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ProblemsByVinFile / 2008-TOYOTA-HIGHLANDERNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2008 · Toyota
Toyota Highlander problems
403 owner complaints and 4 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
Reliability score
6.4 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2008 Highlander?
Avoid — the engine
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced.
1 fatality report and 6 fire-related complaints on the engine
Cruise-control: 33 complaints, classified critical, failures cluster 8,000–49,000 mi
Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average
4 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2008 Highlander· engine
The primary issue of concern is regarding the vehicles valve springs. As a result of the valve spring which was in place, the vehicle in which I drove, stalled multiple times while in motion on a highway, before I was able to get it checked. In order to rectify this it cost over…
The sensor lights for ABS and vsc have gone on and off intermittently on my 2008 Toyota highlander. Sometimes the brakes engaged the skid control, braking capability is lost and other times the speed needle does not gage properly. The system was inspected by Toyota, who…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota highlander. The contact stated that while attempting to park, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the intermediate driveshaft detached from the mount due to a failed spiral cable assembly.…
Brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly (problem known to Toyota for this and other models,) failed, leading to dash messages: master warning, ABS warning, brake system warning (brake malfunction: stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact a…
Had a problem with your 2008 Toyota Highlander?
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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
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.
Fix: 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 certain model year 2008 highlander, highlander hybrid, and model year 2007-2008 rav4 vehicles
Inadvertent activation of the csa and/or the seat belt pretensioner can cause injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix: 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 90,189 my 2008 highlander and highlander hybrid passenger vehicles equipped with a third row seat
However, for the two third row dsp's on these vehicles, the alr mode deactivates before the webbing is fully retracted, so that it will not lock when certain rear-facing crs's that have a short seat belt routing path are installed in the vehicle. This can allow the seat belt webbing to spool out during normal driving maneuvers, which could affect the stability of a child restraint installed at those seating positions. As such, this could discourage the use of a child restraint and in the event of a crash, the child may not be adequately protected possibly resulting in injury.
Fix: 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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 403 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Toyota Highlander has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2008 Toyota Highlander?
On the NHTSA data, the 2008 Toyota Highlander is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 6 fire-related complaints on the engine; Cruise-control: 33 complaints, classified critical, failures cluster 8,000–49,000 mi; Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2008 Toyota Highlander?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 70 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 97,293 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 97,293 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Toyota Highlander has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Toyota Highlander?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 403 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Toyota/Highlander.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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