2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2008 Toyota Highlander. This model year has 403 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Brake System.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2008 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Brake System
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Considering a 2008 Toyota Highlander?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 Toyota Highlander. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 81 | 6 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 76 | 2 | 6 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 57 | 13 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 45 | 22 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 43 | 2 | 5 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 40 | 3 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 25 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 18 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 16 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 13 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 11 | 3 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 10 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 5 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 403 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
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 …
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…
My 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is having severe issues with the ABS system. Toyota is reporting that it needs an ABS actuator and ABS pump replacements. These were a part of Toyota's previous Customer Support Program, but the program expired before I owned the vehicle. That is …
The Intelligent power module failed on the vehicle. I read this is common for my vehicle however there is no recall matching my VIN. Vehicle was purchased out of state one year ago. We took the vehicle to a Toyota dealership who suggested I inquire about the issue because it’s po…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 123,399, and …
Good Afternoon, The brake actuator and booster pump failed on my 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. ABS, Brake, and VSC warning lights came on, and the brakes became weak and unsafe. A repair shop confirmed the issue with codes C1252, C1256, and C1391. I tried to fix it at a l…
Brake actuator failure. Have to manually brake, stopping distance significantly increased. 3,145$ to replace at Toyota dealership.
In June 2019, Toyota issued a recall for ABS malfunction, diagnostic code C1391 - brake actuator and accumulator. New parts were issued by Toyota in 2019 as part of the recall. My vehicle experienced ABS malfunction, diagnostic code C1391 in March 2022 and was repaired by Toyot…
We were driving at about 40 MPH and approached our turn. When I depressed the brakes, they felt spongy and I had trouble slowing quickly. The yellow triangle illuminated on the dash and a long warning beep sounded. I was able to get safely parked in a parking lot, and my son c…
There was a customer support program from Toyota for certain Highlander from 2008 to 2010. The deadline was in 2020. The same issue started for me three weeks ago. Local Toyota Service center confirmed that it is the same code and issue but quoted me over $3000 to replace the who…
The brake pedal gave no resistance, going right to the floor. The ABS system warnings lit up on the dashboard at the same time. I was able to pull the car over safely, but it was not driveable and needed a tow to a repair shop. The repair shop noted that the brake actuator assemb…
The ECU requires a reflash or replacement. The hybrid batteries over heat and regen braking randomly shuts off during braking or before/after due to overheating becuswe the cooling fans do not engage past level 1 or 2. The fans in fact never go full speed unless commanded by a T…
The engine burns Coolant and yet doesn't overheat. The engine on cyl 4 misfires. Changing the head gasket didn't repair the issue, replacing all fuel Injectors and ignition parts didn't either. Heads inspected and passed. Compression testing passed. Always misfires on cyl 4. No r…
Intermittent warnings "Check ABS", "Check Brake System", "Check VSC System" have been showing up on the vehicle display along with the brake and traction control warning lights. This has been happening on and off for several months. Diagnostic Trouble Code reader shows "C1391 …
Myself, and many other 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners, have a vehicle code labeled C1391 "Leak in Accumulator" wherein the vehicles brake actuator and brake booster pump malfunction. The dash of my vehicle has the following indicators on; Check ABS, Check Brake System, Chec…
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle was making an abnormal clunking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the entire subframe was severely corrod…
I was in a car accident yesterday two cars hit me from behind my daughter was in the third row and my other kids in the second row. The air bags didn't deploy and my daughters seatbelt in the third row didn't lock when the cars impacted my vehicle her seat belt kept going forward…
Brought this sport utility truck from a dealership out of Sandersville, Geogia in 2018. Never had an issue with this vehicle. All services are done in the dealership. It previously has 168k mileage. I have always heard sounds from as i have learned is the ABS motor\pump system si…
I own a 2008 Highlander Hybrid Limited. The ABS actuator and assembly have gone bad. The following dash lights are illuminated: ABS, VSC, brake warning, and parking brake. The issue has been confirmed by toyota dealer. This defect has been reported HUNDREDS of times and Toyota ha…
This exact issue has occurred before and was already recalled and repaired. The issue is the brake system malfunctions and the vehicle information center states to take vehicle to dealership for repair immediately. Brakes can fail and multiple warning system are displayed.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Recalls for 2008 Toyota Highlander
13 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Toyota Highlander. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2008 Toyota Highlander — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2008 Toyota Highlander reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2008 Toyota Highlander has 403 NHTSA owner complaints, 44 crash-related, and 13 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Brake System (81 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota Highlander?▾
#1: Brake System (81 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (76 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (57 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Toyota Highlander?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2008 Toyota Highlander has 44 crash-related complaints and 14 fire reports out of 403 total NHTSA complaints. 42 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?▾
Yes — 13 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Toyota Highlander. The largest issue: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2008 Toyota Highlander has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Brake System issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2008 Toyota Highlander
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.