Toyota

Highlander (XU40)

2008-2013 · Midsize SUV · 8 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.8)
2,945 NHTSA Complaints
17 Recalls
52 Fire Reports
258 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

2UZ-FE

4.7L 8-cyl / 227 hp
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
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Complaint Breakdown

other
1

Also found in

TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)TOYOTA Toyota Truck (2000-2000)HONDA Pilot (2003-2008)TOYOTA Toyota Truck (2003-2003)TOYOTA Highlander (2001-2007)TOYOTA Prius (2000-2003)TOYOTA Avalon (2000-2004)LEXUS LX (2000-2007) +44 more

2ZR-FXE,1NM

1.8L 4-cyl / 96 hp
Recommended (4.4)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
2

Known Issues

Engine Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

TOYOTA Yaris (2012-2018)TOYOTA Highlander (2008-2013)TOYOTA Prius (2016-2022)

2TR-FE

2.7L 4-cyl / 159 hp
Recommended (4.4)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
2

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

TOYOTA Highlander (2008-2013)TOYOTA 4Runner (2010-2024)NISSAN Pathfinder (2013-2020)TOYOTA Tacoma (2016-2023)TOYOTA Tacoma (2005-2015)

2AR-FE

2.5L 4-cyl / 176 hp
Recommended (4.4)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
2

Known Issues

Steering Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)TOYOTA Avalon (2013-2018)TOYOTA Scion Fr-S (2013-2013)TOYOTA Scion Fr-S (2014-2014)TOYOTA Scion Tc (2014-2014)TOYOTA Scion Tc (2013-2013)CHEVROLET Suburban (2007-2014) +27 more

LUU - FFV, E-Flex, FAM

1.4L 4-cyl
Recommended (4.4)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Electric
View details

Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
2

Known Issues

Wheels/Tires Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Volt (2011-2015)TOYOTA Highlander (2008-2013)CADILLAC ELR (2014-2016)

1AR-FE

2.4L 4-cyl / 166 hp
⚠️ Caution (3.0)
162 complaints 32.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
50
other
34
steering
24
electrical
20
safety systems
16

Known Issues

Engine Issues (50 complaints)
Steering Issues (24 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (20 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Equinox (2010-2017)TOYOTA Venza (2009-2015)TOYOTA Highlander (2008-2013)TOYOTA Sienna (2011-2020)TOYOTA Highlander (2014-2019)

2GR-FE

3.5L 6-cyl / 231 hp
Avoid (1.0)
1,934 complaints 312.3 per year Gasoline
44 fire reports 2 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
400
steering
334
electrical
300
engine
284
body
192

Known Issues

Steering Issues (334 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (300 complaints)
Engine Issues (284 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Grand Cherokee (2011-2021)HONDA Pilot (2016-2022)TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)LEXUS IS (2006-2013)JEEP Wrangler (2007-2018)LOTUS Evora (2014-2014)LOTUS Evora (2017-2017)TOYOTA Venza (2009-2015) +44 more

3MZ-FE+1JM, 2FM

3.3L 6-cyl / 209 hp
Avoid (1.0)
511 complaints 207.5 per year Gasoline
4 fire reports 2 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
332
electrical
120
engine
37
other
25
fuel system
24

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (332 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (120 complaints)
Engine Issues (37 complaints)

Also found in

TOYOTA Highlander (2001-2007)TOYOTA Highlander (2008-2013)TOYOTA Prius (2010-2015)TOYOTA Highlander (2014-2019)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Toyota Highlander regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (440 complaints)
electrical critical
Engine Issues (373 complaints)
engine critical
Steering Issues (360 complaints)
steering critical
Brakes Issues (342 complaints)
brakes serious
Safety Systems Issues (199 complaints)
safety_systems critical

Recalls (17)

16V396000Feb 5, 2016serious
Seats

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.

15V689000Oct 21, 2015serious
Visibility

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.

14V148000Mar 26, 2014serious
Seats

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2013 Highlander vehicles manufactured March 13, 2013, through August 6, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the second row left hand seat may not lock in place when positioned in the forward front or second adjusting position. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

14V743000Nov 18, 2014serious
Seats

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.

14V168000Sep 3, 2014serious
Air Bags

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.

13V014000Jan 15, 2013serious
Air Bags

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

13V123000Sep 3, 2013serious
Equipment

Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

12V491000Oct 9, 2012serious
Visibility

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.

11V245000Apr 20, 2011serious
Air Bags

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.

10V023000Jan 26, 2010critical
Vehicle Speed Control

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).

10V017000Jan 20, 2010serious
Vehicle Speed Control

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 CAMRY, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX, RAV4, MODEL YEAR 2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SEQUOIA, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 TUNDRA VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.

10V035000Mar 1, 2010cosmetic
Equipment

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.

10V036000Mar 1, 2010serious
Equipment

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.

09E022000Apr 26, 2009serious
Equipment

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.

09V223000Jun 14, 2009serious
Equipment

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."

09E028000May 13, 2009serious
Equipment

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.

08V181000Apr 17, 2008serious
Seat Belts

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.

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander problems?

The 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander has accumulated 2,945 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Engine, Steering. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Toyota Highlander engine is most reliable?

The 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander was offered with 8 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander a good used car?

The 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,945 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander have?

The 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander has 2,945 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander?

There are 17 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Toyota Highlander?

Before buying a used Toyota Highlander, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Engine, Steering, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,945 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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