Toyota / Highlander Hybrid / 2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems
Owners have filed 272 complaints about the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid with NHTSA. Service brakes account for 34.6% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 12.9%.
Complaints272
Crashes6
Fires7
Injuries7
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes 34.6% · 94
Electrical system 12.9% · 35
Electronic stability control (ESC) 9.2% · 25
Vehicle speed control 6.6% · 18
Service brakes, hydraulic 5.5% · 15
Power train 4.0% · 11
Unknown or other 3.7% · 10
Engine 3.7% · 10
Severity
Of those complaints, 6 describe a crash, 7 describe a fire and 7 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid in this data, 2008 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2006 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 20 in the last three years against 128 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 113,400 miles.
In owners' own words
I am told I need to replace the brake actuator assembly on my 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. My research indicates that this component failure was a known problem for years and was actually covered in a recall for 2006-7 models. For reasons unknown the recall does not cover 2008 even though it is the exact same component. This is a serious safety issue and Toyota seems to be passing the cost off to the consumer. Service brakes · reported at 140,000 miles
The brake malfunction light came on while driving. Toyota says its the brake actuator assembly and it will cost me $4700 to replace the part. They recalled Toyota highlander 06-07, prius 04-09 and lexus with the same problem. The result can be total brake failure. Since Toyota knows this is an issue with the defective parts , all autos with that part needs to be recalled/repaired with Toyota's assistance. Service brakes · reported at 148,000 miles
Brake failure while driving. Warning lights did come on and loud alarm too. Dealer says this is problem with defective abs pump and/or actuator. This issue has life-threatening potential because loss of brakes was sudden. Had to resort to parking brake to stop vehicle. Same part was deemed defective and replaced on camry hybrid models by Toyota. Same warranty extension should be applied to highlander. Service brakes · reported at 127,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…