NOTICED LARGE OIL PUDDLE IN DRIVEWAY. HAD CAR TOWED AS OIL LOSS COULD HAVE CAUSED FATAL DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THE OIL LINE WAS DIAGNOSED AS DRY ROTTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT OIL LINE WAS VASTLY DIFFERENT THAN THAT OF THE ORIGINAL LINE INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH THE PREVIOUS DESIGN. THE LEAK BEGAN WHILE DRIVING AND WE WERE ABLE TO TRACE THE OIL FOR MILES LEADING HOME. THE OI…
2009 Toyota Highlander engine problems
severe 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
2009 HIGHLANDER, PURCHASED NEW, HAD 105000 MILES ON 3.5L V6 ENGINE. OIL CHANGED EVERY 7000 MILES, FULLY SYNTHETIC. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ENGINE NOISES PRIOR TO INCIDENT. CAR STARTED AFTER WORK, DROVE .6 MILE. STARTED RUNNING VERY ROUGH, PULLED OVER TO SHOULDER THINKING I HAD A FLAT TIRE. CAR DIED BEFORE FINISHING MANEUVER, COASTED TO SHOULDER. ENGINE WOULD NOT START. TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP, …
When starting it would make grinding noise,sounds like metallic noise until the engine oil starts circulating.Dealer said that its normal due to cold starts but this can happen even when the engine is up to temperature.Toyota refuse to remedy the issue.
I WAS TRAVELING 50 -60 MILES PER HOUR ON THE NEW JERSEY GARDEN STATE PARKWAY. WHILE DRIVING ALL OF A SUDDEN A HUGE VIBRATION OCCURRED THROUGH OUT THE VEHICLE. WHILE IT VIBRATED A LOUD NOISE OCCURRED. IT WAS SO LOUD MY DOG BEGAN TO BARK AND MY EARS COULD NOT TAKE THE NOISE OF THE VEHICLE. I TRIED TO BRAKE AND THE NOISE CONTINUED AS WELL AS THE VIBRATION. I CONTINUED TO TRY AND GET IN THE RIGHT…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2009 Toyota Highlander?
It's a meaningful issue. 22 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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