2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

[millerbl00]

I just bought a 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid with 22000 miles. Extremely low miles and in EXCELLENT shape. Looks new. My concern is the hybrid battery. I know it sat for a long time. I know the 2019 has a 8/100000 warranty on battery which will expire for me in 18 months.

How concerned should I be. My "test" with Dr. Prius apps shows good and I know the NIMH packs are tougher than the lithium packs. Any advice? I do have a 100000k warranty on everything else.

thanks

 

[JoelB]

Not much you can do other than drive it. Even if you suspected it was somewhat weak I doubt a dealer would even entertain you.

 

[Torrid]

As long as it didn't get low and stay low it should be fine. It wouldn't be seeing "charging cycles" while sitting. As long as it wasn't below 20% during the time it was sitting I wouldn't think the battery would even be affected.

 

[The Critic]

Not much you can do aside from driving it as much as possible. Extended storage time isn't a huge issue when the batteries are newer, but it becomes more of an issue once they're aged.

I would take a high mileage hybrid over a low mileage one...any day of the week.

 

[millerbl00]

Looks like I'll have to see if it fails in 18 months. It is so pristine!

 

[FZ1]

Looks like I'll have to see if it fails in 18 months. It is so pristine!

You've still got a 2.5 Ice if the battery fails. Battery prices may come down over time.

 

[The Critic]

You've still got a 2.5 Ice if the battery fails. Battery prices may come down over time.

No, it doesn’t work that way.

 

[millerbl00]

This is a v6 hybrid fyi but it doesn’t work that way. The hybrid systems need the hybrid battery

 

[Hirev]

I would not worry about it. Those NIMH packs last a long time. A relative 2011 Camry hybird is still doing fine. Main thing is to keep the air inlet for the battery fan clean and do not put anything in the way of the air flow to the inlet. My SIL worked at a large Toyota dealer and only had to replace 3 of NIMH battery in them over the years. In all 3 of them the battery air inlet was clogged closed 2 were full of pet hair.

 

[millerbl00]

Great news! thanks!
They look very clean but some time I want to inspect the battery fan to be sure

 

[paulri]

As someone who drives one high mileage hybrid (absolutely love it), and might in the future buy a used hybrid, can I ask why?

Not much you can do aside from driving it as much as possible. Extended storage time isn't a huge issue when the batteries are newer, but it becomes more of an issue once they're aged.

I would take a high mileage hybrid over a low mileage one...any day of the week.

 

[Torrid]

As someone who drives one high mileage hybrid (absolutely love it), and might in the future buy a used hybrid, can I ask why?

My thought on this and I'm only assuming the reasoning is because the car can only maintain the battery charge level when the car is running and the more mileage means it would have had a better chance of regularly properly conditioning the battery.

 

[The Critic]

My thought on this and I'm only assuming the reasoning is because the car can only maintain the battery charge level when the car is running and the more mileage means it would have had a better chance of regularly properly conditioning the battery.

Yep, this.

 

[paulri]

When I first got this (used) Highlander hybrid several years ago, I took it to my mechanic and he and his son who also worked at his shop, couldn't remember ever replacing a hybrid battery in a Toyota.

I would not worry about it. Those NIMH packs last a long time. A relative 2011 Camry hybird is still doing fine. Main thing is to keep the air inlet for the battery fan clean and do not put anything in the way of the air flow to the inlet. My SIL worked at a large Toyota dealer and only had to replace 3 of NIMH battery in them over the years. In all 3 of them the battery air inlet was clogged closed 2 were full of pet hair.

 

[charbaby]

Not that there aren't other/many reliable vehicles however, TOYOTA's are typically at the top in terms of reliability and their Hybrid vehicles have taken reliability to the next level.

 

[KrisZ]

These types of inquiries are usually best asked before the purchase, now there is little you can do besides just driving it.

 

[millerbl00]

I was still buying it lol. it's too good a condition to pass up.