSC LIGHT ON DASH, .FOUND INVERTER PUMP NOT WORKING PROPERLY ~|~REPLACED INVERTER WATER PUMP..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
53 complaint records2 fire reports2 crash reports
"TAKATA RECALL IN 3 TIMES THE LIGHT "READY '' DISAPPEAR AND APPEAR "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM" AND THEN ENGINE NEED TO START AGAIN....."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP22005 opened Jan 2023 | closed Aug 2023 | Electrical System | Pedestrian alert sounds - led to recall 22V063000 NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. |
| PE11005 opened Feb 2011 | closed Jul 2011 | Hybrid Propulsion System | Hybrid inverter failure - vehicle stall - led to recall 11V342000 In a June 29, 2011 letter to NHTSA, Toyota submitted a Defect Information Report regarding a safety recall of certain Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX400h vehicles to address a defect condition with the hybrid inverter assembly (NHTSA Recall No. |
| RQ10003 opened Feb 2010 | closed Mar 2011 | Vehicle Speed Control | Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration - led to recall 11V115000 On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082,... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13V396000 | Hybrid Propulsion System | Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through... | Normally free |
| 11V539000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H... | Normally free |
| 11V342000 | Electrical System | TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2007 HIGHLANDER HYBRID AND LEXUS RX400H PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 16, 2005, THROUGH AUGUST 30, 2006. | Normally free |
| 11V112000 | Vehicle Speed Control | TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 LEXUS RX330, RX350, AND RX400H VEHICLES. | Normally free |
| 09V223000 | Equipment | TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. | Normally free |
| 06V253000 | Vehicle Speed Control | ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND HYBRID VEHICLES, THE TWO RETAINING CLIPS FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE FORWARD CENTER CONSOLE CAN BECOME LOOSE. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021723 2021-11-24 | Electrical | 55,683 | Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. |
| 2013296 2013-09-04 | Other | 7,621 | On certain vehicles, a control board for the Intelligent Power Module (IPM), part of the hybrid system inverter assembly, could fail while the vehicle is underway. |
| 2011397 2011-11-09 | Steering | 23,003 | On certain vehicles equipped with a 1MZ-FE or 3MZ-FE V6 engine, the crankshaft pulley may fail. The outer ring may become misaligned, or it may not properly rotate, causing noise and/or illumination of the discharge warning light. |
| 2011243 2011-06-29 | Electrical | 2,981 | On certain vehicles, a control board for the Intelligent Power Module (IPM), part of the hybrid system inverter assembly, could fail while the vehicle is underway. |
| 2011081 2011-02-24 | Other | 30,428 | On certain 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... |
Show 2 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010361 2010-10-21 | Brakes | 28,679 | Certain vehicles use brake fluids containing polymers that act as lubricants for certain brake system components. |
| 2006168 2006-07-11 | Other | 14,510 | On certain vehicles, due to the improper installation of the retaining clips for the floor carpet cover located in front of the center console, there is a possibility that the clips may become loose. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-SB-0119-15 Rev2 Feb 2026 | Engine | OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26. | |
| T-SB-0009-26 Feb 2026 | Engine | This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge. | |
| T-SB-0055-24 Rev2 Jan 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. | |
| T-SB-0035-24 Rev2 Dec 2024 | Structure | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. | |
| T-SB-0038-24 Rev2 Dec 2024 | Structure | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 Dec 2024 | Structure | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. | |
| T-SB-0061-23 Rev2 Dec 2024 | Structure | Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. | |
| T-SB-0062-23 Rev2 Dec 2024 | Structure | Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. | |
| T-SB-0055-24 Rev1 Jul 2024 | Structure | Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. | |
| T-SB-0035-24 Rev1 Jul 2024 | Structure | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. | |
| T-SB-0038-24 Rev1 Jul 2024 | Structure | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. | |
| T-SB-0039-24 Rev1 Jul 2024 | Structure | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. | |
| T-SB-0055-24 Jun 2024 | Structure | Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. | |
| T-SB-0061-23 Rev1 May 2024 | Structure | Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. | |
| T-SB-0062-23 Rev1 May 2024 | Structure | Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. | |
| T-SB-0035-24 Apr 2024 | Structure | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. | |
| T-SB-0038-24 Apr 2024 | Structure | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. | |
| T-SB-0039-24 Apr 2024 | Structure | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. | |
| T-PANT-2024-004- Mar 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website. | |
| T-SB-0043-14 Jan 2024 | Equipment | OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18. | |
| T-SB-0119-15 Rev May 2022 | Electrical System | TSB: This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge. | |
| TSB009421Rev1 May 2022 | Equipment | TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. | |
| Toyota PRO19-02 Jan 2022 | Tires | POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. | |
| T-SB-0094-21 Nov 2021 | Structure | TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. | |
| Toyota Safety Re Mar 2021 | Air Bags | Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements | |
| T-SB-0074-20 Aug 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TSB: Some 2003 ? 2020 model year Prius, Prius C, Prius V; 2006 ? 2019 model year Highlander Hybrid Vehicle; 2007 ? 2020 Camry Hybrid Vehicle; 2013 ? 2020 model year Avalon Hybrid Vehicle; 2016 ? | |
| T-SB-0134-16-Rev Jul 2019 | Engine | TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? | |
| T-TT-0414-16-Rev Feb 2019 | Electrical System | TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ? Difficulty to pair the phone. ? Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ? | |
| T-TT-0414-16-Rev Sep 2018 | Equipment | TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ? Difficulty to pair the phone. ? Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ? | |
| T-SB-0304-17_Rev Jan 2018 | Equipment | TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. | |
| T-SB-0162-13_Rev Jan 2018 | Electrical System | TSB: REVISION NOTICE January 05, 2018 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2012 ? 2017 Camry HV and Prius C, 2015 ? 2017 Prius V, 2006 ? 2017 Highlander HV, 2010 ? 2016 Prius, and 2016 ? 2017 RAV4 HV model year vehicles. ? | |
| T-SB-0134-16_Rev Oct 2017 | Equipment | TSB: REVISION NOTICE October 30, 2017 Rev1: * Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. | |
| T-SB-0304-17 Oct 2017 | Structure | TSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. | |
| Safety Recall an Jul 2016 | Equipment | Update on Technician Certification Requirements. | |
| T-SB-0198-11 REV Jul 2016 | Hybrid Propulsion System | TSB: FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE USED UNDER CERTAIN SEVERE OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE HV BATTERY COOLING FAN MAY EXPERIENCE AN EXCESSIVE BUILDUP OF DUST, LINT, OR OTHER DEBRIS THAT CAN REDUCE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE HV BATTERY COOLING SYSTEM. | |
| T-TT-0395-16 May 2016 | Equipment | TT: HV BATTERIES HAVE LIQUID FILLED CELL MODULES, TO PREVENT LEAKAGE FROM CELLS, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CONFIRM THE PROPER ORIENTATION MARK OF THE DRC. | |
| ZG1_Dealer email Apr 2016 | Service Brakes | Dealer email: In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator assembly. | |
| ZG1_Dealer Lette Apr 2016 | Equipment | Dealer Letter: In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator assembly. | |
| ZG1_Warranty Pol Apr 2016 | Service Brakes | Warranty Policy Bulletin (POL16-03): Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator Assembly. | |
| ZG1_Region email Apr 2016 | Service Brakes | Region email: In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator assembly. | |
| ZG1_Region Lette Apr 2016 | Service Brakes | Region Letter: In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator assembly. | |
| T-TT-0381-16 Jan 2016 | Equipment | TECH TIP: SOME CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY PROGRAMMING HOMELINK. | |
| T-SB-0119-15 Dec 2015 | Electrical System | TSB: THIS BULLETIN INCLUDES BASIC PROCEDURES FOR PERFORMING A RESCUE CHARGE ON NI-MH HIGH VOLTAGE (HV) BATTERIES. THIS BULLETIN SHOULD BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE REPAIR MANUAL WHILE PERFORMING RESCUE CHARGE. | |
| T-TT-0362-15 Sep 2015 | Engine | TT: THE VEHICLE MAY BE DIFFICULT TO START OR HAVE AN ABNORMALLY LOW OR ROUGH IDLE AFTER THE BATTERY HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED OR POWER TO THE ENGINE ECM HAS BEEN INTERRUPTED. | |
| T-SB-0043-14 Rev Jul 2015 | Equipment | TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. | |
| T-SB-0083-13 Rev May 2015 | Equipment | TSB: The procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. Refer to the applicable Repair Manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and parts. | |
| T-SB-0101-11 Rev Apr 2015 | Equipment | TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. | |
| T-SB-0142-13 Rev Apr 2015 | Equipment | TSB: Some 2004 - 2015 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit odors naturally occurring from the HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. Although there is no way to eliminate these odors, follow the General Procedure in this bulletin to minimize the odors experienced. | |
| T-TT-0268-13 Rev Feb 2015 | Equipment | TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: * Difficulty to pair the phone. * Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. | |
| T-SB-0012-13 REV Jan 2015 | Electrical System | "TSB: FLASH REPROGRAMMING ALLOWS THE ECU SOFTWARE TO BE UPDATED WITHOUT REPLACING THE ECU. FLASH CALIBRATION UPDATES FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLE MODELS/ECUS ARE RELEASED AS FIELD-FIX PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN INDIVIDUAL SERVICE BULLETINS. | |
| T-TT-0160-12 Feb 2014 | Engine | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| T-TT-0051-10 Sep 2013 | Equipment | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| T-SB-0141-13 Sep 2013 | Parking Brake | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| TMS-NTC-13214 Sep 2013 | Electrical System | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| TC13-019 Aug 2013 | Equipment | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| T-TT-0124-11 May 2013 | Tires | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| T-SB-0187-12 Oct 2012 | Tires | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| TSB-0087-12 Jun 2012 | Vehicle Speed Control | TOYOTA: ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY INFORMATION REGARDING THE INSPECTION, REMOVAL, AND INSTALLATION, IF LUBRICATION OR OIL, IS APPLIED. *PE | |
| TSB-0064-10 Feb 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TOYOTA: TECHSTREAM ECU FLASH REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE. FLASH REPROGRAMMING ALLOWS THE ECU SOFTWARE TO BE UPDATED WITHOUT REPLACING THE ECU. FLASH CALIBRATION UPDATES FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLE MODELS/ECUS ARE RELEASED AS FIELD-FIX PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN INDIVIDUAL SERVICE BULLETINS. | |
| TSB-0131-09 Apr 2009 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TOYOTA: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A M.I.L. ON CONDITION WITH ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) STORED AS A RESULT OF AN IGNITION COIL MALFUNCTION: IGNITION COIL A-F PRIMARY SECONDARY CIRCUIT(P0351-P0356); THE ENGINE MAY NOT START. *PE |
Showing 60 of 65 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Toyota Highlander Hybrid →