2010 Toyota Highlander Owner Complaints

My car all of a sudden went into limp mode while driving on the 91 freeway with my kids in the car on may 21 2026. It had master warning ⚠️ light and check engine light and a circle warning light that is the braking system also it said on the screen check hybrid system stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact a dealer. It smelled like smoke as I was trying to get out of traffic and drive it to the shoulder.I towed the car to the Toyota dealer in Orange and was told it's the inverter and its fried and needs to be replaced.

NHTSA ID

11740752

Incident

May 21, 2026

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. There are not open recalls. The only lights on the dash were for TPMS sensor.

NHTSA ID

11722240

Incident

Mar 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the gear shifter had been stuck on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the fuses were replaced on several occasions; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rearview mirror wiring had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11706861

Incident

Oct 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and started to drift to the right side of the road. The brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle was able to come to a complete stop. The contact mentioned she waited for AAA for roadside assistance. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 185,420.

NHTSA ID

11654081

Incident

Apr 6, 2025

Mileage

185,420 mi

Headlamps become cloudy and burn out new, expensive bulbs in months. Internet search says Toyota is aware of problem, but prior to my search my dealership wanted to charge me hundreds of dollars to 'evaluate electrical system'

NHTSA ID

11630386

Incident

Sep 23, 2022

We received this from Toyota. Customer Support Program Bulletin Date: Page: POL19-06 6/6/2019 1 of 3 REVISED 8/28/19 CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM BULLETIN (ZKC): REPAIR COVERAGE FOR BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY ON CERTAIN 2008-2010 MY HIGHLANDER HYBRID VEHICLE. When we received this bulletin, we asked our Toyota Dealer Service Department (Stevenson Toyota East, Denver, CO) to address this issue multiple times when bringing in our vehicle for service in 2019 and 2020 and were told repeatedly they would not fix this issue since the ABS light was not on. Now that this bulletin is expired the ABS light is on. We took our Highlander to the Toyota Dealership in Melbourne, Florida and were told that this repair will now cost us $2473.89. Our 2010 Highlander is barely worth that, and now we have to repair this on our own even though Toyota knew the brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump would eventually fail at some point in time. Despite this, Toyota refused to resolve this issue when we asked (more than once) right after receiving the service bulletin in 2019 and as a result is causing a safety issue for our college aged son who drives this car, and all other drivers on the road should the ABS system fail. The attached estimate states the ABS service light has not come back on but this is not true and my son is having issues with the brakes.

NHTSA ID

11604358

Incident

May 1, 2024

The engine failed and locked up. Maintenance is completed every 3-4 months on schedule. There was no oil or water. Car was towed to a mechanic.

NHTSA ID

11569155

Incident

Dec 12, 2023

When traveling a slow speeds (less than 15 mph) and needing to stop, the brakes are pressed but do not respond. This has happened on several occasions and has caused two separate accidents where the Highlander has failed to stop and it runs into the car in front. After the first accident, we looked for recalls (2015) and there were none for any model Toyota for brakes or brake systems. We brought the car in to the mechanic and had all the brakes and pads replaced, although they said nothing was wrong with the shoes nor pads. Now, years later, another accident in the exact same way. Luckily, due to the slow speed, no one was hurt but this is definitely a problem with the car. There have never been any warning lights, or sounds that would indicate an issue.

NHTSA ID

11566144

Incident

Jan 17, 2024

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. Upon doing research, I have concluded that many complaints about this specific "Brake actuator & accumulator" have been issued. In the past, Toyota has provided a "Customer Support Program" which expired in 2020, but this does not help current owners like myself, who are stuck with this problem.

NHTSA ID

11563768

Incident

Dec 26, 2023

On approx. October 19, 2023 my vehicle started showing 4 error messages on the display: Brake Malfunction, Check ABS, Check VSC System, and Check Brake System. At the same time, these 5 warning lamps became illuminated: Brake System Warning Light and Warning Buzzer (Red), Brake System Warning Light (Yellow), Master Warning Light (Yellow), ABS Warning Light (Yellow), and SLIP Indicator (Yellow). A car repair technician obtained the following error codes from the vehicle in a diagnosis: C1391 (Abnormal Leak in Accumulator). I was informed that the VSC (vehicle stability control) safety feature of the vehicle is disabled while the error codes and messages are present. Toyota previously issued a customer support bulletin (No. POL19-06) on June 6, 2019, titled "Customer Support Program ZKC: Certain 2008-2010 Model Year Highlander Hybrid Vehicles Coverage for Brake Actuator Assembly and Brake Booster Pump Assembly". In the bulletin, Toyota acknowledged that its 2008-2010 Highlander Hybrid models had "certain internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator Assembly". Affected error codes include C1391 and C1253, among others. Affected warning lamps consists of all 5 of the warning lamps that were illuminated in my vehicle. Affected parts include 04008-26448 (Actuator Assy, Brake w/ Fluid) and 04008-51148 (Pump Kit, Brake Booster w/ Accumulator). Instead of issuing a recall for this hazardous defect, Toyota opted to offer "Customer Support Program ZKC". The malfunction that manifested my vehicle is not eligible for this program. Toyota should issue a proper recall to address this safety hazard.

NHTSA ID

11551728

Incident

Oct 19, 2023

1. When braking vehicle accelerates for 1 to 2 seconds. 2. I believe safety is at risk for driver, passengers or people close to accelerating car. 3. This has not been confirmed with dealer. 4. Multiple inspections but not for this problem. 5. No warning has ever appeared on any visible car system. Problem has existed for over one year. 2010 Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid 4WD

NHTSA ID

11539751

Incident

Aug 5, 2023

The brake actuator (4405048320) and brake booster pump (4707048020) malfunctioned. The ABS warning came on the display, as well as a warning saying “Brake Malfunction: pull over car immediately.” The traction control light, ABS light, warning light, and parking brake light also came on. The computer code was C1391. This controls the brakes and anti-lock brake system. This is a serious and known safety issue. It is well-documented online, and in 2019 Toyota acknowledged this widespread issue with a Customer Support Program ZKC. However, this program only applied for a limited time, and since then more vehicles have had this same issue with faulty parts. Even vehicles under 150,000 miles no longer qualify for free replacement despite this being a known and widespread issue.

NHTSA ID

11520304

Incident

Apr 29, 2023

Mileage

146,000 mi

My issue is not that I got a brake warning light (see attached image). My issue is that Toyota knows that this is an issue and will only fix it if you experience the issue before 12/30/2020 or at less than 150,000 miles. It is irresponsible of Toyota to know this is an issue, especially regarding the vehicle brakes (see screenshots of the letter from Toyota).

NHTSA ID

11517440

Incident

Apr 12, 2023

Mileage

175,000 mi

There is a clunk noise in the steering column On bumpy roads

NHTSA ID

11503742

Incident

Jan 26, 2023

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???

NHTSA ID

11495566

Incident

Nov 23, 2022

I purchase The H4 LED’s from headlightexperts.com February 2022. There is a design flaw with their H4.bulb. The low beam have LED’s on both sides of the light bulb, however the halogen bulb has a shield so that light will only come out of one side of the bulb. The result of leds on both sides of the low beam is light hits the high beam reflector from the back side of the low beam led bulb, and blinds oncoming vehicles. When I contacted customer service via email, they kept saying I have the bulb at the wrong angle, and sent me links to 2videos for proper installation. I keep adjusting the bulb, at first with 45degree turns but then even less- still the light from the back side of the low beam bleeds onto the high beam reflector and blinds oncoming vehicles due to this design flaw. When I called the companies Phone number [XXX] it links to their sales department only. I attempted to explain the issue to their salesman who salesman who proceeded to dismiss the concern as my fault for not installing it correctly. There is no way to install this product correctly due to the fact it has low beam leds hitting a high beam reflector. When I pointed out the safety issue this product creates, I was told to look elsewhere for “some unicorn bulb that doesn’t exist.” He was rude, Hostile and argumentative.. When I attempted to explain the design flaw issue again, he selected would talk over me saying “bla bla bla bla bla” when ever I spoke like a 4yr old. In short there was ZERO concern for public safe their product puts at risk. I have included photos of both sides of their product showing high and low beam leds on both side of the bulb, as well as photos of a standard halogen bulb with the metal shield to prevent any spillage of low beam light onto a high beam reflector- INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11490971

Incident

Oct 26, 2022

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

NHTSA ID

11470082

Incident

Jun 1, 2015

Driving with small child daughter in suv, after getting car wash and ice cream, got on highway then got off…never any oil or engine lights illuminating ever. Smoke coming from front and tire areas. Other people in cars staring and pointing at our suv! Very scary! Oil leaking from front passenger area all over ground trailing. Pulled over! Pulled dip stick it was bone dry. Still no oil light! No engine light! Conrad’s shop looked at it got estimate it is the Toyota oil cooler line that failed that soooo many ppl have had but there’s no recall yet from Toyota seriously dangerous and horrible! Suv only has 86000 miles on it!

NHTSA ID

11469674

Incident

Jun 15, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11463819

Incident

May 6, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11456446

Incident

Feb 22, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11449203

Incident

Jan 21, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11440561

Incident

Jan 9, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID

11433219

Incident

Sep 1, 2021

In June passenger airbag light was sending error messages to the system. The dealer(service department) reported the car needed a specific part for the repair. Control Panel - Toyota (84010-0E050-E0). The part was ordered and we waited. After several weeks it became clear the part was not coming. Reached out to both dealership and Toyota and was told today it would not be available until the end of the year. This is a non-functioning air bag. Toyota has advised me to use an after market replacement, if I can find and they will install(Auto Nation-Libertyville). The second point was to essentially be careful driving... The car is dangerous and Toyota does not seem to care!

NHTSA ID

11428781

Incident

Jun 28, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID

11422936

Incident

Mar 10, 2021