Is rear hatch ajar sensor false alarm a known issue with the 2010 Toyota Highlander?

36 NHTSA complaints have been filed about rear hatch ajar sensor false alarm on the 2010 Toyota Highlander (2013-06 → 2020-08). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11115759): "BACK DOOR AJAR, INTERIOR LIGHT AND A BING SOUND COME ON WHEN I TURN LEFT" Source: NHTSA.

Is driver-side sun visor drop a known issue with the 2010 Toyota Highlander?

28 NHTSA complaints have been filed about driver-side sun visor drop on the 2010 Toyota Highlander (2012-06 → 2015-03). Reported component: VISIBILITY/WIPER. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10676740): "THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR FAILS TO STAY UP AND DROPS TO BLOCK DRIVER'S VIEW. *TR" Source: NHTSA.

Is intermediate steering shaft clunk noise a known issue with the 2010 Toyota Highlander?

18 NHTSA complaints have been filed about intermediate steering shaft clunk noise on the 2010 Toyota Highlander (2013-12 → 2023-01). Reported component: STEERING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11244307): "WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS THERE IS A POPPING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE STEERING WHEEL CAN BE TURNED SLIGHTLY LEFT OR RIGHT AND THE NOISE IS HEARD" Source: NHTSA.

Is brake actuator and accumulator abs failure a known issue with the 2010 Toyota Highlander?

23 NHTSA complaints have been filed about brake actuator and accumulator abs failure on the 2010 Toyota Highlander (2014-06 → 2024-07). Reported component: SERVICE BRAKES. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11414316): "ABS LIGHTS ARE ON AND IT SAYS TO CHECK THE VEHICLE BY DEALER. THIS MIGHT BE WITH ALL THE HYBRIDS" Source: NHTSA.

Is front airbag non-deployment in crash a known issue with the 2010 Toyota Highlander?

8 NHTSA complaints have been filed about front airbag non-deployment in crash on the 2010 Toyota Highlander (2013-11 → 2022-01). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11449203): "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.

2010 Toyota Highlander Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is unintended acceleration during braking a known issue with the 2010 Toyota Highlander?

8 NHTSA complaints have been filed about unintended acceleration during braking on the 2010 Toyota Highlander (2014-05 → 2026-03). Reported component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10594275): "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE SUDDENDLY ACCELERATED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF" Source: NHTSA.

The 2010 Toyota Highlander carries 10 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering seat heater/cooler. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear hatch ajar sensor false alarm.” Toyota's owner's manual splits service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1 because it covers short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or heavy idling. The intervals below reflect Schedule 1 — the schedule Toyota recommends for typical real-world use.

10 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Campaign #14V743000 · Nov 19, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Campaign #16V396000 · Feb 6, 2016

Issue: 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.

Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #14V168000 · Sep 4, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Campaign #15V689000 · Oct 22, 2015

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Campaign #13V014000 · Jan 16, 2013

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #13V123000 · Sep 4, 2013

Issue: 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."

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #10V035000 · Mar 2, 2010

Issue: 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.

Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Fix: 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.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #10V036000 · Mar 2, 2010

Issue: 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.

Risk: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: 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.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Campaign #10V023000 · Jan 27, 2010

Issue: 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).

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Campaign #10V017000 · Jan 21, 2010

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Toyota Highlander.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear hatch ajar sensor false alarm

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

36 NHTSA complaints · 2013-06 → 2020-08

“BACK DOOR AJAR, INTERIOR LIGHT AND A BING SOUND COME ON WHEN I TURN LEFT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11115759

“FALSE BACK DOOR AJAR WARNING. SAFETY CONCERN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11113395

“WHEN DRIVING AND TURNING OR GOING OVER A BUMP THE "DOOR AJAR" INDICATOR BEEPS AND THE DOME LIGHTS TURN ON. BROUGHT TO AUTO SERVICE REPAIR SHOP AND THE LEFT REAR DOOR AND THE REAR GATE SENSOR/ACTUATOR NEED TO BE REPLACED. $1100!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11132190

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR ALARM WOULD SOUND WHILE TURNING LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10618832

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver-side sun visor drop

VISIBILITY/WIPER

28 NHTSA complaints · 2012-06 → 2015-03

“THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR FAILS TO STAY UP AND DROPS TO BLOCK DRIVER'S VIEW. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10676740

“DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP. KEEPS FALLING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10614869

“DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR DROPS DOWN AND WILL NOT STAY IN THE UP POSITION OBSTRUCTING MY VISIBILITY. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10486155

“VISOR ON DRIVERS SIDE WILL NOT GO UP. IT IS CONSTANTLY IN THE WAY OF MY VISION AS I DRIVE. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10549615

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Intermediate steering shaft clunk noise

STEERING

18 NHTSA complaints · 2013-12 → 2023-01

“WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS THERE IS A POPPING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE STEERING WHEEL CAN BE TURNED SLIGHTLY LEFT OR RIGHT AND THE NOISE IS HEARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11244307

“There is a clunk noise in the steering column On bumpy roads”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11503742

“VEHICLE MAKES A POPPING NOISE WHEN YOU MAKE A TURN. NOISE CAN BE HEARD WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AT ANY SPEED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10840368

“WHEN STEERING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT DURING FORWARD OR REVERSE MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE, THERE'S A LOUD CLUNK NOISE. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10584070

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake actuator and accumulator ABS failure

SERVICE BRAKES

23 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2024-07

“ABS LIGHTS ARE ON AND IT SAYS TO CHECK THE VEHICLE BY DEALER. THIS MIGHT BE WITH ALL THE HYBRIDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11414316

“ABS - CODE -1391,THIS IS SECOND TIME,FIRST TIME(2016) WAS CHANGED THIS PART -44510-48080”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11145191

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11563768

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO STATED THIS WAS NORMAL FOR VEHICLE WITH ABS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10630297

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration during braking

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

8 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2026-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE SUDDENDLY ACCELERATED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10594275

“ACCELERATOR MOVED TO FULL SPEED AS BACKING UP BEGAN. AUTO PLOWED 110 FEET FULL SPEED THROUGH PLANTS AND TREES, COMING TO A STOP BY SOME TREES. CAR WAS PARKED ON PRIVATE DRIVEWAY. DRIVER SLIGHTLY INJURED. REAR END CAR DAMAGE IS $6,000+”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10819165

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11722240

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front airbag non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2013-11 → 2022-01

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11449203

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH, A DEER HIT MY CAR. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, DAMAGED FRONT END, MINOR DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER, MAJOR DAMAGE TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED WHY DID THE AIRBAG NOT DEPLOY OUR MAJOR CONCERN CONCERN THAT WILL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10566585

“MY HUSBAND AND TWO YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WERE IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A TREE AFTER ANOTHER VEHICLE CAME INTO HIS LANE AND HE ATTEMPTED TO AVOID THE HEAD ON COLLISION WITH THE OTHER VEHICLE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. SIGNIFICANT INJURIES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10550666

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1, or 10,000 miles under Schedule 2. Toyota covers the first 2 oil changes through ToyotaCare.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends rotation at every oil change to maximize tire life on FWD and AWD models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 5,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends measuring pad thickness at each service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Critical for the integrity of the ABS, VSC, and brake assist systems.

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty climates. Located behind the glove box on most Toyota and Lexus models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Serpentine / Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Toyota uses long-life EPDM belts that rarely fail before 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Toyota's 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS, and most Toyota engines built since 2010 use a timing chain rated for the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

36 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2010 Toyota Highlander reflects Toyota's published service intervals and the Maintenance Required Light system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →