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Toyota Highlander Driving Vibration

26 messages,  Last post on Sep 09, 2012 at 10:12 AM

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#1 of 26 2008 Highlander Driving Vibration by tlombardo

May 29, 2008 (3:16 pm)

I just bought an 08 Highlander Base 2WD yesterday and have noticed a vibration while driving during certain instances. Unfortunately it is not constant and I haven't been able to make it happen on purpose. When it does happen, it occurs a second or two after I accelerate and take my foot off the pedal (when I'm not pushing the gas or slowing down). It's like the car is deciding which gear to be in...the whole thing just vibrates for 2-3 seconds. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, is it an easy fix or did I get a lemon? Thanks in advance!

#2 of 26 Re: 2008 Highlander Driving Vibration [tlombardo] by other1

May 29, 2008 (6:53 pm)

Replying to: tlombardo (May 29, 2008 3:16 pm)
Perhaps you'd be better off taking your problem to your dealer instead of asking some unknown on the internet. Your dealer is also better able to deal with the problem.

#3 of 26 Re: 2008 Highlander Driving Vibration [tlombardo] by nimrod99

May 29, 2008 (8:30 pm)

Replying to: tlombardo (May 29, 2008 3:16 pm)
can you provide more details?
what speed
forward or reverse
is it just a single 'thump" or a shudder?
 
I have a AWD LTD, and I notice if I shift from reverse to forward while the car is still rolling backwards at 1 mph, it does have a very slight shudder.
 
Trying to diagnose a problem over the internet is really tricky.
 
Also, from what you are describing, it seems that when you try to accelerate, the tendency is to down shift, but if you back of the accelerator before the transmission has had time to downshift, of course theres going to be a situation as to which gear it wants to be in.

#4 of 26 Re: 2008 Highlander Driving Vibration [nimrod99] by tlombardo

May 30, 2008 (3:56 am)

Replying to: nimrod99 (May 29, 2008 8:30 pm)
It seems to happen in forward going 35mph or above. Also, I don't do any manual shifting. It's definitely a shudder, not a thump. I'll accelerate and then coast for a few seconds before it occurs. Of course this doesn't always happen, which makes the issue hard to pinpoint. I plan of taking it into the dealer, but was hoping someone else knew what this might be so that I could point them in a better direction. Thanks again.

#5 of 26 Re: 2008 Highlander Driving Vibration [nimrod99] by mdhutton

May 30, 2008 (3:52 pm)

Replying to: nimrod99 (May 29, 2008 8:30 pm)
I'd shudder too if you shifted me from reverse to forward while I was still rolling backwards.

#6 of 26 Re: 2008 Highlander Driving Vibration [mdhutton] by nimrod99

Jun 02, 2008 (8:10 am)

Replying to: mdhutton (May 30, 2008 3:52 pm)
mdhutton
It doesn't really shudder
I know that shifting into D when the car is rolling back at 1 mph doesn't have any adverse affect on the tranny.
 
I am just trying to help the person diagnose their problem

#7 of 26 Re: 2008 Highlander Driving Vibration [tlombardo] by jmiyahira

Jun 06, 2008 (12:03 pm)

Replying to: tlombardo (May 29, 2008 3:16 pm)
YOU are NOT alone!
I just bought a 2008 Sport trim ( with leather and 3rd seat) a month ago and have the same problem. Vehicle vibrates ( fine vibration but annoying enough to notice/ it wasn't there when i first brought it home) while driving at sporadic times. Usually it is when accelerating but most often at 50 mph +. . It ALSO started vibrating ( sporadically) on START UP in the mornings, (after a week of ownership). This vibration is more pronounced than the one during movement-- it is a dull humming vibration as soon as you turn the key. I don't even put my foot on the accelerator.
 I am trying to decide whether or not to take it in to our dealer. I am very dissapointed with that prospect because I have heard so many bad things about Toyota's DECLINE in the service world. I spoke to my car rep. about it before I purchased and he said that they are making major changes and I should not have any problems with service- Toyota is working fast to rectify the issue because they have been taking huge losses with that issue- customers have gone to Honda. I hope he is not wrong. I did not think I'd have these problems so early.
What makes it hard to assess is that it is sporadic. It does not do this every morning.
 Another issue that I am starting to notice ...The ride used to be quiet but there are times when it sounds like there someone left the back window down.
 
Has anyone noticed 2-3 second acceleration lag when accelerating? It just started doing this.

#8 of 26 Re: 2008 Highlander Driving Vibration [jmiyahira] by yorf

Jul 02, 2008 (2:06 pm)

Replying to: jmiyahira (Jun 06, 2008 12:03 pm)
We have only had our 08 Limited for a couple of weeks, but I too noticed a vibration coming through the steering wheel. Occurred around 100 kph and above to about 120 kph. Once again vibration may be not the most accurate way of describing the condition. More of a lower pulsating kind of high frequency shudder. I had the vehicle into the shop for another issue and informed them about the shudder. They reported back that a tire was slightly out of balance. They corrected the balancing issue and rotated the tires. I really don't think rotating the tires should have been necessary. They may have done that to make sure the problem front tire was moved back temporarily. Can't wait to it's rotated up front again. I won't be surprise if the shudder comes back. Just out of curiosity, what tires do you have on your Sport? I have the Toyo "Open Country" A20s and I don't think they are going to last very long.
 
Also noticed that on cooler mornings, as reported by other owners, the vehicle runs surprisingly rough when it is first started.
 
I have not noticed any acceleration lag. I did notice it on the previous incarnation of Highlander. In 2005 I test drove a Highlander and the lag was very noticeable. For that reason, I did not get a Highlander. Instead went to a Pacifica. So far no acceleration lag in the 08 Highlander but there are some other handling issues that are disappointing compared to the Pacifica.

#9 of 26 Re: 2008 Highlander Driving Vibration [jmiyahira] by ccacta

Sep 25, 2009 (9:44 am)

Replying to: jmiyahira (Jun 06, 2008 12:03 pm)
Did you ever find out what was wrong with your Highlander? We just bought a 2009 and it is doing the same thing you described.

#10 of 26 Re: 2008 Highlander Driving Vibration [ccacta] by tlombardo

Sep 25, 2009 (9:56 am)

Replying to: ccacta (Sep 25, 2009 9:44 am)
Either its not doing it anymore or I just don't notice it anymore. You'll be very happy with your purchase.

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