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Toyota · Mid-Size SUV · 2008–2013

Toyota Highlander XU40

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
5.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Toyota Highlander XU40 is available with 2 engine variants — from 178 to 295 hp.

2.5L 4-Zyl · Benziner· 187 PS
2009 2013
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
3.5L V6 · Benziner· 270 PS
2008 2013
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Toyota 2.5L 4-Zyl (Benziner, 187 PS) has the 2AR-FE (2.5L 4-Zyl) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Toyota 3.5L V6 (Benziner, 270 PS) has the 2GR-FE (3.5L V6) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Bei Hybrid-Varianten kann der Wechselrichter bei hoher Laufleistung ausfallen. Teures Bauteil, Tausch aufwendig.

On hybrid variants, the inverter can fail at high mileage. Expensive component, complex replacement.

Symptoms: Hybrid warning, power loss, vehicle enters limp mode
from 150,000 km
Ad inverter Toyota Highlander Hybridinverter assembly Highlander XU40
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
1,357 complaints · 2008–2013
Steering
201 ⚠ 9
Electrical
195 ⚠ 3
Brakes
192 ⚠ 26
Engine
162 ⚠ 3
Cruise Control
141 ⚠ 51

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Steering (201 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (195 complaints)
⚠ Brakes (192 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 9 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Highlander XU40 (2008–2013) — 6 engine-related and 3 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Brakes. Considered reliable: 2GR-FE (3.5L V6), 2AR-FE (2.5L 4-Zyl).

What to watch out for with the Toyota Highlander? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Toyota Highlander XU40 have? +
The Toyota Highlander XU40 has 6 known engine weaknesses and 3 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Highlander XU40? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: 2GR-FE (3.5L V6), 2AR-FE (2.5L 4-Zyl). The most reliable engine is the 2AR-FE (2.5L 4-Zyl) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the 2GR-FE (3.5L V6).
Which Toyota Highlander XU40 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Toyota Highlander XU40. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Toyota Highlander XU40 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Toyota Highlander XU40 — rated: "Decent". {description} 270 hp V6 in the Highlander: enough power for anything. Reliable engine, solid automatic. Not an adventure SUV, but a faithful family hauler.
Is the Toyota Highlander XU40 worth buying used? +
The Toyota Highlander XU40 is a good choice as a used car — 2 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota Highlander XU40? +
The Toyota Highlander XU40 is available with engine variants from 178 to 295 hp. Petrol: 2GR-FE (3.5L V6), 2AR-FE (2.5L 4-Zyl).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee