2008 Toyota Highlander problems and complaints
Owners have filed 404 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Toyota Highlander. The most-reported areas: Service Brakes (81), Engine (58), Air Bags (57).
Key takeaways
- 404 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 44 involve a crash, 14 a fire, 42 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 81 | 20% |
| Engine | 58 | 14% |
| Air Bags | 57 | 14% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 45 | 11% |
| Electrical System | 44 | 11% |
| Steering | 40 | 10% |
| Tires | 25 | 6% |
| Power Train | 18 | 4% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 18 | 4% |
| Unknown Or Other | 16 | 4% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 15 | 4% |
| Hydraulic | 13 | 3% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Toyota Highlander 4-DR. w/SAB | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Electrical System - filed 2026-09-21
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.
Engine - filed 2026-03-06
The contact owned a 2008 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, an abnormal, booming sound was emitted from the vehicle as heavy, black smoke entered her vehicle. Due to the smoke, the contact's vision became obstructed, and the contact immediately shifted into park and jumped...
Service Brakes - filed 2025-09-25
THERE WAS NO INCIDENT. WHEN THE BRAKE MALFUNCTION SCREEN DISPLAYED, I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER IN PUEBLO, COLORADO. I RECEIVED THE ATTACHED SERVICE MESSAGE AND PICKING TICKET; 17june2025. IT ALSO NEEDS NEW BRAKE PADS, ROTOR ADJUSTMENT, AND 5 NEW TIRES. TOTAL~$6000. WAY TOO PRICY! I PAID F...
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More for the 2008 Toyota Highlander
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.