Equipment recall 09E028000 · May 14, 2009
Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid
Due to improper heat treatment during the manufacturing process, the original clamp used to secure the stainless steel exhaust tip to the exhaust pipe may develop microscopic…
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
This is a recall of aftermarket equipment listed for the vehicles below. It applies only if the recalled part was installed on the vehicle.
- Summary
- Southeast Toyota is recalling 3,499 stainless steel exhaust tips sold by southeast Toyota as an optional accessory for use on my 2008 highlander and highlander hybird vehicles. Due to improper heat treatment during the manufacturing process, the original clamp used to secure the stainless steel exhaust tip to the exhaust pipe may develop microscopic cracks. Eventually the crack may expand causing the clamp to break.
- Consequence
- The original clamp and the Toyota stainless steel exhaust tip may fall off the vehicle's exhaust pipe and become a road hazard which would increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Southeast Toyota will notify owners and replace the clamp free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during may/June 2009. Owners may contact southeast Toyota customer loyalty department at 1-800-301-6859.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 09E028000
- Reported to NHTSA
- May 14, 2009
- Filed by
- SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
- Owner notification
- June 15, 2009
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 3,499
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Equipment
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Toyota Highlander (2008): 2008
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2008): 2008
Has your Toyota been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. Recall repairs are free.