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2008 Toyota Highlander Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2008 Toyota Highlander has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake actuator and booster pump ABS malfunction.” Toyota's owner's manual splits service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1 because it covers short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or heavy idling. The intervals below reflect Schedule 1 — the schedule Toyota recommends for typical real-world use.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2008 Toyota Highlander.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake actuator and booster pump ABS malfunction

SERVICE BRAKES

56 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2025-09

“BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY (PROBLEM KNOWN TO TOYOTA FOR THIS AND OTHER MODELS,) FAILED, LEADING TO DASH MESSAGES: MASTER WARNING, ABS WARNING, BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING (BRAKE MALFUNCTION: STOP THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY AND CONTACT A DEALER),”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11291811
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11621337
“AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, I HAVE NOTICED THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE AND TOYOTA ISSUED RECALLS OUT FOR 2006 & 2007 BUT HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED 2008 AS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11162223

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Intermediate steering shaft clunking and detachment

STEERING

25 NHTSA complaints · 2014-12 → 2020-09

“THIS VEHICLE HAS A KNOCKING/CLUNKING/CLANKING/THUMPING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. IT SOUNDS DANGEROUS AND I WONDER IF THE STEERING COLUMN WILL BREAK APART WHILE DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11156953
“THE STEERING SHAFT MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE DURING LOW SPEED TURNS. THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS OVER THE YEARS, BUT NO RECALL. MEANWHILE, TOYOTA IS CHARGING AROUND $800 TO MAKE THE REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11266832
“MILEAGE ON 2008 HIGHLANDER SPORT IS 159226. WIFE ADJUSTED STEERING TELESCOPE/TILT WHEN SLOWING TO STOP SIGN. STEERING WHEEL COLUMN CAME OFF IN HER LAP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350851

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine oil cooler line rupture and oil loss

ENGINE

25 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2021-11

“THE CAR WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY WHEN SUDDENLY I NOTICED SMOKE COMING UP FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY AND IN THE PROCESS NOTICED THE ENGINE SOUNDING DIFFERENT AND PERFORMANCE LEVEL QUICKLY DROPPING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11217171
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, SMOKE WAS SUDDENLY PRESENT COMING FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRONT HOOD BEFORE THE ENGINE STALLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11340439
“THE RUBBER OIL COOLER LINE (PART NUMBER: 040004-29131) OF OUR 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER BURST AT 139,000 MILES CAUSING AN OIL SPILL AND COMPLETE AND IRREVERSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO OIL STARVATION WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN HIGH-SPEED MOTION IN A CONGESTED HIGHWAY DURING ICY-AND FOGGY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11319173

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment and SRS warning light

AIR BAGS

22 NHTSA complaints · 2014-09 → 2024-01

“I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING A SIDE CITY STREET, ON A SLIGHT CURVE, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE TURNED. AS A RESULT, MY DAUGHTER HIT A TREE. MY DAUGHTER WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 25MPH AND THE IMPACT WAS IN THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11097552
“2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER INVOLVED IN A REAR/SIDE CRASH SITTING STILL; HIT BY OTHER VEHICLE AT 60 MPH; 3 OCCUPANTS INSIDE VEHICLE ALL INJURED; NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN VEHICLE AT TIME OF CRASH;”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10767464
“TAKATA RECALL MY CAR WAS INVOLVED IN THE INITIAL RECALL, TOYOTA REPLACED THE AIRBAG IN SEPTEMBER 2015. IN OCTOBER 2016 MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED TO BE THE SAME ISSUE I HAD BEFORE - AIRBAG ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10945709

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and throttle hesitation

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 NHTSA complaints · 2014-12 → 2022-08

“ON DECEMBER 10TH, 2014, AROUND 8:15AM, OUR 2008 HIGHLANDER SPORT AWD SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT FULL THROTTLE WHEN APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, ENTERED THE CROSS SECTION AND CRASHED WITH INCOMING SUV ON THE PASSENGER SIDE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10664471
“ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE HAS SURGED FORWARD WHILE TRAVELING AT LOW SPEED AND APPLYING THE BRAKE. TONIGHT, AND ON AT LEAST TWO OTHER OCCASIONS, IT HAS OCCURRED WHILE EXITING THE LOCAL WENDY'S RESTAURANT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10825503
“WHEN ACCELLERATING INTO TRAFFIC AFTER STOPPING FOR A STOP SIGN OR LIGHT THE CAR MOVES INTO THE TRAFFIC BUT DOES NOT ACCELLERATE BUT COASTS DISPITE FLOORING THE GAS PEDAL. AFTER 2 TO 5 SECONDS THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11308931

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1, or 10,000 miles under Schedule 2. Toyota covers the first 2 oil changes through ToyotaCare.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends rotation at every oil change to maximize tire life on FWD and AWD models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 5,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends measuring pad thickness at each service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Critical for the integrity of the ABS, VSC, and brake assist systems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Earlier under Schedule 1 if driven on unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Toyota labels ATF as 'lifetime fill' on most automatics, but recommends inspection and replacement every 60,000 miles under severe service. Use Toyota WS or Type-IV — no substitutes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 120,000 mi

Toyota iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated for 120,000 miles. Earlier replacement reduces fuel economy and can cause misfires on direct-injection engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC)

Every 50,000 mi

Toyota SLLC (pink): first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it will damage the cooling system seals.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty climates. Located behind the glove box on most Toyota and Lexus models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Serpentine / Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Toyota uses long-life EPDM belts that rarely fail before 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Toyota's 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS, and most Toyota engines built since 2010 use a timing chain rated for the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

61 crashes 1990–2024

How the 61 occupant deaths break down

39

driver deaths

22

passenger deaths

61

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2008 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

44

complaints mentioning a crash

14

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2008 Toyota Highlander reflects Toyota's published service intervals and the Maintenance Required Light system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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