Model year guide

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 48 on record.

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at a glance

Safety recalls8
Owner complaints601
Combined26 mpg
Typical price$13,044

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid recalls 8

Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls NHTSA Campaign #15V689000 · manufacturer #C0M · 22/10/2015

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 inconsist…

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 1-800-3…

Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter NHTSA Campaign #13V396000 · manufacturer #DLF, D0M · 04/09/2013

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 he…

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 NHTSA Campaign #12V491000 · 10/10/2012

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 …

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 T…

Air Bags:side/window NHTSA Campaign #11V245000 · manufacturer #BOE-B1E · 21/04/2011

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 SUSPENDE…

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 NHTSA Campaign #09V223000 · 15/06/2009

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."

Fix: 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.

Equipment NHTSA Campaign #09E028000 · 14/05/2009

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.

Fix: 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.

Equipment NHTSA Campaign #09E022000 · manufacturer #SSC 90E · 27/04/2009

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.

Fix: 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.

Seat Belts:rear/other NHTSA Campaign #08V181000 · manufacturer #80D · 18/04/2008

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 EMERGENC…

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 601 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★

Rollover risk: 17.4% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid MPG & running costs

Combined26 mpg
City27 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,600
EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
Engine start-stopYes
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$1,000 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

What's a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid worth?

Low
$8,100
Typical price
$13,044
High
$17,800

From 47 comparable 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,000
Fuel only$13,000
Per mile$0.17

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
188.6 in
Width
75.2 in
Height
68.1–69.3 in
Wheelbase
109.8 in
Curb weight
4,508–4,641 lb
Front track
63.4 in
Rear track
63.4 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 5

Pedestrian alert sounds Closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that…

NHTSA #DP22005 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2023 · closed Aug 2023

Steering Column Separation Closed

On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005).  The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism. Given the separation occurring when operating the tilt and/or telescoping function and failure of both shea…

NHTSA #EA18006 · Steering · opened Nov 2018 · closed Apr 2024

Upper Steering Column Separation Closed

On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Since opening PE18-005, one (1) additional VOQ involving steering column separation h…

NHTSA #PE18005 · Steering · opened May 2018 · closed Nov 2018

Power Window Master Switch Fire Closed

On October 10, 2012, Toyota initiated a safety recall of approximately 2.5 million U.S. vehicles involving the following models and model years: 2007-2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2008 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007-2009 RAV4, 2008-2009 Scion xB and xD, 2008-2009 Sequoia, 2007-2008 Tundra, 2007-2008 Yaris, and 2009 Pontiac Vibe. See NHTSA recall number 12V-491 for more details,…

NHTSA #EA12006 · Electrical System, Structure · opened Jun 2012 · closed Feb 2013

Power Window Master Switch Fire Closed

ODI has identified certain Toyota vehicles experiencing a higher rate of fire and thermal event incidents among all Toyota vehicles that use the same power window master switch design. They include a total of approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2007 through 2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 and Yaris vehicles built from approximately September 2006 through August 2008, as well as all MY 2008 Highlander Hybrid vehi…

NHTSA #PE12002 · Electrical System, Structure · opened Feb 2012 · closed Jun 2012

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 302

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 302.

OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26.

Bulletin T-SB-0119-15 Rev2 · Engine · Feb 2026

This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge. The GRX-5100 shoul…

Bulletin T-SB-0009-26 · Engine · Feb 2026

Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to p…

Bulletin T-SB-0055-24 Rev2 · Jan 2026

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…

Bulletin T-SB-0035-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before th…

Bulletin T-SB-0038-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especiall…

Bulletin T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to r…

Bulletin T-SB-0061-23 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, r…

Bulletin T-SB-0062-23 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to p…

Bulletin T-SB-0055-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to p…

Bulletin T-SB-0055-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the HIGHLANDER HYBRID AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 5

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Electrical

On certain vehicles, inconsistent application of grease during the manufacturing process could cause the driver's side power window master switch to stick or become inoperative due to electrical contact point wear. This could cause debris to accumulate between the contact points, potentially resulting in an electrical short circuit. If a short circuit occurs, the switch assembl…

Transport Canada #2015493 · Oct 2015

Other

On certain vehicles, a control board for the Intelligent Power Module (IPM), part of the hybrid system inverter assembly, could fail while the vehicle is underway. This could cause various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator lamp, brake system warning lamp, and master warning lamp, to illuminate on the instrument panel. If this occurred, in m…

Transport Canada #2013296 · Sep 2013

Electrical

On certain vehicles, due to improperly applied grease, the driver's side power window master switch could stick or become inoperative. If attempts are made to lubricate the switch, the switch assembly could overheat and melt. A melting switch may produce smoke and potentially lead to a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the dri…

Transport Canada #2012338 · Oct 2012

Airbag

On certain vehicles, the roll angle sensors in the airbag sensor assembly could fail. If one of the roll angle sensors malfunctions, the airbag warning lamp will illuminate, the roll detection system will be suspended, and the curtain shield airbag will not deploy during a roll-over crash (where deployment is warranted), thereby increasing the risk of personal injuries to the s…

Transport Canada #2011168 · Apr 2011

Accessories

On certain vehicles, if the Toyota optional accessory "tray-type" floor mat is not secured by the retaining hooks, or if it is placed on top of an existing floor mat, the "tray-type" floor mat could move forward and interfere with the accelerator pedal. This could result in a crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: The manufacturer will notify owner…

Transport Canada #2010124 · Apr 2010

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Toyota Highlander , also known as the Toyota Kluger in some markets, is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by Toyota since 2000.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid trims & engines on record

Trims
Limited · Base · Medium · STD/Base
Engines
3.3L 6-cyl

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles on record

Other Toyota Highlander Hybrid model years

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

Across all 601 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, electrical system, engine.

What is the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid get?

The 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a U.S. EPA estimate of 26 mpg combined (27 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid worth?

Comparable 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid listings run roughly $8,100–$17,800, typically around $13,044 (from 47 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.