KNOWN FAULTS · Toyota

Toyota Highlander common problems.

2021–2026 · Hybrid

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

Engines: 2.5 Hybrid (Hybrid)

Applies if: Toyota USA tech tip for all its models: it applies if the judder began after wheels, pads or discs were removed or changed.

Brake judder from wheel nuts over-tightened or tightened unevenly (Toyota tech tip)Brakes

Engine / equipment: Any Toyota: it depends on how the wheels are tightened
Period mentioned: 2016 tech tip for all its models
Symptoms: Vibration in the steering wheel and the pedal when braking, even gently and at any speed, often shortly after wheels, pads or discs were changed.
Possible cause described: Toyota points out in a tech tip that if the wheel nuts are over-tightened or tightened unevenly (a single one is enough), the brake disc is left with runout and brake judder appears. It happens above all when they are run fully home with an impact gun instead of a torque wrench in a star pattern.
Check for the garage: Ask the garage to loosen and re-tighten the nuts with a torque wrench, to the manual's torque and in a star pattern, and to measure whether the discs have been left warped; if so, they will need skimming or replacing.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: 2.5 Hybrid (Hybrid)

Applies if: The bulletin lists the Highlander hybrid up to 2019; the later generation uses the same kind of air cooling.

Clogged hybrid battery cooling fan and filterHigh-voltage battery

Engine / equipment: Hybrid battery cooled with cabin air (intake next to the rear seat): Prius, Yaris, Auris, Corolla, C-HR, RAV4, Camry and others
Period mentioned: 2003 onwards
Symptoms: Hybrid battery cooling maintenance message, warning light with codes P0A80 or P0A7F, a noisy fan and less electric assistance; if ignored, the battery ages faster.
Possible cause described: Dust, pet hair or dirt block the filter and fan that cool the battery; so do objects covering the intake. Toyota USA issued bulletin T-SB-0074-20 (2003–2020 Prius and Camry, Corolla, Highlander, RAV4 and Mirai hybrids up to 2020) and recommends cleaning the filter every 5,000 miles (about 8,000 km).
Check for the garage: Clean or replace the filter and clean the fan before condemning the battery; keep the intake grille clear. At the garage, read the codes and, if needed, install the software Toyota specifies.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.