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
404 reports, newest first.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 7, 2013
DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR DEFECTIVE - IT DOES NOT STAY IN UP POSITION, DROPS DOWN SUDDENLY & BLOCKING THE VISIBILITY OF THE ROAD; DEALER SAID IT IS A COMMON ISSUE BUT NOT ENOUGH COMPLAINS FOR A RECALL. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT PRONE ISSUE THAT WILL CUT OFF THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY SUDDENLY. *TR
Air bags, Jul 5, 2013
AIR BAGS THE SPIRAL CABLE WENT BAD CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT TO COME ON MAKING THE AIRBAGS INOPERABLE. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND COST WAS $560 TO REPAIR WITH PARTS AND LABOR. VIEW DETAILS. *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.
Air bags, Jun 17, 2013
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON APPROXIMATELY IN APRIL 2013. THE LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. I BROUGHT IT TO ELK GROVE TOYOTA. THE INSPECTED THE LIGHT FOR $120. THIS WAS FOR INSPECTION ONLY. THEY SAID THE CAR NEEDS A AIRBAG SPIRAL CABLE. THEY ESTIMATED $460 TOTAL TO REPLACE THIS WIRE. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THE LIGHT CAME ON AT 65000-67000 MILES. WILL TOYOTA RECALL THIS PART OR REIMBURSE CUSTOMERS. THERE IS ANOTHER 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER AIRBAG RECALL BUT IT DID NOT APPLY TO MY CAR. I LOOKED UP MY VIN. FOR THIS RECALL. *TR
Air bags, Jun 14, 2013
AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND CONTINUED TO STAY ON OVER SEVERAL DAYS. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND THE SPIRAL CABLE WAS DETERMINED TO BE MALFUNCTIONING. COST OF REPAIR WAS ABOUT $500. *TR
Air bags, Jun 13, 2013
WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. AFTER TAKING IT TO A TOYOTA DEALER, IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY MALFUNCTION. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF RECALL FOR 2008 TACOMAS, CAMRYS AND VENZAS, BUT NOT THE HIGHLANDER. IT IS A $450 EXPENSE. IT SEEMS TO ME IF TOYOTA HAS RECALLED THE PART ON OTHER MODELS IN THE SAME YEAR, IT SHOULD CONSIDER RECALLING IT FOR THE HIGHLANDER. LOOKING AT THE RECENT COMPLAINTS FILED ON THIS WEBSITE, I SEE THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE TO EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE. *TR
Air bags, Jun 7, 2013
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT INTO A DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THE SPIRAL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (AT A COST OF $419 PARTS AND LABOR) AND THAT IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALLS. UPON RESEARCH, I LEARNED THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR TACOMAS, CAMRYS, AND VENZAS FOR THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SPIRAL CABLE. FURTHER, I FOUND NUMEROUS CLAIMS OF THE SAME PROBLEM FOR THE 2008 HIGHLANDER. I CONTACTED THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER, AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THERE IS NO RECALL AND THAT I WOULD NEED TO RETAIN ANY DOCUMENTATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT UNDER ANY FUTURE RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE. OBVIOUSLY I NEED TO HAVE THE SPIRAL CABLE REPLACED, BECAUSE I WAS TOLD BY THE TOYOTA DEALER THAT THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS INOPERABLE. MY HOPE IS THAT THERE WILL BE A RECALL FOR THE HIGHLANDER, AND THAT IT IS ALREADY BEING CONSIDERED. *TR
Air bags, May 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. *TR
Air bags, May 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO BOTH STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SPIRAL CABLE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
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.
Visibility, Mar 27, 2013
THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR KEEPS FALLING DOWN. IT DOES NOT STAY UP AND IMPAIRS DRIVER VISION. *TR
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
Steering, Mar 16, 2013
I HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT ON THIS CAR. I WAS TOLD THAT ON THE 2008 AND 2013 MODELS THERE WAS AN ISSUE. TOYOTA WOULD NOT WORK WITH ME ON THIS EXPENSE. I FEEL THIS IS A MAJOR PART OF THE CAR AND I COULD HAVE BEEN IN DANGER IF NOT FIXED. THEM KNOWING THIS IS AN ISSUE AND NOT DOING A RECALL IS WRONG! I FELT THEY SHOULD HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THIS AND NOT AT MY EXPENSE. I HAVE HAD ABOUT 3 DIFFERENT RECALLS ON THE CAR AND THIS JUST ADDED TO MY WORRIES. I AM NOT SURE WHAT CONSTITUTES A RECALL BUT FELT THIS WAS ONE ON TOYOTA. THANK YOU *TR
Seat belts, Mar 12, 2013
2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION AND REQUESTS AN INVESTIGATION AND REIMBURSEMENT. *SMD AS THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, HER SON WAS SECURED IN HIS CAR SEAT, PLAYING QUIETLY WITH THE ATTACHED SEAT BELT. AT THE POINT, THE SEAT BELT WRAPPED AROUND HIS NECK. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND ATTEMPTED TO FREE HER SON FROM CHOKING, SHE WAS UNABLE TO DO SO, ALTHOUGH LOOSENING THE BELT SUFFICIENTLY ALLOWED HIM TO BREATH. FIRST RESPONDERS HAD DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE BELT, FINALLY THEY HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT TO PERMIT HER SON TO BE TAKEN OUT OF THE SEAT.
Service brakes, Feb 13, 2013
THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE OF MY 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER POPPED LOUDLY WHEN I BACKED UP. IT SOUNDED AND FELT LIKE THE BRAKE LOCKED UP. THIS PROBLEM SEEMED TO HAVE ALREADY EXISTED SINCE THE DAY I PURCHASED THE BRAND-NEW VEHICLE IN DECEMBER 2008, AND IT GOT WORSE AND WORSE. THEREFORE, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A TOYOTA DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE THEY SAID, "THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKE. IT IS NORMAL AND IS JUST THAT THE BREAK IS SHIFTING." HOWEVER, I ASKED THEM WHY THE POPPING SOUND "ONLY" CAME FROM THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE. THEY AVOIDED MY QUESTION AND DID NOT ANSWER. AS MY CONCERNS OVER THE BRAKE GREW MORE AND MORE, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE SAME DEALER AGAIN, BUT THEY SAID, "MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I HAVE TO PAY $45 TO HAVE IT RE-CHECKED." I TOLD THEM THAT WHEN MY VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR THE PROBLEM THE FIRST TIME, IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, AND THE PROBLEM NEVER WENT AWAY; INSTEAD, IT BECAME EVEN WORSE. HOWEVER, THEY STILL INSISTED THAT I HAD TO PAY IN ORDER TO HAVE IT INSPECTED AGAIN. I WAS SO DISAPPOINTED I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP. AT THE TIME OF THIS WRITING, THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE STILL MAKES A LOUD, ANNOYING POPPING SOUND WHEN I BACK UP MY VEHICLE, WHICH MAKES ME WORRY THAT THE BRAKE COULD MALFUNCTION ANYTIME WHEN I AM ON THE ROAD. *TR
Hybrid propulsion system, Feb 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND POWER OFF AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE INVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000. UPDATED 3/13/13 *CN
Seats, Feb 7, 2013
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER TO WORK AND TURNED ON THE HEATED SEAT. IT HAS BURNED HER LEG AT THE HAMSTRING UNDER THIGH AREA PRETTY BAD. *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
Visibility/wiper, Jan 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHITE PARTICLES WERE EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM WHILE THE CLIMATE CONTROL WAS ACTIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC OR THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 15, 2012
MY STEERING LOCKS WHEN I WAS DRIVING. I REPORTED THIS ISSUE BEFORE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY FIGURE OUT THAT THE COMPUTER HAS A PROBLEM AFTER THE BIG ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Seat belts, Nov 20, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE AND AS A RESULT IT HAD TO BE CUT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED HE HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE EMITTING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE SEAT BELT AND THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000. UPDATED 12/12/12 *CN
Electrical system, Air bags, Nov 15, 2012
I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 HIGHLANDER ON NOVEMBER 11, 2012 AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. THE FOLLOWING DAY I WENT ONLINE TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TOYOTA WEBSITE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE AIRBAG LIGHT FOR THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG SYSTEM. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO MY TOYOTA DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK DONE ON NOVEMBER 14. THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS STILL ON AFTER THE RECALL WORK. I LEFT THEM THE VEHICLE SO THEY COULD DO FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS. THEY SAID THE SQUIB CIRCUIT ON THE SPIRAL CABLE FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM ON THE STEERING COLUMN HAD A SHORT IN IT. TOYOTA PART NUMBER 84306-22010. IT WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT IF A REPAIR WAS NOT DONE THERE WAS A GOOD CHANCE THAT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WOULD NOT WORK IN AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD LIGHT UP INTERMITTENTLY IF I DIDN'T REPAIR IT AND THAT THEY WERE PRETTY SURE THE AIRBAG WOULDN'T GO OFF ON ITS OWN. MY CHOICE WAS FIX IT OR PARK IT. I HAD THEM DO THE REPAIR, $276.63 FOR THE SPIRAL CABLE AND $150.00 FOR THE LABOR, $443.22 TOTAL WITH SALES TAX. I HAVE OVER 122,000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN PERFORMING THE MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE TWO OTHER VEHICLES (NOT TOYOTA) AND NEITHER HAS EVER HAD AN AIRBAG SYSTEM PROBLEM AND EACH ONE HAS OVER 100,000 MILES. THE WIRING FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM SHOULD NEVER GO BAD. PLEASE HAVE SOMEONE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 1, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC STOP, SHE NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ALLOW A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN HER AND THE VEHICLE AS IT QUICKLY BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,100.