Edmunds Answers questions

Snow performance with 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

bill8992 — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 08:51:47 GMT

Is there a problem with the rear electric motors shutting off when the rear tires are slipping on ice? Will this shut the car off on icy inclines?

Is the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a 4WD or AWD?

toyohh08 — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:36:17 GMT

I'm confused, edmunds says its AWD, toyota website it is AWD. Which is which?

Power Steering Failure on 2006 Highlander Hybrid

chrisont — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:03:59 GMT

Has anyone ever suffered power steering issues with a 2006 Hybrid Highlander? (25months old 76,000km)

Recently returned from holidays,started the car and the P/S light was on and we had no power steering. Took it to the dealer and was told there was an error message for the computer for the P/S and as a result the Rack had failed. The rack however is a sealed unit form Toyota and the whole thing would need to be replaced as they cannot take it apart to determine the cause - a $5000 repair.

After several discussions with dealer and them speaking with Toyota Canada, the repairs were reduced to only have to pay the cost of the power steering unit. Only after the repair were they able to determine that water had apparently pooled on top of the P/S computer housing and seeped into it causing failure and the subsequent Rack failure.

The warranty coverage was 60,000km or 3 years so it was out of warranty but as this car is just over 2 years old, it seems like a major component failure - apparently unrelated to mileage.

Do HH owners need to worry that one day their P/S will fail due to this kind of failure? I am now concerned that this could very easily happen again to me. I think this is indicative of a more serious design flaw if this pooling/leakage/failure happens - I wasn't driving in rivers or through blinding snowstorms to cause this...

Apparently no known records of this type of major failure showing at Toyota Canada; I am looking to take it up with Toyota as this is unacceptable on a two year old car that cost almost $60,000.

2008 Highlander Hybrid. My mpg has progressively dropped from 27 to 21 in city. 80 degrees, slow acceleration. Any solutions?

rgauzenne — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:21:21 GMT

I have had my 2008 hi hybrid for almost 4 weeks. No nav system but has 3rd row seats. The first week I got 27mpg in the city and 26mpg on highway. 2nd week I got 24-25/city and 23/highway. Now I only am getting 21-22mpg in the city. The dealership mechanic didnt have a clue and told me to check the chat rooms. I live in LA so the weather is warm.

When will the specs for the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid become available? When will the 2009 Highlander become available?

lynn35 — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:44:49 GMT

I'm waiting for the color selections for the 2009 Toyota Highlander HYBRID before ordering. When can I expect these colors? When will the 2009 go into production and will there be any changes (other than color selection) for the 2009 year models (HYBRIDS only).

2008 Toyota Highlander Special Addition Hybrid price?

Malula_Bujgi — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:49:37 GMT

I am about to close a deal for 2008 Toyota Highlander Special Addition Hybrid for $37,000. Is it a good price?

Does anyone know if there has been any model changes for the 2010 Toyota Highlander?

lenox29 — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:26:57 GMT

Looking to purchase a new vehicle: 2010 Toyota Highlander. Cannot find any data on changes etc.

How much is a new foglight for a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

bholcen — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:50:30 GMT

I got my fog light broken. How much should it cost and where's the best place to buy them?

Just bought a 06 Toyota Highlander Hybrid without mats. Where can I buy mats? Is there a difference between the 06, 07, etc.?

alxtg27 — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:04:42 GMT

My 06 Toyota Highlander Hybrid didn't come with floor mats. Does anyone know where I can by floor mats besides at the dealership ($$$$) and whether there is a difference between the mats for an 06, 07, 08 or 09?

Thanks,

Alex

I want to buy a 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Dealers in my area do not have any. Where can I locate one?

princi — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:57:19 GMT

Where can I buy a 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

I want to tow my 06 Highlander Hybrid with all 4 wheels down. You can with the Vue and Explorer. why not the Toyota?

144 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:37:45 GMT

I have been told that the vue & explorer use the old toyota technology whats up

I want to tow my 06 Toyota Highlander Hybrid with all 4 wheels down.

144 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:50:43 GMT

Toyota states that the highlander hybrid cannot be towed with all wheels down. I have the 2wd version so luckily I can use a tow dolly,but what a pain compared to using a tow bar. I understand that the ford explorer as well as the saturn vue use toyotas old hybrid technology;in fact I've been told that their systems are in fact toyotas products. Ford as well as saturn approve of their hybrids being towed with all wheels down. Do I dare attempt to tow my hybid in such a manner? Could toyota just be trying to avoid consumer dissatification in case of possible failures or is it truly a different system than the other two? Thank-You Very Much

Has anyone experienced carsickness with the 2008 Toyota Highlander - and was it temporary?

debanded — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:47:34 GMT

We're considering buying a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Before making the investment, we of course took it for several test drives. We both felt a little carsick after each of two test drives, but found it was significantly less the second time around. Maybe it's because neither of us currently drives an SUV - and maybe it's because we were playing around with the controls and features versus just watching the road. But maybe it's just because of the ride and we should not buy it (but we love it) - we did not experience it with the Lexus LX Hybrid. Has anyone experienced this, and if so, did it subside over time?

Thanks

Do you recommend an extended warranty for a 2008 Highlander Hybrid?

rcjacobson — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:59:25 GMT

Just bought a 2008 Highlander Hybrid. The Toyota dealership is really pushing us hard to get their extended warranty. They say there is a lot that can go wrong with all the onboard computers. Pressure, PRESSURE! Any help and info would be greatly appreciated.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems? Have a 2007 and has been towed in 5 times, not able to start. Anyone else?

outdoorpilot — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 11:39:24 GMT

$46,000 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Problems? 15,000 miles and been towed in 5 times due to not starting. Toyota can't find the problem so invoking the lemon law. Anyone else experienced this problem and what was the solution? Thanks

I've 2 phones Blackberry 8700 and Motorazr v3m + 1 Toyota highland hybrid. Help me with voice recognition dialing!

heidijo — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:13:42 GMT

I've managed to get the handsfree thing working well - but due to the phones I have I don't think I can upload my phone book into the car (am I right???). i don't mind that a HUGE amount - although would prefer to sort that too.

What really really bugs me is that once my phone is connected I cant even dial through the phone using voice recognition - instead I have to scroll through all my numbers.
Any ideas please?! I'll take any solution to any bit of the problem.

Where is the oil drain plug on the 2006 Highlander Hybrid? Thanks!

icd_colorado — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:22:58 GMT

Can someone provide me with a location and detailed description for the oil drain plug on the 2006 Highlander Hybrid. Thanks in advance.
(I know where the oil filter is hiding!)

Do you know of any problems with 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid in the snow as it relates to the engines losing power? Thanks!

don120 — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:13:15 GMT

I'm considering purchasding a 08 Toyota HH. My broker suggested I look into the engines losing power (?) during snowy conditions. Anybody know anything about this?

Also, any trouble with the battery packs reported?

Thanks!

I lost one of my remotes/keys for a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Is there a reasonable way to get it replaced?

holcenberg — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:23:50 GMT

The dealer told me it will be around $300 to replace the key. Is there a better more cost-effective way to get a replacement?

I may purchase a 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 86,000 miles, price is $16,900. Too much? Made in Japan. Will it rust out?

Pella — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 11:34:30 GMT

Earlier Toyota mad overseas had a terrible rust problem. Since all the Highlanders are made in Japan will the whole body rust like earlier Toyota models? Any specific problems with Hybrids?

How does the Toyota Highlander Hybrid do in snow and mud? I am wondering if anyone has used this car in bad road conditions?

broder1 — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 11:38:09 GMT

thinking of buying a new Highlander Hybrid, but I live on a dirt road in Vermont---is this car safe to drive in Vermont on muddy road and snow conditions?

End of lease on my Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Is it a good buy?

carbuzz101 — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:59:50 GMT

My lease will end soon and I went over 15-17K miles over my alloted 15K/yr for 36 months. My payoff for my 2006 Highlander Hybrid 4X4 is $20,569. My vehicle has what the Limited has except that it has a few more features on it. Book value, good condition of this vehicle for $21,330 (private party) and trade-in 18,250. However, I have seen similar vehicle listed online by dealership in between 18-19K for my mileage, but lower than my buyout price.

Additionally, I've seen 2007 or 2008 (non-hybrid) with low mileage selling for less or around the 18K/19K (e.g. listed online for 06 highlander hybrid at 40K miles for price of $21,988 -- mine is 60K miles). I'm seeing a few 2006 Highlander Hybrid listed and this concerns me even more because there are a lot of non-hybrids listed.

This vehicle is missing one feature that I need, is it good to buy this car for the buyout price based on what this vehicle is value at and compared to other newer model currently listed within 25 miles? I'm thinking that this is not a good buy, please confirm. Any advice that you can provide would be appreciated.

Has anyone reported experience with Nokian winter tires on Toyota Highlander Hybrids.

brioboy — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 03:01:26 GMT

Are Nokian winter tires as good as advertised?

2008 Hybrid Highlander

hybridhilander — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 06:27:17 GMT

Hi All,
I am willing to buy 08 Hybrid Highlander from anywhere in states and wish to bring in to Canada, doesnt matter if some body else does it for me and I pay him or if you guys have ideal, please pass to me.

Do any one have experience with Canadian TOYOTA delars while dealing for warrantee of brand new vehicle which imported from state?

Appriciated,
Thanks
JAY

Third party upgrade GPS on Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2007? Also add iPod.

cvaldez1 — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:37:01 GMT

Looking to upgrade GPS on HH 2007, does anyone know if cheaper 3rd party? Dealer is stating $250.00.

Also looking to add Blue tooth and IPOD to HH 2007, can anyone advise as dealer won't/can't upgrade.

End of lease. Lease or buy? Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

carbuzz101 — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 04:58:14 GMT

My first lease will end in three weeks on 2006 Highlander Hybrid 4X4 (had 20 miles) on a 3 yr for 15K/yr. It has additional options; tinted windows, custom vehicle stripe, moonroof w/sunshade, roof rack, steering audio controls, parking sensors, liquid gel driver & passenger leather heated seats, dim mirror, body side molding, 3rd row seat, floor & cargo mats, cargo net and tray, JBL premium sound and 6 disc changer. I went over 15K miles and the payoff is $20,569 (not incl taxes @6.25%). This vehicle is worth third-party @$21K, retail @23K, trade-in @19K. I tried the following and gone through a lot, please help...

-- Trade-in is worth 15K - 16K at Toyota & Acura Dealerships and via black book online. I'm looking to buy or lease a new 2009 SUV. OR buy my current car.
-- Called Toyota Motor Leasing AND Toyota dealership Finance dept to negotiate on payoff price; UNSUCCESSFUL.
-- Working with lease agent and was told that I have a negative equity due to over on miles. Agent was unable to negotiate with Toyota to come down on the charge per mile (.15 cents) over and buyout price (so I'm told). Lease agent suggested to return the vehicle and lease another vehicle (comparable to what I currently have) for roughly 6% for 48 mos and 42 month trade value based on my driving habits. I have a record of wanting to get a new car every 3 yrs.
-- I have been approved to refinance the payoff price at 3.99% up to 60 mos to buyout this car (backup plan). I can get this same rate and term to purchase a new 2009 vehicle I believe given the fact that I have excellent score.
-- Found out from another (used/wholesale) car resource that my current car would be auctioned for $15K.
-- Currently listing the car for sell, but no leads yet. Lease agent said that banks would not deal with person to person sell; potential buyer would be people willing to pay for cash...

1. Should I do a trade-in to purchase a new SUV (really upside down)?
2. Should I turn in the lease SUV and pay the mileage that I went over? Then purchase a new SUV? Note: Car has normal wear and tear and in excellent condition.
3. Should I buy out my lease for $20,569? Note: Total cost leased and refinance would be $49K. I do like the vehicle, but would prefer one with rear auto a/c instead of my floor vents for the rear seats (a need for my kids seating in the back).

***Looked at leasing pre-owned, but I think the car that I have is far better (I'm the first owner).

Holdback clarification - dealer double dipping? Toyota Highlander Hybrid

holdbackmaniac — Fri, 30 May 2008 00:39:53 GMT

OK - I am shopping for a Toyota Highlander Hybrid and think the Dealer is trying to double dip on the Holdback. My understanding is that Holdback is part of the already base invoice price. So my invoice price from all my sources is 33292 (with options). The dealer is quoting me ~35000 and change. He says that include Ad fees (fine) plus 1000 or so in holdback.

I want to call BS on this. He is saying that the invoice price I have is wholesale so you need to add the holdback to get Dealer Invoice.

What is the truth?
------------------ his response ---------------
I am using wholesale, dealer cost numbers) Base whole sale is $29319. Popular plus package is $3069. Manual rear air is 468. carpet mat set 180 and convenience package 256. This brings the cost to $33292. Destination is 685 bring cost to $33977. TDA (Toyota dealer advertising) is $586, gasoline charge is 10.00, hold back is $674 and whsl. financial reserve is $337 for a total of $35584.

I have an 08 Ford Escape Hybrid. In cold weather it takes 10-15 min before the car goes into EV mode. Is this normal?

dstoltze — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:19:28 GMT

I live in Baltimore city. Lately I have noticed that it takes quite a while before my Escape Hybrid goes into EV mode when it is cold outside, even though I am doing city driving. By the time it goes all electric I am out of the city and onto the highways. Should it really take that long for the batteries to warm up. Friends that have Prius' and Camry hybrids tell me that there is no warm up time necessary for their vehicles.

Does the Toyota rear spoiler impact the mileage of the 2008 Camry hybrid.

rlairdjr — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:57:47 GMT

I recently purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The dealer through in the rear spoiler. It had to be ordered. I am getting 40+ mpg on the highway and averaging about 33m mpg in the city. Does the rear spoiler impact the miles per gallon on the car?

Anything to the mileage claims for hydrogen or HHO generators?

bob185 — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:32:48 GMT

There are a lot of people on the internet claiming to have boosted mileage with an onboard hydrogen electrolyzer in their car or truck. Some people making such claims don't appear to be selling anything.

Is there anything to this or is it all a scam?

Any risks to car's engine?

Thank you

2001 Toyota Highlander whining

hammer12 — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:22:02 GMT

Thanks for answering the question on the whining noise, Yes, it is an all wheel drive. Does not do it in neutral or when turning. I have checked the transmission fluid, is full and clear with no smell.

Can I tow with a Toyota Highlander without a Tow Prep Package?

luvtafish — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:01:02 GMT

I have a 2003 HL and want to tow a small boat which will with motor, boat, trailer, and essentials be about 1300 lbs. I got the vehicle from a family member, and it doesn't have a tow package.
Will it tow safely, can I add any parts, such as trans oil cooler, etc, that will make it more efficient?
Any help would be great, thanks.

What is the weight distribution hitch rating on the Toyota 5000lb hitch on a 2008 Highlander Sport?

davol — Fri, 02 May 2008 06:56:36 GMT

The HL was bought in Canada and I wanted to tow a 4000lb trailer.

How do I hook up a brake controller on a 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport?

davol — Fri, 02 May 2008 07:03:36 GMT

The Highlander's standard wiring harness only has a 4-pin connector. Has anyone had experience on how I might run the wires for a 7-pin connector (or whether it might already be present on the vehicle) and where I might tap the power?

Is the Towing Package built in to Canadian 2008 Highlanders?

davol — Fri, 02 May 2008 07:11:27 GMT

I noticed the standard Highlanders sold in the US are rated to tow 2000lbs and a towing package consisting of: the hitch, heavy duty radiator with oil cooler, 200watt fan coupling, transmission oil cooler with water cooler, 150amp alternator and wiring harness is an optional accessory. Canadian Highlanders have standard specifications of towing 5000lb. Am I to assume that the integral upgrades (ie. the heavy duty radiator with oil cooler, 200watt fan coupling, transmission oil cooler with water cooler, 150 amp alternator) are standard in the Canadian models?

Can the tongue weight limit on the vehicle be increased by use of a weight distribution hitch? (Toyota Highlander)

davol — Sat, 03 May 2008 03:33:41 GMT

The 2008 Highlander Sport has a tongue weight limit of 500lb. The trailer I wish to tow has a dry hitch weight of 511lb and a Unloaded Vehicle Weight of 4000lb. Assuming that the tongue weight is 600lb when loaded, the trailer technician advised me that I can still tow this trailer with a weight distribution hitch because the weight would be distributed over the front and rear axles. Is this a correct line of thinking? or would the torquing generated by the weight distribution system be too much for the bolts on the hitch were its attached to the vehicle? In other words, is the tongue weight limit there to prevent the dead weight from lifting the front of the car therefore affecting steering and braking, or it is there so we would not exceed the structural integrity of the hitch?

Had oil changed in Toyota Highlander and they put 10W30 not 5W30 like book says. Is this bad?

bdewalle — Sun, 04 May 2008 00:12:49 GMT

It's a 2005 Toyota Highlander with 60,000 miles. I live in Texas.

What tire pressure should I use in my Toyota Highlander 225/65R17 for maximum wear and mileage? I'm in SouthEast NC.

jim271 — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:47:04 GMT

Label on door calls for 32PSI but that seems a little low

The list of options for the 2008 Toyota Highlander does not include floor mats. Should I assume these are included?

jwien — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:00:00 GMT

I am trying to get a price for a 2008 toyota highlander 2wd. I went through and selected the appropriate options and was pleased with the price. After sending to the dealer in Atlanta, they said that floor mats will be extra even though I didn't find an option for this on the list. Is this true that floor mats will be extra? Thanks.

Looking for steps to repair the front brakes on my 03 Toyota Highlander 4 cylinder.

micosay08 — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:12:18 GMT

Will be replacing the front brake pads, looking for steps/pictures for my Toyota 03 HL, 4 cyl. Thanks

About to purchase new '08 Toyota Highlander Sport with tire pressure light that won't shut off. Should I worry?

gh19may — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:07:48 GMT

Before I ask my question, I want to thank all those who weighed in on whether I buy the Simoniz System 5 car paint protection plan for my new car(consensus - yes, its a scam). It was really helpful, and now I am better prepared when I sit down with the F&I guy on Friday and actually buy the car.

Okay, here's my other major worry: I'm buying a new '08 Highlander Sport on Friday. When we test drove it, the tire pressure light was on. The sale rep told me it had been sitting outside in the cold for weeks on end (true - I live in Mass.) and it just needed the air pressure adjusted. I thought that sounded pretty reasonable.

When I came back to the dealership a few days later so my husband could pre-sign papers to purchase the car, the tire pressure light was still on, even though the sale rep told me he had adjusted/corrected the air pressure in all tires. I asked him to figure out the problem and fix it.

Today he emailed me and said he'd spoken to the service manager and "tire pressure will reset itself when it's been driven a while now that all tires are in proper range." He said he was reluctant to drive the car and add miles to it (it already has almost 250), but that the Service Manager said it would probably stop flashing on the way home after I took delivery.

So, call me naive or old-fashion, but I don't feel great about plunking down $30K for a car with a warning light that won't shut off. Any suggestions? Does what the service manager suggests ring true to anyone?

(I am tempted to tell the sales rep to do what he must, just make sure the light is off, though I really don't want him to put a bunch more miles on it . . . )

Any thoughts or suggestions most appreciated.

2006 Toyota Highlander. Scraping noise in rear wheels when turning. Began suddenly. Had changed tires over one month ago with right sized tires.

flannan — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:06:48 GMT

changed tires 1 month ago with 16's. this week scraping/shuddering noise as if hitting wheel well began when turning both rt & left

Have terrible road/tire noise in 2003 Toyota Highlander (new to me). Already replaced tires. Any ideas?

lorindasue — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:10:08 GMT

We recently bought the vehicle and after 2-3 weeks noticed a horrible road/tire roar in cab. We replaced tires which weren't terribly worn, but we thought that might be the problem. Nope, still got the noise. Any ideas?

Toyota Highlander Sport with tow package. How much more do you have to buy?

end_user — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:07:49 GMT

Am I wrong in thinking that I can just buy a hitch, install it and go? What's this about the pre-wiring not being complete? Are we being sold short?

2003 Toyota Highlander V6 2WD. At what mileage should the shocks be replaced? I have 113,000 miles.

dmoxley — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 00:17:02 GMT

At what mileage are the shocks replaced for 2003 Toyota Highlander V6 2WD?

Toyota Highlander was in storage, started each other week, 2008 with less than 500 miles. Should oi be changed and synthetic or regular oil used?

kay31 — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:53:22 GMT

2008 Highlander, stored 4 months but started e/o week. Should oil be changed and syn or reg if so.

Need a good replacement tire for a 2008 Toyota Highlander Limited.

hedda — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:33:00 GMT

Car is at 36,000 miles and Toyo Open Country A20 tires need replacement - all 4 of them!

Have there been any recalls regarding bolts stripping for cylinder heads on a 2004 Toyota Highlander?

aheider — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:53:14 GMT

Have there been any recalls regarding bolts stripping for cylinder heads on a 2004 Toyota Highlander causing coolant leakage?

How do I change the PVC valve on my 2002 Toyota Highlander, 3.0L,v-6?

hartsell — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:37:55 GMT

Where is the PVC val located?Are special tools required?

08 Toyota Highlander master cylinder leaking, told to replace it and brake booster?

ett — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:48:29 GMT

After having the brake malfunctioning light come on and hearing a hissing noise when I stepped on the brakes, the dealer said my master cylinder has leaked brake fluid over the brake booster and I need to replace both, for $1600. I have 56,000 miles on this 08.

Anyone else heard of this? To me, this is still a new car. Yes, I drive a lot, but I do all the preventative maintenance. I feel like this shouldn't happen, before I call Toyota corp about it, has anyone else had this happen? Why should a master cylinder leak unless there is something wrong with it?