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.
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
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
Visibility, Mar 26, 2015
THE VISOR IS DEFECTIVE AND GETS STUCK IN A 45 DEGREE ANGLE POSITION. A WARRANTY REPAIR WAS MADE, BUT IT HAPPENED A SECOND TIME OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. ALSO, THE PASSENGER SIDE VISOR DEVELOPED THE SAME PROBLEM, ALSO OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. BASED ON THE POSITION OF THE VISOR AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE, IF THERE'S AN ACCIDENT THE HEAD OF THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER WILL GO RIGHT INTO THE BRIM OF THE VISOR. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY VERY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA. I BELIEVE TOYOTA NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR WORSE. *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
Engine, Jan 27, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 21, 2015, crash
I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT A TACO BELL WHEN I NOTICED A CAR COMING SO I DECIDED TO STOP AND PULL BACK INTO MY PARKING SPACE TO LET IT PASS. WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE MY CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE AND I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AGAIN, BUT MY CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. I TURNED MY CAR TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR AND ANY OTHER CARS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN BEHIND ME. MY CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND JUMPED A CURB, CROSSED OVER A SIDEWALK AND ONTO A LAWN AREA BEHIND TACO BELL. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AGAIN TRYING TO GET MY CAR TO STOP. I TURNED MY WHEELS TO KEEP FROM GOING INTO THE DRIVE UP LANE AND FINALLY GOT MY CAR TO STOP. *TR
Steering, Jan 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND TSB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,800.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 20, 2015
THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR FAILS TO STAY UP AND DROPS TO BLOCK DRIVER'S VIEW. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Jan 20, 2015
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP. REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO GET THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER TO FIX THE PROBLEM RESULTED IN THEM SAYING THAT IT IS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE VISOR COULD FALL ENOUGH TO BLOCK THE DRIVER'S VISION. ALSO, IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT THE DRIVER'S FOREHEAD WOULD BE PROPELLED INTO THE EDGE OF A SUN VISOR THAT IS PARTIALLY DOWN CAUSING A POSSIBLE SERIOUS HEAD INJURY. THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Jan 3, 2015
I PURCHASED THIS 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER NEW. AT 45,000 MILES, THE DRIVER-SIDE SUN VISOR FAILED TO REMAIN IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. IT CONTINUES TO FALL AND BLOCK THE DRIVER'S VIEW WHEN DRIVING. EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS WITHIN THE 50,000 MILE WARRANTY PERIOD, THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE SUN VISOR IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. I NEW VISOR IS OVER $200. I USED TO WORK FOR THE TOYOTA AT THE HEADQUARTERS LOCATED IN TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA. IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT TOYOTA DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THIS SUN VISOR AS A CUSTOMER HAZARD AND FAILURE OF THE PART. THIS FAILURE SHOULD BE REPAIRED/REPLACED AT TOYOTA'S EXPENSE BEFORE IT CAUSES SERIOUS HARM TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. *TR
Equipment adaptive/mobility, Visibility/wiper, Dec 27, 2014
VISOR ON DRIVER'S SIDE DROPPED DOWN AND WILL NOT STAY UP. IT IS AN ABSOLUTE HAZARD. *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
Visibility/wiper, Dec 5, 2014
DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR SPRING SEEMS TO BE DEFECTIVE AND THE SUN VISOR KEEPS FALLING DOWN (DOES NOT STAY IN UP POSITION) BLOCKING THE VISIBILITY OF THE ROAD. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Nov 11, 2014
DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR TENSION COMPLETELY BROKE UNDER NORMAL USE. VISOR HANGS STRAIGHT DOWN AND WON'T RETURN TO THE UP POSITION, OR ANY OTHER POSITION. BLOCKS MUCH OF THE FIELD OF VIEW FOR ANY DRIVER (LIKE ME) TALLER THAN 5'5". *TR
Service brakes, Oct 28, 2014
ON JULY 16, 2014 I TURNED MY CAR ON, READY TO RETURN HOME TO NEW JERSEY FROM BROOKLYN, AT THIS POINT THE BRAKE LIGHT SIGNAL, ABS, AND WARNING ICON ALL TURNED ON. THE CAMERA DISPLAYED A TEXT STATING BRAKE MALFUNCTION AND GIVING INSTRUCTIONS TO PARK THE CAR IMMEDIATELY. I CALLED THE TOYOTA 800 NUMBER AND FOLLOWED THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS, L HAD THE CAR TOW TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER, BAY RIDGE TOYOTA OF BROOKLYN. I PICKED UP THE CAR ON THE 18 TH, I WAS TOLD THEY RAN ALL TESTS AN THEY FOUND EVERYTHING PROPERLY INSTALLED. THEY SCAN TEST CLEAN ALL DTC PERFORMED INITIALIZATION AND CALIBRATION OF THE LINEAR SOLENOID VALVE. THEY ROAD TESTED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED REPAIR, NO LIGHTS ON, AT A COST OF $227 PLUS TAX. TODAY THE 28 OF OCTOBER AS I TURNED MY CAR ON I FACE THE SAME PROBLEM ALL THE BRAKE LIGHTS, ABS, WARNING, AND DISPLAY TEXT INDICATING MALFUNCTION, TO STOP THE CAR. I AGAIN CALLED FOR TOW WENT TO TOYOTA OF HILLSIDE IN NJ, EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED. WAS ASK WHY I HAD THE CAR TOW AFTER TELLING THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE ABOUT THE BRAKES. HOW CAN ANYONE DRIVE A VEHICLE THAT IS WARNING YOU NOT TO DO SO. I ALSO SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER STATING THAT I DON'T THINK I SHOULD PAY FOR THIS SERVICE AGAIN SINCE ITS BEEN ONLY 1500 MILES OR A LITTLE OVER 90 DAYS SINCE THE SAME PROBLEM. AM SURE THERE'S MORE TO THIS. THANK YOU *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
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 29, 2014
TWICE IN SEPTEMBER 2014, AS I WAS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, I PRESSED THE BRAKES AND SLOWED TO NEARLY A STOP. THE ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED VERY HIGH, AND IF I HAD NOT ALREADY HAD A FOOT ON THE BRAKES, I WOULD HAVE GONE INTO AN INTERSECTION. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING SO HIGH THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO KEEP IT FROM MOVING. I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, AND WHILE THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN NEUTRAL, TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY RETURNED TO NORMAL IDLE. THIS SAME SEQUENCE HAPPENED BOTH TIMES. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE THIS MONTH, BUT THESE ARE THE FIRST OCCURRENCES SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. I CALLED THE TOYOTA DEALER, AND THE SERVICE PERSON SAID THAT IF THE VEHICLE ISN'T DEMONSTRATING THAT BEHAVIOR WHEN I BRING IT IN, THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO FIND WHAT CAUSED IT. THEY INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE DATA RECORDER WOULD NOT RECORD SUCH AN EVENT. THEY SAID THEY WOULD ADD A NOTE ABOUT THIS TO THE RECORD THEY HAVE ON THIS VEHICLE (THEY HAVE DONE ALL THE SERVICE SINCE I PURCHASED IT FROM THEM). I HAVE ALREADY DECIDED THAT SHOULD IT HAPPEN AGAIN, I WILL TRADE THE VEHICLE. I DON'T LIKE HAVING TO KEEP MY HAND ON THE GEARSHIFT, READY TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. I SAW A REPORT IN USATODAY THAT SUDDEN ACCELERATION IN TOYOTAS IS BEING INVESTIGATED AGAIN. I WANTED TO ADD MY EXPERIENCE TO THE MIX. *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
Steering, Sep 25, 2014
WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT LOUD CLUNK NOISE, DEALER CLAIMS IT IS A INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COST TO REPAIR OVER 800.00 THIS IS NOT THE FIRST COMPLAIN THAT I SEE ON THIS VEHICLE, AND A CHANGE WAS MADE BY THE MFG, GUESS THEY STILL HAVE PROBLEM WITH THE DESIGN ON FIXING THIS ISSUE. TOYOTA DO A RECALL YOU KNOW YOU ARE DOING WRONG, STAND BY YOUR PRODUCT AND FIX THE CARS YOU MANUFACTURE... OR I WILL KINDLY DO A SURVEY NOT TO PURCHASE AGAIN. *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
Visibility/wiper, Sep 16, 2014
ALMOST HAD A CAR ACCIDENT WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR DROPPED DURING A TURN ON A 5-WAY INTERSECTION. THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR DOES NOT RETAIN ITS CLOSED POSITION. IT KEEPS FALLING DOWN WHEN DRIVING OVER SMALL BUMPS. THE SUN VISOR HINDERS VISIBILITY AND SCOPE / RANGE OF THE DRIVER?S VIEW. PROPER VISIBILITY WAS COMPROMISED BY THIS DEFECTIVE VISOR AND THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN FOR VEHICLE OPERATORS. THIS GRAVELY PRESENTS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE DRIVER, PASSENGERS, AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD TO INCLUDE BYSTANDERS. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY AND CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE AND PRESENTS IMMEDIATE DANGER AND RECALL ACTION. PLEASE DON'T LET THIS BECOME FATALITY STATISTICS DUE TO A SMALL RECALL AND CORRECTION! *TR
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.
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
Visibility/wiper, Jul 20, 2014
DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP. KEEPS FALLING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. *TR