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: structure
15 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Structure, Apr 21, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HYDRAULIC LIFTGATE WOULD NOT OPEN AS NEEDED ELECTRICALLY AND MANUALLY. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO OPENED THE LIFTGATE WITH A MECHANICAL TOOL. THE MECHANIC THEN UNSCREWED AN ARM PIECE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE LIFTGATE WHICH ALLOWED HIM TO OPEN THE LIFTGATE MANUALLY. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Mar 5, 2021, fire
2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN GARAGE OF RESIDENCE, DESTROYING THE HIGHLANDER AND THE CAR PARKED ADJACENT TO IT, ALONG WITH MOST OF THE HOUSE. PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE HIGHLANDER WAS STATIONARY, WITH THE IGNITION OFF AND PARKED IN THE GARAGE. A SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION INCLUDING INSPECTING BURN PATTERNS AND THERMAL DAMAGE INDICATED THE FIRE ORIGINATED AT THE FRONT OF THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHERE THE FUSE PANEL, BATTERY AND STARTER/SOLENOID WERE LOCATED. ALL THREE SOURCES OF IGNITION REMAIN ENERGIZED WITH THE IGNITION OFF. THE UPPER PORTION OF THE PLASTIC HOUSING ON THE FUSE PANEL AND BATTERY HAD MELTED EXPOSING THE RECEIVERS FOR THE FUSES AND PLATES INSIDE THE BATTERY. THE ENDS OF THE RECEIVERS HAD ALLOYING ON THE RECEIVERS, BUT NO FAILURES WERE NOTED ON FUSE PANEL OR BATTERY. EXTREME THERMAL DAMAGE WAS OBSERVED ON THE CONNECTOR END OF THE SOLENOID WHERE MOST OF THE FACING HAD MELTED OR WAS CONSUMED. LINES OF DEMARCATION FROM EXTREME HEAT WAS OBSERVED ON THE REMAINING SECTION OF THE SOLENOID FACING. THE CABLE CONNECTING THE BATTERY TO THE SOLENOID WAS NOT CONNECTED TO THE SOLENOID DUE TO THE EXTREME DAMAGED TO THE SOLENOID. THE TERMINAL CONNECTOR ON THE CABLE SUSTAINED ARCING AND/OR MELTING OF THE METAL TERMINAL. THE CONCLUSIONS WERE THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A FAILED SOLENOID ATTACHED TO THE STARTER ON THE 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. LAB ANALYSIS OF THE STARTER/SOLENOID REVEALED FAILURE AT THE CONNECTION END OF THE SOLENOID WITH BEADING AND ARCING ON CONTACTS INSIDE THE SOLENOID.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Apr 28, 2019
FAULTY REAR DOOR AJAR SENSOR REPORTS REAR DOOR OPEN INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DOOR IS CLOSED CAUSING INTERIOR LIGHTS, WARNING LIGHTS, AND CHIMES. STARTED WITH ONLY TURNS, ACCELERATION, DECELERATION, BUT RAPIDLY DETERIORATED TO NEAR CONSTANT FAILURE, PARTICULARLY IN WARM WEATHER. INITIALLY STARTED NEAR 2 YEARS AGO (25K MILES), BUT WAS ONLY MILDLY IRRITATING. NOW VEHICLE CANNOT BE LOCKED WITH THIS CONDITION.
Structure, Oct 24, 2018
WHILE USING THE TAILGATE CLOSE BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB,CAR SHUT OFF AND PARKED, A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD WHILE THE DOOR WAS CLOSING AND THE DOOR JAMMED, SLIGHTLY OPENED AND IMMOVABLE. HAD TO TAKE THE CAR TO A CERTIFIED TOYOTA REPAIR FACILITY TO GET THE CLOSING SERVO DISCONNECTED SO THE DOOR WOULD SHUT. MANUAL OPERATION OF THE DOOR IS THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN AND CLOSE AT THIS TIME. NOTHING WAS BLOCKING THE DOOR AS IT WAS CLOSING AND COMPLETE REPAIR APPEARS TO BE VERY EXPENSIVE. BACK DOOR HINGES APPEAR TO BE SLIGHTLY OUT OF LINE BUT DOOR WILL CLOSE MANUALLY. T-SB-0038-15 ADDRESSES A PROBLEM SIMILAR TO THIS BUT THE DOOR WOULD OPEN - IN THIS CASE IT WOULD NOT UNTIL THE TOYOTA SERVICEMAN REMOVED THE SERVO.
Structure, Dec 27, 2016
POWER LIFT HATCHBACK DOOR NOT COSED ALL THE WAY. VERY DANGEROUS.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2016
IN LATE 2012, TOYOTA ISSUED A TSB RELATED TO THE REAR POWER LIFT GATE. INSTRUCTIONS WERE TO REPLACE THE HINGES, MOTOR UNIT, ETC... IF EVIDENCE OF FAILURE. LIMITATIONS WERE 3 YR 36,000 MILE WARRANTY. EXPLANATIONS FROM THE DEALER WERE THAT THE HINGES FOR THE BACK HATCH WERE UNDER MANUFACTURED FOR THE WEIGHT OF THE DOOR CAUSING THEM TO TWIST/WARP AND PULL AWAY FROM THE DOOR AND/OR FRAME. THIS ALSO CREATED UNDUE STRESS ON THE MOTOR ASSEMBLY UNIT OFTEN TIMES LEADING TO FAILURE. I HAD SERVICE PERFORMED IN EARLY 2013 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE TSB. I AM CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING THE IDENTICAL ISSUES AS STATED ABOVE BUT WORSE. THE DOOR NO LONGER OPERATES BY USING THE POWER LIFT FEATURE ON THE KEY FOB. THE DOOR IS AGAIN WARPED CAUSING THE GRINDING AND CLICKING NOISES WHEN YOU OPEN IT MANUALLY. THE MOTOR HAS FAILED AND I AM AFRAID MY ACTUAL DOOR IS WARPED. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MY DEALER AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE WORK WAS COMPLETED AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY COULD DO FOR ME. THIS IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT THE REPAIRS HAVE BEEN PROVEN TO BE LESS THAN EFFECTIVE. I DO NOT FEEL THIS IS A CAR MILEAGE ISSUE. IT IS SIMPLY A MANUFACTURING ERROR THAT HAS YET TO BE RESOLVED. TOYOTA FAILED TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. AFTER RESEARCHING MY PROBLEM I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN VERY LARGE CLASS ACTION LAW SUITS RELATED TO THIS VERY ISSUE. MANY TIMES THESE DOORS ARE NOT CLOSING AT ALL CREATING A POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE.
Structure, Jul 27, 2016
WHEN THE SERVICE MANAGER FROM COPELAND TOYOTA IN BROCKTON, MA AND I LOOKED AT THE TRUNK HINGES TOGETHER IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE TRUNK NOT CLOSING WAS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE WAY THAT THE HIGHLANDER WAS MANUFACTURED VERSUS DUE TO ANY FAULT OF OUR OWN. THIS ISSUE HAS LEFT MY CHILDREN AND I WITH A DRAINED BATTERY ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, WHICH IS NOT ONLY INCONVENIENT BUT A SAFETY ISSUE GIVEN THE RISKS INVOLVED WITH BEING STRANDED IN UNFAMILIAR TOWNS. THE MALFUNCTION AND INOPERABILITY OF OUR TRUNK DOOR LEAVES MY FAMILY AT RISK OF DANGER. HOWEVER, I WAS QUOTED $3,600 TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE BY A THIRD PARTY BODY SHOP THAT COPELAND TOYOTA USES. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR EXPENSES SHOULD NOT BE PAID BY MY FAMILY BUT RATHER TOYOTA SINCE THE ISSUE IS A DIRECT RESULT OF FAULTY MANUFACTURING. TO THIS POINT, I RECOGNIZE THAT I AM NOT ALONE, THERE ARE SEVERAL VIDEOS AND ENDLESS COMPLAINTS OF SEVERAL TOYOTA HIGHLANDERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE (NEWER MODELS AS WELL). HERE ARE A FEW VIDEOS THAT YOU CAN SEE FOR YOURSELF VIA YOUTUBE: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=9Z7EOPHQR0S I WOULD LIKE TO RECOMMEND THAT OWNERS OF TOYOTA HIGHLANDERS BE CONTACTED TO REMEDY THIS ISSUE.
Air bags, Seat belts, Structure, Apr 1, 2015, crash
ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN SOUTHBOUND LANE OF I-95 AT THE DILLON, SC EXIT ON 6/14/14. NORTHBOUND TRAILER LOST A TIRE/RIM DUE TO MECHANICAL FAILURE AND IT CROSSED THE MEDIUM AND IMPACTED OUR VEHICLE BLOWING THREE (3) AIRBAGS. THIS MODEL AND YEAR DID NOT INITIALLY HAVE TAKATA AIRBAGS INSTALLED DURING PRODUCTION. IT IS UNKNOWN, TO DATE, WHETHER THE REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS INSTALLED BY GRIFFIN TOYOTA AT ROCKINGHAM, NC WHERE MANUFACTURED BY TAKATA AND POSE A DANGER TO OCCUPANTS IF ACTIVATED. THE TAKATA AIRBAG PROBLEM DID NOT GET PUBLIC ATTENTION UNTIL THE OCTOBER & NOVEMBER, 2014, TIMEFRAME. I CONTACTED GRIFFIN TOYOTA STATING MY CONCERN IN JANUARY, 2015 AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY THE REPLACEMENT WERE MANUFACTURED BY TAKATA AND COULD BE DEFECTIVE. I HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY CONTACTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND REPORTED SAME (GIVEN CASE NUMBER [XXX]) AND THEM REFERRED ME TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP (CHARLES BARKER TOYOTA IN VIRGINIA BEACH, VA). THIS DEALERSHIP CONTINUES TO "STRUGGLE" TO GET THE INFORMATION FROM THE TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS IN CA TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE AIRBAGS SHOULD BE REPLACED (THAT IS, IF TAKATA REPLACEMENTS WERE INSTALLED AFTER THE WRECK) TO ENSURE THE OCCUPANTS SAFETY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE TO DETERMINE WHAT POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS (MANUFACTURED BY TAKATA) WERE INSTALLED IN THE JUNE-JULY 2014 TIMEFRAME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Structure, Mar 6, 2015
THE TAILGATE HATCH WAS UNABLE TO OPEN BY ELECTRONIC PUSH BOTTOM OR MANUALLY. SEEING THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THE CAUSE WAS A FAULTY ENGINEERING DESIGN TO THE TAILGATE BYTOYOTA. THE HINGE MECHANICS TO OPEN THE REAR HATCH DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE DOOR AND USE CAUSE ALIGMENT ISSUES AND THEREFORE, THE GATE OR WINDOW CANNOT OPEN PROPERLY. TO FIX PROPERLY A NEW DOOR AND HINGE SYSTEM WERE PUT ON WITH NO GUARANTEES THAT IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX BY THE OWNER. LOOKING INTO THIS PROBLEM MANY CONSUMERS WITH THIS HIGHLANDER HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. TOYOTA HAS REENGINEERED ITS NEWER MODELS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IN AN EMERGENCY TO GET PEOPLE OUT OF THE 3RD ROW SEAT WITH THE DOOR STUCK IS A SAFETY ISSUE. TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM AS WELL AS REIMBURSE THE OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD TO DEAL WITH THESE OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES. *TR
Structure, Dec 9, 2014
APPARENTLY THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FROM MY RESEARCH AND MY DISCUSSION WITH THE DEALER. MY 2010 HIGHLANDER WITH 40K MILES HAS A POWER REAR DOOR. THE HINGES HOLDING THE DOOR ARE SPACED TOO FAR WHICH CAUSES STRESS ON THE MECHANICAL ARM AND BOLT THAT ATTACH TO THE DOOR. MY WIFE WAS IN THE VEHICLE AND PRESSED THE BUTTON TO CLOSE THE REAR POWER DOOR WHEN SHE HEARD A LOUD "POP". THE BOLT ATTACHING THE "ARM" TO THE DOOR STRIPPED AND CAME OUT OF THE DOOR. THE DEALER SAID MY FULL COVERAGE "BUMPER TO BUMPER" WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THIS AND GAVE ME THE PHONE NUMBER TO TOYOTA. I SPOKE WITH TOYOTA AND THEY INVESTIGATED THE ISSUE WITH THE DEALER. TOYOTA CAME BACK AND OFFERED TO SPLIT THE COST 50%. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE IN MY OPINION AS IT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURING ISSUE AS WELL AS A SAFETY CONCERN. IF MY WIFE HAD BEEN BEHIND THE VEHICLE AND PRESSED THE POWER DOOR BUTTON, SHE COULD HAVE BEEN STRUCK IN THE FACE WITH THE METAL BAR WHEN IT PULLED ITSELF OUT OF THE DOOR. TOYOTA SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO WENT THE EXTRA STEP AND PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH THEM. THIS SHOULD BE BEYOND THE STANDARD 3 YEAR 36K WARRANTY AND ABOVE THAT, SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE DUE TO THE POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD THIS ISSUE CAN CAUSE. *TR
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Jul 13, 2014
THE DRIVERS SUN VISOR HAS 2 STOP POINTS. ONE IS SUPPOSED TO BE FULLY UPRIGHT IN THE RECESS OF THE HEAD LINER. THE STOP POINT HAS MOVED SO THAT THE UPPER MOST POINT THE VISOR WILL GO IS ABOUT 10% BELOW LEVEL AND RIGHT IN THE LINE OF SIGHT OF THE DRIVER. THIS CAUSES AN UNSAFE CONDITION IN THAT THE DRIVER CAN NOT SEE THE ROAD OR STOP LIGHTS. I HAVE RUN A RED LIGHT BECAUSE I CAN NOT SEE IT. I HAVE LOOKED ON ALL THE WEBSITES AND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR TOYOTA. NOT ONLY ON THE HIGHLANDER BUT ON SEVERAL OTHER MODELS. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR WHAT EVER IS CAUSING THAT STOP POINT TO "DROOP". THE VISOR CAN NOT BE TAKEN APART AND TOYOTA WANTS $200 TO REPLACE THE THING. IT IS A RIP OFF AS THEY KNOW THE PART IS DEFECTIVE. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Engine, Mar 1, 2014, crash
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH, A DEER HIT MY CAR. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, DAMAGED FRONT END, MINOR DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER, MAJOR DAMAGE TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED WHY DID THE AIRBAG NOT DEPLOY OUR MAJOR CONCERN CONCERN THAT WILL THE AIRBAG WORK AFTER REPAIRS?? *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
Structure, Wheels, Feb 6, 2012
THE FLARES THAT ARE ATTACHED TO THE FENDERS KEEP COMING OFF WHILE DRIVING. THEY HAVE COME OFF FOUR TIMES NOW AND POSE A SAFETY THREAT TO ME AND OTHERS ON THE HIGHWAY. I CURRENTLY HAVE THREE FLARES TAPED TO THE VEHICLE TO PREVENT THEIR COMING OFF WHILE DRIVING. IF THESE FLARES COME OFF IT IS POSSIBLE THEY COULD HIT OTHER VEHICLES ON THE HIGHWAY POSING A THREAT TO THEIR SAFETY. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Jan 3, 2011
2010 HIGHLANDER 4WD: SYSTEM CHECK PANEL I INDICATING THE REAR DOOR IS OPEN, WHEN IT'S NOT. BEEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES. CAR HAS 6000 MILES ON IT. THE REAR DOOR OPEN INDICATOR EFFECTS DOOR LOCKING ABILITY WITH KEY FOB AS WELL AS CONTINUAL CHIME INDICATING REAR DOOR IS OPEN IN CONJUNCTION WITH TURNING DOME LIGHT OFF AND ON. DEALER THOUGHT IT WAS REAR DOOR STRIKE PLATE. ADJUSTED ACCORDINGLY. THIS WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. 3RD VISIT TO DEALER STILL TRYING TO PINPOINT WHY THIS IS HAPPENING SO FAR NO LUCK. ELECTRICAL BAD DOOR SENSOR FAULTY ELECTRICAL DOOR SWITCH THIS PROBLEM IS VERY ANNOYING AND NOW TIMES CONSUMING 3 VISITS TO THE DEALER AND STILL NO SOLUTION. REAR DOOR OPEN INDICATOR INITIALLY MADE TO STOP BY ROLLING DOWN DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AT HIGHWAY SPEED. INDICATOR ALSO MADE TO GO OFF WHEN ROAD TURNS TO THE LEFT ONLY. <- ? MOISTURE CAUSING SHORT IN REAR DOOR ELECTRICAL SWITCH? MAYBE. *TR