general problems of the 2009 Toyota Highlander

Two problems related to tire have been reported for the 2009 Toyota Highlander. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the 2009 Highlander.

1 Tire problem

Failure Date: 02/09/2024

245/55r19 is the tire size. I went to have my tires balanced and aligned on 02/09/24 at a local shop, arrow. Alignment here in eau claire, WI. They advised me that the ply in all 4 tires was separating and that is why the ride was so rough. Presently I’m scheduled to have them all replaced to the tune of $1,034 and change this Friday, February 16th at arrow alignment because although the tread - confirmed at a dealership to still be good - the tires themselves seem to have some sort of defect in them causing them all to have the ply separating. I’ll have them check the spare this Friday as well to ensure that is not also experiencing ply separation and if it is have that replaced as well. Fortunately this didn’t cause a horrid accident, but I’ve been driving on these at high speeds assuming I just had to get them aligned and balanced.

2 Tire problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2011

Toyota Highlander 19" rims with toyo open country a20 tires are very unsafe. This tire/wheel combination was standard on 2008/09 limited and sport Highlanders. My 2009 Highlander would slip all over the place in winter driving. By far the worst winter vehicle I ever owned and I've owned plenty that were not all-wheel drive. Luckily the traction control system is good and saved me from several accidents. Toyota used very large 19" rims and performance tires on the vehicle. The tires were worn out after 18 months and 21,000 miles. Why Toyota thought big wheels and performance tires were important to an SUV purchaser is beyond me. Toyota also refuses to stand behind their safety defect (not to mention the tires only lasted 21,000 miles). I purchased 17" rims on my own and toyo provided credit for 2 of the 4 new open country ht tires and the SUV is now much safer - it no longer feels like I am riding on roller skates!.


Other Tire related problems of the 2009 Toyota Highlander



Safety Ratings of Highlander Cars
Fuel Economy of Highlander Vehicles
Highlander Service Bulletins
Highlander Safety Recalls
Highlander Defect Investigations