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.
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
Engine, Jun 3, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME FAILURE ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000. *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
Visibility/wiper, Apr 8, 2013
THE OTHER DAY I LOWERED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR ON MY 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN I TRIED TO MOVE THE VISOR BACK TO THE UP POSITION I HEARD SOMETHING POP OR SNAP. AS A RESULT, THE VISOR WILL NO LONGER STAY IN THE UP POSITION, UNNECESSARILY OBSTRUCTING MY VISION WHILE DRIVING. THE SERVICE REP AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THE HINGE WAS BROKEN AND THAT IT WILL COST $300 (PARTS AND LABOR) TO REPLACE THE VISOR. WHEN I CHECKED THE INTERNET I LEARNED THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE REPORTING THE SAME SUCH PROBLEM. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Mar 10, 2013
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR FELL DOWN WHILE DRIVING AND NOW WON'T STAY UP. THIS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS MY VISIBILITY WAS CUT OFF. NOW I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE UNLESS I SOMEHOW PROP IT UP. THIS CAR IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD AND SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM FOR MANY HIGHLANDERS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Mar 2, 2013
THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR WILL NOT STAY IN POSITION AND FALLS DOWN OBSTRUCTING DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE IS WELL MAINTAINED. BASED ON AN INTERNET SEARCH, THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH OTHER TOYOTAS AS WELL. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Feb 13, 2013
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. I CALLED THE DEALER TO VERIFY IF THIS WAS A RECALL ISSUE AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT IS A COMMON ISSUE BUT NOT ENOUGH FOR A RECALL. THE COST OF REPLACING IS AN ABSURD!!! *TR
Engine, Feb 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST SHOWED A DEFECTIVE COIL PACK WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE COIL AS WELL AS THE BATTERY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,400.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 28, 2013
THE SPRING IN THE VISOR NO LONGER WORKS IT IS FALLING DOWN IN THE SIGHTLINE OF THE DRIVER. AFTER LOOKING ON LINE THIS LOOKS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Nov 27, 2012
DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR DROPS DOWN AND WILL NOT STAY IN THE UP POSITION OBSTRUCTING MY VISIBILITY. *TR
Visibility, Aug 28, 2012
DRIVING ON I-5 MONDAY AM TO WORK AND DUE TO THE SUN SHINING IN MY EYES PUT THE VISOR DOWN. LATER WHEN THE SUN WENT BEHIND SOME CLOUDS I PUT THE VISOR BACK UP AND I HEARD NOISE FROM THE VISOR THAT APPEARED TO BE LIKE PLASTIC RUBBING TOGETHER. WHEN I LET GO OF THE VISOR IT DROPPED STRAIGHT DOWN IN MY LINE OF SIGHT AND WOULD NOT STAY UP OR EVEN FORWARD CLOSE TO THE WINDOW. SEEMS TO BE A DANGEROUS PROBLEM AS IT IS RIGHT IN THE LINE OF SIGHT AND CANNOT BE ADJUSTED. I HAD TO UNINSTALL THE VISOR AND NOW I DON'T HAVE ANY SUNLIGHT PROTECTION. THE VISOR WORKED FINE UP TO THIS POINT. NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM. HAVE NEVER REPLACED A VISOR BEFORE THIS. *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
Visibility, Jul 16, 2012
THE SUN VISOR ON MY 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER OPENED IN FRONT OF MY EYES BLOCKING MY VISION FOR A FEW SECONDS. NOW THE VISOR WILL NOT STAY IN THE UP POSITION. I HAVE TO MOVE IT TO THE SIDE TO KEEP IT FROM BLOCKING MY VISION. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 20, 2012
MULTIPLE BATTERY FAILURES REQUIRING JUMP STARTS: SEVEN (7) TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THIS SUV IN FEB 2011. THREE TIMES THERE WAS A POSSIBLE KNOWN CAUSE FOR THE BATTERY DRAIN: THE PASSENGER VANITY MIRROR LIGHT WAS LEFT ON FOR 15 MINUTES, 2 HOURS, AND AN UNKNOWN LENGTH OF TIME. NONE OF THESE THREE EPISODES WAS SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH TO CAUSE A COMPLETELY DEAD BATTERY IN ONE THAT HAS BEEN EVALUATED AS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. I DRIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS ALL WINTER. GETTING STRANDED IN AN ISOLATED PLACE CAN BE DEADLY DUE TOO EXPOSURE, RISK OF COLLISION ON SINGLE LANE SNOW-OCCLUDED ROADS WITH 2-WAY TRAFFIC AND FAST SNOW PLOWS. OTHER TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. TWICE NOW THE DEALER HAS SAID THERE IS "NO PROBLEM" WITH THE BATTERY. I AM PURSUING CORRECTION THROUGH THE LOCAL TOYOTA CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER AND WILL FOLLOW THROUGH WITH TOYOTA'S CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AND THE CALIFORNIA DISPUTE SETTLEMENT CENTER IF A PROMPT LOCAL SOLUTION IS NOT ACHIEVED. HTTP://ANSWERS.EDMUNDS.COM/QUESTION-WE-HAVE-A-2010-TOYOTA-HIGHLANDER-HYBRID-THE-BATTERY-IS-CONSTANTLY-DYING-ON-IT-EXAMPLE-LEAVE-DOOR-OPEN-10-MINUTES-AND-IT-S-DEAD-144840.ASPX *JS
Visibility/wiper, Jun 5, 2012
WHEN DRIVING ON FREEWAY MY VISOR WAS BROUGHT DOWN AND IT HUNG WELL BELOW ITS NORMAL POSITION. THIS OBSTRUCTS MY VISION WHEN DRIVING. ALSO, THE VISOR DOES NOT RETURN TO ITS NORMAL POSITION WHEN NOT IN USE. IT HANGS BELOW ITS NORMAL POSITION BY ABOUT TWO INCHES. *TR
Other or unspecified, May 16, 2012
MY NAME IS [XXX]. I OWN A 2010 HIGHLANDER, AS OF TODAY 5/16/12 THE MILEAGE 32,800. THE REASON FOR THIS LETTER, THE LEFT PORTION OF MY WINDSHIELD IS COMING LOOSE OR THE LEFT PASSENGER WINDOW IS DYSFUNCTIONAL. THIS IS THE ORIGINAL TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WINDSHIELD AND PASSENGER WINDOW. FIRST, I NOTICED THE SOUND OF GLASS IF IT WAS LOOSE, DRIVING MY DAILY ROUTE ON I95 FREDERICKSBURG VIRGINIA TO QUANTICO BASE VIRGINIA. THIS PORTION OF I95 IS SMOOTHER, THAN MOST STATE ROADS. THE GLASS SOUND IS NOT A CONTINUOUS SOUND, CAUSE TO ROADS DIFFERENT. IN FACT, THE GLASS SOUND OCCURS ONLY WHEN IT AN DRY DAY. I NOTICE THE ROAD NOISE HAS INCREASED. WHEN IT RAINS, I CAN NOT HEARD THE GLASS SOUND, DUE TO RAIN ON THE VEHICLE. I DRIVE THIS HIGHLANDER DAILY TO AND FROM WORK. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WILL TAKE A 3 MINUTE RIDE AND HEAR NOTHING, THAN I AM FORCED TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. MANY YEARS AGO, I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE INTERNAL AND LINER HAS TO REPLACED. HAS ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *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, Dec 2, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY DIED PREMATURELY. THE DEALER MADE TWO ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE BY CHANGING THE BATTERY. ON THE THIRD OCCASION, THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER WHO ADVISE THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DRIVEN AT LEAST 15 MILES PER DAY TO PREVENT THE BATTERY FROM GOING DEAD BECAUSE OF THE DESSERT-LIKE CLIMATE IN WHICH THE CONTACT RESIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,200 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. UPDATED 01/05/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED TOYOTA FINALLY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE RECHARGED.
Visibility, Oct 17, 2011
MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND WE HEARD A LOUD CRASHING SOUND. WE WERE NOT BY A CONSTRUCTION SITE NOR AN OVERPASS. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE DRY, SUNNY AND 77 DEGREES. IT WAS NOT THE TIRE BECAUSE THE CAR DID NOT SHAKE AND NO INDICATORS ON THE DASH LIT UP. I PULLED OVER AND UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A LARGE GAPING HOLE IN THE CENTER OF MY CLOSED SUNROOF! FORTUNATELY THE INSIDE VISOR WAS CLOSED. WE SLOWLY TOOK SECONDARY ROADS HOME WHILE LISTENING TO GRAVEL SOUNDING GLASS ABOVE US. NOW, MY DILEMMA IS GETTING TOYOTA TO OWN THIS DEFECT. THIS IS NOT AN INSURANCE ISSUE. THIS IS A VEHICLE DEFECT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 10, 2011, fire
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND IT CAUGHT FIRE AND COMPLETELY BURNED UP...IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
Air bags, Aug 17, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE RIGHT SIDE OF HIS VEHICLE, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE VEHICLE WAS HIT HARD BUT COULD NOT TELL HIM WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A CLAIM WAS FILED, BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Wheels, Jul 19, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE CAUSING THE CONTACT TO STOP THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE APPEARED TO HAVE SMALL HOLES IN IT AND WAS EXTREMELY WORN. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE TIRE AND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE FAILURE MAY HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO EXCESSIVE TEMPERATURES. THE CONTACT STATED THE WHEEL MAY BE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED THE TIRE TO WEAR EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.
Other or unspecified, May 8, 2011
ON FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2011, WE WERE TRAVERSING I-55 NORTH OF GRENADA, MISSISSIPPI. I WAS USING CRUISE CONTROL TRAVELING AT 73 MPH WHEN, WITHOUT ANY WARNING OF ANYTHING WRONG, WE HEARD A LOUD NOISE LIKE THE WHIRRING OF HELICOPTER BLADES OVERHEAD. I TURNED OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL TO LET THE CAR SLOW DOWN BECAUSE I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS HAPPENING; AS MY WIFE SLID OPEN THE SUN ROOF COVER TO LOOK OVERHEAD. AS WE SLOWED DOWN, THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE TREAD HIT MY SIDE OF THE CAR AND PASSED US UP GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. I THEN FELT THE DRAG ON THE STEERING AS I PULLED OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND APPLIED THE BRAKES STOPPING THE CAR. PRIOR TO THE HELICOPTER SOUND, I NEVER HAD ANY PULLING OR STEERING PROBLEMS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A TIRE RUNNING ON LOW TIRE PRESSURE. I ALSO NEVER RECEIVED A LOW TIRE ALARM FROM MY TIRE PRESSURE ALARM SYSTEM. AS AN ADDITION, I'LL ADD THAT MY FIVE TIRES ARE INFLATED WITH NITROGEN FOR BETTER TIRE WEAR AND LIFE. I WENT TO ALEXANDER TOYOTA IN FRANKLIN, TN TO PURCHASE A NEW TIRE SO I'D HAVE A SPARE. I PICKED UP THE DAMAGED TIRE OFF THE INTERSTATE SHOULDER AND MY CAR INSURANCE COMPANY KNOW HAS THE ENTIRE FAILED TIRE TO EXAMINE. THE FAILURE WAS A BRIDGESTONE; MODEL "DUELER HL-400"; DOT: OB7C.
Steering, Mar 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING IN EXCESS OF 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD UNCONTROLLABLY DRIFT FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO TOLD THERE WAS NO OPTION TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
Wheels, Feb 24, 2011
I PURCHASED A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FROM FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA LOCATION. THE VEHICLE RODE SMOOTH UNTIL I HAD ITS FIRST SERVICED AT TOYOTA. THE VEHICLE RODE LIKE A JEEP, ROCK AND ROLLING, AT NORMAL DRIVING SPEED AND HIGHLY AT LOW SPEED. ALL THIS STARTED AFTER THE FIRST VEHICLE SERVICE. I TRADED IN MY 2006 FOR 2010 AND IT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. FOR THE 2006, I PURCHASED NEW RIMS, TIRES, LUGS, WHEEL BALANCING AND FULL FRONT END ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE STILL RODE THE SAME ROCKING AND ROLLING. IN THE PAST, I HAVE WORK AS SYSTEM ENGINEER ON A MILITARY PROJECT. THE VEHICLE HAD PROBLEMS WITH ITS TRACKS, THE PROBLEM THE LUGS NOT BEING ADJUSTED THE SAME ON EACH WHEEL RESULTING IN TRACK BREAKING OR DAMAGE. THE SAME FOR ANY VEHICLE THAT HAS LUGS AND WHEEL. BACK TO MY 2010, BOTTOM LINE IS EACH WHEEL MUST BE TORQUE THE SAME. IF EACH WHEEL IS TORQUE DIFFERENT OR EACH TUG, THAN THE VEHICLE WILL HAVE A ROCKING AND ROLLING AFFECT. ALL VEHICLE SERVICE SAYS, IT'S THE WHEEL, BUT NO ONE EVER TORQUE THE LUGS RESULTING IN THE SAME ROCK AND ROLLING AFFECT. UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS OF LUG ADJUSTMENT CAN SAVE CUSTOMERS, MONEY, TIME AND EASY FIT. [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR