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Is a 2010 Toyota Highlander a reliable vehicle?

The 2010 Toyota Highlander is generally considered a reliable and dependable vehicle. According to multiple automotive reviews and owner surveys, the 2010 Highlander has a reputation for being a well-built, durable, and long-lasting SUV.

Reliability Ratings and Owner Satisfaction

The 2010 Toyota Highlander has consistently received high reliability ratings from organizations like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. J.D. Power gave the 2010 Highlander a reliability score of 4 out of 5, indicating "better than average" dependability. Similarly, Consumer Reports rated the 2010 Highlander as "above average" in predicted reliability.

Owner surveys also reflect the Highlander's reputation for reliability. According to data from RepairPal, 2010 Highlander owners report an average annual repair cost of $429, which is lower than the average for midsize SUVs. Additionally, many owners report keeping their Highlanders for 10 years or more without major issues, indicating the vehicle's long-term durability.

Common Reliability Concerns

While the 2010 Toyota Highlander is generally considered a reliable vehicle, there are a few common issues that owners have reported over the years:

Transmission problems: Some owners have experienced transmission-related issues, such as slipping, jerking, or premature wear. These problems tend to occur more frequently on higher-mileage vehicles.

Electrical system issues: A small number of owners have reported problems with the vehicle's electrical system, including issues with the battery, alternator, or wiring.

Suspension and steering concerns: A few owners have experienced problems with the Highlander's suspension components or steering system, such as premature wear of ball joints or tie rods.

However, these issues are relatively uncommon, and with proper maintenance and care, the 2010 Toyota Highlander is generally considered a reliable and long-lasting SUV.

Conclusion

In summary, the 2010 Toyota Highlander is widely regarded as a reliable and dependable vehicle. With its strong reputation for durability, low average repair costs, and many owners reporting long-term ownership without major issues, the 2010 Highlander is a solid choice for those in the market for a used midsize SUV.

Is 2010 a good year for a Toyota Highlander?

Yes, the 2010 Toyota Highlander is generally considered a good car due to its strong reliability, smooth ride, and spacious interior, but it is important to be aware of potential issues like lower fuel economy and a cramped third row. It has a strong V6 engine and is often praised for being a practical and comfortable family vehicle, though its handling is not sporty.
You can watch this video for a test drive and overview of the 2010 Toyota Highlander: 1mDirect Auto OutletYouTube · Feb 26, 2025
Pros
This video discusses potential reliability issues in Toyota Highlanders, which can be helpful to watch before buying a used car: 1mChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 5, 2025

Reliability: The 2010 Highlander has a strong reputation for reliability and longevity, with many owners reporting high mileage with minimal major repairs, especially with regular maintenance.
Comfortable ride: It features a smooth and quiet ride, making it comfortable for long trips and family use.
Spacious interior: The cabin is roomy and well-designed, offering excellent visibility and intuitive controls. The second row is particularly accommodating.
Strong performance: The V6 engine provides ample power for merging and highway driving.
Versatile: Features like available all-wheel drive, a tow package, and plenty of cargo space make it a versatile option.

You can watch this video to learn why the 2010 Toyota Highlander is considered a good used SUV: 58sAlphaCars & MotorcyclesYouTube · Oct 27, 2023
Cons

Fuel economy: The fuel economy is not its strongest suit, especially on non-hybrid models.
Cramped third row: The third-row seat is best suited for children or short trips due to its limited legroom.
Handling: While the handling is competent for a family SUV, it can feel numb and is not as engaging as some competitors.
Potential issues: Some owners have reported issues with oil leaks, door lock actuators, and other components, especially on higher-mileage examples, says this YouTube video.

This video provides an in-depth walk around of a 2010 Toyota Highlander: 56sDirect Auto OutletYouTube · Feb 26, 2025
What to consider before buying

Maintenance history: A detailed maintenance history is crucial. Regular oil changes and other services are key to its long-term reliability, notes this Reddit post.
Pre-purchase inspection: It is highly recommended to have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection to check for any hidden problems, such as those mentioned in the cons section.
Your needs: The 2010 Highlander is a great choice for a family needing space and reliability, but if you prioritize fuel efficiency or sporty driving dynamics, other options may be better.

Which Highlander to stay away from?

The Toyota Highlander has several troubled years to avoid: 2001–2003, 2005–2007, 2008–2010, 2014–2015, and 2017–2019. Common issues include transmission failures, brake defects, engine problems, electrical faults, and water leaks. Knowing these problem years helps buyers make smarter choices.

What is the most reliable year for a used Toyota Highlander?

The most reliable Toyota Highlander years include the 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2022 models, with some sources also citing the 2009, 2013, and 2017 models as strong contenders. These years often appear on lists of best years to buy due to consistent performance, a lower number of reported issues, and high ratings from consumer and reliability organizations.
Recommended years

2016 and 2019: Both models are frequently mentioned as being particularly reliable, with the 2019 model often highlighted as a top choice.
2021 and 2022: These are newer options that receive high ratings, especially for hybrid versions.
2009 and 2013: These models are praised for their strong performance and low maintenance costs, representing the more reliable end of the second generation.
2017: This is a solid choice from the third generation, known for a good balance of features and reliability.

Years to be cautious about

2001–2003: Some early models in the first generation had issues.
2005–2007: Several reports indicate these years had transmission or engine problems.
2008: Despite being the start of the second generation, this model year had a higher number of recalls and complaints.
2014–2015: These years had a higher frequency of reported issues.

What is the most common problem with a Toyota Highlander?

The most common problem with the Toyota Highlander is a major oil leak and loss of oil pressure caused by a faulty VVT-i oil line. Other frequent issues include infrequent but noticeable interior rattles, especially from the moonroof or dashboard, and problems with the 8-speed automatic transmission in 2017-2019 models, leading to noises, delayed shifting, and failure.
You can watch this video to learn about common problems with Toyota Highlander, including the 8-speed transmission issue: 59sChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 5, 2025
Most common problems

VVT-i oil line rupture: This is the most frequent and serious issue, where the oil line bursts, causing a massive oil leak that can lead to complete engine failure if the vehicle is driven while the low oil pressure light is on. A revised part has been issued, but it has also been reported to have the same problem.
Interior rattles and noises: Many owners report various rattles and squeaks coming from the interior, such as the moonroof, dashboard, or infotainment screen, particularly on bumpy roads or in cold weather.
8-speed automatic transmission: Specific models, particularly the 2017–2019 Highlanders, have been associated with issues such as a whining noise, delayed shifts, hard shifts, and even complete failure.
Airbag sensor failure: Some models have a faulty front passenger airbag sensor that can short-circuit, preventing the airbag from deploying correctly.

Other potential issues

Air and water leaks: Some model years have reported issues with plugged sunroof drain lines, leading to water leaks inside the vehicle.
Check engine light: This can be caused by various issues, such as the hose coming off the air filter housing or a failed oxygen sensor.
Brake issues: Some models have reported premature wear of brake pads and rotors, or a vibrating sensation when braking.

This video discusses problems with the 8-speed transmission in the 2017-2019 Toyota Highlander: 58sThe Car Care NutYouTube · Jul 31, 2021

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.