2008 Toyota Highlander
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD /Sr5/Sport, 4dr SUV 4WD Limited, Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD Base, Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD Limited
- Engines
- 3.3L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 27 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 188.6 in
- Curb weight
- 4,180–4,641 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 10 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 49% better than the average 2008 SUV - (17.4 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints305 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 87 for similar models — most often about the service brakes.
- 10 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Toyota Highlander is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.3L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,180 lb (4dr SUV 4WD /Sr5/Sport).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (27 city / 25 highway), 49% better than the 2008 SUV - average of 17.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 305 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2008
- New body dimensions: 4.0 in longer, wheelbase +2.7 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 3.5L 6-cyl
- Engine dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Highlander →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD /Sr5/Sport | 188.6 in | 75.2 in | 69.3 in | 109.8 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 4,180 lb | 55/45 |
| 4dr SUV 4WD Limited | 188.6 in | 75.2 in | 69.3 in | 109.8 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 4,321 lb | 55/45 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD Base | 188.6 in | 75.2 in | 68.1 in | 109.8 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 4,508 lb | 55/45 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD Limited | 188.6 in | 75.2 in | 69.3 in | 109.8 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 4,641 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid 4WD Hybrid | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 25 / 26 | +49% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Highlander 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Highlander 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | +9% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Toyota Highlander under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Toyota Highlander (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2008 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | 20 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Nissan Rogue | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (10)
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Jun 2, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V396000 · 7,749 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls · Oct 22, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V689000 · 1,814,284 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Nov 19, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V743000 · 3,233 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
- Fix
- SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Apr 9, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V168000 · 1,486,413 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter · Sep 4, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V396000 · 133,081 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls · Oct 10, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V491000 · 2,519,424 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Apr 21, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V245000 · 307,848 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE CSA AND/OR THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
- Fix
- 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.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V036000 · 153,418 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · Jan 27, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V023000 · 1,126,915 vehicles
- Problem
- 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).
- Risk
- A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
- Fix
- TOYOTA WILL MODIFY OR REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FLOOR SURFACE MODIFICATIONS ARE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED AND WILL BE INCLUDED FOR ANY MODEL FOR WHICH IT IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE. INITIALLY, DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO RESHAPE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FOR THE REPAIR. AS REPLACEMENT PARTS WITH THE SAME SHAPE AS THE MODIFIED PEDAL BECOME AVAILABLE, THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE DEALERS FOR THE REPAIR. CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD THE PEDAL RESHAPE REMEDY COMPLETED WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A NEW PEDAL IF THEY DESIRE, AFTER REPLACEMENT PEDALS BECOME AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, TOYOTA WILL REPLACE ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT IN A SUBJECT VEHICLE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT BUT DO NOT NEED OR WANT THE NEWLY DESIGNED ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT, TOYOTA WILL RECOVER THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT AND REIMBURSE ITS PRICE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN MARCH 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Not every 2008 Toyota Highlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Toyota Highlander buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 149 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 42 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 34 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 126,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Toyota Highlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Highlander years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Highlander | 35 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 Highlander | 35 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 10 |
| 2024 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 43 |
| 2023 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 198 |
| 2022 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 272 |
| 2021 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 548 |
| 2020 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 330 |
| 2019 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 511 |
| 2018 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 275 |
| 2017 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 274 |
| 2016 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 117 |
| 2015 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 195 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →