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: service brakes
36 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Sep 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO STATED THIS WAS NORMAL FOR VEHICLE WITH ABS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.
Service brakes, Jun 13, 2014
WHEN I DEPRESS THE BRAKE TO MAKE A CONSISTENT SMOOTH STOP IF THE VEHICLE HITS BUMPS THE CAR SEEMS TO LOOSE ITS BRAKING POWER AND ALMOST FEELS LIKE IT SLIPS OUT FROM UNDER ME AS IT LURCHES AHEAD. THIS PROBLEM IS CONSISTENT IN THAT IT HAPPENS IN THE SAME SPOTS UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH IT COULD BE HAZARDOUS IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS. *JS
Service brakes, Jan 5, 2014
MY TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID HAS EXTREMELY POOR BRAKING IN SNOW / ICY CONDITIONS. EVEN AT EXTREMELY LOW SPEEDS (10 TO 15 MPH), THE CAR SKIDS FOR TENS OF FEET BEFORE COMING TO A HALT. THREE TIMES SO FAR, IT CAUSED DANGEROUS SITUATIONS BECAUSE THE CAR KEPT GOING DESPITE FULL ENGAGEMENT OF THE BRAKES. ONCE, I NARROWLY MISSED BEING HIT BY A 53' TRUCK BECAUSE MY CAR ROLLED INTO A MAJOR STREET, JUST BARELY GETTING BY BEFORE THE TRUCK CAME THROUGH. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO TALK WITH THE DEALER - THE RESPONSE IS THAT HYBRID CARS BRAKE DIFFERENTLY. I HAVE DRIVEN CARS FOR OVER 30 YEARS, AND I KNOW THERE IS A DEFECT IN HOW THE CAR'S HYBRID SYSTEM IS ENGAGING THE BRAKING FUNCTIONALITY. ITS A SHAME THAT A CAR THAT COST 50K ON THE ROAD HAS SUCH A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT THE MANUFACTURER AND ITS DEALERS REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE. *TR
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Apr 27, 2013, crash
I'D STOPPED ON THE RESIDENTIAL STREET TO LET A CAR PASS. AFTER THE CAR PASSED, I ATTEMPTED TO PULL UP ALONG THE CURB TO PARK, BUT THE CAR ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND AND THE STEERING DID NOT SEEM TO RESPOND. THE SPACE BETWEEN ACCELERATION AND IMPACT WAS 10-15 FEET. IT'S LIKE THE CAR HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN, AND I HAD NO CONTROL. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WAS SMASHED, THE HOOD WAS SMASHED, FRONT BUMPER AND PASSENGER SIDE FENDER WERE ALSO SMASHED. THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED THE CAR WAS THE TREE. ONCE IT STOPPED, I SIMPLY TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEY TOLD ME TO TOW IT TO SAN FRANCISCO TOYOTA FOR MECHANICAL INSPECTION. I CALLED SAN FRANCISCO TOYOTA AND SAID THAT I WAS TOWING MY CAR DOWN AND WAS TOLD THEY'D BE WAITING FOR IT. LATER THAT DAY I RECEIVED A CALL FROM DON'S AUTOBODY TELLING ME THEY HAD MY CAR. I CONFIRMED WITH SF TOYOTA AND THEY SAID THEY SENT THE CAR THERE AND THE AUTO BODY WORK HAD TO BE DONE PRIOR TO A MECHANICAL INSPECTION. ON 4/15/13, I WAS INFORMED THE CAR HAD BEEN REPAIRED AND WAS SENT TO SF TOYOTA. I REPEATEDLY CALLED SF TOYOTA TO SEE IF THEY HAD FOUND ANY MECHANICAL DEFECTS. ON 4/16/13, I WAS CONTACTED BY DON'S AUTOBODY AND TOLD THAT TOYOTA REFUSED TO INSPECT THE CAR. SINCE WE DON'T KNOW IF THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE, THE PERSON FROM THE AUTOBODY SHOP SUGGESTED WE CALL TOYOTA USA. TOYOTA USA OPENED A CASE AND HAS ENLISTED BILL FROM ENGINEERING ANALYTICS TO INSPECT THE CAR. BILL PLANS TO INSPECT THE CAR ON 4/30/13. HE WILL COLLECT DATA AND SEND IT TO TOYOTA. TOYOTA SAID THEY'LL REVIEW THE DATA AND WILL MAIL US THE RESULTS WITHIN 30 BUSINESS DAYS. WHEN WE EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT TOYOTA WAITED 6 WEEKS TO LOOK AT OUR CAR (WHICH THE AUTOBODY SAID THEY'VE DRIVEN), TOYOTA HAD NO COMMENT. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 3, 2012, crash
AS I WAS DRIVING TRAFFIC CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP. I APPLIED THE BRAKES HARD, HOWEVER WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP BEFORE HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. AS PART OF THE NECESSARY VEHICLE REPAIRS AFTER THE ACCIDENT, TO GET THE BRAKES TO OPERATE AGAIN PROPERLY, THE BRAKE LOAD SENSOR - AN ELECTRIC SENSOR ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THAT FEEDS BACK TO THE BRAKING COMPUTER SYSTEM HOW HARD BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED WAS FOUND TO HAVE FAILED, PRESUMABLY AT THE TIME AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT. THIS MALFUNCTION TRIPS A WARNING IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM, AND AFFECTS OPERABILITY OF THE BRAKES. RECENTLY ON JUNE 18, 2012 WHILE DRIVING ON A LOCAL STREET AT 25 MPH, A VEHICLE PASSED A STOP SIGN CROSSING IN FRONT OF ME NECESSITATING I BRAKE HARD TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. WHILE AN ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THIS A BRAKE MALFUNCTION WARNING CAME ON, AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM STOPPED OPERATING NORMALLY. THE DEALER FOUND THAT DUE TO THE HARD BRAKING, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME MISALIGNED, AND THE BRAKE LOAD SENSOR FAILED AGAIN. THIS PATTERN LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT IN INSTANCES OF HARD BRAKING, DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND/OR LOAD SENSOR CAN OCCUR, CAUSING A LOSS OF BRAKE POWER POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 7, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND. A WARNING BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE BACK ON THE WARNING LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE NOR DID THE FAILURE RECUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS BEING DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,400.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 17, 2010, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT AND LEVEL ROAD, AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. TRAFFIC CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP AND I APPLIED THE BRAKES IN A HARD AND SUDDEN MANNER, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP IN TIME, THOUGH I BELIEVE IT SHOULD HAVE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. MY VEHICLE STRUCK THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, ALSO PUSHING THAT VEHICLE INTO THE ONE IN FRONT OF IT. DURING REPAIRS, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE BRAKE PEDAL MECHANISM HAD FAILED AT SOME POINT, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, May 21, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, DURING BRAKING THERE WAS A DELAY IN THE RESPONSE TIME. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE IN OPERATION. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN IN AN IDLING POSITION THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE CAUSING A JERKING MOTION TO OCCUR. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTIONS WHICH THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Traction control system, Feb 17, 2010
ON DECEMBER 2, 2009, I TOOK DELIVERY OF A NEW 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SPORT MODEL, WITH A V-6 ENGINE AND 2 WHEEL DRIVE. THIS VEHICLE SUBSEQUENTLY WAS IDENTIFIED IN THE JANUARY & FEBRUARY, 2010 RECALL NOTICES AS BEING ONE OF THE VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THE STICKING GAS PEDAL PROBLEM. HOWEVER, PRECEDING THE RECALL NOTICES, ON JANUARY 15, 2010, I EXPERIENCED A BRAKE PEDAL FADE WHILE STOPPED ON LEVEL FLAT GROUND AT A RED TRAFFIC SIGNAL. I PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL HARDER TO ENSURE THAT I DID NOT DRIFT INTO THE REAR END OF THE CAR STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. UPON PRESSING DOWN HARDER ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE "HILL ASSIST" WARNING BUZZER SOUNDED EVEN THOUGH MY WHEELS WERE NOT SPINNING OR IN DANGER OF SPINNING. WHEN THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL CHANGED TO GREEN A MINUTE OR SO LATER, I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL AND LIGHTLY DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR TO START MOVING FORWARD. I FOUND THAT I HAD TO APPLY SUBSTANTIAL ( GREATER THAN NORMAL) PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO MAKE THE CAR MOVE FORWARD. THIS CAUSED GREAT CONCERN BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF MOVING FORWARD TOO QUICKLY FROM A DEAD STOP AND HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY SELLING DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE CHECKED OUT. I WAS ADVISED THAT THE CAR'S COMPUTER DID NOT SHOW ANY DEFAULTS AND THAT ALL SYMPTOMS WERE NORMAL. I WAS FURTHER ADVISED TO STOP PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL SO HARD. HOWEVER, MY CONCERN IS THAT WHENEVER THE "HILL ASSIST" SYSTEM IS ENGAGED (I CAN ENGAGE IT AT ANY TIME AT WILL), THERE IS A DISTINCT POSSIBILITY THAT THE EXTRA PRESSURE NEEDED TO START THE CAR MOVING FORWARD WILL CAUSE ME TO ACCELERATE INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THIS CONDITION IS COMPUTER RELATED AND PRESENTS AN IMMINENT DANGER TO BOTH MYSELF AND OTHER MOTORISTS DRIVING A SIMILAR EQUIPPED TOYOTA HIGHLANDER THEREFORE, I AM REQUESTING THAT AN INVESTIGATION BE COMMENCED IMMEDIATELY IN LIGHT OF TOYOTA'S MASSIVE RECALL PROBLEMS. THANK YOU.*TR
Service brakes, Electric, Feb 13, 2010
MY WIFE AND I HAVE NOTICED THAT OUR NEW 2010 HIGHLANDER HYBRID LIMITED HAS A DELAY FROM THE TIME YOU PUSH THE BRAKES TO THE TIME THE BRAKES RESPOND. THIS OCCURS CONSISTENTLY, ESPECIALLY AT LOW SPEEDS LIKE WHEN PARKING OR STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN. I WOULD GUESS THAT THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT THE PRIUS HAS. THIS COULD BE A REAL SAFETY ISSUE--ESPECIALLY FOR PEDESTRIANS SINCE THE CAR TAKES MORE DISTANCE TO STOP DUE TO THIS GAP. MY WIFE ACTUALLY EXPERIENCES A SMALL SURGE PRIOR TO THE GAP IN BRAKING. I JUST DID A QUICK WEB SEARCH AND SAW DOZENS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER HIGHLANDER HYBRID OWNERS. THANKS. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Feb 4, 2010
2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED HYBRID--BRAKING PROBLEMS. WHEN THE BRAKES ARE FIRST APPLIED, THEY ARE SOFT AND MUSHY. IF YOU SLAM ON THE BRAKES IN AN EMERGENCY, THEY STOP, BUT IN EVERYDAY STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES DOWN BUT DOESN'T SEEM TO ENGAGE UNTIL YOU REALLY PUT SOME WEIGHT ON IT. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR 2 MONTHS AGO. *TR