2010 Toyota Highlander
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 238 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 25 Highlander model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 19 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 15 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerJun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Campaign 16V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 22, 2015
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Campaign 15V689000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerNov 19, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Campaign 14V743000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleApr 9, 2014
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
Campaign 14V168000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsApr 9, 2013
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 13V123000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveJan 16, 2013
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 13V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 10V036000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Campaign 10V035000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalJan 27, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, VENZA AND MATRIX PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT. THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A CAMPAIGN OF 3.8 MILLION OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES ANNOUNCED IN 2009 FOR THE SAME ISSUE (SEE 09V-388).
A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
TOYOTA WILL MODIFY OR REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FLOOR SURFACE MODIFICATIONS ARE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED AND WILL BE INCLUDED FOR ANY MODEL FOR WHICH IT IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE. INITIALLY, DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO RESHAPE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FOR THE REPAIR. AS REPLACEMENT PARTS WITH THE SAME SHAPE AS THE MODIFIED PEDAL BECOME AVAILABLE, THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE DEALERS FOR THE REPAIR. CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD THE PEDAL RESHAPE REMEDY COMPLETED WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A NEW PEDAL IF THEY DESIRE, AFTER REPLACEMENT PEDALS BECOME AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, TOYOTA WILL REPLACE ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT IN A SUBJECT VEHICLE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT BUT DO NOT NEED OR WANT THE NEWLY DESIGNED ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT, TOYOTA WILL RECOVER THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT AND REIMBURSE ITS PRICE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN MARCH 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 10V023000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalJan 21, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 CAMRY, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX, RAV4, MODEL YEAR 2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SEQUOIA, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 TUNDRA VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BAR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PEDAL TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS FOR THE PONTIAC VIBE PLEASE SEE 10V-018. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2010 AND WILL BE COMPLETED ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 10V017000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
55 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, May 1, 2018
THE REAR LIFTGATE DOOR AJAR KEEPS GOING OF EVERY TIME I TURN OR HIT A BUMP. WHEN THIS WARNING KEEPS GOING OF I DO NOT KNOW IF ANY OTHER DOOR IS OPEN AND RISK ONE OF MY CHILDREN FALLING OUT OF THE CAR WHEN DRIVING AND RISKING DEATH OR INJURY. THE ONLY REASON I KNOW IT IS THE REAR LIFTGATE IS THAT I FOUND THIS ISSUE ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND FOUND YOUTUBE VIDEOS ON THE ISSUE
Electrical system, Apr 10, 2018
OPEN DOOR CHIME AND INTERIOR LIGHT COME ON INTERMITTENTLY WHEN MAKING SHARP TURNS OR BUMPS
Electrical system, Mar 29, 2018
I HAVE A BACK DOOR ON ALL THE TIMES BECAUSE THE BACK DOOR NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY ,I TRY TO FIX , BUT DID NOT HELP .FINALLY I HAD TO REMOVE THE ELECTRICAL SW .AND I COULD NOT OPEN THE BACK DOOR ,BUT I DO HAVE PROBLEM WHEN I HAVE A FLAT TIRE
Electrical system, Dec 24, 2017
BACK DOOR STATES THAT IT IS AJAR EVEN WHEN IT IS COMPLETELY CLOSED. THIS SEEMS TO BE SAFETY ISSUE TO ME AND TOYOTA SHOULD CHECK AND ISSUE AN RECALL.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 12, 2017
HYDRAULICS AND/OR ELECTRIC ON REAR LIFT GATE FAULTY. THE AUTOMATIC LIFT FUNCTION DOES NOT PROPERLY ALIGN THE BACK LIFT DOOR UPON CLOSURE. THE HATCH MUST BE CLOSED MANUALLY.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2017
INDICATOR WARNING FOR REAR BACK DOOR OPEN WHEN IT IS SECURE AND LOCKED. INTERIOR LIGHTS GO ON AS WELL AS WARNING BELL. VEHICLE BROUGHT TO TOYOTA SERVICE DEPT. STATE THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE-HOWEVER IT IS BECOMING MORE FREQUENT EACH TIME I DRIVE VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Jun 30, 2017
THE DOOR AJAR INDICATOR ON THE DASH IS LIT UP 100% OF THE TIME EVEN THOUGH IT APPEARS THAT ALL DOORS ARE CLOSED. THIS PROBLEM STARTED APPROX. 2 YEARS AGO. IN ADDITION IF THE CAR SITS FOR MORE THAN 1 DAY, IT DRAINS THE BATTERY AND THE CAR HAS TO BE JUMPED. WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN OR START FROM A STOPPED POSITION, THE WARNING SOUND DINGS. AND THE KEY FOB CANNOT BE USED TO LOCK THE CAR. MY MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT IT IS THE REAR HATCH SENSOR THAT IS FAULTY. MAYBE THE SENSOR IS FAULTY OR MAYBE I THINK THE HATCH IS CLOSED AND LATCHED AND IT REALLY ISN'T OR IT IS BUT AT ANY MOMENT, THE LATCH COULD RELEASE AND THE HATCH FLY OPEN. AFTER DOING A GOOGLE SEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM, I DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR HIGHLANDER....I HAVE ATTACHED A FILE THAT CONTAINS SCREEN SHOTS OF OTHERS WITH THIS ISSUE. I STOPPED CUTTING AND PASTING AFTER 17 PAGES. THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT COMPROMISES THE QUALITY OF THE BATTERY AND THERE REALLY COULD BE A DOOR AJAR WHEN YOU THINK THE WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH IS JUST FROM THE FAULTY HATCH SENSOR. (HEAVEN FORBID A CHILD SHOULD FALL OUT OF THE BACK SEAT WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD). I WOULD LIKE TO SEE TOYOTA TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM AND ISSUE A RECALL.
Electrical system, Jul 26, 2016
WHILE IN MOTION THE HEADS UP DISPLAY INDICATES THAT THE REAR DOOR IS OPEN. THIS COMES ON PERIODICALLY WHEN WINDOWS ARE DOWN OR WHEN MAKING TURNS OR ACCELERATION. THE DOME LIGHTS COME ON AND THE DOOR OPEN CHIME DINGS. THE COMPUTER THINKS THE REAR DOOR IS OPEN. I HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE AN ISSUE WHILE RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET. THIS IS ONE SOURCE WITH MULTIPLE PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/TOYOTA/HIGHLANDER/2010/ELECTRICAL/ELECTRICAL_SYSTEM.SHTML.
Electrical system, Jul 21, 2016
BACK DOOR "OPEN" LIGHTS FLASH NON STOP IN WARM WEATHER. IT'S SO ANNOYING. WHY IS THEIR NO RECALL ON THIS? I BOUGHT THE CAR USED WITHOUT KNOWING THIS ANNOYING ISSUE
Electrical system, Jun 20, 2016
SAFETY HAZARD - BEGINNING IN MID 2014, MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK STARTED TO GIVE ME PROBLEMS NOT LOCKING WITH THE REMOTE. I CHANGED THE BATTERY SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL. SOON, THE OTHER DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING ONE BY ONE. EVENTUALLY, NONE OF THE LOCKS WORKED WITH THE REMOTE OR BY PRESSING THE POWER LOCK BUTTONS ON THE DOORS. WHEN THIS PROBLEM INITIALLY STARTED, I NOTICED MY RADIO STATION INFORMATION WOULD ALSO DISAPPEAR OR BE ILLEGIBLE. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, IT WAS OVER $1,000 TO HAVE THE ACTUATORS REPAIRED, SINCE THEY HAD "GONE BAD". AFTER RESEARCHING A BIT, I NOTICED SEVERAL MAKES, MODELS AND YEARS OF TOYOTA VEHICLES ARE ALSO HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAD $50,000 MILES AT MOST WHEN ALL THIS STARTED, AND I MAINTAIN THE SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE. I THINK TOYOTA IS WELL AWARE OF THE FAULTY PARTS THEY HAVE INSTALLED BUT DON'T WANT TO MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS DUE TO THE COST. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE IF SOMEONE THINKS THEY HAVE LOCKED THEIR VEHICLE AND COULD BE A VICTIM OF A SERIOUS CRIME OR OTHER SAFETY HAZARD.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 20, 2016
WHEN STATIONARY OR DRIVING, DASHBOARD DOOR-OPEN LIGHT STAYS ON. ALL DOME LIGHTS STAY ON WHEN DRIVING UNLESS TURNED COMPLETELY OFF ON DASHBOARD BUT THEY WILL STILL FLICKER AND WARNING SOUND WILL GO ON AND OFF WHEN DRIVING, TURNING A CORNER, OR GOING OVER A BUMP ON ANY ROAD. WHEN LOCKING THE CAR WITH THE DOOR-REMOTE, THE WARNING SOUND GOES ON AND STAYS ON UNTIL CAR IS UNLOCKED. CAR MUST BE LOCKED BY HAND TO STOP WARNING SOUND. CAR WAS SENT TO TOYOTA REPAIR CENTER FOR ELECTRICAL REPAIRS, BUT THIS WARNING LIGHT ISSUE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE IS A BUMP IN THE REAR HATCH FROM BACKING UP IN A GARAGE. SERVICE DEPT. SAID REAR DOOR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED BECAUSE REAR HATCH WOULD NOT CLOSE CORRECTLY. HOWEVER, REAR HATCH HAS ALWAYS CLOSED AND STILL CLOSED. TOYOTA COULD NOT GUARANTEE A NEW HATCH OR REPAIRED BODY WORK WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. WARNING LIGHTS PROBLEM STARTED MONTHS BEFORE REAR DOOR ISSUE. TOYOTA OFFERED TO TURN WARNING SOUND OFF, BUT I FEEL IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I ROUTINELY CHECKED IF ANY DOOR IS OPEN.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 11, 2016
DOOR SENSORS SHOW DOOR OPEN, DOOR CHIMES, AND INTERIOR LIGHTS FLASH WHEN IN MOTION DRIVING OVER LIGHT BUMP ON ALL ROADS, HIGHWAY OR CITY STREETS. AND/OR WHEN DRIVING FROM THE STREET INTO DRIVEWAY AT 1MPH AT ALL TIMES AS UP OVER SLIGHT CURB. HAPPENS WHEN I SHIFT THE GEARS INTO MOTION. STARTED IN SEPT. 2015 TO CURRENT DATE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2015
OPEN-DOOR WARNING KEEPS POPPING IN THE DASH WHEN DRIVING, AS WELL AS THE LIGHT INSIDE INSIDE THE CAR (CONSISTENT WITH AN OPEN DOOR). THE PROBLEM STARTED AT FIRST AS THE CAR WOULD BE TURNING AT VERY LOW SPEED. IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE OVER THE NEXT 2 WEEKS AND NOW HAPPENS ALMOST ANYTIME THERE IS A BUMP IN THE ROAD, OR WHEN CORNERING, AS WELL AS WHEN HITTING THE BRAKES, EVEN GENTLY. I CHANGED ALL THE DOOR SENSORS BUT IT DID NOT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE.
Electrical system, Jul 22, 2015
DRIVER DOOR LOCK QUICK WORKING. COULD ONLY UNLOCK WITH KEY OR BY CRAWLING OVER PASSENGER SEAT. TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS ACTUATOR. THEY FIXED FOR ALMOST $600. LESS THAN MONTH LATER PASSENGER DOOR LOCK DID SAME THING. CALLED DEALER AND WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO GET IT FIXED. LET IT STAY THAT WAY UNTIL MAY 2015. LOCAL MECHANIC FIXED FOR LITTLE OVER $300. ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER, DRIVER DOOR LOCK WILL NOT UNLOCK AT TIMES WHEN IT WILL NOT, THE KEY NOW WON'T WORK. HAVE TO CRAWL ACROSS PASSENGER SEAT TO UNLOCK I HAVE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET ABOUT THIS ISSUE. ACTUATORS NEED RECALLING BB
Electrical system, Jun 16, 2015
INFORMATION CENTER IS FLASHING OVERHEADLIGHTS, AUDIBLE WARNING BELL, VISUAL WARNING LIGHTS FLASH ON DRIVERS DISPLAY, UNABLE TO LOCK VEHICLE. THIS IS ALLL DUE TO THE TAILGATE REGISTERING AS OPEN WHEN IN FACT IT IS CLOSED. IF YOU UNPLUG THE SENSOR, IT WILL NOT ALLOW ACCESS INTO OR OUT OF THE REAR DOOR. IT HAS NOW STARTED TO NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO BE LOCKED - SAYING THERE IS A DOOR OPEN (REAR). IF YOU GO AROUND AND INDEPENDENTLY SLAM DOORS ONE AT A TIME AND THEN TRY TO LOCK WITH THE REMOTE AFTER EACH, IT WILL EVENTUALLY ALLOW U TO LOCK AFTER SLAMMING PASS FT. DOOR. THE IS A NOTABLE PROBLEM FOR THIS SERIES AND IS BECOMING QUITE PREVALENT . DEALER SAYS DON'T KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING IT. INDEPENDANT MECHANIC SAY IT IS DOOR ACTUATOR - WHICH IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE.
Electrical system, Mar 27, 2015
IN JANUARY OF 2013, I TOOK MY HIGHLANDER INTO A DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM WITH MY DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AUTOMATIC LOCK, WHICH HAD COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING AT AROUND 46,000 MILES. THIS MEANS I HAD TO PHYSICALLY PRESS THE LOCK AS NOT EVEN THE KEY WOULD WORK. I HAD TO OPEN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, CRAWL ACROSS THE SEAT, & UNLOCK THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IN ORDER TO GET IN MY CAR. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR, WHICH WENT OUT, & IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. RATHER THAN PAYING $575 AT THE DEALER, I FOUND A MECHANIC THAT ORDERED THE PART & REPLACED THE ACTUATOR FOR LESS THAN $400. LESS THAN THREE MONTHS LATER, AT JUST OVER 50,000 MILES & ONLY 2.5 YEARS OF OWNING THE CAR, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE ACTUATOR WENT OUT. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I HAD SOME WORDS WITH THE DEALER, & THEY AGREED TO DO A ONE-TIME "COURTESY" FIX, REPLACING IT AT NO COST. OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, BOTH OF THE REAR DOOR ACTUATORS WENT OUT. NOT WANTING TO SPEND $800+ TO REPLACE THE ACTUATORS, I DECIDED TO LIVE WITH RISK & ANNOYANCE THIS CAUSED, HOPING THERE'D SOON BE A RECALL. WELL, HERE WE ARE IN MARCH 2015, & AT 87,000 MILES, GUESS WHAT? THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE ACTUATOR IS GOING OUT AGAIN. SEARCHING THE WEB FOR THIS ISSUE, I FOUND HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS, OVER A VARIETY OF MODELS & YEARS. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE & TOYOTA NEEDS TO RECALL ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. I CAN COME UP WITH AT LEAST A DOZEN SCENARIOS WHERE THIS ISSUE COULD CAUSE SERIOUS HARM TO THE CAR'S OCCUPANTS. IF I CAN'T GET TO MY CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT BECAUSE I'VE BEEN IN A WRECK & DOOR IS LOCKED; IF I AM CAR-JACKED B/C THE DOOR WOULDN'T LOCK; IF I HAVE TO ENTER THROUGH THE PASSENGER'S SIDE TO UNLOCK MY DOOR AND X/Y/Z HAPPENS... I'VE ALREADY LOCKED MYSELF OUT DUE TO THIS ISSUE (CAR THINKS DOORS ARE UNLOCKED & WON'T WARN ME MY KEYS ARE INSIDE)! HELP! *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Oct 21, 2014
SEVERAL TIMES SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT DRIVER'S WINDOW WILL COME OFF TRACK AND NOT ALLOW TO ROLL UP THE WINDOW. THIS REALLY IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE HOWEVER ONE TIME THE WINDOW DID NOT COME OFF TRACK HOWEVER THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. WE HAD TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS WAS VERY SCARY SINCE MY WIFE DRIVES THE VEHICLE AND TRANSPORTS OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDSON. I WAS AFRAID IF SHE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE POWER WINDOW DID NOT WORK SHE WOULD HAVE TO FIND ANOTHER WAY TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN OUT OF WARRANTY, WE FOUND ANOTHER PLACE TO FIX THE ISSUE. WE STILL HAVE ISSUES AT TIMES WITH THE WINDOW. ANOTHER ISSUE IS THAT THE REAR DOOR SENSOR CONSTANTLY INDICATES THE DOOR IS OPEN WHEN IT IS NOT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE REAR DISPLAY STOPS WORKING AND SAYS REAR DOOR OPEN, THE OVERHEAD LIGHTS FLASH, AND THE DOOR CHIME SOUNDS. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IT CAUSES A DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING. WITH THE DOOR CHIMING, LIGHTS FLASHING, AND THE REAR DISPLAY SHOWING A MESSAGE, IT TAKES OUR ATTENTION AWAY FROM DRIVING. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 27, 2014
WE HAVE A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER AND THE DOME LIGHTS TURN ON & THE DOOR AJAR ALARM SOUNDS WHILE TURNING LEFT & SOMETIMES WHILE TURNING RIGHT. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHEN ROLLING UP OR DOWN THE PASSENGERS SIDE WINDOW. TOOK IT TO DEALER & THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIR IT. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 20, 2014
2010 HIGHLANDER 4WD: SYSTEM CHECK PANEL INDICATES REAR WINDOW IS OPEN WHEN IT'S NOT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I TAKE A LEFT TURN OR HIT A DIP IN THE ROAD. ALSO IF THE MOON ROOF IS OPEN AND CLOSED AND WHEN THE DRIVERS OR PASSENGER WINDOW IS OPEN AND CLOSED THE PANEL WILL LIGHT UP, CHIME AND INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL ALL COME ON. THE ONLY TIME THE WINDOWS AND MOON ROOF SEEM TO EFFECT IT IS WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. OTHERWISE THE SMALLER SIDE ROADS EFFECT IF WITH NO RHYME OR REASON. PROBLEM HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY WORSE OVER TIME. MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM SINCE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME THE CAR IS RUNNING. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR ALARM WOULD SOUND WHILE TURNING LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Electrical system, Jul 26, 2014
DOOR AJAR CHIME GOES OFF AND SOMETIMES DOME LIGHTS FLASH ON WHEN MAKING A TURN, STOPPING, OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THIS PRIMARILY HAPPENS WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS HOT (95+). ADDITIONALLY, THE RADIO DISPLAY WILL SHOW ILLEGIBLE INFORMATION OCCASIONALLY. I'VE HAD THE RADIO REPLACED, BUT THE ISSUE REMAINS. THIS WILL GO AWAY WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON AND ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE IS HOT (95+). *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 3, 2014
RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM STREET TOYOTA CONCERNING A RECALL FOR MY 2010 HIGHLANDER. THEY SAID THAT THEY NEEDED 5 MINUTES TO DO A RECALL ON THE COMPUTER. I CHECKED THE RECALLS AND DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING. I THINK THAT THEY ARE UP TO SOMETHING. I REFUSED THE APPOINTMENT. THANKS *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Jun 10, 2013
2010 HIGHLANDER 4WD: SYSTEM CHECK PANEL INDICATING THE REAR DOOR IS OPEN, WHEN IT'S NOT. SOMETIMES THE INDICATOR ONLY CHIMES (& OVERHEAD LIGHT BLINKS) WHEN WE TAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. SOMETIMES IT CHIMES CONTINUOUSLY AS SOON AS WE GET THE CAR INTO GEAR. THE BACK DOOR IS MOST DEFINITELY CLOSED EACH TIME; THE BACK DOOR INDICATOR IS MALFUNCTIONING. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 20, 2012
MULTIPLE BATTERY FAILURES REQUIRING JUMP STARTS: SEVEN (7) TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THIS SUV IN FEB 2011. THREE TIMES THERE WAS A POSSIBLE KNOWN CAUSE FOR THE BATTERY DRAIN: THE PASSENGER VANITY MIRROR LIGHT WAS LEFT ON FOR 15 MINUTES, 2 HOURS, AND AN UNKNOWN LENGTH OF TIME. NONE OF THESE THREE EPISODES WAS SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH TO CAUSE A COMPLETELY DEAD BATTERY IN ONE THAT HAS BEEN EVALUATED AS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. I DRIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS ALL WINTER. GETTING STRANDED IN AN ISOLATED PLACE CAN BE DEADLY DUE TOO EXPOSURE, RISK OF COLLISION ON SINGLE LANE SNOW-OCCLUDED ROADS WITH 2-WAY TRAFFIC AND FAST SNOW PLOWS. OTHER TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. TWICE NOW THE DEALER HAS SAID THERE IS "NO PROBLEM" WITH THE BATTERY. I AM PURSUING CORRECTION THROUGH THE LOCAL TOYOTA CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER AND WILL FOLLOW THROUGH WITH TOYOTA'S CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AND THE CALIFORNIA DISPUTE SETTLEMENT CENTER IF A PROMPT LOCAL SOLUTION IS NOT ACHIEVED. HTTP://ANSWERS.EDMUNDS.COM/QUESTION-WE-HAVE-A-2010-TOYOTA-HIGHLANDER-HYBRID-THE-BATTERY-IS-CONSTANTLY-DYING-ON-IT-EXAMPLE-LEAVE-DOOR-OPEN-10-MINUTES-AND-IT-S-DEAD-144840.ASPX *JS
Electrical system, Dec 2, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY DIED PREMATURELY. THE DEALER MADE TWO ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE BY CHANGING THE BATTERY. ON THE THIRD OCCASION, THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER WHO ADVISE THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DRIVEN AT LEAST 15 MILES PER DAY TO PREVENT THE BATTERY FROM GOING DEAD BECAUSE OF THE DESSERT-LIKE CLIMATE IN WHICH THE CONTACT RESIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,200 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. UPDATED 01/05/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED TOYOTA FINALLY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE RECHARGED.