2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 1 recall, 5 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #15V689000 · 2015 · 1,814,284 vehicles
What's wrong: During the manufacturing of the power window master switch (pwms), grease lubricant May have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Speed control / throttle (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has 5 owner complaints, ranking #13 of 22 Highlander Hybrid model years for complaints (well below the 37 average). Complaints peaked in 2019 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 72,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (22 complaints, 4 recalls), 2012 (9 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl hybrid | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 28 | 28 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems?
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (2), other / unknown (1), brakes (1).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.