Reliability
Toyota

Highlander (XU40)

2008-2013 · Midsize SUV · 5 engines
1,596 NHTSA Complaints
18 Recalls
28 Fire Reports
133 Crash Reports
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
HIGHLANDERHIGHLANDER HVHIGHLANDER HYBRID
View all 4 generations of the Toyota Highlander → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

9.3 / 10

Reliability score

Very few owner complaints against similar midsize SUVs

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Complaints of a failed or replaced engine, transmission or drive unit run higher than this generation's overall count, so they set the score.

Owners filed 330 powertrain complaints. A typical midsize SUV fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 1,250.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.1 points in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall330 complaints against about 1,250 for similar vehicles
9.3
Last three years16 complaints against about 94 for similar vehicles
9.5
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced67 complaints against about 224 for similar vehicles
9.2
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating25 complaints against about 85 for similar vehicles
9.2

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20088.3
  • 20098.9
  • 20109.5
  • 20119.4
  • 20129.7
  • 20139.5

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

By engine

3.5L 6-cyl 9.4/10
About 55% fewer powertrain complaints than this generation's other engines, per vehicle built. (195 complaints, about 591,000 built)
3.3L 6-cyl hybrid 6.9/10
About 3 times as many powertrain complaints as this generation's other engines, per vehicle built. (63 complaints, about 60,000 built) Complaints of a failed or replaced engine, transmission or drive unit set this score: 21 against about 16 for similar vehicles.
2.7L 4-cyl 9.2/10
No clear difference from this generation's other engines. (23 complaints, about 58,000 built)

A complaint counts toward an engine only when its VIN names the engine. Each score is that engine on its own against similar vehicles, worked out the same way as the score above.

On the record · from NHTSA's files, not reviewed by hand

Recall13V396
Hybrid Propulsion System, Inverter · 50,013 vehicles (7% of those built)

Complaints by Engine Code

3MZ-FE+1JM, 2FM

3.3L 6-cyl / 209 hp
359 complaints 155.5 per year Gasoline
4 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
230
electrical
91
engine
24
other
19
fuel system
16

Toyota Highlander Unidentified Engine

180 complaints 30.0 per year
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
42
electrical
32
brakes
24
engine
21
steering
16

1AR-FE

2.4L 4-cyl
81 complaints 16.2 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
25
other
17
steering
12
electrical
10
safety systems
8

2GR-FXE,4JM,2FM

3.5L 6-cyl / 231 hp
32 complaints 9.3 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
14
transmission
4
other
4
electrical
4
engine
2
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

Battery & Propulsion Reliability

Hybrid (HEV)

Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander

61 battery-related complaints 10.2 per year 1 battery-related recall

That's near the typical rate for hybrids in this dataset (median 7.0 per year). Within the normal range for the category.

1 fire report

What kind of battery complaint?

Among the 61 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.

Electric Propulsion 44 (72%)

Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.

Hybrid Drivetrain 28 (46%)

Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.

12V Auxiliary Battery 6 (10%)

Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.

Regenerative Braking 2 (3%)

Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.

High-Voltage Battery 1 (2%)

Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.

Battery & propulsion recalls (1)
13V396000 HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER

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.

Consequence: 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.

Sample complaint excerpts
Electric Propulsion
  • [2008] The Hybrid inverter failed on the car instantly stopping the car without any sort of warning what so ever. Car did not have a limp mode or any way to get the car off to the side of the road. It stopped in the traffic lane and had to be pushed out of harm's way. A search shows like it's becoming a common problem, $12,000.00 to fix it is another problem.
  • [2008] 2008 HIGHLANDER HYBRID LIMITED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SHOWED CODE P0A1B - DRIVE MOTOR 'A' CONTROL MODULE, THE CODE WAS CLEARED MANUALLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF, THE NEXT DAY THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 3 MILES THEN PARKED. THE NEXT DAY THE LIGHT WENT OFF ON ITS OWN AS WE TOOK IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND HAS NOT BEEN BACK ON SINCE DRIVING IT THERE AND BACK, TH
  • [2008] WHILE DRIVING MY CAR AT APPROXIMATELY 55MPH ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLASHED AND THEN THE CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. IT SAID THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE HYBRID SYSTEM TO PULL OVER AS SOON AS YOU COULD SAFETY AND TO CONTACT THE DEALER. WELL THE ENGINE DIED ABRUPTLY AND LOSS POWER IMMEDIATELY. LUCKILY I WAS ON A ONE LANE ROAD WITH A SHOULDER AND NO ONE IMMEDIATELY BEHIND
Hybrid Drivetrain
  • [2008] DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE TRACTION SENSOR CAME ON. FOLLOWED BY A WARNING OF CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM AND VCS SYSTEM. AND CAR SHUT COMPLETELY OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.
  • [2008] WHILE DRIVING MY CAR AT APPROXIMATELY 55MPH ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLASHED AND THEN THE CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. IT SAID THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE HYBRID SYSTEM TO PULL OVER AS SOON AS YOU COULD SAFETY AND TO CONTACT THE DEALER. WELL THE ENGINE DIED ABRUPTLY AND LOSS POWER IMMEDIATELY. LUCKILY I WAS ON A ONE LANE ROAD WITH A SHOULDER AND NO ONE IMMEDIATELY BEHIND
  • [2008] I SENT A LETTER TO TOYOTA MOTOR SALES USA AFTER BEING REFUSED SERVICE AT A LOCAL DEALER TO RESOLVE A SAFETY ISSUE, WITH NO REPLY. WHILE PRESSING BRAKE WHEN STARTING I GOT A COUPLE OF ERROR MESSAGES THAT SAID TO CONTACT A TOYOTA DEALER. I DID SOME VERY DETAILED RESEARCH INTO THIS PROBLEM AND WHAT OTHERS HAD ENCOUNTERED. I FOUND THE ERRORS WOULD ONLY SHOW WHEN THE 12 VOLT BATTERY WAS GETTING LOW ON
12V Auxiliary Battery
  • [2008] 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 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST, AND DROVE HOME CAREFULLY! THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING I
  • [2008] On November 26, 2021 my 2008 Highlander Hybrid started displaying Check ABS, Check VSC System, Check Brake System and Brake Malfunction, errors on the display screen. I could feel the the grinding noise and brake pedal seemed different than normal. The Brake Malfunction error was displayed with a warning to "Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately, and contact a dealer". I bought a vehicle di
  • [2008] VEHICLE DRAINED THE NEW 12 VOLT BATTERY RECENTLY INSTALLED. I DELIVERED THE BATTERY TO THE VENDOR WHO CHARGED IT AND RAN AN ANALYSIS AND FOUND THAT THE BATTERY WAS IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. THEY INDICATED SOMETHING IN THE VEHICLE CAUSED THE DRAIN. UPON REPLACING THE FULLY CHARGED BATTERY THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THERE WERE THREE WARNING MESSAGES: CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM, CHECK VSC SYSTEM, AND CHE
Regenerative Braking
  • [2008] 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 Toyota service tech via the software during fan testing. Upon testing I noticed they not once went high enough to be audi
  • [2008] I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. EVER SINCE IT WAS NEW, IT HAS INCONSISTENT BRAKING AT SLOW SPEEDS, AROUND 25 MPH AND SLOWER. WHEN BRAKING AT SLOW SPEEDS, HITTING A SMALL BUMP OR POTHOLE WILL SHUT DOWN THE REGEN BRAKES, THE BRAKES MOMENTARILY RELEASE, AND THEN WILL REAPPLY WITH THE HYDRAULIC BRAKES ACTIVATED, BUT WILL REQUIRE MUCH GREATER PEDAL PRESSURE TO GET THE SAME BRAKING FORCE. *TR
High-Voltage Battery
  • [2009] TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, STEERING SYSTEM, AND BATTERY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, "STOP VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE

Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Toyota Highlander, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Brakes: 336 owner complaints
Electrical System: 285 owner complaints
Engine: 214 owner complaints
Steering: 206 owner complaints
Safety Systems: 123 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander

On a used 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the brakes (336), the electrical system (285) and the engine (214). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 336 owner complaints on the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander about the brakes.
  2. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 285 owner complaints on the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander about the electrical system.
  3. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 214 owner complaints on the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander about the engine, all engines combined.
  4. Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 206 owner complaints on the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander about the steering.
  5. Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 123 owner complaints on the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
  6. Accelerate hard once from a stop and once from 40 mph, and hold a steady highway speed.Safety. NHTSA has 44 owner complaints on the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander (hybrid and electric versions only) about the electric drive system.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander

Recalls (18)

16V396000Jun 2, 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 22, 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.

14V743000Nov 19, 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.

14V168000Apr 9, 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.

14V148000Mar 27, 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."

Show 13 older recalls
13V396000Sep 4, 2013serious
Hybrid Propulsion System

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.

13V123000Apr 9, 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."

13V014000Jan 16, 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.

12V491000Oct 10, 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 21, 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.

10V035000Feb 3, 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.

10V036000Feb 3, 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.

10V023000Jan 27, 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 21, 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.

09V223000Jun 15, 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 14, 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.

09E022000Apr 27, 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.

08V181000Apr 18, 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.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Owners have filed 1,596 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander. The systems they name most often are the brakes, the electrical system and the engine.

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

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,596 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

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

NHTSA has 1,596 owner complaints on file for the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander?

NHTSA lists 18 recalls covering some 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Toyota Highlander?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the brakes, the electrical system and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Highlander?

The 2013 Toyota Highlander received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,596 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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