2010 Toyota Highlander Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 36 engine-related complaints for the 2010 Toyota Highlander, 17% of its 214 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 11,746 miles. Two related recalls (10V023000 and 10V017000) cover unintended acceleration tied to the accelerator pedal.
- Engine complaints
- 36
- 17% of 214
- Crashes reported
- 7
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 11,746 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while backing out of or into parking spaces, sometimes ending in a collision with a curb, wall, or another vehicle.
- Several drivers report the vehicle surging forward or in reverse after applying the brake, forcing them to shift into neutral or use the emergency brake to stop.
- Some complaints describe the engine revving high on its own while slowing toward a stop, making it hard to keep the vehicle from moving.
- One owner reported the engine catching fire and completely burning the vehicle.
- A more recent complaint describes the engine failing and locking up despite regular maintenance, with no oil or coolant found afterward.
- Another owner reported oil leaking from the front of the vehicle with smoke coming from the front and tire areas after a short drive.
When 2010 Toyota Highlander engine complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 1, 2010, latest Mar 5, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2010 Toyota Highlander
- NHTSA 10V023000Jan 27, 2010Engine1,126,915 vehicles
Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 highlander, model year 2009-2010 corolla, venza and matrix passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. This recall is an expansion of a campaign of 3.8 million other toyota vehicles announced in 2009 for the same issue (see 09v-388).
Risk: A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will modify or replace the accelerator pedals on the subject vehicles. Floor surface modifications are also being considered and will be included for any model for which it is deemed appropriate. Initially, dealers will be instructed on how to reshape the accelerator pedal for the repair. As replacement parts with the same shape as the modified pedal become available, they will be made available to the dealers for the repair. Customers who have had the pedal reshape remedy completed will have the opportunity to receive a new pedal if they desire, after replacement pedals become available. In addition, toyota will replace any toyota all-weather floor mat in a subject vehicle with a newly designed mat, free of charge. For those customers who have the previous design all-weather floor mat but do not need or want the newly designed all-weather floor mat, toyota will recover the previous design all-weather floor mat and reimburse its price. The safety recall began march 30, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
- NHTSA 10V017000Jan 21, 2010Engine2,230,661 vehicles
Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 avalon, model year 2007-2010 camry, model year 2009-2010 corolla, corolla matrix, rav4, model year 2010 highlander, model year 2008-2010 sequoia, and model year 2007-2010 tundra vehicles. Due to the manner in which the friction lever interacts with the sliding surface of the accelerator pedal inside the pedal sensor assembly, the sliding surface of the lever may become smooth during vehicle operation. In this condition, if condensation occurs on the surface, as may occur from heater operation (without a/c) when the pedal assembly is cold, the friction when the accelerator pedal is operated may increase, which may result in the accelerator pedal becoming harder to depress, slower to return, or, in the worst case, mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position.
Risk: The accelerator pedal may become hard to depress, slow to return to idle, or, in the worst case, mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a reinforcement bar in the accelerator pedal which will allow the pedal to operate smoothly. Gm will notify owners for the pontiac vibe please see 10v-018. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on february 5, 2010 and will be completed on march 15, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Engine complaints by Highlander model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2010 Toyota Highlander have?
- NHTSA lists 36 engine-related complaints for the 2010 Highlander, which is 17% of the 214 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for engine problems on the 2010 Toyota Highlander?
- Yes. Two recalls, campaign 10V023000 and campaign 10V017000, address the accelerator pedal getting trapped or not returning smoothly, both filed in January 2010.
- At what mileage do 2010 Highlander engine problems usually show up?
- The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints is 11,746 miles.
- Did the 2010 Highlander engine issues cause crashes or injuries?
- Among the complaints in this area, NHTSA data shows 7 crashes, 2 fires, and 2 injuries.