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:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
42,343 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 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2010 Toyota Highlander Owner Comments

problem #18

Nov 232022

Highlander

  • miles

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

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 the daylights out of my wife and thank god we didn't get in wreck!! But I dont understand why this is not a recall problem after all the other people I have read about with the same problem with the abs accumulator bleeding off pressure causing the pump motor to run abnormally long and in our case constantly to the point of no being burnt up and needing to replace.. my wife is the second owner of this car and we have had it since 2015... how is the window switch MORE OF AA CONCERN THAN FAULTY ABS ACCUMULATORS"?"

- Seminole, OK, USA

problem #17

May 062022

Highlander

  • miles
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 cars in parking lot.

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #16

Feb 222022

Highlander

  • miles
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? This controls the brakes and anti-lock brake system. Stopping distance and anti-lock performance has been very erratic. Brake pedal feel has been soft or overly-firm and could easily cause a collision or serious accident. This is a serious and known safety issue and should result in a vehicle recall. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? This problem was confirmed by Norm Reeves Toyota San Diego on 3/12/22, and has been acknowledged by Toyota in Bulletin POL 19-06. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear" There are many warning lamps on in the car, including an ABS and Brake System warning on the display, the traction control light, ABS light, warning light, and parking brake light. The vehicles brake booster has been running frequently and making a loud noise for about 18 months or 2 years prior to failure and prior to warning lights coming on.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #15

Jan 092021

Highlander

  • miles

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

My 2010 Highlander hybrid had an issue with the brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly. Customer support service is expired on Dec 31, 2020 which is not fair. This problem can cause serious accident and cause. It was lucky that my wife managed to stop the vehicle when brake does not work and all the lights on. My wife now could not drive because she is too scared to drive anymore. This issue raised a big enough issue for Toyota to extend coverage. It needs to be a recall, as the total repair costs exceed $3500 in most cases for a part Toyota has essentially admitted was defected.

- La, CA, USA

problem #14

Sep 012021

Highlander

  • miles
While driving several passengers, vehicle brakes failed, dash lights came on. Brake booster pump and actuator failed according to Master Mechanic. Vehicle available for inspection. Brake failure sudden reduction is stopping distance unexpected nearly causing collision to other vehicle and possible injury or death to others. Toyota aware of issue (customer support bulletin (zKc) which expired 12/31/21 without notifying me of issue unless NHTSA call for SAFETY RECALL. Problem is same exact as my 2010 PRIUS which was safety rcalled NHTSA Code 13V235000.without any brake problem indicators. Toyota refuses to repair unless NHTSA calls for a SAFETY RECALL beyond 12/31/21 expired date of (csp bulletin zKc. I experienced what I thought was slight & brief dash light which went back to normal immediately. First appeared Sept 1, 2021.

- Medway, MN, USA

problem #13

Mar 102021

Highlander

  • miles
The brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly had a recall on it but my truck was not having problems then. I noticed that when I start braking, the truck speeds up. Then all the light on the dash board came on. When my vehicle started having problems I call and they told me that the recall had expired 3 months earlier for my vehicle and it was up to the owner to have it fixed. I didn't get a notice and I wasn't aware of such recall so why am I liable for the repairs. I need help with this please.

- Bentonia, MS, USA

problem #12

Apr 282021

Highlander

  • miles

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

ABS lights are on and it says to check the vehicle by dealer. This might be with all the hybrids.

- Rancho Cordova, CA, USA

problem #11

Mar 032021

Highlander

  • miles
Brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly are vibrating every 30 seconds periodically and making violent noise. This is also happening when I push the brakes. The car is not safe to drive. Toyota refused to replace the unit, stating that their program expired 12/31/2020. They said they published this: "customer support program bulletin (zkc): Repair coverage for brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly on certain 2008-2010 my Highlander hybrid vehicles". https://static.NHTSA.gov/ODI/tsbs/2019/mc-10164925-9999.pdf we have never received this notice before. This looks like a way for Toyota to bypass a major recall and reduce the costs of replacements. NHTSA may be enabling this kind of evasive behavior.

- Metairie, LA, USA

problem #10

Feb 032021

Highlander

  • 166,000 miles
My 2010 Highlander hybrid is presenting a code C1391 for an issue with the brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly. Currently my ABS, traction control, and check brake system lights are on with a message not to drive the vehicle. Toyota has recognized this issue and offered free repairs, extending coverage until Dec 31, 2020. The customer support program bulletin to support this is pol19-06. This issue raised a big enough issue for Toyota to extend coverage. It needs to be a recall, as the total repair costs exceed $3500 in most cases for a part Toyota has essentially admitted was defected.

- Signal Moutain, TN, USA

problem #9

Jan 062019

Highlander

  • 79,500 miles
Vehicle was on city street coming to a stop brake pedal went al the way to the floor and skid icon came on lucily I stopped just in time to avoid a wreck. Toyota said was brake actuator going bad.same problem as other Toyota that were recalled, as my vehicle was not on recall list Toyota wont fix it under recall and want me to pay $3000 to fix it.maybe that will fix it? why cant a recall fix a proclem with all brake actuators as there is obviously a defect in actuators. Thanks larry

- Canton, GA, USA

problem #8

Jun 282017

Highlander

  • 92,000 miles

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

Hybrid breaking system. The hybrid breaking system (actuator, accumulator, & pump) on my 2010 Highlander hybrid are faulty and have failed. My family purchased this vehicle from Toyota dealer when it was approximately 1.5 years young, and have performed all necessary service at camelback Toyota dealership in a timely fashion. (23 service history reports shown on carfax.) our Highlander has less than 100K miles and is less than 10 years old (approximately 8 years old). The faulty hybrid breaking system is a known issue, that Toyota has issued 'limited extended warranties' on at least 736K vehicles (which would cover my repair free of charge if my vehicle was older ('wep-ZG1' covers full replacement of breaking system at no cost to customer for vehicles with 150K miles or less or 10 years or newer) and full recalls on the prius breaking system. Camelback Toyota first quoted me $2,500 for the repair' but that first repair was only to replace the accumulator and the pump. The next day, the brake malfunction lights came on, and now they're quoting me another $2,064 to replace the actuator. My family has cared for this car properly, and done nothing that would cause a total break malfunction. This is a malfunctioning break system that Toyota (and their parts manufacturer) need to be responsible for. A breaking system is arguably the most important system on any vehicle! this is putting my family, and other families at risk. I ask the ntsb to force a recall on my 2010 Highlander hybrid model. Thank you. Further evidence: In 2013, Toyota recalls the prius: www.nbcnews.com/business/Toyota-recalls-prius-Lexus-hybrid-faulty-brakes-6C10208931 Highlander hybrid 2008 complaints: www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/highlander_hybrid/2008/brakes/service_brakes.shtml

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #7

Sep 122016

Highlander

  • 181,000 miles
This morning at 7:45 am est my car self broke while in drive and traveling at 45mph. I was lucky the driver behind me was able to avoid hitting me. Is this a know problem? I am fearful to drive me car again

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #6

Jan 192015

Highlander

  • 59,100 miles
I was backing out of a parking space at a taco bell when I noticed a car coming so I decided to stop and pull back into my parking space to let it pass. When I stepped on the brake my car suddenly accelerated in reverse and I stepped on the brake again, but my car continued to accelerate. I turned my car to avoid hitting the car and any other cars that may have been behind me. My car continued to accelerate and jumped a curb, crossed over a sidewalk and onto a lawn area behind taco bell. I stepped on the brake again trying to get my car to stop. I turned my wheels to keep from going into the drive up lane and finally got my car to stop.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #5

Jul 152014

Highlander 6-cyl

  • 25,581 miles
On July 16, 2014 I turned my car on, ready to return home to New Jersey from brooklyn, at this point the brake light signal, ABS, and warning icon all turned on. The camera displayed a text stating brake malfunction and giving instructions to park the car immediately. I called the Toyota 800 number and followed their recommendations, L had the car tow to the nearest Toyota dealer, bay ridge Toyota of brooklyn. I picked up the car on the 18 th, I was told they ran all tests an they found everything properly installed. They scan test clean all dtc performed initialization and calibration of the linear solenoid valve. They road tested the vehicle and confirmed repair, no lights on, at a cost of $227 plus tax. Today the 28 of October as I turned my car on I face the same problem all the brake lights, ABS, warning, and display text indicating malfunction, to stop the car. I again called for tow went to Toyota of hillside in NJ, explained what happened. Was ask why I had the car tow after telling the service representative about the brakes. How can anyone drive a vehicle that is warning you not to do so. I also spoke to the service manager stating that I don't think I should pay for this service again since its been only 1500 miles or a little over 90 days since the same problem. Am sure there's more to this. Thank you

- Union, NJ, USA

problem #4

Sep 012014

Highlander 6-cyl

  • 31,000 miles
Twice in September 2014, as I was approaching a stop light, I pressed the brakes and slowed to nearly a stop. The engine suddenly accelerated very high, and if I had not already had a foot on the brakes, I would have gone into an intersection. The engine was running so high that it was difficult to keep it from moving. I shifted into neutral, came to a complete stop, and while the transmission was in neutral, took my foot off the brake pedal. The engine immediately returned to normal idle. This same sequence happened both times. This has happened twice this month, but these are the first occurrences since I purchased the vehicle new. I called the Toyota dealer, and the service person said that if the vehicle isn't demonstrating that behavior when I bring it in, they would not be able to find what caused it. They indicated that the vehicle data recorder would not record such an event. They said they would add a note about this to the record they have on this vehicle (they have done all the service since I purchased it from them). I have already decided that should it happen again, I will trade the vehicle. I don't like having to keep my hand on the gearshift, ready to shift into neutral. I saw a report in usatoday that sudden acceleration in Toyota is being investigated again. I wanted to add my experience to the mix.

- Denton, TX, USA

problem #3

Aug 232014

Highlander

  • 43,000 miles
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. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.

- Polson, MT, USA

problem #2

Mar 202013

Highlander 6-cyl

  • 52,000 miles
I'd stopped on the residential street to let a car pass. After the car passed, I attempted to pull up along the curb to park, but the car accelerated and crashed into a tree. The brakes did not respond and the steering did not seem to respond. The space between acceleration and impact was 10-15 feet. It's like the car had a mind of its own, and I had no control. No warning lights came on and the airbags did not deploy. The passenger side headlight was smashed, the hood was smashed, front bumper and passenger side fender were also smashed. The only thing that stopped the car was the tree. Once it stopped, I simply turned the ignition off. I immediately called my insurance company and they told me to tow it to san francisco Toyota for mechanical inspection. I called san francisco Toyota and said that I was towing my car down and was told they'd be waiting for it. Later that day I received a call from don's autobody telling me they had my car. I confirmed with sf Toyota and they said they sent the car there and the auto body work had to be done prior to a mechanical inspection. On 4/15/13, I was informed the car had been repaired and was sent to sf Toyota. I repeatedly called sf Toyota to see if they had found any mechanical defects. On 4/16/13, I was contacted by don's autobody and told that Toyota refused to inspect the car. Since we don't know if the car is safe to drive, the person from the autobody shop suggested we call Toyota usa. Toyota usa opened a case and has enlisted bill from engineering analytics to inspect the car. Bill plans to inspect the car on 4/30/13. He will collect data and send it to Toyota. Toyota said they'll review the data and will mail us the results within 30 business days. When we expressed concern that Toyota waited 6 weeks to look at our car (which the autobody said they've driven), Toyota had no comment.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #1

Nov 132010

Highlander 6-cyl

  • 33,000 miles
As I was driving traffic came to a sudden stop. I applied the brakes hard, however was not able to stop before hitting the vehicle in front of me. As part of the necessary vehicle repairs after the accident, to get the brakes to operate again properly, the brake load sensor - an electric sensor on the brake pedal that feeds back to the braking computer system how hard brakes are being applied was found to have failed, presumably at the time as a result of the impact. This malfunction trips a warning in the brake system, and affects operability of the brakes. Recently on June 18, 2012 while driving on a local street at 25 mph, a vehicle passed a stop sign crossing in front of me necessitating I brake hard to avoid an accident. While an accident was avoided, immediately following this a brake malfunction warning came on, and the brake system stopped operating normally. The dealer found that due to the hard braking, the brake pedal became misaligned, and the brake load sensor failed again. This pattern leads me to believe that in instances of hard braking, damage to the brake pedal and/or load sensor can occur, causing a loss of brake power possibly resulting in an accident.

- Dumont, NJ, USA

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