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
238 reports, newest first.
Structure, Dec 27, 2016
POWER LIFT HATCHBACK DOOR NOT COSED ALL THE WAY. VERY DANGEROUS.
Air bags, Oct 27, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. TWO YEARS AGO, THE DEALER REPLACED THE FLEXIBLE FLAT CABLE (FFC) PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 (AIR BAGS). THE FFC THAT WAS REPLACED BECOME FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FFC NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,856.
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.
Service brakes, Sep 12, 2016
THIS MORNING AT 7:45 AM EST MY CAR SELF BROKE WHILE IN DRIVE AND TRAVELING AT 45MPH. I WAS LUCKY THE DRIVER BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO AVOID HITTING ME. IS THIS A KNOW PROBLEM? I AM FEARFUL TO DRIVE ME CAR AGAIN
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.
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
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2016
DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR FAILS TO CLOSE THEREBY BLOCKING SOME FORWARD VISION.
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.
Steering, Mar 7, 2016
VEHICLE MAKES A POPPING NOISE WHEN YOU MAKE A TURN. NOISE CAN BE HEARD WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AT ANY SPEED.
Steering, Mar 5, 2016
VERY COMMON PROBLEM IS BEING REPORTED IN ALL OF THE HIGHLANDERS OF 2008 FORWARD. AT LOW MILEAGE, THE STEERING COLUMN HAS A BEARING IN IT CALLED A STUB SHAFT BUT APPARENTLY GETS LOOSE LEAVING TO A CLUNK AND LOOSENESS IN THE STEERING. IT IS SO COMMON THAT OUR DEALER HAS TO KEEP MULTIPLE REPLACEMENT PARTS IN STOCK. PEOPLE ARE REPORTING THIS WITHIN THE 36,000 MILE WARRANTY, MY CAR BEGAN TO DO IT AT ABOUT 60,000 MILES. IT IS A $700 REPAIR. LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS POSSIBLE.
Air bags, Feb 16, 2016
AIR BAG LIGHTS COMES ON AND OFF AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE DAY WHEN OPERATING MY VEHICLE
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.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 9, 2016, crash
ACCELERATOR MOVED TO FULL SPEED AS BACKING UP BEGAN. AUTO PLOWED 110 FEET FULL SPEED THROUGH PLANTS AND TREES, COMING TO A STOP BY SOME TREES. CAR WAS PARKED ON PRIVATE DRIVEWAY. DRIVER SLIGHTLY INJURED. REAR END CAR DAMAGE IS $6,000+.
Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2015
DOOR LOCKS ON PASSENGER FRONT AND REAR, DRIVER FRONT AND REAR, HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED OR REPAIRED AT LEAST TWICE DUE TO MALFUNCTIONS. AS OF DECEMBER 2015, THE LOCKS ARE FAILING AGAIN FOR A THIRD TIME, CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD. LOCKS DON'T WORK. THEY WILL EITHER STAY LOCKED, FAILING TO OPEN, OR NOW, THEY WILL NOT LOCK AT ALL. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT HAS NEVER BEEN FIXED PROPERLY. KEEPS RECURRING.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 3, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS FAILED TO CLOSE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V689000 (VISIBILITY) AFTER THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE UNKNOWN AREAS WERE LUBRICATED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE DEALER DID NOT INSPECT OR REPLACE THE PWM CIRCUIT BOARD; HOWEVER, THE REMEDY DID NOT PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Oct 26, 2015
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A ROAD WITHOUT WARNING ONE OF THE IGNITION COILS FAILED CAUSING THE ENGINE AND THE CAR TO IMMEDIATELY STOP IN TRAFFIC. FORTUNATELY, WE WERE ON A RURAL ROAD AND GOING LESS THAN 30 MPH, BUT ON A FREEWAY AT SPEED WE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE HIGHLANDER HYBRID UNLIKE MOST CARS WILL NOT RUN AT ALL WITH AN IGNITION COIL FAILURE. THUS, THERE IS A RISK OF A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. THE TOYOTA DEALER WAS UNABLE TO OFFER ANY EXPLANATION OTHER THAN THEE THINGS HAPPEN. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 80,000 MILES, HAD BEEN MAINTAINED BY TOYOTA DEALERS ON A REGULAR BASIS AND IS FIVE YEARS OLD. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 58 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED AN IGNITION COIL FAILURE.
Steering, Oct 15, 2015
FROM A STOP WITH A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION ON ANY SERVICE IN ANY WEATHER, AN AUDIBLE NOISE AND JOLTING VIBRATION TELEGRAPHS THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL. FEELS LIKE A LOOSE PART THAT MAY SEPARATE IN THE STEERING ASSEMBLY AND RENDER THE VEHICLE UNCONTROLLABLE. FIRST RAISED WITH MOMENTUM/ FOWLER TOYOTA OF TULSA 6/14/14 WITH REFUSAL TO REPAIR AS A WARRANTY CLAIM @ 41430 MILES (DEALER WOULD NOT NOTE IN SERVICE CHECK-IN BUT PROMISED TO INSPECT). RAISED AGAIN WITH JIM NORTON TOYOTA THAT WOULD NOT INSPECT WITHOUT THE PAYMENT OF A $100 INSPECTION FEE @ 60459 MILES. NOT SURE OF SAFETY IMPLICATIONS BUT CONCERNED THAT FAILURE OF THE STEERING SHAFT COULD OCCUR. NO REPAIR MADE TO DATE SINCE WARRANTY AND/OR SAFETY ISSUES COULD NOT BE RESOLVED. NOTED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS IN OTHER NHTSA COMPLAINTS FOR 2010 HIGHLANDERS.
Seats, Sep 28, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO RECEIVE A RECALL REPAIR FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V743000 (SEATS), BUT THE REMEDY DID NOT PROVIDE A PERMANENT REPAIR. THE DEALER WOULD ONLY DISCONNECT THE HEATERS WITH COPPER STRAND HEATING ELEMENTS. THE CONTACT HAD EXTENSIVE BACK PAINS AND USED THE FEATURE DAILY TO PREVENT THE BACK PAINS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT WITHOUT THE OPTION OF THE SEAT HEATER, SHE WOULD EXPERIENCE BACK PAINS WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.
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.
Visibility/wiper, May 24, 2015
DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR WON'T STAY IN UP POSITION. HANGS DOWN IN VISION LINE OF DRIVER TALLER THAN 5'. THE REPAIR WILL COST CLOSE TO $200!
Air bags, May 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.