2008-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid Buying Guide

A Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician goes over common problems and things you need to know if you're buying or you own a 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander.

In this video I will cover common issues with these awesome highlander models. Issues include:
1- Toyota V6 3.5 2GR-FE Oil leaks including front timing cover leak, Oil cooler line leak, VVTi oil line leak and more.
2-Toyota V6 3.5L 2GR-FE Water pump leaks and noises
3-Toyota 2.7L 1AR-FE engine problems.
4- Highlander transmission problems and leaks including the infamous highlander transmission whine noise.
5-Common body problems including back door issues and window issues.
6-Common chassis issues including strut problems and more
7-Common electrical problems focusing on power door lock problems.
8-Hybrid highlander common issues.

I'll also recommend from my experience which is the best year to buy and some DIY tips if you own one.

This video applies to 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Toyota Highlander.

If you have any questions please leave them in the comment section or email #thecarcarenut #toyotahighlander

Song: Ikson - Skyline (Vlog No Copyright Music)
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[matdon]

I’ve got a 2012 Highlander limited with just over 200, 000 miles. Besides regular oil changes every 5k miles, brakes, and tires, coolant, transmission fluid, differential fluid plugs. I’ve had to change the front driver’s door lock actuator, the driver’s door window had fallen into the door. Loctite on the bolts fixed that. Changed the intermediate steering shaft, rear passenger side wheel hub bearing. All DIY. Feels great to fix a vehicle that isn’t complicated to work on and satisfying to save all that money.

[kerrylewis]

Your info regarding the VVTi rattle probably saved my coworker thousands. He almost purchased a low miles 2008, and I told him about the rattle. It had it. He walked away.

[vaughnavesian]

I m not even thinking of buying any cars. Why am I watching this video ? Great video.

[kushkobaine]

Just bought a 2013 today with 89k miles, 1 owner with a very very light clunk in the steering column. Watched this video and my mechanic agreed!Said he’d buy it if I didn’t! 😅 I negotiated 1k off the price! The car is amazing and the tiny issue doesn’t bother me at all, barely even notice it tbh.. Such a great vehicle! I’ll keep you updated!

[the.emc]

Going to check out a 2013 today and I am now armed with everything to check, look, and listen for. Great video to inspire confidence in buying a used Highlander!

[rcpmac]

Awesome mechanic information. Never seen ANYONE as informed as this guy. THANKS 🙏

[cajunweatherman]

Hello AMD. I wish that I had seen this video sooner. My wife drives a 2011 Toyota Highlander Limited and this past Thursday on her way to work the low oil pressure warning light came on. She called me and I told her to get to a safe parking lot and then turn off the car as soon as possible. When I arrived about 40 minutes later, there was oil still dripping from underneath the car and oil was all over the undercarriage especially on the passenger side. It was not leaking from the oil drain plug or the filter cartridge housing assembly. I added 5 quarts of oil and started up the car. A steady stream of oil was coming from the front but I still could not tell exactly where so I had it shut down quickly. I had it towed to my dealership, Hampton Toyota of Lafayette, LA. They said that it was a leak from the engine oil cooler line and it would have to be replaced with the metal pipe version. We purchased the Highlander used with 40, 000 miles on it in January of 2017 from the same dealership. I was not aware of the Technical Service Bulletin that was issued for this known problem otherwise I would have had those lines replaced per the Technical Service Bulletin that was mailed to owners in 2014-2015. I'm hoping and praying that it did not do any permanent damage to the engine. I would appreciate it if you had any feedback on what to look for after getting my Highlander back. I'm sure my dealership will check it out thoroughly after replacing the lines.
I just find it hard to believe that Toyota did not issue a recall as this can cause a complete and catastrophic engine failure. Our Highlander has 103, 000 miles on it so would advise anyone reading this to check those lines to make sure the original rubber ones have been replaced with the metal pipe kit. If you still have the rubber engine oil cooler lines, it's a disaster waiting to happen! I know from my own personal experience! Best of luck to all of you.

[SemiglossOyster]

I own a 2010 Rav4 with the 2GR-FE, when I initially purchased it it rattled aggressively on cold startup. Over 6 oil changes with either engine flush or a little seafoam in the oil before changing not only is the rattle gone, but the engine now idles near silently. Very happy with this drivetrain, although I'm only at 150k miles at the moment!

[abdelrahimmohammed]

I’m in the process of hunting down a 2010-2013 Highlander, this video helps a lot

[rockyraab]

I bought a 2008 Highlander Sport in 2012 and the engine had a small rattle. Sales said that was normal. Six months later, the engine sounded like a diesel sewing machine. It was the VVTI and it cost $3K to replace. Been perfect since and I'll be driving this one a long time.

[jfmartins]

I have a 2013 hybrid and it's the best vehicle I've ever owned! Apart from regular maintenance. No issues, nada. I bought it new and I don't think I'll ever sell it. Toyota convert. Love it

[carmanshawne]

Got my 2013 . Love how it does everything well. Dealer even fixed the rod in the door hitting the glass, no charge.

[eddieplana]

Thank you for this detailed video. My wife and I are on the hunt for an used Highlander. Yesterday, found one that was fairly priced and had the features we wanted. -During the first startup had the engine rattle. We walked.

[jeffreyajello]

Appreciate this video . . . Have a 2008 with 145K and am glad to hear that the transmission whine shouldn't be anything to worry about

[bigpriv]

Keep in mind most of these problems most likely come with not taking care of or not doing preventative maintenance. I know people that have 2nd gen Highlanders, have never had problems at all. Great SUV's!!!

[FOXDADDYSUPREME]

I thought I checked out a 2012 yesterday pretty thoroughly. we plan to pick up Saturday, but now I'll have to check everything from this video. it's a 1 owner, always dealer maintained, 155k miles, and comes with a few months warranty from the Toyota dealer that is selling it

[charlottemerz]

Thank you so much for this video! I was looking to get a 2013 and thank you so much for spelling out every single thing I need to check. And you made it so easy to understand for someone who has no prior knowledge.

[jonc]

Bought my wife a super good condition 2013 highlander. Her car is so nice it led me to buy a 2014 tundra... and now your channel is my bible of toyotas.

[pastyman]

We need more people like you.
Long video but so much useful information.
Well done I'm giving you 👍👍👍👍👍

[natureartistic]

Wow man. THANK YOU for such a thorough and helpful video. I watched the whole thing and took notes, rewinding often to make sure I understood exactly what you were discussing. Just bought myself a 2012 and was a little concerned about what I'm thinking is that Intermediate drive shaft noise/issue. Anyway, I'll stay on top of changing my oil and also having that Rear Differential Oil changed asap. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. May God Bless You too friend. 🙏 🙂 SO MUCH TO KNOW AND LOOK OUT FOR !!! YOU'RE THE MAN FOR DOING THIS. THANK YOU