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.
Equipment, Feb 17, 2011
KEYLESS FOB RESULTED IN CAR BEING LEFT ON ALL NIGHT IN ENCLOSED GARAGE. THE DESIGN DEFECT IN NOT AUTOMATICALLY TURNING THE ENGINE OFF WHEN THE FOB LEAVES THE IMMEDIATE AREA IS WELL-KNOWN. THE ADDITIONAL PROBLEM IN THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID IS THAT THE GREEN POWER LIGHT GOES ON WHEN YOU TURN OFF THE CAR, LEADING THE DRIVER TO BELIEVE THAT THE POWER IS NOW ON, WHEN IN FACT IT IS OFF. THE DRIVER THEN STEPS ON THE BRAKE AND PRESSES POWER AGAIN, THINKING THAT THEY ARE NOW TURNING THE CAR OFF BECAUSE THE POWER BUTTON IS NO LONGER GREEN. THE HYBRID ENGINE IS SILENT WHEN THE CAR STARTS, SO THE DRIVER LEAVES THE AREA WITH THE FOB THINKING THE CAR IS OFF, WHEN IN FACT IT IS ON ALL NIGHT IN A CLOSED GARAGE, AS HAPPENED WITH US. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Feb 10, 2011
2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE IS SUPPOSE TO BE ALL WHEEL DRIVE, HOWEVER THE HYBRID SYSTEM IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIDE, THE HYBRID SYSTEM SHUT DOWN THE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM BECAUSE THE COMPUTER WAS TRYING TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE GENERATOR WHICH IS A PART OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM. *JB
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 12, 2011
HYBIRD SYSTEM OVERRIDES ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM WHEN TIRES SLIP DISABLING THE SYSTEM, IN EFFECT RENDERING IT NONFUNCTIONAL, SO THAT THE GENERATOR IS NOT DAMAGED. COMBUSTION ENGINE WILL NOT TURN ON AND WHEN YOU HIT GAS NOTHING HAPPENS. I HAD TO BE TOWED OUT. SERVICE QUOTED AFTER EXAMINING "DID EXPERIENCE CONCERN TRAC/VCS CUTS POWER TO WHEEL WHEN SLIPPAGE OCCURS. UNFORTUNATLY, THERE IS NO WAY TO DISABLE THIS. EVERYTHING WORKS AS DESIGNED." MY 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID HAD SIMILAR INCIDENT ALMOST CAUSING ME TO BE RUN OVER AS POWER CUT OFF ON HIGHWAY AND I WAS TOLD THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE RESET AND IT WAS FINE. A CAR EQUIPPED WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE SHOULD FUNCTION AS A ALL WHEEL DRIVE NOT BE DESIGNED TO BE NON FUNCTIONAL WHEN IT IS NEEDED. THE FIRST TIME A BARELY SURVIVED GETTING TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THIS TIME I HAD TO BE TOWED ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN TWO HOURS FROM ANYWHERE IN SNOWSHOE WEST VIRGINIA. SERVICE ANTICIPATES NO WAY TO CORRECT.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 7, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND. A WARNING BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE BACK ON THE WARNING LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE NOR DID THE FAILURE RECUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS BEING DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,400.
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
Tires, Dec 27, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER EQUIPPED WITH TOYO A20 TIRES (NA), SIZE 245/55/R19. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN RECEIVING THE VEHICLE, IT SWAYED TO THE SIDE IT WAS TURNED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AND REFERRED HIM TO THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAND OF THE TIRES WAS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 208. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN GOING AROUND CURVES, THE VEHICLE WOULD LEAN INTO THE CORNER CURVE MORE THAN NORMAL, WHICH WOULD CAUSE THE CONSUMER TO FORCIBLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK INTO THE CENTER OF THE LANE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE SIDEWALLS OF THE TIRES WERE TOO SOFT, WHICH ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL SIDEWAYS BECAUSE OF ITS WEIGHT, INTO THE CORNERS AND CURVES OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONSUMER STATED DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS, HE PURCHASED A NEW HEAVIER SET OF TIRES. UPDATED EVOQ 03/04/11
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 17, 2010, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT AND LEVEL ROAD, AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. TRAFFIC CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP AND I APPLIED THE BRAKES IN A HARD AND SUDDEN MANNER, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP IN TIME, THOUGH I BELIEVE IT SHOULD HAVE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. MY VEHICLE STRUCK THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, ALSO PUSHING THAT VEHICLE INTO THE ONE IN FRONT OF IT. DURING REPAIRS, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE BRAKE PEDAL MECHANISM HAD FAILED AT SOME POINT, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2010, crash
DRIVER BACKED OUT OF AN END PARKING SPACE (NOSE IN, CURB IN FRONT AND ON RIGHT). DRIVER FELT WHEEL (RIGHT SIDE) GO OVER CURB (TURNED TOO QUICKLY). DRIVER STOPPED, SHIFTED TO DRIVE (FORWARD) TO GET OFF THE CURB. WHEN DRIVER TOUCHED ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE SHOT FORWARD (SEEMED LIKE 50 MPH). LEFT FRONT OF THE HIGHLANDER CREASED THE TWO SIDE DOORS OF THE MINIVAN PARKED ADJACENT ON THE LEFT. THE LEFT FRONT OF THE HIGHLANDER SUSTAINED GRILLE DAMAGE, LEFT FENDER, HEADLIGHT AND RUNNING LIGHT, DRIVER DOOR AND LEFT MIRROR. FENDER PUSHED BACK PREVENTED DRIVER DOOR FROM BEING OPENED. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE HIGHLANDER WAS PURCHASED 1/4/2010. THE ACCELERATOR RECALL WAS PERFORMED BY THE DEALER IN MARCH 2010.
Suspension, Nov 21, 2010
BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DEALER VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM FOR A OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE SERVICE WE DISCOVERED A "NOISE" FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO DISCOVER THAT THEY BELIEVE THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE FAILED FOR SOME REASON. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 27, 2010
2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- LETTER FROM REGARDING TOYOTA PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED TO HIM AND HIS WIFE DURING THE SALES SUSPENSION PERIOD OF TOYOTA VEHICLES WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR RECALL WORK BEING COMPLETED. ALSO, AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE FOR FIVE DAYS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE DEALER STATED THE BATTERY WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Equipment, Sep 8, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD A BACK UP CAMERA INSTALLED ON HER VEHICLE WHICH HAD NO SENSORS ON IT TO ALERT HER OF OBJECTS BEHIND HER. SHE CONTACTED TOYOTA WHO STATED THAT THE CAMERA SHE HAS DOESN'T HAVE SENSORS; HOWEVER, THEY COULD BE ADDED AT AN ADDITIONAL EXPENSE OF $635.00. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 50.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 19, 2010
I HAVE A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4 CYLINDER THAT HAS AN ENGINE WHICH IS ACCELERATING AND SURGING DESPITE THAT IT HAS RECEIVED THE RECALL "FIX" FOR THE RECENT GAS PEDAL RECALL. EVEN AFTER THE RECALL MODIFICATION TO THE GAS PEDAL, THE ENGINE'S TACHOMETER JUMPS (OFTEN UP TO 5000 RPM) WHILE TRAVELING AT A STEADY SPEED OR NOT ACCELERATING. THE PROBLEM OCCURS EVERY TIME IT IS DRIVEN AND IS EASILY DUPLICATED. MY LOCAL DEALER SERVICE HAD THE CAR FOR OVER 3 WEEKS AND WAS WORKING CLOSELY WITH TOYOTA CORP TECHNICIANS. THEY WERE ABLE TO REPRODUCE AND OBSERVE THE PROBLEM AND ACKNOWLEDGED IT. BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PRODUCING ANY DIAGNOSTIC "ERROR CODES" AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THIS VEHICLE. IN A STRANGE TWIST THEY RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO ME AND "CHANGED THEIR TUNE". THE DEALER THEN SAID TOYOTA TECH'S STATED IT WAS A NORMAL GEAR CHANGE FUNCTION AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT THE SURGING. THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND I AM ABOUT TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND GO ANOTHER ROUND. PROBLEM OCCURS AT BOTH HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS, WITH AND WITHOUT USE OF CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 1 YEAR OLD AND THE ENGINE BEHAVIOR IS QUITE SCARY. I DO NOT WANT TO HAVE MY WIFE AND CHILDREN GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE GET INVOLVED. IN MY OPINION, THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO THE VEHICLES ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS. A.S.I. *TR
Power train, Jul 15, 2010
WE HAVE A BRAND NEW TOYOTA HIGHLANDER (2010) WITH ONLY 2200 MILES ON IT, WE HAVE RECENTLY NOTICED THAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS BETWEEN 58 - 64 MPH, IT CONSISTENTLY MAKES A VERY NOTICEABLE, RESONATING VIBRATION SOUND. CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY AND WE TOOK IT TO A TOYOTA DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED ON 7/15/10. THEY CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM BUT COULD NOT IDENTIFY WHY IT IS OCCURRING. THEY DROVE ANOTHER BRAND NEW HIGHLANDER FROM THEIR LOT FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES AND TOLD US THAT THE OTHER HIGHLANDER HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. WE WERE TOLD THAT TOYOTA MIGHT ISSUE A TECHNICAL SAFETY BULLETIN (TSB) ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND A PROPOSED SOLUTION, WE WERE THEN ADVISED THAT WE SHOULD ASK ABOUT A TSB EVERY TIME WE BRING THE CAR IN FOR ROUTINE SERVICE. BOTTOM LINE - THE ISSUE STILL EXISTS AND NOONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHY. WE WERE TOLD TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT THAT WAS OBVIOUS. SO, WE ARE NOW DRIVING THE CAR - AND STILL LISTENING TO IT VIBRATE BETWEEN 58 - 64 MPH. I HAVE BEEN A LIFELONG TOYOTA OWNER AND BOUGHT THIS NEW HIGHLANDER EVEN THOUGH TOYOTA WAS RECEIVING SO MUCH BAD PRESS. WE HAVE HAD A NUMBER OF ANNOYING QUALITY CONTROL ISSUES WITH IT - BUT THIS ONE IS PERPLEXING AND DISCONCERTING. I AM HOPING THAT NHTSA MIGHT GET TOYOTA'S ATTENTION ON THIS MATTER AS IT IS HIGHLY UNUSUAL AND UNEXPLAINABLE BY TOYOTA'S OWN TECHNICIANS. THANKS FOR ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN OFFER. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO COOPERATE WITH ANY FOLLOW-UP ACTION NHTSA MIGHT CHOOSE TO TAKE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 10, 2010
ON JULY 8 2010, MY 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAD SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM WHEN I STOPPED AND BRAKED FOR THE TRAFFIC LIGHT. THIS HIGHLANDER HAS ONLY ABOUT 6,600 MILES ON IT AND IT NEVER HAD THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM BEFORE. THE DEALER HAD INSTALLED THE RECALL FIXES. UPDATED 07/19/10*BF UPDATED IVOQ 07/21/10.*JB *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 8, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 15- 20 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. HE REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE BRAKE AND CHECKED TO MAKE SURE HE WASN'T APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR, AND HE WASN'T, SO HE PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AGAIN. IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 8,200. THE CONSUMER STATED ONCE HE STOPPED, HE PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND THEN USED THE BRAKE TO STOP. THE BRAKE PEDAL THEN WORKED EFFECTIVELY. UPDATED 09/13/10*JB
Vehicle speed control, May 24, 2010
FOLLOW-UP LTR TO NHTSA RE 4/8/10 CORRESPONDENCE ON BEHALF OF RE INCIDENT OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AFTER RECALL FIX BY DEALER ON HER 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. *KB THE CONSUMER BECAME CONCERNED ABOUT THE RECENT ACCELERATOR PEDAL ISSUE AND CONTACTED THE DEALER TO SEE IF SHE COULD GET OUT OF THE LEASE. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THERE WAS A FIX TO THE PROBLEM, SO THE CONSUMER MADE AN APPOINTMENT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2010. ON MARCH 2, 2010 THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK MULTIPLE TIMES. TWICE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK WHEN TAKING OFF; IT WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO PUSH, TO THE POINT WHERE IT ACTUALLY WENT DOWN, AND THE VEHICLE JERKED. THEN ON THE WAY HOME, THE CONSUMER PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN TO SLOW DOWN AND NOTICED THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO BE GOING MUCH FASTER. SHE PUSHED HARDER AND HARDER ON THE BRAKE AND WHEN SHE LOOKED DOWN THE RPM'S WERE GOING STRAIGHT UP AND SHE WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN. SHE CONTINUED TO HOLD THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN AND AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE BRAKES STARTED WORKING. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY, BUT WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE THE FIX HAD ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, May 21, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, DURING BRAKING THERE WAS A DELAY IN THE RESPONSE TIME. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE IN OPERATION. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN IN AN IDLING POSITION THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE CAUSING A JERKING MOTION TO OCCUR. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTIONS WHICH THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
Exterior lighting, May 20, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED HE WAS NOTIFIED THAT HIS HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE LIGHTS OFF; HOWEVER, THEY CAME BACK ON AFTER THEY WERE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 2,000.
Vehicle speed control, Equipment, May 19, 2010
TOYOTA RECALL ON 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER -ACCELERATOR PEDAL REINFORCEMENT BAR INSTALLATION. I HAD RECENTLY BROUGHT MY TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IN FOR THE RECALL AND SERVICING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND FOUND OUT THAT THE INSTALLATION WAS NOT CORRECTED WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF THE PEDAL COMING APART WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR HARM THE FIRST TIME AROUND. I NOW HAVE TO FACE THE VEHICLE HAVING "TO HAVE TO DISMANTLE/LIFT THE ENGINE AND OR HAVING TO MODIFY THE CROSS THREADED STUDS TO CORRECT THE FAULTY ACCELERATOR PEDAL." THEREBY ALTERING THE VEHICLE BY INSTALLING MODIFIED OR NEW STUDS TO THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD AS TO THE NEW REPAIRS BEING IMPLEMENTED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 1,700.
Vehicle speed control, May 12, 2010
BOUGHT 2010 HIGHLANDER, REPORT SAID THE DEALER HAD FIXED THE ACCELERATOR PROBLEM. THEY DID NOT FIX IT RIGHT AND PUT MY GAS PEDAL UPSIDE DOWN. ANOTHER DEALER FIXED IT AND TOLD ME. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 20, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SITTING IDLE IN A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT DRIVER INTENT. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO JUMP A NEARBY CURB, CRASHED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THEN A TREE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP BY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT DID NOT REPORT ANY INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACTS INSURANCE COMPANY WAS HANDLING THE INVESTIGATION. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 3,000.
Tires, Apr 4, 2010
THE RIGHT REAR TIRE ON A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FAILED. IT WENT COMPLETELY FLAT OVERNIGHT. I HAVE NOT FOUND ANY EVIDENCE OF A FOREIGN OBJECT LODGED IN THE TIRE. WHEN I TRIED TO ADD AIR, I COULD HEAR IT HISSING OUT. NOT CLEAR IF IT WAS A PUNCTURE, TIRE CRACK OR SOME OTHER TIRE FAILURE. I HAVE NOT YET TAKEN IT TO A DEALER, BUT PLAN TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 2,950 MILES ON IT. THE TIRE WAS A TOYO OPEN COUNTRY A-20. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 28, 2010
ON MARCH 28, I WAS DRIVING OUR 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER THAT WE PURCHASED AT THE END OF DECEMBER 2009 IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA WHEN THE GAS PEDAL STUCK AND I WAS UNABLE TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO STOP IT. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL GEAR AND COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT PROPERTY DAMAGE OR INJURY TO ANYONE. I THEN CALLED THE 911 AND THE POLICE CAME OUT. THIS CAR WAS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL AND THE FIX WAS COMPLETED A FEW WEEKS AGO. NO ONE WAS AVAILABLE AT ANY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO COME OUT AND PICK UP THE CAR, SO I HAD IT TOWED USING AAA TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP. I HAD MY FOUR CHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH ME AND CAN TESTIFY AS TO WHAT HAPPENED. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. THEIR FIX HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT IS REALLY WRONG WITH THESE CARS. I LOVED TOYOTA UNTIL THIS HAPPENED. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE PEOPLE GET HURT FROM THESE CARS. BY THE WAY, YOUR FORM REQUIRES A SPEED AND A MILEAGE, BUT I DO NOT HAVE THE CAR TO GET THE MILEAGE, NOR DO I REMEMBER THE SPEED BECAUSE IT STARTED ONCE I APPLIED THE GAS AND IT HAPPENED SO FAST, SO I APPROXIMATED BOTH IN THE COMPLAINT. *CN
Vehicle speed control, Mar 17, 2010
I OWN A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WHICH I PURCHASED 3 MONTHS AGO. I HAD THE GAS PEDAL "FIX" DONE ON 2/15 AND ON 3/12 MY GAS PEDAL STUCK MULTIPLE TIMES!!! I CALLED TOYOTA AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT AS THE FIX HAD ALREADY BEEN MADE. I ASKED THAT THEY TAKE MY VEHICLE BACK AND CANCEL MY LEASE AS IT IS AN UNSAFE VEHICLE AND I REFUSE TO PUT MY CHILDREN IN IT. THEY REFUSED. TOYOTA DRIVERS NEED TO KNOW THAT THE FIX WAS NOT A REAL FIX AND TO BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN DRIVING. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PEDAL BECAME STUCK SEVERAL TIMES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS HARD TO PUSH, TO THE POINT WHERE WHEN IT ACTUALLY WENT DOWN, THE VEHICLE JERKED. THEN ON A HILL ON THE WAY HOME, THE CONSUMER WAS APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN, BUT SHE NOTICED THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO BE GOING MUCH FASTER. UPDATED 04/21/10.*JB