2010 Toyota Highlander
Common Problems
Ranked from 161 federal NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
16 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
Driver's Sun Visor Malfunction
29complaintsMedium 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 recalls: 13V123000, 10V035000, 10V036000
- 2
Brake Actuator and Brake Booster Pump Assembly Failure
27complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly malfunction, causing warning lights, reduced braking performance, and potential loss of ABS/VSC systems. This can lead to sudden brake failure and increased stopping distance.
$500–$1,300est. brake booster replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Rear door ajar sensor malfunction
26complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe rear door ajar sensor falsely indicates that the door is open while driving, causing the interior lights to turn on and a warning chime to sound. This issue occurs during turns, bumps, or when windows are open.
- 4
Unintended acceleration due to accelerator pedal issues
22complaintsSafety riskEngineThe accelerator pedal sticks or causes sudden unintended acceleration, even after recall fixes, leading to dangerous situations requiring emergency maneuvers.
- 5
Intermediate steering shaft clunking and popping
17complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe intermediate steering shaft assembly causes a clunking or popping noise when turning at low speeds or over bumps, leading to a loss of steering confidence and potential safety concerns.
- 6
Air Bag Warning Light and Module Failure
11complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe air bag warning light illuminates intermittently or remains on due to a faulty passenger-side air bag module, indicating a potential safety risk.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Electrical System Issues with Liftgate and Door Sensors
10complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe liftgate fails to open electrically or manually, and door sensors incorrectly report doors as open, causing chimes and lights.
- 8
Electrical System and Battery Issues
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe vehicle experiences frequent battery failures requiring jump starts, often unrelated to driver behavior.
- 9
Hybrid Propulsion System Failure
5complaintsHigh severityEngineThe hybrid propulsion system fails unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to stall on busy roads or during cold weather.
- 10
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 recalls: 13V123000, 10V035000, 10V036000
- 11
Sunroof glass explosion
4complaintsSafety riskOtherThe sunroof glass unexpectedly explodes while driving, creating a risk of injury from flying glass shards.
Related recalls: 13V123000, 10V035000, 10V036000
- 12
Front passenger airbag sensor malfunction
2complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe front passenger airbag sensor incorrectly indicates the airbag is off, even when an occupant is present, risking failure to deploy during a crash.
- 13
Tire failure or poor performance
2complaintsMedium severityOtherTires experience sudden failure or poor handling, including swaying during turns and premature flatting despite low mileage.
Related recalls: 13V123000, 10V035000, 10V036000
- 14
Torque converter clutch solenoid failure
2complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe torque converter clutch solenoid fails, causing rough shifting and eventual transmission failure requiring replacement.
$1,500–$3,000est. torque converter replacement · 6–10 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Unintended Acceleration During Braking
2complaintsSafety riskOtherThe vehicle accelerates unexpectedly when braking, causing crashes or near misses.
Related recalls: 13V123000, 10V035000, 10V036000
- 16
Windshield distortion affecting visibility
2complaintsMedium severityOtherDefective windshield with plastic film causes visual distortion, leading to eye strain and reduced visibility.
Related recalls: 13V123000, 10V035000, 10V036000
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.