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2008 Toyota Highlander: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2008 Highlander has 602 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, led by brakes and by speed control reports tied to crashes[1][2][3]. It also has 12 recalls, more than any other Highlander year, so checking that each one is done matters more than usual[4].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 602 owner complaints for the 2008 Highlander[1]. Of those, 50 mention a crash, 18 a fire, 47 injuries and 2 deaths[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part of the car.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes[2] | 187 | 8 | 8 | 120,650 |
| Engine[6] | 89 | 2 | 2 | 107,472 |
| Electrical system[7] | 79 | 3 | 0 | 114,500 |
| Speed control[3] | 63 | 23 | 19 | 33,000 |
| Air bags[8] | 60 | 13 | 21 | 80,000 |
| Steering[9] | 46 | 3 | 3 | 87,500 |
| Stability control[10] | 40 | 0 | 1 | 128,000 |
| Tires[11] | 34 | 1 | 0 | 20,100 |
Brakes. This is the biggest group, with 187 complaints[2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe brakes that briefly let go or hesitate when braking at low speed or over a bump, so the car feels like it surges before the brakes catch again with a harder push[2]. Six of the seven distinct accounts like this in that sample came from hybrid owners[2]. A few others describe a soft pedal or no pedal pressure at all, one blamed on a brake booster vacuum leak[2].
Speed control. There are fewer complaints here (63), but they hold the most crashes (23) and 19 injuries, and the median mileage is just 33,000[3]. In the sample we read, owners describe the SUV speeding up or refusing to slow down while they braked, often while parking or turning[3]. Some blame the floor mat, while others say they checked and the mat was not involved[3]. This lines up with the floor mat and pedal recall below.
Engine. Engine complaints number 89 and include 6 fires[6]. Owners in our sample describe the engine or hybrid system shutting off while driving, plus oil use between changes and oil leaks[6].
Electrical system. There are 79 complaints with 8 fires[7]. Owners in our sample describe ABS, brake and traction warning lights that come and go, in one case traced to a damaged sensor, and trouble starting the car[7].
Air bags. These 60 complaints include 13 crashes and 21 injuries[8]. Two air bag recalls are listed below.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 12 recalls for this model year[4]. Some apply only to certain vehicles, such as the hybrid inverter and third-row seat belt recalls, so check the VIN with NHTSA or a Toyota dealer[12][13].
- Aftermarket seat heaters (16V396). Southeast Toyota Distributors recalled vehicles fitted with accessory seat heaters that use a copper strand element. Pressing on the seat cushion can damage the wiring and cause a short and a fire risk. Dealers disconnect the heaters for free and refund what the owner paid for them[14].
- Power window master switch (15V689). Grease may not have been applied evenly to the switch contacts. Dirt and moisture can then cause a short, and the switch can overheat and melt, which raises the risk of fire. Dealers inspect the switch and add grease, or replace the circuit board if they find damage, for free[15].
- Aftermarket seat heaters (14V743). An earlier Southeast Toyota recall for the same kind of accessory heater. Seat wiring can short and burn the seat. Dealers disconnect the heaters and refund their price, free of charge[16].
- Driver air bag cable (14V168). A flat cable inside the steering column can be damaged as the wheel turns, which can cut the connection to the driver air bag so it does not deploy in a crash. Toyota sent an interim letter first and said a second letter would follow once parts were ready. The recall began on October 27, 2014[17].
- Hybrid inverter (13V396). Highlander Hybrid only. A power module inside the inverter can be heat damaged. Warning lights come on, the SUV may go into a limp mode, and the hybrid system can shut down while driving, which raises crash risk. Dealers replace the module for free. Vehicles fixed under the earlier recall 11V342 are not affected[12].
- Power window master switch (12V491). The switch was lubricated with a less precise process, so it can malfunction, overheat and melt, possibly causing a fire. Dealers inspect it and apply a special grease, or replace a damaged switch, for free[18].
- Curtain air bag roll sensors (11V245). If both roll sensors fail at nearly the same time, the curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners could fire when they should not, which can injure people inside. Toyota replaces the sensor assembly with an improved one for free[19].
- Load capacity label (10V035). Gulf States Toyota vehicles sold without a required load capacity label. Dealers mail or install the corrected label and update the owner's manual for free[20].
- Load capacity label (10V036). The same kind of missing label on Southeast Toyota vehicles, which could lead a driver to overload the SUV. Dealers mail or install the label for free[21].
- Accelerator pedal and floor mat (10V023). An unsecured or incompatible driver floor mat can trap the gas pedal wide open, leading to very high speed and difficulty stopping. Toyota reshapes or replaces the pedal and swaps Toyota all-weather mats for a new design, free of charge[22].
- Load capacity label (09V223). Vehicles built without a correct load capacity label, which could lead to overloading. Toyota provides a new label for free[23].
- Third-row seat belts (08V181). On vehicles with a third row, those two seat belts may not lock when certain rear-facing child seats are installed, so a child seat may not stay secure. Dealers install a redesigned seat belt part for free[13].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the version[24][25][5].
| Version | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl[24] | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| 4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl[25] | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Hybrid 4WD, 3.3L 6-cyl[5] | 27 | 25 | 26 | $2,600 |
The hybrid has the lowest EPA estimated fuel cost of the three[24][25][5]. Those costs use EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from 2008.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2008 Highlander 4 stars for rollover, with a 17.4% rollover risk[26]. The Highlander Hybrid gets the same 4 stars and 17.4%[27].
Engine and size
Our data lists a 3.5-liter six-cylinder for the regular Highlander and a 3.3-liter six-cylinder for the hybrid[24][5]. The gas models use an Automatic (S5) and the hybrid an Automatic (variable gear ratios)[24][5].
The dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications, converted from metric, and US models can differ slightly[28].
How 2008 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 137 | 3 |
| 2002 | 301 | 2 |
| 2003 | 258 | 2 |
| 2004 | 286 | 5 |
| 2005 | 225 | 6 |
| 2006 | 648 | 11 |
| 2007 | 234 | 6 |
| 2008 | 602 | 12 |
| 2009 | 174 | 10 |
| 2010 | 238 | 11 |
| 2011 | 186 | 5 |
| 2012 | 191 | 2 |
| 2013 | 212 | 3 |
| 2014 | 138 | 4 |
| 2015 | 196 | 1 |
| 2016 | 117 | 2 |
| 2017 | 274 | 3 |
| 2018 | 274 | 4 |
| 2019 | 506 | 3 |
| 2020 | 330 | 5 |
| 2021 | 546 | 5 |
| 2022 | 269 | 6 |
| 2023 | 197 | 9 |
| 2024 | 43 | 7 |
| 2025 | 10 | 4 |
| 2026 | 4 | 0 |
The 2008 Highlander stands out, and not in a good way. Its 602 complaints are the second highest of any Highlander year from 2001 to 2026, behind only 2006 with 648[4]. Its 12 recalls are the most of any year, ahead of 2006 and 2010 with 11 each[4].
The years around it have far fewer complaints. The 2007 has 234 complaints and 6 recalls, and the 2009 has 174 complaints and 10 recalls[4]. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat this as a comparison within the Highlander line only[4].
Should you buy a used 2008 Highlander?
The 2008 Highlander has a heavy record, with 602 complaints and 12 recalls, the most recalls of any Highlander year[1][4]. The speed control reports are the most serious, with 23 crashes at a median of 33,000 miles, and the floor mat and pedal recall addresses one known cause of runaway speed[3][22]. Brakes draw the most complaints, at a median of 120,650 miles[2]. If you are shopping, ask for proof that every recall on the VIN is done, test the brakes at low speed and over bumps, and check that the floor mat is the right one and secured[22][2]. The hybrid offers better fuel economy, but it has its own inverter recall to confirm[5][12].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota Highlander?
- Brakes lead NHTSA complaints with 187, followed by the engine with 89 and the electrical system with 79[2][6][7]. Speed control complaints are fewer at 63 but include 23 crashes[3].
- How many recalls does the 2008 Highlander have?
- There are 12 recalls on file, the most of any Highlander year[4]. They include the floor mat and accelerator pedal recall 10V023, two power window switch recalls and two air bag recalls[22][15][18][17][19].
- What MPG does a 2008 Highlander get?
- EPA rates the 2WD at 20 MPG combined, the 4WD at 19 and the Hybrid 4WD at 26[24][25][5].
- Is the 2008 Highlander a reliable year?
- It has 602 complaints, second only to 2006 among Highlander years, so its record is weaker than nearby years like 2007 (234) and 2009 (174)[4]. Counts are not adjusted for sales[4].
- Does the 2008 Highlander Hybrid have any special recalls?
- Yes. Recall 13V396 covers a heat-damaged inverter module that can put the SUV in limp mode or shut the hybrid system down while driving, and dealers replace the module for free[12].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 602 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Toyota Highlander (50 mention a crash, 18 a fire, 47 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 187 complaints name the brakes component group (8 crashes, 2 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 120,650). NHTSA vehicle records
- 63 complaints name the speed control component group (23 crashes, 2 fires, 19 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Highlander model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Highlander Hybrid 4WD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 25 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 89 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 6 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 107,472). NHTSA vehicle records
- 79 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 8 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 114,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 60 complaints name the air bags component group (13 crashes, 0 fires, 21 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 46 complaints name the steering component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 87,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 40 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 128,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 34 complaints name the tires component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,100). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 13V396, filed September 4, 2013: Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 08V181, filed April 18, 2008: Seat Belts › Rear / Other. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V396, filed June 2, 2016: Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater / Cooler. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V689, filed October 22, 2015: Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V743, filed November 19, 2014: Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater / Cooler. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V168, filed April 9, 2014: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V491, filed October 10, 2012: Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 11V245, filed April 21, 2011: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V035, filed February 3, 2010: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V036, filed February 3, 2010: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V023, filed January 27, 2010: Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 09V223, filed June 15, 2009: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Highlander 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Highlander 4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV 4WD /SR5/SPORT: length 189 in, width 75 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 4,180 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV 4WD LIMITED: length 189 in, width 75 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 4,321 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, HIGHLANDER HYBRID 4DR SUV FWD BASE: length 189 in, width 75 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 4,508 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, HIGHLANDER HYBRID 4DR SUV FWD LIMITED: length 189 in, width 75 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 4,641 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov