Toyota Highlander Years to Avoid

Why 2008 made the avoid list

2008 Toyota Highlander

AvoidTop issue: speed control · 23% of complaints · median 21,000 miles

Owners describe the air bag warning light coming on, often traced to a failing spiral cable, plus intermittent brake hesitation or loss of braking tied to ABS actuator or pump failure. Some also report the vehicle lurching or accelerating unexpectedly while parking or braking.

Full 2008 report ›

Questions owners ask

Which Toyota Highlander years should you avoid?

Counting complaints owners filed with NHTSA in each year's first five years on the road, per vehicle sold, the 2008 Highlander drew the most: each more than twice the rate of a typical Highlander year, spread across more than one problem area. The 2010, 2013 and 2021 also ran above average; use caution with them.

What is the best year for a used Toyota Highlander?

The 2014 Highlander drew the fewest complaints for its time on the road and the number sold (0.6× the rate of a typical Highlander year), followed by the 2016 and 2020. Years from 2022 on haven't had five years on the road, so they aren't rated yet.

What is the most common problem with the Toyota Highlander?

Across every year, the problem area owners report most is the brakes (15% of complaints), followed by the powertrain (transmission and drivetrain) (12%) and the electrical system (11%). A complaint can name more than one area.

Has the Toyota Highlander been recalled?

Yes. NHTSA lists 45 recall campaigns covering Highlander model years 2008 to 2027, the most recent in March 2026. Enter a vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether its repairs were done.