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: engine
76 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Feb 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, SHE BEGAN TO HER A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND HAD IT TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHICH STATED THAT THE ENGINE COOLER HOSE HAD A HOLE AND CAUSE THE ENGINE OIL TO LEAK OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Engine, Jan 9, 2014
OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WENT ON ALMOST IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER FOUND NO OIL ON DIPSTICK HAD RAPID OIL LEAK, DEALER REPLACED OIL COOLER HOSE WITH OIL COOLER PIPE. *TR
Engine, Nov 12, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EMIT A BURNING OIL SMELL. THE CHECK ENGINE LAMP ILLUMINATED SO THE CONTACT ADDED OIL TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BURNING OIL SMELL STILL LINGERED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AGAIN. IN ADDITION, A HOSE FROM THE ENGINE FAILED AND SPILLED MOTOR OIL ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE OIL COOLER LINE HAD EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Engine, Oct 7, 2013
THE VVT-I OIL COOLER HOSE BURST RESULTING IN A MAJOR ENGINE OIL SPILL IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND TOYOTA CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS REFUSE TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND BECAUSE THEY CLAIM THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PART ON THE HIGHLANDER. THIS SAME VVT-I OIL COOLER HOSE HAS BEEN RECALLED ON 1.6 MILLION US RAV4'S, CAMRY'S AND OTHER TOYOTA MODELS. NOT ONLY COULD A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE OIL CAUSE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE, THIS ISSUE CAN ALSO BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY CONCERN. IF ENGINE OIL WERE TO HAVE MADE CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE PARTS OR HOT EXHAUST PIPING, THEN A FIRE MAY HAVE OCCURRED WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS VEHICULAR DAMAGE AND LOSS OF LIFE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 3, 2013
WHILE SITTING IN A LINE OF TRAFFIC ON OUR WAY HOME FROM A 2 MILE TRIP TO THE STORE, WE NOTICED A HOT OIL SMELL. I SAID TO MY WIFE THAT SOMEONE NEEDS TO GET THEIR CAR IN FOR SERVICE WORK, NOT KNOWING THAT WE WERE THIS SOMEONE! THIS SMELL HAD NOT BEEN PRESENT AT HOME, ON OUR TRIP TO THE STORE OR WHEN PARKED THERE. WHEN I PULLED INTO MY GARAGE, STEAM/SMOKE APPEARED TO BE COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE DIPSTICK SHOWED VERY LOW OIL. THERE HAD BEEN NO SIGNS OF AN OIL LEAK IN THE GARAGE BEFORE, BUT, AFTER ARRIVING HOME I SAW A BIG OIL LEAK. I CALLED THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP (1/2 MILE FROM HOME) WHO TOLD ME TO BRING IT UP TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON. BY THE TIME THAT I GOT THERE MY CAR WAS MAKING A SOUND MAKING IT OBVIOUS SOMETHING VERY WRONG. I PULLED DIRECTLY INTO THE SERVICE BAY. THE MECHANIC CHECKED THE DIPSTICK WHICH SHOWED ABSOLUTELY NO OIL IN MY ENGINE. HE PUT IT ON THE HOIST, ADDED OIL, AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE. THE OIL POURED OUT AS FAST AS HE HAD PUT IT IN. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE SAW THAT THE LOWER OIL COOLER LINES HAD RUPTURED. MY ENGINE HAD BEEN CLOSE TO SEIZING. REPLACING THESE PARTS WAS VERY EXPENSIVE, $437, BUT REPLACING MY ENGINE WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE. MORE IMPORTANTLY WAS THAT THE DANGER OF A FIRE FROM THE OIL THAT WAS POURING OUT ON THE HOT ENGINE WAS NOT OUT OF THE QUESTION. WHILE AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE MECHANIC POINTED AT A LEXUS AND STATED, "THIS IS VERY INTERESTING. THAT LEXUS SUV IS IN HERE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, THE OIL COOLER LINES RUPTURED." HE SAID THAT HE WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED TO SEE THIS BE A RECALL ISSUE, AS THE NEW LINES ARE DESIGNED DIFFERENTLY WITHOUT RUBBER FITTINGS, AND WILL NOT RUPTURE. THIS WOULD INDICATE TO ME THAT TOYOTA HAS NOTICED A DESIGN FLAW IN THE OIL COOLER LINES THAT WERE IN MY HIGHLANDER. I FEEL THIS OIL COOLER LINES PROBLEM IS AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE RESEARCHED AS A POSSIBLE TOYOTA RECALL. *TR
Engine, Sep 19, 2013
2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA DEALER IN NOVEMBER 2011 AFTER RECEIVING NOTICE TO HAVE DEFECTIVE OIL COOLER HOSE CHECKED. IN SEPTEMBER 2013 REPLACEMENT OIL COOLER HOSE FAILED WHILE ON HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT SEVENTY MILES PER HOUR. OIL WAS OBSERVED COVERING BOTTOM OF VEHICLE AND FILM OF OIL ON BACK OF VEHICLE. THE OIL GAUGE INDICATED NO OIL IN ENGINE. I BELIEVE THIS RESULTED IN A SAFETY HAZARD FROM BOTH INHALING FUMES AND POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TOYOTA DEALER AND OIL COOLER HOSE REPLACED FOR SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS. *TR
Engine, Sep 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Engine, Jul 25, 2013
LOW OIL NOTICE CAME ON. DRIVE 1/4 MILE TO OIL CHANGE FACILITY. WAS TOLD ALMOST NO OIL ON DIPSTICK. OIL REFILLED AND DROVE APPRO 5 MILES TO DEALERSHIP- STAR TOYOTA , LEAGUE CITY, TX. HAVE RESEARCHED AND NOTED TSB ISSUED ON 3/11/2011- NHTSA REFERENCE # 10033553 WITH THIS EXACT REPAIR PROBLEM INCLUSIVE OF MY VEHICLES EXACT FAILURE WAS NOT NOTIFIED BY STAR TOYOTA DEALERSHIP OF THIS DEFECT WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. VEHICLE WITHIN 5-6 MONTHS OF BASIC WARRANTY; 5 YEAR OF 60,000 MILES. *TR
Engine, Jun 27, 2013
ENGINE BEGAN REVVING UPON ACCELERATION FROM A STOP LIGHT. ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING LOW OIL PRESSURE. PULLED INTO AUTO REPAIR SHOP WHO FOUND DIPSTICK WAS DRY. POURED OIL INTO ENGINE ONLY TO SEE IT LEAKING OUT FROM BELOW PASSENGER SIDE. CAR WAS THEN TOWED TO LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. DEALER REPLACED OIL COOLER HOSE 15767-31010 WHICH HAD FAILED WITH 15767-31020 (ALL METAL ASSEMBLY). REPLACED OIL AND RESTARTED ENGINE. ENGINE IS MAKING TAPPING SOUND AND DEALER RECOMMENDS FULL REPLACEMENT. DEPENDING ON OPTION, COST IS BETWEEN $7500 FOR A USED TOYOTA ENGINE TO $8300 FOR JARCO ENGINE (WHICH I BELIEVE IS REBUILT). THIS OCCURRED IN SOUTH CAROLINA WHILE WE WERE VACATIONING FROM MARYLAND. THANKFULLY, WE WERE NOT ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS OCCURRED. WILL HAVE TO LEAVE VEHICLE HERE FOR REPAIR AND FLY BACK TO DRIVE IT HOME LATER. BTW, THE SINGLE PIPE OIL HOSE WAS REPLACED IN MAY 2010 UNDER THE SSC 90K RECALL AT 33K MILES. THAT IS NOT THE PART THAT FAILED. THIS IS THE DUAL MANIFOLD RUBBER HOSE THAT TOYOTA HAS NOW REPLACED WITH AN ALL METALLIC ASSEMBLY. AS FAR AS I KNOW, THIS PART WAS NEVER RECALLED, BUT THERE IS A TSB 02011-11 AVAILABLE. *TR
Engine, Jun 27, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF OIL IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL AND IT SHOWED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE VEHICLE. HE THEN ADDED OIL AND FOUND A STEADY STREAM LEAK FROM A RUBBER HOSE. THE CONTACT PURCHASED AN AFTER MARKET METAL HOSE AND REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE HOSE. HE THEN DRAINED THE OIL AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL, WHICH HE ASSUMED CAME FROM THE BEARINGS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WATER PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT THEY OFFERED THE CONTACT NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000. ...UPDATED 07-10-13 *BF
Engine, Apr 8, 2013
I JUST BECAME AWARD OF THIS: "T-SB-0201-11 FROM TOYOTA THAT STATES "SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2GR-FE/FXE TOWING PACKAGE ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT AN OIL SEEP FROM THE ENGINE OIL COOLER PIPES." *TR THIS TSB AFFECTS MY MODEL YEAR AND I BELIEVE IT ALSO AFFECTS TOYOTA AND LEXUS VEHICLES GOING BACK TO AT LEAST 2008-PRESENT. TO ME THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND THIS SHOULD BE HANDLED AS A RECALL INSTEAD OF A TSB DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE ISSUE IF/WHEN THE PIPE BREAKS. THE RUPTURE OF THE OIL LINE WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE TO SEIZE THUS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITH RESULTING INJURY AND POSSIBLE DEATH. AND THERE IS THE HAZARD TO OTHER MOTORISTS WITH OIL ON THE ROADWAY. COMPARED TO THE RECALL FOR FLOOR MATS AND ACCELERATOR ISSUES, THIS ISSUE, WHICH CAN DRAIN THE OIL FROM YOUR ENGINE VERY QUICKLY, DESTROY THE ENGINE, AND VERY POSSIBLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT SHOULD BE OF MAJOR CONCERN TO ALL. THE TOYOTA ADVICE TO CHECK FOR SLOW OIL DRIPS AROUND THE RUBBER HOSE IS UNREALISTIC FOR THE OWNER DUE TO THE LOCATION. AND THE SCHEDULE ROUTINE SERVICE INTERVAL IS MUCH TOO LONG TO WAIT FOR SUCH AN SIGNIFICANT INSPECTION. NHTSA NEEDS TO COMPEL TOYOTA TO REPLACE ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE RUBBER ENGINE OIL COOLER PIPES WITH THE NEWER METAL ONES THAT THE TSB ADDRESSES. THIS DIRECTIVE SHOULD APPLY TO ALL TOYOTAS INCLUDING ALREADY MADE REPLACEMENTS FOR WHICH THE OWNERS HAVE PAID FOR.
Engine, Mar 24, 2013
MY WIFE STARTED THE CAR IN THE MORNING TO DROP THE KID TO SCHOOL WHICH IN WITHIN 2 MILES OF OUR HOME. IT WAS COLD DAY OF WINTER. SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE FRONT PART OF HOOD WHEN SHE DROVE ABOUT 1/2 A MILE AND WAS WORRIED WITH THE KIDS WHAT IS THAT NOISE. ANY HOW AFTER THAT THE CAR HAD START MAKING SQUISHING NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE HOOD. WE TOOK TO TOYOTA AND THEY SAID WATER PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE ALSO READ SOME OTHER PEOPLE REVIEWS ONLINE REGARDING THE WATER PUMP OF TOYOTA VEHICLES. MY WIFE CALLED THE TOYOTA MOTOR CO FOR WARRANTY AND THEY SAID, EVEN THAT IS NOT A PART OF POWER TRAIN AND IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SO WE ARE ENDING UP PAYING EXTRA APPROX $650.00 TO TOYOTA FOR THE REPLACEMENT. *TR
Engine, Feb 7, 2013
OIL LEAK FROM BACKSIDE OF ENGINE. TOYOTA HAS ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE WITH A SERVICE BULLETIN TSB-0321-08 BUT DID NOT PERFORM A RECALL. THEREFORE, YOU MAY EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM AND YOU MAY FIND THE ISSUE AFTER YOUR WARRANTY EXPIRED. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR - ESTIMATED TO BE MORE THAN $2K. TOYOTA CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE QUALITY PROBLEMS AND SHOULD HONOR THEIR PRODUCTS WITHIN OR OUTSIDE THEIR WARRANTY WHEN IT IS CLEARLY RELATED TO POOR QUALITY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 5, 2012
AS I APPROACHED A STOP SIGN, MY CHECK ENGINE AND VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON. I WAS LESS THAN A MILE FROM MY DESTINATION AND WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PARK MY VEHICLE WITH NO ISSUES. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, I CONTACTED MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO ALERT THEM TO THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP REPRESENTATIVE ASKED IF THE VSC LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND I TOLD HIM NO; TO WHICH HE REPLIED IT WOULD BE OKAY TO DRIVE. LATER ON THAT EVENING, I DECIDED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND UPON TAKING OFF AT THE LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SEEMED SLUGGISH AT FIRST AND THEN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND SURGED FORWARD. WHEN I PULLED INTO THE DEALERSHIP, I EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED AND AM NOW AWAITING TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 28, 2012
UPON STARTING MY CAR, THE VSC OFF, CHECK ENGINE, AND ABS LIGHTS REMAINED LIT. ACCELERATION WAS SLOW AND ROUGH, AND THE GENERAL ENGINE FEEL WAS WRONG. I STOPPED CAR AND RESTARTED WITH NO EFFECT. WHILE DRIVING, THE LIGHTS EXTINGUISHED FOR A MOMENT, AND AT THAT POINT PERFORMANCE TEMPORARILY IMPROVED - THIS CAUSED A SURGE IN ACCELERATION. BUT THE SAME LIGHTS CAME ON A MOMENT LATER AND PERFORMANCE, ONCE AGAIN, FAILED. FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC WHEN THE SURGE OCCURRED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 2, 2012
VALVE SPRINGS. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. I MANAGED TO STEER ACROSS 4 LANES OF FAST TRAFFIC TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSEST TOYOTA DEALER AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS PISTON FAILURE. THE CAR WAS TOWED 140 MILES TO MOTORCARS TOYOTA FOR REPAIR. THE TECHNICIAN INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED: "A VALVE SPRING ON THE #2 CYLINDER BROKE IN FRONT HEAD AND DROPPED INTO THE # 2 CYLINDER, DESTROYING THE PISTON AND SEVERELY DAMAGING THE SHORT BLOCK ASSEMBLY. BLOCK HAD A HOLE IN IT AND #2 PISTON WAS BROKEN IN HALF". REPAIR INCLUDED: REPLACING SHORT BLOCK ASSEMBLY, FRONT HEAD, EXHAUST CAM, VALVE, SPRING. I HAD TO PAY APROX. $6000 FOR A PROBLEM TOYOTA PUBLICLY ADMITTED SOME 2008 V8 MODELS HAD. FAULTY VALVE SPRINGS WAS ACTUALLY A RECALL BUT ONLY FOR LEXUS MODELS. NOT FAIR! *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 23, 2011
BRIEF ENGINE KNOCK/RATTLE NOISE COLD STARTUP. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING A COLD SOAK STARTUP. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 18, 2011
2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER STATES SQUEAKY NOISE WHEN VEHICLE TIRES GO OVER ANY BUMPS AS WELL AS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED IN THE MORNING WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. ALSO, THE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Nov 18, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE STOPPED A STOP SIGN AND THE RPMS BEGIN TO INCREASE EXCESSIVELY. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PULL OFF SHE WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE FORWARD OR IN REVERSE. A MECHANIC CAME AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION DROPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE FRONT AXLE HAD BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 12000. UPDATED 01/24/11 *BF THE DEALER STATED THE DRIVER SIDE AXLE BROKE IN HALF AND HALF OF THE AXLE BECAME STUCK IN THE TRANSMISSION. ALSO THE CAMSHAFT POSITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 03/16/11
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 20, 2010
WENT TO LOCAL DEALER TO GET OIL CHANGE, 15 MINUTES LATER OIL LEAK ALL OUT FROM BOTTOM. DEALER SAID THAT IT WAS A HOSE MALFUNCTION, BUT NO RECALL, CAR IS ONLY TWO YRS OLD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 6, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE. HE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE CAM SHAFT GEARS. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WILL BE IN THE DEALERS POSSESION FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,250.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 3, 2010
2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER IS NOT SATISFIED WITH DECISION ON HER TOYOTA *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL AND THE COVER HAD TO BE RESEALED. THE RIGHT FRONT MAIN OIL SEAL WAS REPLACED AS WELL. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 6, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF AS SHE MADE A LEFT TURN. SHE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE MULTIPLE TIMES BUT IT CONTINUED TO STALL AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE CONTACT WAS FINALLY ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD WHEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. THE POLICE WERE AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE FOR FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT HAD NOT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 29,850. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,866.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 24, 2010, crash
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) MY FATHER [XXX] WAS KILLED WHILE DRIVING A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. HE HIT ANOTHER CAR SUSTAINING SEVERE INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. HE LEFT MY HOUSE IN GEORGETOWN, TX. DRIVING TO ROCKPORT TX WHEN IT IS REPORTED THAT HE LEFT HIS LANE, NO INDICATION THAT HE TRIED TO SLOW DOWN. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN GOLIAD COUNTY, ABOUT AN HOUR FROM HIS HOUSE. THE AUTOPSY COULD FIND NO MEDICAL OR PHYSICAL CAUSE FOR THIS ACCIDENT. THE ACCIDENT IS ON FILE WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND USAA INSURANCE. *TR