Buyer's checklist: 2nd gen Toyota Highlander (2008–2013)

Look for 2

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Rattle from the V6 at cold start2008Start it from cold and listen for a knock or rattle in the first seconds.^1,2
Power rear hatch faultsAll yearsOpen and close the power hatch several times from the key and the switch.³

Recalls to ask about 10

Recalls filed for these model years. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

Recall 08V1810002008Third-row seat belts can leave their locking mode too soon, so a rear-facing child seat may not stay secure. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^4,5
Recall 09V2230002006–2009The load capacity label may be missing or wrong. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^6,4,7,8,5,9
Recall 10V0170002010A worn friction lever and condensation can make the accelerator pedal stiff, slow to return or stuck partly down. Ask for proof the recall work was done.¹⁰
Recall 10V0230002008–2010A loose or wrong floor mat can trap the accelerator pedal wide open. Pedals are modified or replaced. An expansion of an earlier campaign. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^4,7,10
Recall 11V2450002008Faulty roll-angle sensors can fire the curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners when they should not. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^4,5
Recall 12V4910002008The power window master switch may be unevenly greased and can overheat, melt or catch fire. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^4,5
Recall 13V3960002006–2010Transistors in the inverter's power module can be damaged by heat, causing limp-home mode or the hybrid system to shut down while driving. The module is replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^8,5,9,11
Recall 14V1480002013The left second-row seat may not lock into its track. Ask for proof the recall work was done.¹²
Recall 14V1680002008–2010A flat cable in the steering column can be damaged as the wheel turns, disabling the driver's airbag. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^4,7,10
Recall 15V6890002008–2011The power window master switch may be unevenly greased, letting dirt and moisture short it, overheat it and possibly start a fire. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^{4,7,10,13,5,9,11,14}

What buyers avoid 2

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

20082008SlashGear lists the 2008 among the years to avoid, for the number of complaints and recalls against both the gas and Hybrid models.¹⁵
20102010SlashGear lists the 2010 among the years to avoid, for electrical and brake complaints and investigations into the steering column.¹⁵

Buyer's checklist: 2nd gen Toyota Highlander 2008–2013

Look for 2

Recalls to ask about 10

What buyers avoid 2

Sources