2008
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
EPA MPG:
26 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
EPA MPG:
26 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
RECALL ALERT:
There are 8 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 8 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
RECALL ALERT:
There are 8 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 8 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
Reliability
Overall Reliability
We expect the 2025 Highlander Hybrid will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023 and 2024 models.
The 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has been recalled 8 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
The 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has been recalled 8 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
2008 SUVs Reliability
This Car
0
100
0 - 100
Toyota Highlander...
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
NA
vs. Similar Cars
Honda Pilot
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Santa Fe
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander
Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Reliability History
*
Redesign year
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Electric Motor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
EV Battery
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Overall Reliability Verdict
Potential Trouble Spots
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Powertrain
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Electric Motor
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
EV Battery
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Major
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Minor
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Cooling
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Electrical
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Transmission Major
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Transmission Minor
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Drive System
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Fuel System/Emissions
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Exhaust
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Show all Powertrain Trouble Spots
Suspension/Steering
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Brakes
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Climate System
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Build Quality
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Electrical Accessories
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Body Hardware
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Paint/Trim
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Noises/Leaks
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Show all Build Quality Trouble Spots
In-car Electronics
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2007
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive
reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest
subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20
potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and
brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide
data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
VISIBILITY
Oct 22, 2015
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
15V689000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
1814284
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 04, 2013
The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through December 2, 2008. The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module may contain transistors that have higher operating temperatures than the solder can support and the transistors may be heat damaged by the solder. If this occurs, various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, will be illuminated on the instrument panel.
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPM free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicles that had their IPM replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by this campaign.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
13V396000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
133081
VISIBILITY
Oct 10, 2012
If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
12V491000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
2519424
AIR BAGS
Apr 21, 2011
INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE CSA AND/OR THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
TOYOTA SAFETY RECALL NO. BOE-B1E.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
11V245000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
307848
EQUIPMENT
Jun 15, 2009
INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
09V223000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
27080
EQUIPMENT
May 14, 2009
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
09E028000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
3499
EQUIPMENT
Apr 27, 2009
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
TOYOTA'S RECALL NO. SSC 90E.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
09E022000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
39100
SEAT BELTS
Apr 18, 2008
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
TOYOTA RECALL NO. 80D.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
08V181000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
90189
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