*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Fuel/propulsion system
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 â ï¸ 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.
May 21, 2026Vehicle speed controlCrash2 injuries
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.
Mar 4, 2026Electrical system
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.
Oct 9, 2025Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
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.
Apr 6, 2025 · 185,420 milesExterior lighting
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'
Sep 23, 2022Service brakes
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,…
May 1, 2024Engine
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.
Dec 12, 2023Service brakesCrash
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…
Jan 17, 2024
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.