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2008 Toyota Highlander MPG
19–26 mpg combined across 3 EPA-rated versions. Best: Highlander Hybrid 4WD (4WD/AWD, 3.3L 6-cyl) at 27 city / 25 hwy / 26 combined; lowest: Highlander 4WD (3.5L 6-cyl, A5) at 19.
Every version
| Version | Engine | Trans. | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid 4WD (Hybrid) | 3.3L 6-cyl | CVT | 4WD/AWD | 27 | 25 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Highlander 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | A5 | FWD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Highlander 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | A5 | 4WD/AWD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
How it compares
- 2008 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD: class average 17.4 mpg over 178 versions; best Highlander +8.6 (#4).
- 2007: 26 mpg best (no change).
- 2009: 26 mpg best.
- Fuel cost spread: $2,600–$3,550 a year ($950 difference).
- Available as 4WD/AWD, FWD.
- 2026 model: 35 mpg best (+9).
Safety
601 owner complaints: Service Brakes 194, Electrical System 79, Engine 68, Vehicle Speed Control 63. Crashes 50, fires 18, injuries 47, deaths 2.
| Complaint area | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 194 | 32% |
| Electrical System | 79 | 13% |
| Engine | 68 | 11% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 63 | 10% |
| Air Bags | 59 | 10% |
| Steering | 46 | 8% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 40 | 7% |
| Tires | 34 | 6% |
Recent owner reports: Service Brakes
“THERE WAS NO INCIDENT. WHEN THE BRAKE MALFUNCTION SCREEN DISPLAYED, I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER IN PUEBLO, COLORADO. I RECEIVED THE ATTACHED SERVICE MESSAGE AND PICKING TICKET; 17june2025. IT ALSO NEEDS NEW BRAKE PADS, ROTOR ADJUSTMENT, AND 5 NEW TIRES. TOTAL~$6000. WAY TOO PRICY! I PAID FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST, AND DROVE HOME CAREFULLY! THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY CARPORT SINCE,”
“My 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is having severe issues with the ABS system. Toyota is reporting that it needs an ABS actuator and ABS pump replacements. These were a part of Toyota's previous Customer Support Program, but the program expired before I owned the vehicle.”
“Good Afternoon, The brake actuator and booster pump failed on my 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. ABS, Brake, and VSC warning lights came on, and the brakes became weak and unsafe. A repair shop confirmed the issue with codes C1252, C1256, and C1391. I tried to fix it at a local shop last year, but the problem came back.”
Owner reports are unverified and filed directly with NHTSA.
Recalls
14 NHTSA campaigns (check a VIN).
| Date | Component | Campaign |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 2, 2016 | Seats › front Assembly › seat Heater/Cooler | 16V396000 |
| Oct 22, 2015 | Visibility › power Window Devices And Controls | 15V689000 |
| Nov 19, 2014 | Seats › front Assembly › seat Heater/Cooler | 14V743000 |
| Apr 9, 2014 | Air Bags › frontal › driver Side › inflator Module | 14V168000 |
| Sep 4, 2013 | Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter | 13V396000 |
| Oct 10, 2012 | Visibility › power Window Devices And Controls | 12V491000 |
| Apr 21, 2011 | Air Bags | 11V245000 |
| Feb 3, 2010 | Equipment › other › labels | 10V035000 |
| Feb 3, 2010 | Equipment › other › labels | 10V036000 |
| Jan 27, 2010 | Vehicle Speed Control › accelerator Pedal | 10V023000 |
| Jun 15, 2009 | Equipment › other › labels | 09V223000 |
| May 14, 2009 | Equipment | 09E028000 |
| Apr 27, 2009 | Equipment | 09E022000 |
| Apr 18, 2008 | Seat Belts › rear/Other | 08V181000 |