2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2010 Toyota Highlander. This model year has 237 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
Before you buy — check the actual VIN
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2010 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Brake System
Visibility/Wiper
Considering a 2010 Toyota Highlander?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2010 Toyota Highlander. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 55 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Brake System | 36 | 5 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 31 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 23 | 7 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 23 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 18 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 18 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 15 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 14 | 8 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2010 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 237 most recent complaints
When applying the brake slowly all of a sudden the car went full acceleration and crashed 500ft away at high speed. The car is crashed but available for inspection for a short period of time until the insurance company takes full posession. There are not open recalls. The only li…
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the gear shifter had been stuck on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the fuses were replaced on several occasions; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the deal…
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and started to drift to the right side of the road. The brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle was able to come to a complete stop. The contact mentioned…
Headlamps become cloudy and burn out new, expensive bulbs in months. Internet search says Toyota is aware of problem, but prior to my search my dealership wanted to charge me hundreds of dollars to 'evaluate electrical system'
We received this from Toyota. Customer Support Program Bulletin Date: Page: POL19-06 6/6/2019 1 of 3 REVISED 8/28/19 CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM BULLETIN (ZKC): REPAIR COVERAGE FOR BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY ON CERTAIN 2008-2010 MY HIGHLANDER HYBRID VE…
The engine failed and locked up. Maintenance is completed every 3-4 months on schedule. There was no oil or water. Car was towed to a mechanic.
When traveling a slow speeds (less than 15 mph) and needing to stop, the brakes are pressed but do not respond. This has happened on several occasions and has caused two separate accidents where the Highlander has failed to stop and it runs into the car in front. After the first…
Affected by the faulty Brake Actuator & Accumulator on 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Brake malfunction and ABS disabled lights popped up on my Multi-Information Display. This issue disables ABS & VSC systems, which therefore makes this a safety hazard. Upon doing research, I…
On approx. October 19, 2023 my vehicle started showing 4 error messages on the display: Brake Malfunction, Check ABS, Check VSC System, and Check Brake System. At the same time, these 5 warning lamps became illuminated: Brake System Warning Light and Warning Buzzer (Red), Brake …
1. When braking vehicle accelerates for 1 to 2 seconds. 2. I believe safety is at risk for driver, passengers or people close to accelerating car. 3. This has not been confirmed with dealer. 4. Multiple inspections but not for this problem. 5. No warning has ever appeared on any …
The brake actuator (4405048320) and brake booster pump (4707048020) malfunctioned. The ABS warning came on the display, as well as a warning saying “Brake Malfunction: pull over car immediately.” The traction control light, ABS light, warning light, and parking brake light also c…
My issue is not that I got a brake warning light (see attached image). My issue is that Toyota knows that this is an issue and will only fix it if you experience the issue before 12/30/2020 or at less than 150,000 miles. It is irresponsible of Toyota to know this is an issue, e…
There is a clunk noise in the steering column On bumpy roads
Driving down the highway the abs srs air bag lights and the warning triangle all came on and then shortly after that a loud continuous beeping sound started and when my wife tried to pull over she realized she really had to cram on the brakes to get the car to stop... this scared…
I purchase The H4 LED’s from headlightexperts.com February 2022. There is a design flaw with their H4.bulb. The low beam have LED’s on both sides of the light bulb, however the halogen bulb has a shield so that light will only come out of one side of the bulb. The result of l…
Front driver and front passenger arm rests cave in due to clip support design or construction.
Driving with small child daughter in suv, after getting car wash and ice cream, got on highway then got off…never any oil or engine lights illuminating ever. Smoke coming from front and tire areas. Other people in cars staring and pointing at our suv! Very scary! Oil leaking from…
Driving when multiple lights related to traction, ABS system illuminated. Warning message to pull over immediately. Power brakes gone. Had to push brake pedal hard and long to floor to get minimal manual brakes to take effect. High pitched alarm sound. Almost ran into other …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The actuator assembly, and brake booster pump assembly w/ accumulator have failed. Part # 04008-26448 and 04008-51148 How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Th…
Vehicle was involved in a collision where it struck a barrier head on. The front airbags did not deploy. The vehicle then became airborne and flipped. Only the side airbags deployed.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Toyota Highlander.
Recalls for 2010 Toyota Highlander
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Toyota Highlander. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2010 Toyota Highlander — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2010 Toyota Highlander reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2010 Toyota Highlander has 237 NHTSA owner complaints, 19 crash-related, and 10 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Electrical Faults (55 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Toyota Highlander?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (55 complaints). #2: Brake System (36 complaints). #3: Visibility/Wiper (31 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Toyota Highlander?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2010 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2010 Toyota Highlander has 19 crash-related complaints and 2 fire reports out of 237 total NHTSA complaints. 15 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?▾
Yes — 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Toyota Highlander. The largest issue: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2010 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2010 Toyota Highlander has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Electrical Faults issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2010 Toyota Highlander
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.