Four problems related to engine rattling and whining sounds 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.
The engine is emitting smoke, creates rattling sound. At start timing chain sounds scared kids. While driving you can hear knocking sound and if something can break while driving.
I recently noticed a rattling sound out of the engine area that occurs intermittently. It typically occurs after the vehicle sits for a couple hours after it has been driven up to operating temperature. The sound happens for less than 2 seconds. The Toyota dealer in our area diagnosed the issue as a failure of the intake cam gear per Toyota technical service bulletin 0094-09. The service advisor stated that if the issue is left unaddressed, it could lead to complete engine failure. He also stated that the updated cam gear made by Toyota does not fit the existing camshaft. This means that all 4 cam gears and two camshafts would have to be replaced which dramatically increases the labor and parts costs. I was given the following quote for the repair: part's $3748. 00 labor $2137. 00 tax $348. 00 total $6233. 00 I took the vehicle to another Toyota to confirm the diagnosis and they confirmed the issue and quoted me at a similar price to do the repair. Message boards all across the internet describe a similar phenomenon. After discussing the matter with Toyota corporate, they agreed to cover 50% of the parts cost, but I believe this to be unfair because their updated part intrinsically and dramatically increases the labor and parts costs. Even though only one cam gear failed, the replacement of all 4 cam gears is now necessary.
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander. While the vehicle was parked the contact heard a rattling noise. He drove the vehicle to an authorized dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred while the vehicle was parked and was taken back to the dealer. The contact stated was advised by the dealer that the failure was caused by the cam shaft gears. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle will be in the dealers possesion for approximately two weeks. The failure only occurred when the vehicle was parked. The failure mileage was 33,800 and the current mileage was 34,250.
Brief engine knock/rattle noise cold startup. Immediately following a cold soak startup.