YearToAvoid

2010 Toyota Highlander Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 21 steering complaints for the 2010 Toyota Highlander, 10% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 81,000. There are no related recalls on file. Most reports describe clunking noises or drift rather than sudden loss of control.

Steering complaints
21
10% of 214
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
81,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe a loud clunk or popping noise from the steering when turning left or right, often at low speed or from a stop.
  • Some reports point to the intermediate steering shaft as the diagnosed source of the clunking noise.
  • Several drivers felt a rattle or jolting vibration through the steering wheel on rough roads or during turns.
  • A few owners reported the steering wheel drifting side to side at highway speed, with one case linked to the electronic power steering system.
  • One early complaint described the steering pulling left then right at low speed along with a brief loss of control.

When 2010 Toyota Highlander steering complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 2, 2010, latest Jan 26, 2023.

2010 Toyota Highlander steering complaints: complaints filed per month3Mar 2010Dec 2013Jan 2015Apr 2017Oct 2017Aug 2019Jan 2023
21 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2010 to Jan 2023; peak Sep 2020 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2010 Toyota Highlander

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Highlander model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201021 (10%)
  2. 201134 (19%)
  3. 201246 (25%)
  4. 201346 (22%)
  5. 20144 (3%)
  6. 201525 (13%)
  7. 20166 (5%)
  8. 20174 (1%)
  9. 201810 (4%)
  10. 20198 (2%)
  11. 20205 (2%)
  12. 20219 (2%)
  13. 20221 (0%)
  14. 20232 (1%)
  15. 20240 (0%)
  16. 20251 (10%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering complaints on the 2010 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA lists 21 steering complaints for the 2010 model year, accounting for 10% of all complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall for steering problems on the 2010 Highlander?
No. NHTSA does not list any related recalls tied to this steering complaint data.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure among these complaints is 81,000 miles.
Did the 2010 Highlander steering issue cause any crashes?
NHTSA records show 1 crash and no fires or injuries linked to steering complaints for this model year.
What is the most common steering complaint?
Many owners describe a clunking or popping noise when turning, which some diagnosed as an intermediate steering shaft issue.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.