Toyota Highlander XU40
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The second Highlander grew larger and more comfortable — now with the 2GR-FE V6 (3.5L, 201 kW) and a hybrid variant. First with standard three-row seating.
The 2GR-FE from 2008-2011 has the documented piston ring issue with excessive oil consumption — Toyota issued only a TSB, not a recall. The rubber VVT-i oil line (pre-April 2008) can rupture, spraying oil onto hot exhaust. The hybrid with 2AR-FXE is more efficient with fewer engine problems.
Test-drive checklist: 2GR-FE: oil consumption over 1,000 miles. VVT-i oil line (pre-2008). Hybrid: battery health.
2026 market: Between $8,800 and $22,000. Hybrid holds value better.
Insider pick: Highlander Hybrid from 2012+ — after the oil fix, the most reliable option.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Toyota Highlander XU40 is available with 2 engine variants — from 178 to 295 hp.
2.5-litre four-cylinder fitted in the mid-size class and in compact SUVs, valued for its smoothness and economy. The known weakness is elevated oil consumption from low-tension piston rings, for which the maker issued a technical service bulletin and settled a class action. Early years show a documented camshaft-gear rattle on cold start. The water pump with its plastic impeller wears out and should be checked for leaks when buying, as should the oil level. Overall, once warranty repairs have been done, it is a solid, durable engine.
- !! TSB 0194-14: Toyota extended warranty. Low-tension piston rings glaze over and increase oil consumption. from 100,000 km
TSB 0194-14: Toyota extended warranty. Low-tension piston rings, same root cause as predecessor 2AZ-FE.
Symptoms: Oil level drop between changes, blue smoke possible - !! Flügelrad verschleißt, Dichtungen veröden. Standardmäßig ab ~130.000 km einplanen. from 130,000 km
Impeller wears, seals degrade. Standard replacement from ~80k miles.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, drip under engine - ! TSB T-SB-0041-13: brief knock on cold start. Camshaft gear must be replaced. 2012 model year only.
TSB T-SB-0041-13: brief knocking on cold start. Camshaft gear unit needs replacement. 2012 model year only.
Symptoms: Brief knocking/rattle on cold start, disappears after seconds
3.5-litre V6 — Toyota's universal six-cylinder from midsize cars up to SUVs, balanced between smoothness and durability. Timing chain, maintenance-free. The cam tower oil leak occurs as on the big V8 but less often; on early build years also watch for leaking intake-manifold hoses. Budget for a water pump from around 130,000 km — it often signals itself with a light coolant weep. Oil changes every 10,000 to 15,000 km. Overall one of the most reliable V6s on the market, with documented lifespans past 400,000 km.
- !! VVT-i oil line rupture (engine damage risk!) from 60,000 km
Rubber VVT-i oil supply hose on pre-April 2008 engines can suddenly rupture and dump all engine oil in 30 seconds. Toyota LSC 90K: replacement with metal line.
Symptoms: Sudden large oil puddle under engine, oil pressure warning, engine noise - !! Kolbenring-Defekt — exzessiver Ölverbrauch (2007–2011) from 60,000 km
Defekte Kolbenringe verursachen bis 1 Liter Ölverlust pro 1.000 km. Toyota gab nur TSB statt Rückruf aus. 285+ Beschwerden beim Camry V6 allein.
Symptoms: Blauer Rauch beim Beschleunigen, Motor braucht 1L Öl/1.500–3.000 km - !! Cam tower RTV sealant ages — oil leak at front of engine from 150,000 km
RTV sealant at cam tower ages. Same issue as Toyota V8 engines, less common on V6.
Symptoms: Oil smell, oil trail at front of engine
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid inverter can fail at high mileage. Expensive component with a labor-intensive replacement. 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 | High | |
| Door lock actuator failure Door locks appear to engage when using the key fob, but the physical lock mechanism fails to latch. Doors remain unlocked. A class-action lawsuit was filed in 2024. Symptoms: Remote triggers locking sound but door remains unlocked; clicking without latch engagement | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 16 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Highlander XU40 (2008–2013) — 8 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Brakes, Cooling. Considered reliable: 2AR-FE (2.5L 4-Zyl).
Highlander (2GR-FE, 2008–2013) — Be Careful: VVT-i oil line rupture (engine damage risk!), Kolbenring-Defekt — exzessiver Ölverbrauch (2007–2011), Cam tower RTV sealant ages — oil leak at front of engine. Power: 270 PS.
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? +
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Highlander XU40? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Toyota Highlander XU40 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Toyota Highlander XU40 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Toyota Highlander XU40 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota Highlander XU40? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee