2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Common Problems
Ranked from 160 federal NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
13 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Rear door ajar sensor malfunction
37complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe rear door ajar sensor falsely indicates the door is open while driving, causing dashboard warnings, interior lights, and chimes. This issue occurs during turns, bumps, or with windows open.
- 2
Brake Actuator and Brake Booster Pump Assembly Failure
30complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly malfunction, causing warning lights (ABS, VSC, Brake Malfunction), loss of power brakes, and erratic braking performance, increasing accident risk.
$500–$1,300est. brake booster replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Driver's Sun Visor Malfunction
30complaintsMedium severityOtherThe driver's side sun visor fails to stay in the upright position or retracts properly, obstructing the driver's vision and creating a visibility hazard.
Related recall: 13V123000
- 4
Unintended acceleration due to accelerator pedal issues
23complaintsSafety riskEngineThe accelerator pedal sticks or causes sudden unintended acceleration, even after recall fixes, leading to dangerous situations requiring emergency maneuvers.
- 5
Clunking Noise in Steering Column
18complaintsHigh severitySteeringA clunking noise occurs in the steering column during turns or over bumps, often linked to the intermediate steering shaft or steering linkage failure.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Air Bag Warning Light and Module Failure
12complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe air bag warning light illuminates intermittently or continuously due to faulty modules or connections, potentially compromising occupant safety.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Structural and Visibility Issues (Moonroof/Shattered Glass)
5complaintsSafety riskOtherThe moonroof shatters unexpectedly while driving, creating visibility hazards and requiring immediate attention.
Related recall: 13V123000
- 8
Rear Power Liftgate Hinge Failure
4complaintsMedium severityOtherThe rear power liftgate hinges are prone to warping or twisting due to poor design, causing the door to not close fully or remain open, creating a safety hazard.
Related recall: 13V123000
- 9
Battery and Electrical System Failures
3complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe vehicle experiences frequent battery failures requiring jump starts, often unrelated to driver behavior.
- 10
Headlamp Bulb and Clouding Issues
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalHeadlamps become cloudy and burn out frequently, reducing visibility and requiring frequent replacements.
- 11
Hybrid system disabling all-wheel drive during wheel slip
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe hybrid system shuts down the all-wheel drive during wheel slip to protect the generator, rendering the system nonfunctional and causing loss of traction.
- 12
Tire failure or poor performance
2complaintsMedium severityOtherTires experience sudden failure or poor handling, including swaying during turns and premature flatting.
Related recall: 13V123000
- 13
Windshield distortion causing visibility issues
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe windshield has a defective plastic film causing visual distortion and driver discomfort.
Related recall: 13V123000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.