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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 5, 2010
TOYOTA 2008 HIGHLANDER-BRAKING SYSTEM HESITATES LIKE THE PRIUS IS DESCRIBED. IT FREEZES UP AND DOESN'T REACT AS QUICKLY AS IT IS PUSHED. THIS IS ONGOING. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2010, crash, fire
TL* THE CONTACT'S SISTER OWNED A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT'S SISTER WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ACROSS THE INTERSTATE, HIT AN EMBANKMENT AND WAS STRUCK BY SEMI TRUCK. THE VEHICLE BURNED AND THE DRIVER WAS KILLED AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED BUT THERE WAS NO INVESTIGATION INTO THE CAUSE FOR THE ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH ANY REPRESENTATIVES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 33,000. UPDATED 03/10/10 *BF UPDATED 07/07/10.*JB UPDATE 9/19/2011*CW
Vehicle speed control, Feb 2, 2010, crash
CRASH AND INJURY ON DATED 12/21/2008 WHERE I THOUGHT MY 2008 HIGHLANDER WHICH I BOUGHT A MONTH AGO SKID ON A DRY ROAD IN BROAD DAY LIGHT. SPEED WAS BELOW 20 MPH 1000 FT AWAY FROM MY HOME INSIDE THE NEIGHBERHOOD OF READING, PA 19606. WE WERE GOING TO SEE A MOVIE ON A WEEKEND. ON LYNN AVE MY CAR SKID AND HIT A PARKED TRAILER BEHIND. I COULD NOT GET TIME TO PRESS THE BRAKE AT ALL. ALL I THOUGHT IS SNOW/ BLACK ICE. MYSELF AND ATTENDING POLICE OFFICER DID NOT FIND ANY ICE ON THE ROAD. SO, AS USUAL HUMAN ERROR WAS BLAMED. BUT MY 14 YR SON NOTICED THE SKID BEFORE INCIDENT. MY WIFE AND SON BOTH WERE INJURED IN THE CRASH. IN OVER ONE YEAR I COULD NOT GET SATISFIED WITH THE POLICE REPORT WHICH SAID MY SPEEDING WAS TO BLAME. WE ALL KNEW I WAS NOT SPEEDING NEAR MY HOME. THE CONTROL OF MY CAR WENT AWAY FROM MY HAND. THE CAR SPED UP AND BEFORE ANY REALIZATION IT HIT THE BACK OF THE TRAILER. IF YOU SEE THE CAR AND THE WAY IT HIT, ONLY REASON YOU WILL BELIEVE THAT THE DRIVER MUST HAVE BEEN DRUNK. BUT I WAS NOT. NOW I KNOW WHAT REALLY HAPPENED THAT DAY. IT IS THE REASON WHY THE RECALL HAPPENED. *TR
Power train, Feb 2, 2010
2008 LOW MILEAGE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER STICKING ACCELERATOR PEDAL. MY ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK AT FULL THROTTLE. I'M SURE IT WAS NOT THE MATS; I DID NOT HAVE ANY. THE MILEAGE WAS VERY LOW AT THE TIME, UNLIKE WHAT THE RECALL IS ADDRESSING. IT HAS NOT HAPPENED SINCE. *TR
Seats, Dec 10, 2009, crash
THE DRIVER'S SEAT DOES NOT RISE UP ENOUGH TO SEE OVER THE OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR. ALSO, THE OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR IS LARGE AND CONTINUOUS TO THE DOORPOST PRODUCING A VISUAL BLOCK FROM WINDSHIELD SIDE OF THE DOORPOST TO THE FAR END OF THE OUTSIDE MIRROR - ABOUT 16 INCHES. PROJECT THIS VISUAL BLOCK-OUT ACROSS TO A SIDE-STREET INTERSECTION AND IT BLOCKS THE VIEW OF THE ENTIRE SIDE-STREET INTERSECTION AND THEN SOME WHEN TRAVELING ON A FOUR LANE STREET WITH A MERIDIAN IN THE MIDDLE. THIS IS GROSS HAZARD FOR ME AND A VEHICLE IN THE INTERSECTION AND FOR PEDESTRIANS. I HAD ONE COLLISION WHEN LEAVING A CHURCH PARKING LOT ONTO A TWO LANE RURAL ROAD - TRAVELING ABOUT 10 MPH AND THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN HIS LANE. OCCURRED IN SPRING OF 2008, ABOUT 5 PM - CLEAR SUNNY DAY. I DID NOT SEE HIS CAR - AND THE COLLISION REPAIR COST FOR HIS VEHICLE WAS $2,500 AND FOR MY REPAIR COST WAS $4,000 +-. ALSO, I HAVE HIT THE LOW CONCRETE DIVIDER WITH MY LEFT FRONT TIRE - LOCATED UNDER THE FREEWAY OVERPASS WHEN TURNING - THIS TURN I HAVE DONE 5 DAYS A WEEK FOR 5 YEARS ON THE WAY TO WORK WITH NO PROBLEM UNTIL DRIVING THIS 2008 HIGHLANDER. ALSO, I HAVE HAD SEVERAL NEAR COLLISIONS WITH UNSEEN VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS. AT NIGHT WITH VEHICLE BEHIND ME THE LIGHT GLARE IN THE OUTSIDE MIRROR IS SUCH THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE OVER OR AROUND TO SEE A SIDE-STREET INTERSECTION. SIMILAR PROBLEMS EXIST FOR THE RIGHT OUTSIDE MIRROR. TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM THE MIRROR NEEDS TO BE LOWERED. ALSO, A GAP BETWEEN THE EDGE OF THE MIRROR AND THE DOORPOST WOULD BE A MAJOR GREAT HELP. MY HEIGHT IS 5'-5" NOT TOO SHORT - BY PUSHING HARD WITH MY LEFT FOOT ON THE FLOORBOARD STEP I AM ABLE TO SEE OVER THE OUTSIDE MIRROR AND GAIN A REASONABLE VIEW OF THE SIDE-STREET INTERSECTION - BUT THIS MOVEMENT TAKES AWAY FROM MY CONCENTRATION AND AGILITY TO DRIVE ON. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 30, 2009, crash
ON AUGUST 13, 2009 MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED, 4WD SUV WHEN SHE SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A WOODEN TELEPHONE POLE, TOTALING THE CAR. ACCORDING TO HER, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND SHE COULDN'T STOP THE VEHICLE. *TR
Tires, Nov 4, 2009
I OWN A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED. AFTER DRIVING 25K MILES, I NOTICED A VIBRATION IN MY STEERING. I THEN NOTICED MY TIRES TREAD ON ALL 4 TIRES WORN DOWN TO ALMOST 2/32" OF TREAD DEPTH REMAINING. I HAVE ORIGINAL TIRES: OPEN COUNTRY A20 P 245/55R19 103S. I CALLED TOYO TIRE CONSUMER RELATIONS DEPT. AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO MILEAGE WARRANTY ON THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THEY OFFER 30% DISCOUNT ON NEW SET OF TIRES INSTALLED AT TIRE DEALER CENTER. NEW TIRES, AFTER DISCOUNT WILL COST ABOUT $900, BUT THEY ON THE BACK ORDER AND BECOME AVAILABLE ONLY BY THE END OF DECEMBER 2009. I FORCED TO KEEP DRIVING MY CAR WITH BAD TIRES.THEY DON'T OFFER ANY REPLACEMENT TIRES FOR THIS ODD SIZE, MANUFACTURED ONLY FOR THIS CAR. THESE TIRES CREATE A HAZARD TO ME, MY FAMILY AND PUBLIC SAFETY, ESPECIALLY DRIVING IN THE NORTH-EAST AREAS. I HAVE NEVER HAD A NEW VEHICLE THAT NEED NEW TIRES WHEN IT IS BARELY TWO YEARS OLD. I TRY TO REPLACE THIS TIRES BEFORE I HAVE AN INCIDENT. I HAVE NOTICED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE TIRES ON VARIOUS WEB SITES. ALL TOYOTA HIGHLANDER OWNERS VERY DISAPPOINTED AND LOST. MANY TRY TO CHANGE TIRE SIZE TO MORE COMMON USED, WHICH WILL VOID POWER-TRAIN WARRANTY AND COULD CREATE MORE OF SAFETY PROBLEMS. I HOPE YOU FIND THIS SITUATION VERY DISTURBING AND POTENTIALLY SAFETY HAZARDOUS AND WILL LEAD TO YOUR INVESTIGATION AND CORRECTION. *TR
Tires, Oct 10, 2009
WE HAVE LEASED A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FOR 22 MONTHS. THE TOYO A 20 TIRES ARE SO WORN WITH NORMAL DRIVING THEY WILL NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS APPEAR ONLINE REGARDING THIS MATTER. NO ONE WANTS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS MATTER. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT WITH TIRE OR CAR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 8, 2009, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE OUT OF A PARKING GARAGE, THE ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT SHIFTED UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND CAUSED IT TO STICK WHICH CAUSED HIM TO CRASH INTO THE GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A COLLISION CENTER AND REPAIRED AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $4,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,957. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Tires, Sep 23, 2009
KNOWN DEFECTS OF TOYO TIRES ON 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. TIRES SHRED TREAD IN LITTLE PIECES. TOYOTA DEALER HAS A SHEET DESCRIBING THE DETAILS. TOYO KNEW THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. THEY WAITED UNTIL THE OWNER NOTICED AND COMPLAINED. THE TIRES WEAR OUT VERY QUICKLY. THE TIRES SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND REPLACED. INSTEAD TOYO APPLIED THEIR WARRANTY. WITH 80% CREDIT, MY COSTS WERE$252.25 SINCE THE TIRES WERE KNOWN TO BE DEFECTIVE, THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO ME. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 11, 2009
NO PREVIOUS BRAKING PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED. FIRST HEARD AN AIRY SOUND WHEN BRAKING THEN SOFT BRAKE PEDAL AND THEN ALMOST COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. DEALER FOUND A VACUUM LEAK IN BRAKE BOOSTER. REPAIR WAS REPLACEMENT OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER. *TR
Tires, Sep 2, 2009
TIRE FLAKING AND PREMATURELY WEARING. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 26, 2009
BRAKE PEDAL SPONGY AT LOW ENGINE OPERATING SPEEDS. *TR
Power train, Jul 9, 2009
WHEN THE FRONT OF THE CAR IS ON A DOWNWARD SLOPE AND IT IS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE IT WILL ROLL FORWARD THE SAME AS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WILL DO WHEN THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED. THE BRAKE HAS TO BE APPLIED WITH ONE FOOT WHILE THE OTHER FOOT IS PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR. THE COULD CAUSE INJURY AND OR PROPERTY DAMAGE IF PARKED CLOSE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY. THE SLOPE ANGLE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A STEEP INCLINE FOR THIS TO OCCUR. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS AS A PROBLEM AND IT WAS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE FOR THE CAR TO ROLL FORWARD. *TR
Exterior lighting, Visibility, May 4, 2009
I BOUGHT A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IN DECEMBER 2007. I DID NOT TEST DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT. AFTER A FEW WEEKS, I TRIED TO BACK UP AT NIGHT. THE LIGHTS ARE COMPLETELY INADEQUATE AND THEY ARE A SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE EVERY FEW FEET AND CHECK TO MAKE SURE THERE IS NOTHING/NO ONE IN MY PATH WHEN BACKING UP AT NIGHT. I ASKED THE DEALER TO CHECK/REPAIR THE LIGHTS. THEY SAID THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT BUT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO FIX IT. IT IS NOT SAFE TO BACK UP THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT BECAUSE THE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE ENOUGH TO SEE IF SOMEONE IS IN YOUR PATH. I HAVE ASKED THE MANUFACTURER FOR HELP FIXING THE PROBLEM BUT THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. *TR
Tires, May 4, 2009
TOYO TIRES (P245/55R19) WERE INSTALLED ON MY 08 HIGHLANDER AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. AT FIRST OIL CHANGE, WAS ADVISED THAT THEY WERE NOT WEARING PROPERLY & HAD ALIGNMENT CHECKED. NO PROBLEMS WITH ALIGNMENT--CALLED TOYOTA--THEY ADVISED TO ROTATE EVERY 5K WITH OIL CHANGE..DID THE SAME AND I NOW HAVE 20K MILES WITH 2 REAR TIRES THAT RUBBER IS "PEELING" SO BAD THAT THEY HAVE TO BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. FRONT WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED WITHIN FEW MONTHS AS WELL. TOYOTA IS BLAMING TOYO & NO REPLY FROM TOYO....OBVIOUSLY THIS MANUFACTURER MAKES POOR QUALITY PRODUCTS WITH JUST THE COMPLAINT RECORDS THAT YOU HAVE ON FILE. ANYONE DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH THESE TIRES IS OBVIOUSLY TAKING THEIR LIFE IN THEIR HANDS!! *TR
Power train, Apr 19, 2009
2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL FORWARD WHEN THE VEHICLE AND TRANSMISSION ARE POSITIONED IN REVERSE, IF THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE IS ON A DOWNWARD SLOPE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 10, 2009
MY 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER CONSUMES A LITTLE OVER HALF QUART OF OIL FOR EVERY 1,000 MILES DRIVEN AND I TOOK IT TO LONGO TOYOTA FOR MORE THAN THREE TIMES AND THE MECHANIC THERE TOLD ME THAT IT'S NORMAL. THIS IS THE FIRST BRAND NEW CAR THAT I EVER HAD WHEREIN I HAVE TO ADD OIL IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES (3,000 MILES). HAD THEY TOLD ME BEFORE I BOUGHT THIS CAR, MAYBE I WILL NOT HAVE BOUGHT IT AND WON'T END UP HAVING THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 13, 2009
2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER - ACCELERATED TO PASS A CAR IN THE NEXT LANE SO I COULD PASS AND THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR. I PULLED INTO THE SHOULDER AND THOUGH THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE AND STILL THE CAR WANTED TO GO BUT IT SLOWED A BIT SO I THREW IT INTO PARK AND THE JERKED BUT FINALLY CAME TO A STOP AND I SHUT OFF THE CAR. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME AND I AM AFRAID THAT IT MAY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. CURRENTLY THE CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP. HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY HAVEN'T HEARD OF THIS BEFORE. YET WHEN I GOOGLED THE ISSUE TOYOTA HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE WITH THE HIGHLANDER AS WELL AS OTHER VEHICLES INCLUDING THE CAMRY. *TR
Tires, Mar 5, 2009
ON MARCH 2, 2009 I RENTED A SUV FROM HERTZ AT THE SALT LAKE CITY AIRPORT. UPON PICKING UP THE CAR I COMMENTED TO THE PERSON CHECKING ME OUT THAT THE TIRE TREAD DEPTH LOOKED VERY LOW FOR AN SUV THAT WOULD BE USED IN THE SNOW. SHE SAID SHE WOULD MAKE NOTE OF IT. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION 230 MILES AWAY I USED A PENNY TO CHECK THE DEPTH. I CALLED HERTZ TO ASK FOR ASSISTANCE TO GET THE TIRES REPLACED. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE SAID THERE WAS A GOODYEAR DEALER IN THE CITY I WAS IN BUT WOULD HAVE TO GET APPROVAL. THE MANAGER AT THE HERTZ IN SLC SAID HE WOULD NOT APPROVE NEW TIRES. I STOPPED AT A TOYOTA DEALER WHO CHECKED THE TIRE TREAD DEPTH, THE DEPTH RANGED FROM 2/32 TO 3/32, THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THE TIRES WERE UNSAFE. SHOULD THE NHSTB INVESTIGATE CAR RENTAL COMPANIES WHO MAY BE PLACING THE SAFETY OF CUSTOMERS AT RISK TO SAVE MONEY? *TR
Tires, Jan 25, 2009
THE BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/L400 (NOT H/L 683 OR 684 II AS LISTED IN THE CHOICES FOR THIS TIRE ON THIS WEB SITE!!!!!) TIRES ON OUR 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER ARE TERRIBLY UNSAFE IN ALL CONDITIONS OTHER THAN DRY ROADS. THEY HYDROPLANE IN THE RAIN, THE REAR END SLIDES IN ALL TYPES OF SNOWY CONDITIONS, CAUSING THE STABILITY CONTROL TO KICK IN AND COMPENSATE, AND THEY REQUIRE FREQUENT TOPPING OFF OF THE AIR PRESSURE, MORE SO THAN ANY TIRE ON ANY VEHICLE I'VE EVER OWNED. THIS TIRE IS GETTING TERRIBLE REVIEWS ON TIRERACK.COM FROM CURRENT OWNERS OF MAZDA CX-9S AND HIGHLANDERS, AND THERE ISN'T ANOTHER TIRE ON THE MARKET IN THE SIZE I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE IT. IT'S AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. OUR CAR IS A V6 POWERED 4X4 SUV WE BOUGHT BRAND NEW 10 MONTHS AGO. IT HAS NEVER DRIVEN WELL IN SNOW, AND DESPITE THE FULL-TIME 4-WHEEL DRIVE, THE VEHICLE BEHAVES LIKE A REAR-DRIVE TRUCK WITH SUMMER TIRES. THE CAR SEVERELY FISHTAILS AND SLIDES SIDEWAYS, WITH THE STABILITY CONTROL FULLY CUTTING POWER AND APPLYING CERTAIN BRAKES IN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT COURSE. THIS HAPPENS AT EVERY TURN AND INTERSECTION. IT'S NOT ONLY EMBARRASSING, IT'S ALSO WREAKING HAVOC ON MY FUEL ECONOMY AS I DO SO MUCH SLIPPING IN THESE TIRES, AND I FEAR I WILL BE GOING OFF THE ROAD OR SLIDING INTO SOMEONE'S PROPERTY OR VEHICLE SOME DAY WITHOUT WARNING. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 22, 2008
USING A HIGHLANDER'S POWER-ADAPTER TO POWER MY IPHONE, A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF NOISE IS ADDED TO THE MUSIC OUTPUT. TOYOTA DEALER HAS CORRECTED MY PROBLEM BY INSTALLING SOME FILTERS IN LINE BEFORE THE POWER ADAPTER SOCKET. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 30, 2008, crash
IN FEBURARY 2008, I PURCHASED A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, WHEN SLOWLY PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. ON THE FIRST OCCASION (APRIL 2008), THE INCIDENT ENDED IN AN ACCIDENT AS THE VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO A WALL. THE SECOND INCIDENCE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS LATER AND NEARLY CAUSED ANOTHER ACCIDENT. AGAIN, AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED BY A PARKING PYLON BEFORE HITTING A WALL. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIM THAT THEY CAN NOT FIND ANY ISSUES WITH VEHICLE. BASED ON MY RESEARCH, THIS DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE AN ISOLATED PROBLEM AS OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES ARE NOTED AS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I FEEL THAT THIS VEHICLE IS THREAT NOT ONLY TO THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY, BUT TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. UPDATED 08/08/08. *JB
Power train, Apr 24, 2008
2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WITH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL FORWARD WHEN THE VEHICLE AND TRANSMISSION ARE POSITIONED IN REVERSE, IF THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE IS ON A DOWNWARD SLOPE. HE ALSO STATES THAT THE HILL HOLDER FEATURE DOESN'T WORK ON A DOWNWARD SLOPE. *KB
Power train, Apr 15, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT LEASES A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 25 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID STRIKING OTHER VEHICLES. HE THEN HEARD A LOUD BANG. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS. HE PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AXLE FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WILL SEND AN INVESTIGATOR TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 4,000.