2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Complaints

While driving the vehicle the back door and glass back panel sometimes release and open unexpectedly . I saw that a "service bulletin" was issued for a problem with the rear door, (T-SB-0091-12), but a dealership told me my vehicle wasn't "covered".

Needed to have hub and bearing and spindles replaced in front driver's side wheel (AWD). Repair shop completed repairs and aligned the vehicle. Computer needed to be reset after alignment. Shop followed reset instructions and vehicle then showed codes for the ABS system (ABS pump and actuator and skid control module). Repair shop cannot reset computer without replacing parts estimated cost is over $5,600. No work on brakes or ABS system was done. No errors or codes previously existed prior to replacement of bearing and hub. No codes existed until after the alignment was completed. ABS system no longer works. Repair was completed at an independent repair shop. Have appointment with dealership on 9/29 to see if code can be reset. These codes were an issue in 06-07 Highlander hybrids and Prius models and part of a recall.

ABS warning light at 118,000 7/8/2022 C1391 This is a known recall and problem on the earlier model Highlanders, as well as the second generation Highlanders, but not recalled as of today 8/19/22. It is a flawed ABS design and safety hazzard.

Brake system failed in hybrid and issue is well documented. Current lawsuits however not including this make/model.

Slowing down, but the car surged forward colliding into a building. The dealership only ran a .5 hour diagnosis and couldn't find anything. Did not proceed w/further diagnosis as did not want to pay out of pocket.

No nothing has been inspected I didn’t even know it had a recall all my lights on my truck are on now

This vehicle has had ongoing issues with the O2 sensors not working, I have researched online for years and have read that there are several online forums of 2008 Highlander owners complaining of the same issue. The problem that I (we all) face with this, is that it constantly fails, never being able to know if there is an actual issue becuase of the faulty sensors or wiring causing the sensors to go out. I am always frightened that something is wrong with the car and spent hundreds and continue to spend having my car checked. I am a single mom who lost my job at the beginning of the pandemic, I have two school aged kids. Having them in a car that I can not be sure we are safe in, is scary. The cost to replace the sensors as there are 3 that have been a constant pain of not working correctly is insane! It is going to be in upwards of $600 to repair! I absolutely can't afford that, being an unemployed single mother of two. Even when I was employed, living paycheck to paycheck to have to pay out almost a thousand dollars when from what I've read from others that replacing will still result in it failing again. So I have to drive around in a car that has all the sensor lights on, something really bad could happen to the car and since all the sensor lights remain on, I'll never know if something is wrong with the car- something bad could happen to me and my children while we are driving in the car. How can someone replace the sensors only for them to keep going out. This is a serious problem, I've dealt with this for years, only today did I learn that I could report this after receiving a recall letter from Toyota today regarding the paint on my car.

ABS system failure for the second time after repair, cost $3400 to replace after causing complete loss of brakes. 4 years after incident same exact ABS warning and VCS system failure with message to immediately take vehicle to dealership. There is a class action lawsuit on other hybrid models but Toyota inspected and said it would cost another $3500 to fix because there is no recall on the part.

Chief complaint ISSUES were as follow : " BRAKE MALFUNCTION STOP The vehicle in a safe plase immediately and contact Dealer." Warning lights were illuminated on the instrument cluster or information display: yellow master warning light, the red brake system warning light and buzzer, yellow ABS warning light, yellow SLIP indicator light. After carefull diagnosis, it was determined that the brake booster pump was turning on frequently or working constantly. Unusual squeaky noise can be heard when depressing the brake pedal. In addition, the ABS Diagnostic Trouble Codes were identical as the problem. From research it should be noted. Toyota has previously identified and issued safety recall for the same vehicle however stopped short of including the 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid model with the aforementioned Vin number.

The drivers door either locks or doesn’t when hitting the lock button it shake (unlocks an locks rapidly.