2008 Toyota Highlander Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 4%of 405 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 128,250miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2008 Toyota Highlander, 4% of the 405 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 128,250 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Recently we've got a bunch of warning lights on the dashboard of our car indicating a brake system malfunction and urging us to stop the vehicle in a safe location. The brakes were still working and we were able to carefully and safely drive home. After scanning the car for ABS error codes and doing a quick online search, I realized that the brake booster pump assembly and actuator assembly failed in our car.”
NHTSA complaint #11307403, filed 2020-02, 128,250 miles“At Toyota, we are dedicated to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value. As part of our continual efforts to ensure customer satisfaction, Toyota would like to advise you of a voluntary customer support program that has been initiated for your vehicle. Toyota has received reports regarding certain internal malfunctions of the brake actuator assembly in certain 2008-2010 model year Highlander hybrid vehicles. In these reports, customers have noted various brake system related warning lamps are illuminated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11255430, filed 2019-09, 162,000 miles“As I approached a stop sign, my check engine and vehicle stability control lights came on. I was less than a mile from my destination and was able to safely park my vehicle with no issues. As soon as possible, I contacted my local Toyota dealership to alert them to the problem. The dealership representative asked if the vsc light was flashing and I told him no; to which he replied it would be okay to drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10464369, filed 2012-07, 56,000 miles“I sent a letter to Toyota motor sales USA after being refused service at a local dealer to resolve a safety issue, with no reply. While pressing brake when starting I got a couple of error messages that said to contact a Toyota dealer. I did some very detailed research into this problem and what others had encountered. I found the errors would only show when the 12 volt battery was getting low on charge. The brake booster pump is one of the suspect items draining the battery because it continues to run long after the vehicle is parked. …”
NHTSA complaint #11282336, filed 2019-11, 260,000 miles“Upon starting my car, the vsc off, check engine, and ABS lights remained lit. Acceleration was slow and rough, and the general engine feel was wrong. I stopped car and restarted with no effect. While driving, the lights extinguished for a moment, and at that point performance temporarily improved - this caused a surge in acceleration. But the same lights came on a moment later and performance, once again, failed. Fortunately I was not in traffic when the surge occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10449547, filed 2012-02, 25,000 milesElectronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 5 | 1% |
| 2018 | 3 | 1% |
| 2017 | 3 | 1% |
| 2016 | 4 | 4% |
| 2015 | 4 | 2% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 5 | 2% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 15 | 4% |
| 2007 | 4 | 3% |
| 2006 | 12 | 4% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 17 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2008 Toyota Highlander
81 complaintsAir bags
58 complaintsEngine
58 complaintsVehicle speed control
45 complaintsElectrical system
44 complaintsSteering
40 complaintsTires
25 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsFuel system
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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