2008 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID - Ratings, Complaints and Recalls

The 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a high safety rating with excellent scores in front and side crash tests. It has stability control as a standard feature, which enhances the overall safety of the vehicle by helping drivers maintain control in challenging driving conditions. Unfortunately, it does not come equipped with forward collision warning or lane departure warning systems. Despite its impressive safety ratings, there have been 583 complaints reported and 14 recalls issued for this model, indicating some potential issues that owners should be aware of and address promptly.

auto generated summary, may be inaccurate.

Top stats at a glance

Complaint Count

583

Recall Count

14

Investigation Count

5

Safety Rating

Not Rated

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Safety Features

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4-DR. w/SAB Safety Features

Here are the safety features that come as standard on the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4-DR. w/SAB

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC is an advanced safety feature in vehicles designed to help drivers maintain control during challenging driving conditions. By continuously monitoring various factors such as steering angle, vehicle speed, and individual wheel speeds, ESC can detect and reduce the risk of skidding or loss of control. It achieves this by automatically applying brakes to specific wheels to stabilize the vehicle.

Standard
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is a safety feature in vehicles that helps prevent frontal collisions by alerting the driver of an imminent collision with a vehicle or obstacle ahead. Using sensors such as radar or cameras, FCW monitors the distance and speed of vehicles in front, and if it detects a potential collision, it provides visual and/or auditory warnings to prompt the driver to take evasive action.

No
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is a safety feature in vehicles that alerts drivers when their vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane without signaling. Utilizing cameras or sensors to monitor lane markings on the road, LDW detects when the vehicle crosses these lines and triggers visual, auditory, or haptic alerts to notify the driver of potential lane departure.

No

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4-DR. w/SAB Safety Ratings

Here we have the crash and rollover ratings for the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4-DR. w/SAB Where possible we've included the ratings for the oldest and latest models of this car so you can compare how the safety ratings have changed over time.

Frontal Crash Ratings

Combines Driver and Passenger star ratings into a single frontal rating. The frontal barrier test simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles, each moving at 35 mph.

Test 2006 Score 2008 Score 2024 Score
Overall Front Crash Rating Not Rated Not Rated 4
Front Crash Driver Side Rating 5 5 4
Front Crash Passenger Side Rating 5 4 4

Side Crash Ratings

Combines Side Barrier and Side Pole Star Ratings into a single side rating.

Test 2006 Score 2008 Score 2024 Score
Overall Side Crash Rating Not Rated Not Rated 5
Side Crash Drivers Side Rating 5 5 5
Side Crash Passenger Side Rating 5 5 5
Combined Side Barrier Pole Rating - Front Not Rated Not Rated 5
Combined Side Barrier Pole Rating - Rear Not Rated Not Rated 5
Overall Side Barrier Rating Not Rated Not Rated 5

Rollover Ratings

The Rollover Resistance test measures the risk of rollover in a single-vehicle, loss-of-control scenario.

Test 2006 Score 2008 Score 2024 Score
Rollover Rating Not Rated 4 4
Rollover Possibility % 0% 0% 0%
Dynamic Tip Result No Tip No Tip
Side Pole Crash Rating Not Rated Not Rated 5

Complaints for the 2008 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID

This chart show the number of complaints for each car component. A Higher number of complaints could indicate that this car might have a common fault. Something to look out for when purchasing one.

Component Complaints

Choose a component to see what complaints people have made about them.

Complaint:
"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 since purchasing the vehicle in 2018, but never any issues. now november 2023 this abs situation has my whole dashboard lit up. this got full attention due we were traveling when this occurred to us telling me to stop the vehicle, pull over, shut the car off and contact a dealer. we exited the freeway at a gas station to see what the matter was about. i didn't since any tightness in the brake pedal so i drove back home to be safe. warning messages read: check vsc system, brake malfunction, cheak brake , check abs. i have not been able to get it fix due to the cost of the repair on an issue toyota already knew about. it's our brakes toyota. has money over ridden the performance of these vehicle's? safety for the customer is first, i thought."
Components Involved: SERVICE BRAKES
Date of incident: 2024-07-11
Complaint:
"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 has yet to issue a recall for 2008 and above models. in 2019 there was a customer support program bulletin(customer support program bulletin (zkc): repair coverage for brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly on certain 2008-2010 my highlander hybrid vehicles) stating, " toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the certain internal malfunctions of the brake booster assemblies. one or more of the following specific diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) c1391, c1252, c1256 or c1253 will be stored in the vehicles memory to be used as verification." this 'customer support' bulletin was published june 6th, 2019 and revised august 28th, 2019. the bulletin continues, "primary coverage offers the customer support program until december 31, 2020, regardless of mileage. after the primary coverage, the secondary coverage is applicable for 10 years or 150,000 miles from the vehicle’s date of first use, whichever occurs first." however, as this document clearly states that the affected and covered vehicles range from those manufactured in the years 2008-2010, the owners of a 2008/2009 model would only be eligible for primary coverage; allowing only about 1 year and 7 months for possible brake failure before a customer could file a claim for repair under warranty. without any coverage the total cost for repair amounts to +$3,000.00(.) seeing as this is an issue with toyota manufacturing it seems that toyota is much more concerned with keeping their money instead of preventing injury by issuing a recall and taking care of their customers."
Components Involved: SERVICE BRAKES
Date of incident: 2023-05-06
Complaint:
"this exact issue has occurred before and was already recalled and repaired. the issue is the brake system malfunctions and the vehicle information center states to take vehicle to dealership for repair immediately. brakes can fail and multiple warning system are displayed."
Components Involved: SERVICE BRAKES
Date of incident: 2024-12-08
Complaint:
"i checked by local car repair shop found out failure code c1391. mean- brake actuator assembly fault. recall program ended already by 2020. but is not my mistake, i every time on time change oil, tire, brake pads and do state inspection. this is part defect from beginning some cars failing low mileage some failing after. this is whole part failure only by toyota hybrid vehicles. this repair only done by toyota dealership because of toyota software to install. repair cost about 3500$ and i can't afford this repair cost i have 3 children 6years, 3years, 10 month old. dangerous to drive with kids. toyota usa already denied my request. sincerly, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)."
Components Involved: SERVICE BRAKES
Date of incident: 2024-05-02
Complaint:
"all the lights relating to brakes and abs flashed up on the dashboard. we continued home slowly. upon investigation from a trusted mechanic it seems it is the brake actuator. from numerous reviews and complaints online this is a reoccurring issue with toyota cars but recalls were only issued for 2006-2007 models even though the 2008 highlander hybrids use the same part."
Components Involved: SERVICE BRAKES
Date of incident: 2022-03-11
Complaint:
"needed to have hub and bearing and spindles replaced in front driver's side wheel (awd). repair shop completed repairs and aligned the vehicle. computer needed to be reset after alignment. shop followed reset instructions and vehicle then showed codes for the abs system (abs pump and actuator and skid control module). repair shop cannot reset computer without replacing parts estimated cost is over $5,600. no work on brakes or abs system was done. no errors or codes previously existed prior to replacement of bearing and hub. no codes existed until after the alignment was completed. abs system no longer works. repair was completed at an independent repair shop. have appointment with dealership on 9/29 to see if code can be reset. these codes were an issue in 06-07 highlander hybrids and prius models and part of a recall."
Components Involved: SERVICE BRAKES
Date of incident: 2023-10-09
Complaint:
"abs warning light at 118,000 7/8/2022 c1391 this is a known recall and problem on the earlier model highlanders, as well as the second generation highlanders, but not recalled as of today 8/19/22. it is a flawed abs design and safety hazzard."
Components Involved: SERVICE BRAKES
Date of incident: 2022-08-07
Complaint:
"brake system failed in hybrid and issue is well documented. current lawsuits however not including this make/model."
Components Involved: SERVICE BRAKES
Date of incident: 2022-02-08
Complaint:
"chief complaint issues were as follow : " brake malfunction stop the vehicle in a safe plase immediately and contact dealer." warning lights were illuminated on the instrument cluster or information display: yellow master warning light, the red brake system warning light and buzzer, yellow abs warning light, yellow slip indicator light. after carefull diagnosis, it was determined that the brake booster pump was turning on frequently or working constantly. unusual squeaky noise can be heard when depressing the brake pedal. in addition, the abs diagnostic trouble codes were identical as the problem. from research it should be noted. toyota has previously identified and issued safety recall for the same vehicle however stopped short of including the 2008 toyota highlander hybrid model with the aforementioned vin number."
Components Involved: SERVICE BRAKES
Date of incident: 2022-02-04
Complaint:
"when i started my 2008 highlander hybrid on valentine’s day and drove 3 car lengths from my drive way, my dash screen notified me with “check abs, check brake system, and check vsc system” all with “have your car checked by a dealer”. i reversed the car and returned to my driveway. my husband called a friend mechanic shop owner who ran the diagnostic report that showed a c1391code. i remembered i received a notification letter regarding this issue and called the dealer. service agent indicated that without toyota doing the diagnostic run on my vehicle, they could not give me any quote on the price, but notified me that the letter i received had expired on december 31, 2020 or 10 years or 150,000 miles. my highlander had this alert screen notification at 144,000 miles. i was told i would be responsible for repair charges. feeling very frustrated, i called the toyota corporate number and spoke to a female who then connected me with a supervisor. i explained my experience and the representative explained the notification letter had expired and was unlike a recall, which was indefinite. i emphasized to him that since toyota knew this was a problem, how could they put an expiration date on the failed brake booster actuator pump assembly that they clearly knew was a brake problem. furthermore, toyota, which i have been a loyal owner of five vehicles, had only allowed one year + for their accountability to the fixing the brake assembly parts. this meant it was a luck of the draw depending on miles driven for the brake assembly to fail during the little more than a year notification period for toyota to be responsible for replacing the parts. i find this to be very unfair and unjust. i voiced my opinion to the 800 number a second time, & was told that if the nhtsa had determined it a recall, no expiration date. as a senior citizen who is on a fixed income, i believe toyota should fix all brake booster actuator pumps that fail and nhtsa should demand a recall."
Components Involved: SERVICE BRAKES
Date of incident: 2023-02-02

Recalls for the 2008 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID

Component Recalls

Choose a component to see what recalls people have made about them.

Recall:
"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."
Consequence:
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.
Remedy:

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.

Component(s) Involved: VISIBILITY > POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Date of incident: 2015-10-22
Recall:
"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."
Consequence:
If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy:

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.

Component(s) Involved: VISIBILITY > POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Date of incident: 2012-10-10

TOYOTA Overall Complaint Ranking

This table shows the ranking of car manufacturers when it comes to most complaints and recalls. The manufacturer with the most complaints is at the top. However this doesn't necassarily mean they should be avoided. Some manufacturers might just have more popular or affordable cars which a lot of people have bought. Which means there's more scope for a complaint to be made. Use the ranking table below as a part your wider research into buying a car.

TOYOTA ranks 3 out of 44 in the complaints ranking table.

Manufacturer Complaint Count Recall Count Ranking
FORD 208,358 3,259 1
CHEVROLET 111,306 2,082 2
TOYOTA 81,019 1,852 3
HONDA 61,937 1,268 4
NISSAN 56,226 930 5
DODGE 45,756 827 6
HYUNDAI 44,150 649 7
GMC 34,441 1,410 8
KIA 29,832 501 9
CHRYSLER 27,698 254 10
TESLA 26,230 730 11
BMW 24,890 1,877 12
VOLKSWAGEN 23,125 829 13
MERCEDES-BENZ 19,066 2,925 14
SUBARU 18,513 703 15
MAZDA 10,599 364 16
PONTIAC 10,430 138 17
CADILLAC 9,434 444 18
AUDI 7,865 1,093 19
BUICK 7,851 279 20
SATURN 7,672 84 21
MERCURY 7,374 135 22
LEXUS 6,373 408 23
LINCOLN 5,897 423 24
ACURA 5,722 382 25
MINI 5,585 366 26
INFINITI 4,000 187 27
MITSUBISHI 3,912 397 28
VOLVO 3,875 727 29
PORSCHE 2,646 1,231 30
SUZUKI 2,272 123 31
FIAT 2,205 80 32
SAAB 1,536 76 33
JAGUAR 1,195 198 34
SMART 528 17 35
GENESIS 436 42 36
ISUZU 249 37 37
ALFA ROMEO 161 37 38
MASERATI 76 46 39
BENTLEY 46 159 40
POLESTAR 42 2 41
LUCID 14 6 42
CODA 4 2 43
MAYBACH 0 0 44

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