CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2010 Highlander's rear liftgate thinks it's open when it's closed and then once it's actually open, you might not be able to shut it again. Remember folks, if your liftgate is stuck open for more than 4 hours, consult your mechanic.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
58,500 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2010 Toyota Highlander miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2010 Toyota Highlander Owner Comments

problem #15

Jun 012015

Highlander

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Front driver and front passenger arm rests cave in due to clip support design or construction.

- Dallas, GA, USA

problem #14

Jan 092021

Highlander

  • 100,000 miles
While I was driving, the steering wheel locked and I was not able to move the car. I put the car on pkg and it got locked too. Could not put in reverse or drive. Windows got locked too. The ABS system light up. A miracle that few minute before I exited a highway. A tow truck took the car and it has been in the Toyota dealer for the past week and they do not now what is wrong with the car

- San Juan, PR, USA

problem #13

Jun 202019

Highlander

  • 90,000 miles
Every time I accelerate, break, turn, coming to a stop and going over a bump my door ajar chimes on the dash for the back door (hatch). Also, the dome lights come on when the chime and picture pops up that my rear gate is ajar. I believe this is a safety issue because I am not the only car with this exact same issue. This needs to be recalled since this potentially is a safety issue. This is a continual and ongoing issue.

- Prescott Valley, AZ, USA

problem #12

Feb 182019

Highlander

  • 88,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Rear door actuator/sensor malfunctioning to read "door ajar" constantly while in motion about two months ago. Initially started only when the windows were down, and taking turns. Now its progressed to constantly setting off the safety features for the door ajar warning. This is a huge distraction while driving! having my local dealer address the issue tomorrow.

- Melbourne, FL, USA

problem #11

Oct 012015

Highlander

  • 90,000 miles
Hydraulics and/or electric on rear lift gate faulty. The automatic lift function does not properly align the back lift door upon closure. The hatch must be closed manually.

- Washington, WV, USA

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problem #10

Aug 052017

Highlander

  • 80,894 miles
Indicator warning for rear back door open when it is secure and locked. Interior lights go on as well as warning bell. Vehicle brought to Toyota service dept. State they cannot duplicate-however it is becoming more frequent each time I drive vehicle.

- Tarrytown, NY, USA

problem #9

Jul 062017

Highlander

  • 84,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Sunroof exploded while driving 70 mph on interstate 44. Sound resembled gunshot. No extreme temperatures. No projectiles. Overreaction could have caused accident. Cause of noise unknown until able to pull over to roadside. If interior shield had been open, sharp glass particles would have showered over occupants. Internet review discloses many similar exploding sunroofs on many models and brands.

- Creve Coeur, MO, USA

problem #8

Dec 292016

Highlander

  • 105,000 miles
This is a safety issue concerning weathertech mats that resulted in an accident. I am attaching a detailed description of the accident, weathertech's response, and response back to them.

- Tyler, TX, USA

problem #7

Sep 162016

Highlander

  • 46,000 miles
In late 2012, Toyota issued a tsb related to the rear power lift gate. Instructions were to replace the hinges, motor unit, etc... if evidence of failure. Limitations were 3 yr 36,000 mile warranty. Explanations from the dealer were that the hinges for the back hatch were under manufactured for the weight of the door causing them to twist/warp and pull away from the door and/or frame. This also created undue stress on the motor assembly unit often times leading to failure. I had service performed in early 2013 as recommended by the tsb. I am currently experiencing the identical issues as stated above but worse. The door no longer operates by using the power lift feature on the key fob. The door is again warped causing the grinding and clicking noises when you open it manually. The motor has failed and I am afraid my actual door is warped. I have spoken to my dealer and have been told that the work was completed and that there was nothing else they could do for me. This in spite of the fact that the repairs have been proven to be less than effective. I do not feel this is a car mileage issue. It is simply a manufacturing error that has yet to be resolved. Toyota failed to issue a recall on this problem. After researching my problem I have found that there have been very large class action law suits related to this very issue. Many times these doors are not closing at all creating a potentially very dangerous safety issue.

- Appling, GA, USA

problem #6

May 012016

Highlander

  • 58,000 miles
Driver's side sun visor fails to close thereby blocking some forward vision.

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #5

Sep 012015

Highlander

  • 36,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Open-door warning keeps popping in the dash when driving, as well as the light inside inside the car (consistent with an open door). The problem started at first as the car would be turning at very low speed. It has gotten worse over the next 2 weeks and now happens almost anytime there is a bump in the road, or when cornering, as well as when hitting the brakes, even gently. I changed all the door sensors but it did not make any difference.

- Hampstead, NH, USA

problem #4

Feb 032014

Highlander

  • 50,000 miles
Received a phone call from street Toyota concerning a recall for my 2010 Highlander. They said that they needed 5 minutes to do a recall on the computer. I checked the recalls and didn't find anything. I think that they are up to something. I refused the appointment. Thanks

- Gloversville, NY, USA

problem #3

May 032012

Highlander 6-cyl

  • 32,000 miles
My name is [xxx]. I own a 2010 Highlander, as of today 5/16/12 the mileage 32,800. The reason for this letter, the left portion of my windshield is coming loose or the left passenger window is dysfunctional. This is the original Toyota Highlander windshield and passenger window. First, I noticed the sound of glass if it was loose, driving my daily route on I95 fredericksburg Virginia to quantico base Virginia. This portion of I95 is smoother, than most state roads. The glass sound is not a continuous sound, cause to roads different. In fact, the glass sound occurs only when it an dry day. I notice the road noise has increased. When it rains, I can not heard the glass sound, due to rain on the vehicle. I drive this Highlander daily to and from work. The local dealership will take a 3 minute ride and hear nothing, than I am forced to another dealership for service. Many years ago, I had the same problem with another vehicle, the internal and liner has to replaced. Has anyone else experienced this problem? information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Spotsylvania, VA, USA

problem #2

Apr 222011

Highlander

  • 2,300 miles
On Friday, April 22, 2011, we were traversing I-55 North of grenada, Mississippi. I was using cruise control traveling at 73 mph when, without any warning of anything wrong, we heard a loud noise like the whirring of helicopter blades overhead. I turned off the cruise control to let the car slow down because I didn't know what was happening; as my wife slid open the sun roof cover to look overhead. As we slowed down, the driver's side rear tire tread hit my side of the car and passed us up going down the interstate. I then felt the drag on the steering as I pulled off onto the shoulder of the highway and applied the brakes stopping the car. Prior to the helicopter sound, I never had any pulling or steering problems that could have been caused by a tire running on low tire pressure. I also never received a low tire alarm from my tire pressure alarm system. As an addition, I'll add that my five tires are inflated with nitrogen for better tire wear and life. I went to alexander Toyota in franklin, tn to purchase a new tire so I'd have a spare. I picked up the damaged tire off the interstate shoulder and my car insurance company know has the entire failed tire to examine. The failure was a Bridgestone; model "dueler hl-400"; dot: Ob7C.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

problem #1

Nov 082010

Highlander

  • 14,800 miles
Driver backed out of an end parking space (nose in, curb in front and on right). Driver felt wheel (right side) go over curb (turned too quickly). Driver stopped, shifted to drive (forward) to get off the curb. When driver touched accelerator, the vehicle shot forward (seemed like 50 mph). Left front of the Highlander creased the two side doors of the minivan parked adjacent on the left. The left front of the Highlander sustained grille damage, left fender, headlight and running light, driver door and left mirror. Fender pushed back prevented driver door from being opened. Air bags did not deploy. The Highlander was purchased 1/4/2010. The accelerator recall was performed by the dealer in March 2010.

- Swan Point, MD, USA

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