Engine Failure problems of the 2008 Toyota Highlander

Two problems related to engine failure have been reported for the 2008 Toyota Highlander. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the 2008 Highlander.

1 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 05/21/2019

Vvt-I oil line failure causing complete loss of engine oil while driving at speed on a highway. Car had to be towed and repaired due to lack of quality parts used in the manufacturing process. Toyota identified this problem internally yet failed to take appropriate measure to identify all models equipped with substandard oil lines and, likewise, did not attempt in earnest to notify owners of affected models. The result of Toyota's lack of appropriate effort in notifying owners resulted in oil line parts failures occurring outside of an extended coverage period instituted by Toyota. Because Toyota did not act in good faith, owners were not notified and were subsequently put at risk of oil line parts failures resulting in engine damage or even engine failure. Many of the affected models are still in operation and the drivers of these vehicles will have no idea until the part fails due to Toyota's lack of appropriate action. Toyota offers no support for this defect outside of a warranty enhancement or limited service campaign which owners were not sufficiently made aware of.

2 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 10/04/2013

The vvt-I oil cooler hose burst resulting in a major engine oil spill in a residential driveway. The Toyota dealership and Toyota corporate headquarters refuse to assume responsibility for the defective part because the vehicle is outside the warranty period and because they claim there is no recall for this part on the Highlander. This same vvt-I oil cooler hose has been recalled on 1. 6 million us rav4's, camry's and other Toyota models. Not only could a total loss of engine oil cause catastrophic engine failure, this issue can also be considered a safety concern. If engine oil were to have made contact with hot engine parts or hot exhaust piping, then a fire may have occurred which could have resulted in serious vehicular damage and loss of life.




Safety Ratings of Highlander Cars
Fuel Economy of Highlander Vehicles
Highlander Service Bulletins
Highlander Safety Recalls
Highlander Defect Investigations