Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 238 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Toyota Highlander, and it carries 10 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 33 | 14% |
| Visibility/wiper | 28 | 12% |
| Service brakes | 25 | 11% |
| Steering | 19 | 8% |
| Vehicle speed control | 14 | 6% |
| Engine | 12 | 5% |
| Air bags | 12 | 5% |
| Unknown or other | 9 | 4% |
| Visibility | 9 | 4% |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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 sys
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
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 t
NHTSA complaint: Electrical 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, t
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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 vehicl
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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
NHTSA complaint: Exterior lighting
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 BOOSTE
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
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 complaint: Engine
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
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2010 Toyota Highlander. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 affec
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
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 Priu
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
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
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 nece
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. To
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 Vib
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
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
| Reliability | 60 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 74 | good |
| Maintenance | 82 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 74 | good |
| Performance | 67 | good |
| Efficiency | 36 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 238 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and electrical system is the most reported area with 33 of them (14%). There are 10 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 60/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 74/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2010 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 68/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.