I recently purchased a 2024 Highlander XLE Hybrid, and it has 8500km on it. I live in eastern Canada, where it hasn’t been too cold yet, around -15°C. Yesterday, when I was pulling out of my driveway, the ‘low oil pressure’ light came on. I turned the engine off, and after restarting, I got a ‘hybrid system malfunction’ alarm. The oil alarm disappeared, but the hybrid system alarm stayed on until I restarted the car 15 minutes later.
I took it to the dealership, and they said the oil froze and claimed it’s a hybrid engine issue. They suggested adding an anti-freeze additive for $25 (which I have to pay) and replacing the ‘contaminated’ oil. This is still the original oil since I haven’t reached the 16k oil change mileage yet.
Has anyone else experienced this? I’ve been driving Toyotas for 30 years, and this is a first. If true, it sounds like a Toyota problem, not mine.
This can happen if hybrids aren’t driven long enough to reach operating temperatures. Condensation can become severe, turning the oil milky, similar to a blown head gasket. There’s a TSB for this issue. We recommend oil changes every 4-5 months. I’m not sure about the additive. My dealer is in Long Island, NY, so we don’t see long stretches of cold weather like you do.
How long do you usually drive each time? It sounds like condensation might be freezing in the oil. Normally, driving heats the engine enough to drive moisture out, but hybrids take longer to warm up. You might also check your spark plugs for moisture or corrosion.
@BillSmith
The consensus seems to be condensation. I drive 2 km to work, with slightly longer trips for errands. Would letting it run for a bit help or hurt?