2008 Toyota Highlander: problems, recalls and reliability
14 recalls and 600 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (23% of complaints); the 2007 and 2009 and 2010 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 600 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is having severe issues with the ABS system. Toyota is reporting that it needs an ABS actuator and ABS pump replacements. These were a part of Toyota's previous Customer Support Program, but the program expired before I owned the vehicle. That is EXTREMELY dangerous and the issue with the ABS system should be considered a Safety Recall that is ALWAYS available to Toyota customers to rectify and paid for by Toyota. It is a BRAKING ISSUE. It is not just brake pads, or normal wear and tear. This is a known issue and regardless of the timeline, Toyota should absolutely pay for the repair.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2025
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 123,399, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 271,890.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2025
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 92,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 212,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“The Intelligent power module failed on the vehicle. I read this is common for my vehicle however there is no recall matching my VIN. Vehicle was purchased out of state one year ago. We took the vehicle to a Toyota dealership who suggested I inquire about the issue because it's possible this VIN should have been included.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2025
“THERE WAS NO INCIDENT. WHEN THE BRAKE MALFUNCTION SCREEN DISPLAYED, I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER IN PUEBLO, COLORADO. I RECEIVED THE ATTACHED SERVICE MESSAGE AND PICKING TICKET; 17june2025. IT ALSO NEEDS NEW BRAKE PADS, ROTOR ADJUSTMENT, AND 5 NEW TIRES. TOTAL~$6000. WAY TOO PRICY! I PAID FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST, AND DROVE HOME CAREFULLY! THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY CARPORT SINCE, AND I AM WALKING THE CITY LIMITS FOR ALL PURPOSES. THE 12V BATTERY DIED MID-JULY, WITHOUT REPLACEMENT SINCE. I LIVE IN LA JUNTA, 70 MILES EAST OF THE DEALER. SO WE'RE LOOKING AT 99,000 TOTAL MILES AS IT SITS.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2025
“The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the master, brake system, ABS warning, and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the message "Brake System Malfunction - Stop in Safe Place Immediately", check ABS/VSC system, and check braking system" messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times, but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 227,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2025
“Brake actuator failure. Have to manually brake, stopping distance significantly increased. 3,145$ to replace at Toyota dealership.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2024
“There was a customer support program from Toyota for certain Highlander from 2008 to 2010. The deadline was in 2020. The same issue started for me three weeks ago. Local Toyota Service center confirmed that it is the same code and issue but quoted me over $3000 to replace the whole thing. Since Toyota admitted that this is a faulty part and had support program to replace the parts, there should not be expiration date on the support program. This issue can only be fixed by Toyota Service center since it requires specialized tool and software. Customer should not be forced to pay the excessive fees because Toyota used faulty parts in the beginning.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2024
“I was in a car accident yesterday two cars hit me from behind my daughter was in the third row and my other kids in the second row. The air bags didn't deploy and my daughters seatbelt in the third row didn't lock when the cars impacted my vehicle her seat belt kept going forward with her. Also my seat belt unlocked and came off upon impact of car”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2024
“The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle was making an abnormal clunking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the entire subframe was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 50 of these complaints and injuries in 47 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 14 campaigns
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through December 2, 2008. The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module may contain transistors that have higher operating temperatures than the solder can support and the transistors may be heat damaged by the solder. If this occurs, various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, will be illuminated on the instrument panel.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPM free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicles that had their IPM replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by this campaign.
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.
Remedy: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
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.
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.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, VENZA AND MATRIX PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT. THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A CAMPAIGN OF 3.8 MILLION OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES ANNOUNCED IN 2009 FOR THE SAME ISSUE (SEE 09V-388).
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL MODIFY OR REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FLOOR SURFACE MODIFICATIONS ARE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED AND WILL BE INCLUDED FOR ANY MODEL FOR WHICH IT IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE. INITIALLY, DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO RESHAPE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FOR THE REPAIR. AS REPLACEMENT PARTS WITH THE SAME SHAPE AS THE MODIFIED PEDAL BECOME AVAILABLE, THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE DEALERS FOR THE REPAIR. CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD THE PEDAL RESHAPE REMEDY COMPLETED WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A NEW PEDAL IF THEY DESIRE, AFTER REPLACEMENT PEDALS BECOME AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, TOYOTA WILL REPLACE ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT IN A SUBJECT VEHICLE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT BUT DO NOT NEED OR WANT THE NEWLY DESIGNED ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT, TOYOTA WILL RECOVER THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT AND REIMBURSE ITS PRICE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN MARCH 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 RAV4 VEHICLES. IN THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG (CSA) SYSTEM, THERE ARE TWO SENSORS IN THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO DETECT VEHICLE ROLL ANGLE. IF ONE OF THESE SENSORS MALFUNCTIONS, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT: MIL) WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE ROLL DETECTION SYSTEM WILL BE SUSPENDED; HOWEVER, THE AIRBAG CSA REMAINS AVAILABLE IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE CRASH. IF BOTH SENSORS FAIL NEARLY SIMULTANEOUSLY AFTER INITIAL AIRBAG SYSTEM CHECK, THE CSA AND THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER COULD BE INADVERTENTLY ACTIVATED.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ONE CONTAINING IMPROVED ROLL RATE SENSORS, FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA INTENDS TO SEND AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS EARLY TO MID-MAY, 2011 WHEN SUFFICIENT PARTS AND REMEDY BECOMES AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 39,100 STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST TIPS SOLD BY TOYOTA AS AN OPTIONAL ACCESSORY FOR USE ON MY 2008 HIGHLANDER AND HIGHLANDER HYBRID VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS, THE ORIGINAL CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE TOYOTA STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST TIP TO THE EXHAUST PIPE MAY DEVELOP MICROSCOPIC CRACKS. EVENTUALLY THE CRACK MAY EXPAND CAUSING THE CLAMP TO BREAK.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE CLAMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AT 1 888-270-9371 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 5:00 AM TO 6:00 PM, SATURDAY 7:00 AM THROUGH 4:00 PM PACIFIC TIME.
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 90,189 MY 2008 HIGHLANDER AND HIGHLANDER HYBRID PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THIRD ROW SEAT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE NON-DRIVER DESIGNATED SEATING POSITIONS (DSP) ON THESE VEHICLES IS EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT HAVE A FEATURE THAT CONVERTS THE RETRACTOR FROM AN EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR (ELR) TO AN AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR). THE BELTS CONVERT TO THE ALR MODE AFTER THE WEBBING HAS BEEN FULLY WITHDRAWN FROM THE RETRACTOR. THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED SO THAT AS THE BELT IS RELEASED INTO THE RETRACTOR, THE SYSTEM REMAINS IN THE ALR MODE SO THAT A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) CAN BE TIGHTLY SECURED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED SEAT BELT COMPONENT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Highlander by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Toyota Highlander reliable?
NHTSA has 600 owner complaints and 14 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Toyota Highlander. The most complained-about area is service brakes (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Toyota Highlander problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 88,170 miles or less.
Does the 2008 Toyota Highlander have open recalls?
14 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning hybrid propulsion system: inverter. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.