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 $2,000.00 IN REPAIRS. THIS ISSUE IS OF GRAVE CONCERN, AS A FAULTY VALVE SPRING, IF IT WERE TO HAPPEN ON A HIGHWAY, COULD…
2008 Toyota Highlander engine problems
critical 70 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
70
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
ENGINE OIL COOLING (RUBBER) HOSE BURST WHILE DRIVING AND DUMPED ALL OF MY OIL ... TOYOTA HAS SINCE REPAIRED THIS PART WITH A SERIES OF METAL PIPES, WHICH SUGGESTS TO ME THAT THEY REALIZE THAT THIS IS A DEFECT BUT IT IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED AS A RECALL
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON A SHORT TRIP ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY EIGHT YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WHEN A HOSE ON THE ENGINE OIL COOLING ASSEMBLY BURST. THIS RESULTED IN ALL OF THE OIL IN THE VEHICLE BEING DRAINED IN A VERY SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME. NO WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AS A RESULT OF THIS. I DIDN'T DISCOVER THE ISSUE UNTIL PULLING BACK INTO MY DRIVEWAY IN WHICH THERE IS AN INCLINE. THEN THE LIGHT INDIC…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2008 Toyota Highlander?
It's a serious issue. 70 complaints have been filed, including 2 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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