Toyota Highlander Driving Vibration
I just bought an 2008 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!
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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.
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
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.
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.
While picking the car, the dealer kept telling me not to use cruise control for the first 500 miles - not sure if this is related. Will check with the dealer today.
The vehicle now has about 400 miles and the problem is still there - it occurs intermittently. Is this bad choice, should i have finalized a CX9 / Murano?
Is anyone else having this kind of a problem?
The weather is getting cold here in Chicago and I thought it could be a reason. But as ccacta said, the vibrations have come down to a bare minimum as I crossed 500 miles. They gradually tapered off and are almost non-existent now. Hopefully this will not repeat.
Otherwise, I think the vehicle is good value for the money. Love the JBL sound system...
It is annoying to hear this in new 36K vehicle. Does anybody else have this experience?
In my case - around 500 miles the car became super smooth - but the vibrations / grinding feel came back - more severe now. This roughness can be felt when the vehicle is parked or in motion. Unfortunately, I was not able to replicate the problem at the dealership - only a slight vibration was felt and the technician said it was normal and there is nothing that can be done. The complaint was documented.
I noticed that there is humming / vibrations even with the engine off - in the accessory mode! I plan to take it to a different dealership and see if they can diagnose the problem.
Yah, please take it to other dealer, you have 3 years to get this fixed.
since it goes away when you turn the wheel all the way to the right and left, has anyone considered that the steering rack is going bad, or that the power steering pump is broken? hope that helps. RR70
I have a 2005 HL 40cyl that is not garaged. I recently hit the 141,00 mark and needed a complete brake job (new rotors, pads, caliers, hoses, etc. on all 4s). Now I am hearing/sensing the vibration that is being mentioned here. I've been told that the struts need to be replaced but was wondering if the strut wear is related to the noise, or if the vibration/noise is related to the new (ultra expensive brakes).
To all Highlander Owners there is a very simple and cheap fix to this issue... my car hasn't been this smooth since I bought it!! I was always complaining about engine noise, vibration, on and off and sometimes and then not other times.... here's the answer!! There is a graphite like gasket in the exhaust that wears out. You buy the gasket and the spring bolts from Amazon for $20 and you'll find that the gasket is gone and the vibration which will just get worse is due to the two pipes rubbing against each other. http://www.carid.com/2008-toyota-highlander-exhaust-parts/walker-exhaust-gasket-18144288.html, the bolt is part 36454