2008 Toyota Highlander
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 404 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 25 Highlander model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 44 involved a crash and 14 involved a fire. 42 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerJun 2, 2016
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.
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 16V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 22, 2015
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.
If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 15V689000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerNov 19, 2014
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.
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
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.
Campaign 14V743000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleApr 9, 2014
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.
If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
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.
Campaign 14V168000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 10, 2012
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.
If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
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.
Campaign 12V491000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsApr 21, 2011
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.
INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE CSA AND/OR THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
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.
Campaign 11V245000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
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.
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 10V036000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
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.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
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.
Campaign 10V035000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalJan 27, 2010
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).
A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
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.
Campaign 10V023000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsJun 15, 2009
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."
INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 09V223000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentMay 14, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 09E028000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentApr 27, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 09E022000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherApr 18, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 08V181000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
44 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Sep 21, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Toyota Highlander. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact stated that at the time of purchase the mileage was 106,000. After obtaining a Carfax report, the contact became aware that the mileage listed was 264,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 12, 2025
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.
Electrical system, Aug 17, 2025
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.
Electrical system, Aug 14, 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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Feb 27, 2024
Myself, and many other 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners, have a vehicle code labeled C1391 "Leak in Accumulator" wherein the vehicles brake actuator and brake booster pump malfunction. The dash of my vehicle has the following indicators on; Check ABS, Check Brake System, Check VSC System, Yellow Master Warning Light, Red Brake System Light & Buzzer, Yellow ABS Warning Light, and Yellow Slip Indicator Light. This has been a significant cause of concern for me over the past two-three years since purchasing this vehicle. This is a known issue throughout the Toyota Highlander Hybrid community and the dealership is not upholding their previous recall which occurred in late 2019 and ended in 2020, after I had purchased the vehicle. The cost of repairs is upwards of $4,000 and Toyota has not given the proper opportunity for recall repairs to owners. This is a significant safety issue because if the brakes fail, a severe crash may injure myself or others. The problem has been reproduced by several other owners, dealerships, and independent service centers (this is a well known and common issue). This vehicle is available for inspection if requested. I plead that you please insist on Toyota reopening their recall to provide service to the owners of this vehicle, this is an issue with their manufacturing and not on the owners/operators. This problem occurred immediately after receiving scheduled maintenance to my vehicle from a certified Toyota Dealership, whom have quoted me the above cost for repairs and may have caused the issue in the first place.
Electrical system, Air bags, May 6, 2023
Air bag lights continue to show. Vehicle had not been in any accidents. Seat warms do not work light comes on when you turn them on. Driver window will go up half way occasionally. Back wiper motor makes loud noise and doesn’t work anymore. Tire sensor also comes out.
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Mar 31, 2023
My 2008 toyota highlander gas pedal must be lose.because I barley push the gas and it takes on fast.i was driving home on the highway and the truck just died .the battery dies I couldn't turn my wheel I could not press the break
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2022
This vehicle has had ongoing issues with the O2 sensors not working, I have researched online for years and have read that there are several online forums of 2008 Highlander owners complaining of the same issue. The problem that I (we all) face with this, is that it constantly fails, never being able to know if there is an actual issue becuase of the faulty sensors or wiring causing the sensors to go out. I am always frightened that something is wrong with the car and spent hundreds and continue to spend having my car checked. I am a single mom who lost my job at the beginning of the pandemic, I have two school aged kids. Having them in a car that I can not be sure we are safe in, is scary. The cost to replace the sensors as there are 3 that have been a constant pain of not working correctly is insane! It is going to be in upwards of $600 to repair! I absolutely can't afford that, being an unemployed single mother of two. Even when I was employed, living paycheck to paycheck to have to pay out almost a thousand dollars when from what I've read from others that replacing will still result in it failing again. So I have to drive around in a car that has all the sensor lights on, something really bad could happen to the car and since all the sensor lights remain on, I'll never know if something is wrong with the car- something bad could happen to me and my children while we are driving in the car. How can someone replace the sensors only for them to keep going out. This is a serious problem, I've dealt with this for years, only today did I learn that I could report this after receiving a recall letter from Toyota today regarding the paint on my car.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 5, 2022, crash
ABS system failure for the second time after repair, cost $3400 to replace after causing complete loss of brakes. 4 years after incident same exact ABS warning and VCS system failure with message to immediately take vehicle to dealership. There is a class action lawsuit on other hybrid models but Toyota inspected and said it would cost another $3500 to fix because there is no recall on the part.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 15, 2020
2008 HIGHLANDER HYBRID LIMITED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SHOWED CODE P0A1B - DRIVE MOTOR 'A' CONTROL MODULE, THE CODE WAS CLEARED MANUALLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF, THE NEXT DAY THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 3 MILES THEN PARKED. THE NEXT DAY THE LIGHT WENT OFF ON ITS OWN AS WE TOOK IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND HAS NOT BEEN BACK ON SINCE DRIVING IT THERE AND BACK, THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY DROVE AROUND A LITTLE AND THE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON, WE BROUGHT IT HOME AND HAVE DRIVEN ABOUT 7 MILES WITHOUT THE LIGHT COMING ON. ACCORDING TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND CORPORATE TOYOTA THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR OUR VIN BUT IT IS SHOWING ALL SIGNS OF THE INVERTER ASSEMBLY RECALL THAT AFFECTED 235,000 VEHICLES IN THE RECALL. TOYOTA QUOTED THE REPAIR AT $9000+ AND EVEN THOUGH IT HAS THE SYMPTOMS OF THE RECALLED VEHICLES THEY WILL NOT FIX IT BECAUSE IT IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THE REPAIR COST IS MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE CAR.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 12, 2020
HIGHLANDER HYBRID 2008 WE WERE DRIVING ON A COUNTRY BACK ROAD. IN IDAHO, WE HAD JUST STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND WENT TO DRIVE FORWARD AFTER GOING AROUND 100-200 METERS AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND THEN THE SCREEN WITH ALL THE WARNINGS BEGAN GOING OFF. ALL OF THEM SAYING PULL OVER TOT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THAT ALL THE SYSTEMS WERE FAILING. ALL THE WARNINGS SAID THINGS TO TAKE THE CAR TO DEALER. WE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN TRIED TO GET THE CAR TO MOVE FORWARD BY PUTTING IT IN DRIVE AND YOU COULD HEAR THE CAR TRYING TO DO SOMETHING BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CAR DID TURN ON BUT THAT WAS IT.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 7, 2020
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE TRACTION SENSOR CAME ON. FOLLOWED BY A WARNING OF CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM AND VCS SYSTEM. AND CAR SHUT COMPLETELY OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Nov 25, 2019
I SENT A LETTER TO TOYOTA MOTOR SALES USA AFTER BEING REFUSED SERVICE AT A LOCAL DEALER TO RESOLVE A SAFETY ISSUE, WITH NO REPLY. WHILE PRESSING BRAKE WHEN STARTING I GOT A COUPLE OF ERROR MESSAGES THAT SAID TO CONTACT A TOYOTA DEALER. I DID SOME VERY DETAILED RESEARCH INTO THIS PROBLEM AND WHAT OTHERS HAD ENCOUNTERED. I FOUND THE ERRORS WOULD ONLY SHOW WHEN THE 12 VOLT BATTERY WAS GETTING LOW ON CHARGE. THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP IS ONE OF THE SUSPECT ITEMS DRAINING THE BATTERY BECAUSE IT CONTINUES TO RUN LONG AFTER THE VEHICLE IS PARKED. SINCE I DON'T HAVE THE TOOLS TO CHECK THE CURRENT DRAW ON THIS OR IF IT IS EVEN SUPPOSED TO RUN LONG AFTER THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF, I WANTED MY TOYOTA DEALER TO CHECK THIS. THERE IS A " CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM NOTIFICATION - ZKC" RELATED TO THIS FOR THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY. I SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED THAT THEY CHECK OUT THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP EVEN IF NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. I ALSO TOLD THEM ABOUT THE ERRORS ONLY OCCURRING ON A LOW 12 VOLT BATTERY CHARGE. THEIR DIAGNOSIS SHOWED AN ERROR CODE OF POAA6 AND ONLY THE WARNING LIGHTS AND ERROR MESSAGE IN THE CAR DISPLAY. THEY NOT ONLY DECIDED THIS WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY BUT ALSO IGNORED MY SPECIFIC REQUEST TO TEST THE BRAKE SYSTEM AT MY EXPENSE. NO ATTEMPT AT CHECKING BRAKES OR 12 VOLT CHARGING SYSTEM. I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD HAVE TO OPEN THE INVERTER TO CHECK THAT WITH THE KNOWN OUTCOME THAT THIS INVERTER IS NOT REPAIRABLE BUT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $10,000.. NEW 12V BATTERY INSTALLED. COMPUTERS CAN MALFUNCTION IF NOT GIVEN THE DESIGN OPERATING VOLTAGE! I HAVE TROUBLE BELIEVING THAT THERE IS A "HYBRID BATTERY VOLTAGE SYSTEM ISOLATION FAULT" DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE ON BOARD COMPUTER DOES NOT REPORT THIS MESSAGE WHEN OPERATING ON A FULLY CHARGED 12 VOLT SYSTEM - IN OTHER WORDS OPERATING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Sep 13, 2019
AT TOYOTA, WE ARE DEDICATED TO PROVIDING VEHICLES OF OUTSTANDING QUALITY AND VALUE. AS PART OF OUR CONTINUAL EFFORTS TO ENSURE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, TOYOTA WOULD LIKE TO ADVISE YOU OF A VOLUNTARY CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM THAT HAS BEEN INITIATED FOR YOUR VEHICLE. TOYOTA HAS RECEIVED REPORTS REGARDING CERTAIN INTERNAL MALFUNCTIONS OF THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY IN CERTAIN 2008-2010 MODEL YEAR HIGHLANDER HYBRID VEHICLES. IN THESE REPORTS, CUSTOMERS HAVE NOTED VARIOUS BRAKE SYSTEM RELATED WARNING LAMPS ARE ILLUMINATED. THIS CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM PROVIDES COVERAGE AS IT APPLIES TO THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY. THE SPECIFIC CONDITION COVERED BY THIS PROGRAM IS FOR CERTAIN INTERNAL MALFUNCTIONS OF THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. IF THE CONDITION IS VERIFIED, THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED WITH NEW BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. IF THE FOLLOWING WARNING LAMPS ARE ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE MAY BE EXPERIENCING A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY THAT IS COVERED BY THIS CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. THE PART IS BACK ORDERED AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE. I JUST PICKED THE VEHICLE FOR THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WILL NOTIFY ME WHEN IT'S AVAILABLE. I'M STILL DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I FIRST FILED 7 MONTHS AGO. IT'S FUNNY HAS THE PART IS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE, BUT IT'S ON BACK ORDER FOR MY VEHICLE. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. LOOKS LIKE I'M GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT AGAIN. THANKS FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER.
Electrical system, Air bags, Mar 12, 2019
2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM. *LD *TR
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Feb 28, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WOULD SOMETIMES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AND THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR WHEN UTILIZED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STEVE LANDERS TOYOTA (10825 COLONEL GLENN RD, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72204) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER WINDOW MASTER SWITCH FAILED AND WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V689000 (VISIBILITY), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Electrical system, Seats, May 16, 2017, fire
AT 5:00 PM ON MAY 16, 2017 I DROVE HOME FROM WORK (15 MINUTES OF IN-TOWN DRIVING) EVERYTHING WAS FINE. I PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND WENT INSIDE TO PREPARE TO LEAVE WITH MY FAMILY FOR MY SON'S SENIOR HONORS NIGHT. AT 5;45 PM WE GOT INTO THE CAR AND IMMEDIATELY MY MOM AND MY HUSBAND SAID, "WHAT'S BURNING?". IT SMELLED LIKE PAPER BURNING. BEFORE LEAVING THE HOUSE, MY HUSBAND POPPED THE HOOD TO MAKE SURE THERE WASN'T A WIRE OR SOMETHING ELSE BURNING UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR. WE DOVE 10 MINUTES TO TOWN TO EAT. WE STAYED IN RESTAURANT 30 MINUTES. WHEN WE RETURNED TO MY CAR, MY MOTHER GOT IN THE PASSENGER'S FRONT SEAT AND AND MY HUSBAND IN BACK AND WE ALL SMELLED A STRONG SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING. I LOOKED AT MY MOM BEFORE STARTING THE CAR AND SAW THE BLACK, BURNT HEADREST. IT APPEARS THERE WAS AN ACTUAL FLAME AT SOME POINT. EVERYONE GOT OUT OF THE CAR, WE REMOVED THE HEADREST, BUT THE BACK LEFT SIDE OF THE PASSENGERS SEAT WAS STILL VERY HOT TO THE TOUCH. MY HUSBAND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE FIRE STATION NEARBY, SINCE THE TOYOTA DEALER WAS ALREADY CLOSED. THE FIREFIGHTERS UNPLUGGED THE WIRES FROM THE SEAT. THE SEAT COOLED BACK DOWN.
Electrical system, Sep 26, 2016
CAR AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED MY YOUNG CHILD IN THE CAR. I USED THE FOB TO UNLOCK THE CAR. THEN I OPENED THE BACK DOOR TO PUT MY CHILD IN HIS CARSEAT AND PLACED MY KEYS ON THE DRIVER SEAT TO HAVE ACCESS TO BOTH MY HANDS FOR THE TASKS. ONCE MY CHILD WAS STRAPPED IN I SHUT THE BACK RIGHT DOOR TO GO GET IN THE DRIVER FRONT DOOR. AS SOON AS I SHUT THE BACK DOOR I HEARD A BEEP AND ALL THE DOORS LOCKED DOWN, LOCKING MY CHILD INSIDE WITH THE KEYS. AS IT WAS A HOT DAY IN MY TOWN, I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE POLICE, WHO HAD TO COME AND JAMMED THE THE DOOR SO I COULD GET OUT MY SON. WE HAVE SINCE CHANGED THE KEYS IN THE FOB AND ON 9/25/2016 WHILE SEATED IN THE CAR IT AGAIN LOCKED ITSELF BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION
Electrical system, Sep 4, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. AFTER THE CONTACT PLACED THE 7 MONTH OLD CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT WITH THE SMART KEY INSIDE THE VEHICLE, ALL THE DOORS ERRONEOUSLY LOCKED. THE CHILD BECAME TRAPPED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE WINDOW HAD TO BE BROKEN IN ORDER TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE SMART KEY SAFETY FEATURE DID NOT PREVENT THE DOORS FROM BECOMING LOCKED WHILE THE SMART KEY WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Electrical system, Jul 14, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE STOPPING THE VEHICLE AFTER PRESSING THE KEYLESS PUSH START SYSTEM, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO TRAVEL DOWN A HILL WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Mar 26, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF A POLICE REPORT AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Sep 26, 2014
THE SPIRAL CABLE IN THE STEERING WHEEL HAS CAUSED THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO COME ON, WHICH MEANS THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT OPERATE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. ALSO THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT OPERATE. THESE ITEMS ARE ALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE SPIRAL CABLE. TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID THEY KNOW OF THE SPIRAL CABLE PROBLEM BUT DO NOT HAVE A FIX FOR IT NOW. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER TURNING ON THE AIR CONDITIONER, IT EMITTED HOT AIR THROUGH THE VENTS AND WOULD CONTINUE TO DO SO ONCE THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS TURNED OFF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER A REMEDY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT A COMPUTER CHIP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 63,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 17, 2014
WE WERE STARTING OFF TO GO ON VACATION WHEN WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASHBOARD AND INFORMATION PANEL WITH HYBRID SYSTEM WARNINGS AND BRAKE WARNINGS THEN THE CAR COMPLETELY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND STEERING WAS LOST. WE WERE ABLE TO GET OFF TO THE SIDE ENOUGH TO PREVENT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT HOWEVER WE WERE ON A BUSY STREET. HAD IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A FAILED COIL. THEY REPLACED ALL 3 COILS SAYING THAT IT WOULD BE PRUDENT AS THE ENGINE WAS ALREADY APART (I AGREE). THEY ALSO SAID THAT THIS IS A RELATIVELY COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH SOME OF THE HIGHLANDER HYBRIDS. I HAVE THE PART AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE TOP OF THE COIL BECAME OVER HEATED AND BLEW OUT THE TOP PLASTIC COMPOUND. I CONSIDER MYSELF VERY LUCKY THAT THIS DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE ON A HIGHWAY ON A RAINY DAY WHERE THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STOPPING WOULD CERTAINLY HAVE CAUSED ME TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS CERTAINLY A FLAW THAT TOYOTA SHOULD ADDRESS FOR SAFETY REASONS AND IT MAKES ME HESITANT TO WANT TO PURCHASE ANOTHER TOYOTA PRODUCT AGAIN. *TR
Electrical system, May 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED TO WORK. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON NONE OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WOULD WORK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY OVER A PERIOD OF SIX YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC; HOWEVER, THE DIAGNOSES WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000. UPDATED 8/12/14*CN UPDATED 8/28/2017*CN