This article covers common Toyota Highlander problems that may appear on a 2nd gen Highlander. Learn the symptoms, causes, and fixes of the 2nd generation, years 2008 to 2013.
Top 5 2nd Gen Toyota Highlander Issues (2008 to 2013)
1. Water Pump Leak
Symptoms of a Water Pump Leak
- Leaking coolant on the ground
- Coolant leaking from the water pump
Causes of a Water Pump Leak
The seals behind the water pump can leak. The water pump tends to be the cause of coolant leaks on the 2nd gen Highlander.
How to Fix the Water Pump
The water pump is located at the front of the motor. If the water pump is leaking, replace it. Inspect other parts of the coolant system like the coolant hoses, radiator, and thermostat for leaks.
2. VVT Actuator Gears Failure
Symptoms of VVT Actuator Gears Failure
- Variable valve timing (VVT) engine code
Cause of VVT Actuator Gears Failure
Solenoids actuate the oil position to the gears to make adjustments for the VVT, and this is what gives the 2008 to 2013 Toyota Highlander its VVT. These gears are usually the reason for a problem with the timing.
How to Fix VVT Actuator Gears Failure
The VVT actuator gears are located underneath the valve covers. The repair requires replacing the valve cover and the timing chains. To prevent failure, change the oil regularly and check the oil level often.
3. Door Latch Actuator Failure
Symptoms of Door Latch Problems on the 2nd Gen Toyota Highlander
- When locking or unlocking the vehicle, one of the doors may not lock or unlock
Causes of a Bad Door Latch Actuator
A bad door lock actuator is probably the cause of the doors not locking or unlocking on the 2nd gen Highlander.
How to Fix a Bad Door Latch Actuator
To replace, remove the inner door panel, access the actuator and replace it. The actuator comes as an entire assembly, and it requires replacing the lock as well.
4. Knock Sensor Failure
Symptoms of Knock Sensor Failure
- Check engine light for a knock sensor code
Causes of Knock Sensor Failure
Usually the knock sensor itself or the wiring
How to Fix a Knock Sensor Failure
The knock sensor is located underneath the intake. It’s a detailed job that requires removing the intake plenum and the lower intake to access the knock sensor.
5. Ignition Coil Failure
Symptoms of Bad Ignition Coils
- Engine running rough
- Check engine light flashing and reads anywhere from codes P0300 to P0306
How to Fix Bad Ignition Coils
We recommend replacing the intake gasket, since the intake needs to be removed to access the coils, and the spark plugs at the same time.
2nd Generation Toyota Highlander Model Years
- 2008 Toyota Highlander
- 2009 Toyota Highlander
- 2010 Toyota Highlander
- 2011 Toyota Highlander
- 2012 Toyota Highlander
- 2013 Toyota Highlander
Related Content
- Bad Water Pump Symptoms? Learn how to diagnose them
- Bad water pump [Expert advice to diagnose & fix]
- Door Lock Actuator Not Working?
- How to Diagnose an Engine Misfire
- P0300 code: Mechanic advice to diagnose and fix
Shop 2nd Gen Toyota Highlander Parts
Oil cooler hose will burst, spraying oil out of block at exactly 100,000 miles +/- 2,000