2010 Toyota Highlander: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2010 Toyota Highlander? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 237 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2010 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2010 Toyota Highlander trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2010 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2010 Toyota Highlander has 237 owner complaints, 19 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Highlander
- Model year
- 2010
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 237
- Crash-related complaints
- 19
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2010 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Brake System
Visibility/Wiper
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Brake System, Visibility/Wiper. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2010 Toyota Highlander?
The 2010 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2010 Toyota Highlander
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical systems, including battery, alternator, and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and visibility components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical systems, including battery, alternator, and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and visibility components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2010 Toyota Highlander, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 237 NHTSA complaints for the 2010 Toyota Highlander, the most frequently reported issues involve electrical faults, brake system problems, and visibility/wiper concerns. There are also notable complaints about unintended acceleration and steering defects. However, the confidence level is low, so these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Electrical faults are the most common complaint category with 55 reports.
- Brake system issues account for 36 complaints.
- Visibility and wiper problems are reported 31 times.
- Electrical Faults
- Brake System
- Visibility/Wiper
All 2010 Toyota Highlander Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Toyota Highlander. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2010 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2010 Toyota Highlander Recalls
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Toyota Highlander. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2010 Toyota Highlander Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2010 Toyota Highlander reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 237 owner complaints, 19 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2010 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Toyota Highlander, NHTSA complaints include 19 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 237 total complaints. 15 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?▾
Yes. 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Toyota Highlander. A major recall area is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2010 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2010 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2010 Toyota Highlander based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.