2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 197 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,503miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the body and structure of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 3% of the 197 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,503 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The front passenger side assist handle broke in two places. This handle is attached over the door, inside the car, near the edge of the roof. The cause appears to be metal fatigue due to significant stress on the handle over (3+) years of use by the passenger while entering and exiting.”
NHTSA complaint #10487351, filed 2012-12, 41,006 miles“Driving approximately 30k / hr on september 22, around 6pm. Little traffic as the road leads deep to the country. No rain, great visibility. We'd just stopped to follow someone to a remote location and had not gotten out of the car at that time as the friend came to the driver's side door. A few minutes later, an alarm sounded and the indicator displayed brake malfunction . The brakes were not working and at the same moment, smoke began filling the vehicle from the front vents. At this time you could also see small flames from the front hood of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11030100, filed 2017-09, 137,000 miles“In august, I purchased a used pre-certified 2008 Toyota highlander from stevinson Toyota in aurora, co. About a month ago I noticed rust spots forming on the hood as well as the tailgate. I brought it back to the dealership being that all three warranties were still in effect. I also brought it to an auto body shop at the request of the dealership and they told me that the rust was due to contaminated paint and that they see a lot of this damage on 2008 Toyota models. …”
NHTSA complaint #10315634, filed 2010-03“The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid(na). He experienced premature tread wear on the tires. The manufacturer was notified, and he was advised to replace his set of tires. However he speculates that the frame of the vehicle was causing the tires to fail. The current mileage was 14,000. The failure mileage was 10,000”
NHTSA complaint #10293567, filed 2009-11, 10,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The vehicle was purchased new in december of 2008. The contact noticed paint chipping from the driver's side door and rear door. She also noticed corrosion underneath the paint. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the corrosion was caused by brake dust. They stated that they could give the vehicle an acid wash. The contact will notify the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 1,300 and current mileage was 15,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10274024, filed 2009-06, 1,300 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024The 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…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024To 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…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Acid 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…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding…
- 11007455Jul 29, 2024Some 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…
- 11006161Jul 29, 2024Some 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…
- 11007445Jul 12, 2024The 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…
- 11007444Jul 12, 2024To 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…
- 11007443Jul 12, 2024Acid 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…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 33% |
| 2022 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 4 | 27% |
| 2020 | 1 | 11% |
| 2018 | 1 | 20% |
| 2016 | 1 | 17% |
| 2013 | 1 | 20% |
| 2012 | 2 | 22% |
| 2010 | 1 | 5% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
113 complaintsElectrical system
35 complaintsElectronic stability control
25 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsTires
9 complaintsHybrid propulsion system
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology