NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
40 reports124,842 miles · Jun 18, 2019
EngineService Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, STEERING SYSTEM, AND BATTERY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, "STOP VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, STEERING SYSTEM, AND BATTERY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, "STOP VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD IT TOWED HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROYAL SOUTH TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 3115 S WALNUT ST, BLOOMINGTON, IN 47401, (812) 331-1100) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE CODE WAS FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,842.
NHTSA ODI #11220968
215,000 miles · Mar 6, 2019
Service Brakes
BRAKES FAILED SHORTLY AFTER THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WENT OFF. DEALER DIAGNOSED THIS AS A BREAK ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY FAILURE. IT LOOKS LIKE TOYOTA HAD A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FOR VEHICLE YEARS 2006-2007. HOWEVER, MY 2009 APPEARS TO BE HAVING EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE, YET IT'S NOT COVERED BY THE PROGRAM. GIVEN THE SEVERITY OF …
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BRAKES FAILED SHORTLY AFTER THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WENT OFF. DEALER DIAGNOSED THIS AS A BREAK ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY FAILURE. IT LOOKS LIKE TOYOTA HAD A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FOR VEHICLE YEARS 2006-2007. HOWEVER, MY 2009 APPEARS TO BE HAVING EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE, YET IT'S NOT COVERED BY THE PROGRAM. GIVEN THE SEVERITY OF THE PART FAILURE, IT'S NOT CLEAR WHY THIS IS NOT A RECALL... WE WERE LUCKY THAT NO ACCIDENT RESULTED FROM THIS FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #11184733
168,200 miles · Jan 19, 2019
Service Brakes
ONCE CAR WAS SITTING IN A LOT AND ANOTHER TIME, RUNNING ON HIGHWAY. ABS, BRAKE,TRACTION CONTROL, VSC LIGHTS CAME ON ALSO MESSAGE DISPLAY SAID ABS MESSAGE AND BRAKE MESSAGE. CODES FROM ABS DTC,S ARE ALL A C-0371, 1271 THROUGH 1278, 1281, 1346, & 1391. SEEMS TO BE SAME ISSUE AS THE '06-'07 HIGHLANDER HYBRIDS AND THE '04-'09 PRIUS…
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ONCE CAR WAS SITTING IN A LOT AND ANOTHER TIME, RUNNING ON HIGHWAY. ABS, BRAKE,TRACTION CONTROL, VSC LIGHTS CAME ON ALSO MESSAGE DISPLAY SAID ABS MESSAGE AND BRAKE MESSAGE. CODES FROM ABS DTC,S ARE ALL A C-0371, 1271 THROUGH 1278, 1281, 1346, & 1391. SEEMS TO BE SAME ISSUE AS THE '06-'07 HIGHLANDER HYBRIDS AND THE '04-'09 PRIUS. THERE WAS AN EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ON THOSE VEHICLES. I HAVE BEEN READING MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS, SAME THINGS, WITH THE '09 HIGHLANDERS. LOOKS LIKE REPAIRS RANGE FROM $2500-$5000,WHICH IS RIDICULOUS.
NHTSA ODI #11170887
66,000 miles · Jan 12, 2019
Fuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes
TAKATA RECALL- WHEN FUILING FROM THE PUMP, NUZZLES KEEP SHUTING OFF ITSELF LIKE THE TANK IS ALREADY FULL. ITS BEEN HAPPENING RECENTLY. AT THE SAME TIME, CHECK BREAK SYSTEM BY DELER START APPERING. IT TAKES 3 TO 4 PUSH TO START THE CAR AFTER THIS ERROR MESSAGE. SOMETIMES IT TAKES LONGER AND ESPECIALLY IT HAPPENS IN THE MORNING. T…
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TAKATA RECALL- WHEN FUILING FROM THE PUMP, NUZZLES KEEP SHUTING OFF ITSELF LIKE THE TANK IS ALREADY FULL. ITS BEEN HAPPENING RECENTLY. AT THE SAME TIME, CHECK BREAK SYSTEM BY DELER START APPERING. IT TAKES 3 TO 4 PUSH TO START THE CAR AFTER THIS ERROR MESSAGE. SOMETIMES IT TAKES LONGER AND ESPECIALLY IT HAPPENS IN THE MORNING. TOOK TO DELER BUT THEY DID NOT FIND A CODE TO CHECK BUT THIS IS STILL HAPPENING.
NHTSA ODI #11166620
127,000 miles · Oct 23, 2018
Service BrakesInjury
THE BRAKE SYSTEM COMPLETELY WENT OUT OF ORDER SUDDENLY, DURING THE MOTION IN THE STREET. ALTHOUGH THE BRAKE SYSTEM LIQUID WAS RENEWED IN TOYOTA CENTER JUST FEW DAYS AGO, FEW DAYS PRIOR TO REQUIRED SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE DATE. NOW THE PRICE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM REPAIR IS CATASTROPHIC. AS I AM ASKING FOR ADVICE, ALL THE OTHER HIGHLA…
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THE BRAKE SYSTEM COMPLETELY WENT OUT OF ORDER SUDDENLY, DURING THE MOTION IN THE STREET. ALTHOUGH THE BRAKE SYSTEM LIQUID WAS RENEWED IN TOYOTA CENTER JUST FEW DAYS AGO, FEW DAYS PRIOR TO REQUIRED SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE DATE. NOW THE PRICE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM REPAIR IS CATASTROPHIC. AS I AM ASKING FOR ADVICE, ALL THE OTHER HIGHLANDER OWNERS COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SAME. THIS IS A BIG SHAME FOR TOYOTA
NHTSA ODI #11141975
280,000 miles · Apr 18, 2018
Service Brakes
ABS VSC AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON - AS PER HARTFORD DEALER NEED TO REPLACE THESE PARTS 44050-48320 AND 47070-48020
NHTSA ODI #11088868
121,593 miles · Mar 16, 2018
Service Brakes
ABS AND BRAKE MALFUNCTION LIGHT COMES ON. AUTO REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME THE ABS ACTUATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $3,500
NHTSA ODI #11079765
146,000 miles · Oct 16, 2017
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROBBINS TOYOTA OF TEXARKANA (6233 MALL DR, NASH, TX 75569 (903) 794-5121) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCUMULATOR PART FAILED AND THE ACCUMULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAIL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROBBINS TOYOTA OF TEXARKANA (6233 MALL DR, NASH, TX 75569 (903) 794-5121) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCUMULATOR PART FAILED AND THE ACCUMULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED AN INDEPENDENT DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOUND THE ACTUATOR TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. *JS 5 WARNING LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED ON MY VEHICLE. 1) MASTER WARNING LIGHT 2) BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT IN RED 3) BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING IN YELLOW 4) ABS WARNING LIGHT 5) LIGHT ABOVE ABS IN YELLOW, I CAN BE CONTACTED AT 903-280-0111 UPDATED 9/12/18*JB
NHTSA ODI #11033815
Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2017
Service Brakes
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, A "CROAKING" NOISE CAN BE HEARD AND VIBRATION FELT THROUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL. DEALER SAYS THE ABS ACTUATOR IS FAILING. IF IT FAILS, THE ABS WILL BE INACTIVE AND BRAKE PERFORMANCE WILL BE DIMINISHED. APPARENTLY TOYOTA IS AWARE IF THIS ISSUE ON 2006-2007 MODELS AS THEY HAVE EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THE …
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WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, A "CROAKING" NOISE CAN BE HEARD AND VIBRATION FELT THROUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL. DEALER SAYS THE ABS ACTUATOR IS FAILING. IF IT FAILS, THE ABS WILL BE INACTIVE AND BRAKE PERFORMANCE WILL BE DIMINISHED. APPARENTLY TOYOTA IS AWARE IF THIS ISSUE ON 2006-2007 MODELS AS THEY HAVE EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THE ABS ACTUATOR REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA ODI #11021488
80,000 miles · Jun 25, 2017
Service Brakes
AT ROUGHLY 80K MILES, EVERY TIME I STARTED THE CAR, A "BRAKE MALFUNCTION" ALERT WOULD DISPLAY. MULTIPLE SENSORS ON THE ARE ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKES FEEL NORMAL, BUT RECENTLY I DID NOTICE SOME AUDIBLE NOISES WHEN I USE THE BRAKES. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE BRAKE ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR AROUND 3200 W/…
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AT ROUGHLY 80K MILES, EVERY TIME I STARTED THE CAR, A "BRAKE MALFUNCTION" ALERT WOULD DISPLAY. MULTIPLE SENSORS ON THE ARE ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKES FEEL NORMAL, BUT RECENTLY I DID NOTICE SOME AUDIBLE NOISES WHEN I USE THE BRAKES. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE BRAKE ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR AROUND 3200 W/ LABOR. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT THIS SAME SYSTEM WAS RECALLED ON THE CAMRY HYBRID BUT NOT THE HIGHLANDER HYBRID, DESPITE MANY COMPLAINTS.IF THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS ONE THAT COULD CAUSE BRAKE FAILURE AND LEAD TO DEATH
NHTSA ODI #11001249
Official recalls
4Oct 22, 2015
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 Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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 risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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 recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Sep 4, 2013
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through December 2, 2008. The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module may contain transistors that have higher operating temperatures than the solder can support and the transistors may be heat damaged by the solder. If this occurs, various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, will be illuminated on the instrument panel.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPM free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicles that had their IPM replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by this campaign.
Jan 16, 2013
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Jun 15, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
EA18006 · Steering Column Separation
Opened Nov 16, 2018 · Closed Apr 2, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:column
On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005). The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism. Given the separation occurring when operating the tilt and/or telescoping function and failure of both shear capsules to maintain the lower steering column mounting position, potential for shear capsule damage in the known failures due to collisions, the overall low rate of occurrence, and the updated manufacturer documentation, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. A detailed summary of the investigation is attached to this closing resume. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:column
On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005). The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism. Given the separation occurring when operating the tilt and/or telescoping function and failure of both shear capsules to maintain the lower steering column mounting position, potential for shear capsule damage in the known failures due to collisions, the overall low rate of occurrence, and the updated manufacturer documentation, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. A detailed summary of the investigation is attached to this closing resume. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Steering
On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005). The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism. Given the separation occurring when operating the tilt and/or telescoping function and failure of both shear capsules to maintain the lower steering column mounting position, potential for shear capsule damage in the known failures due to collisions, the overall low rate of occurrence, and the updated manufacturer documentation, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. A detailed summary of the investigation is attached to this closing resume. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE18005 · Upper Steering Column Separation
Opened May 4, 2018 · Closed Nov 20, 2018
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:column
On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Since opening PE18-005, one (1) additional VOQ involving steering column separation has been received. This incident occurred while the vehicle was stationary.As part of PE18-005, ODI examined the field data, warranty data, and relevant technical information submitted by Toyota in response to the PE18-005 information request letter. Ten (10) additional incidents of steering column separation were identified. Four (4) of these instances occurred while driving. During PE18-005, ODI confirmed that the steering columns in the subject vehicles are equipped with breakaway capsules that are designed to collapse/shear during certain types of vehicle collisions. This design feature aims to reduce driver injury severity from impact with the steering wheel in frontal vehicle collisions. There is no direct method for detecting when the capsules in the subject vehicles have sheared. If the driver operates the tilt/telescoping feature after the breakaway capsules have separated, the steering column may drop out of position and could subsequently detach entirely from the rest of the steering assembly. Loss of steering while driving may cause a loss of vehicle control, which could lead to a vehicle crash.To date, ODI has identified 14 incidents involving complete steering column separation, 6 of which occurred while driving. One of these incidents involved a minor crash. Additionally, there have been 16 events where the steering column dropped from the dashboard mounting brackets, but column separation did not occur. Four of these incidents happened while driving. Of these 30 total separation/drop incidents, 5 of the vehicles have evidence of minor collision repairs months or years prior to the steering column failure.This investigation has been upgraded an to Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) in order to 1) conduct a more detailed analysis of the conditions that may cause the steering column breakaway capsules to separate and 2) assess factors that may contribute to the problem of failing to detect and repair breakaway capsules after they have separated. Toyota has recently revised their repair manual and issued a Collision Repair Information Bulletin to help address the second concern.The VOQs associated with this investigation can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI complaint numbers: 11141761, 11083623, 11083280, 10888043.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:column
On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Since opening PE18-005, one (1) additional VOQ involving steering column separation has been received. This incident occurred while the vehicle was stationary.As part of PE18-005, ODI examined the field data, warranty data, and relevant technical information submitted by Toyota in response to the PE18-005 information request letter. Ten (10) additional incidents of steering column separation were identified. Four (4) of these instances occurred while driving. During PE18-005, ODI confirmed that the steering columns in the subject vehicles are equipped with breakaway capsules that are designed to collapse/shear during certain types of vehicle collisions. This design feature aims to reduce driver injury severity from impact with the steering wheel in frontal vehicle collisions. There is no direct method for detecting when the capsules in the subject vehicles have sheared. If the driver operates the tilt/telescoping feature after the breakaway capsules have separated, the steering column may drop out of position and could subsequently detach entirely from the rest of the steering assembly. Loss of steering while driving may cause a loss of vehicle control, which could lead to a vehicle crash.To date, ODI has identified 14 incidents involving complete steering column separation, 6 of which occurred while driving. One of these incidents involved a minor crash. Additionally, there have been 16 events where the steering column dropped from the dashboard mounting brackets, but column separation did not occur. Four of these incidents happened while driving. Of these 30 total separation/drop incidents, 5 of the vehicles have evidence of minor collision repairs months or years prior to the steering column failure.This investigation has been upgraded an to Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) in order to 1) conduct a more detailed analysis of the conditions that may cause the steering column breakaway capsules to separate and 2) assess factors that may contribute to the problem of failing to detect and repair breakaway capsules after they have separated. Toyota has recently revised their repair manual and issued a Collision Repair Information Bulletin to help address the second concern.The VOQs associated with this investigation can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI complaint numbers: 11141761, 11083623, 11083280, 10888043.
Steering
On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Since opening PE18-005, one (1) additional VOQ involving steering column separation has been received. This incident occurred while the vehicle was stationary.As part of PE18-005, ODI examined the field data, warranty data, and relevant technical information submitted by Toyota in response to the PE18-005 information request letter. Ten (10) additional incidents of steering column separation were identified. Four (4) of these instances occurred while driving. During PE18-005, ODI confirmed that the steering columns in the subject vehicles are equipped with breakaway capsules that are designed to collapse/shear during certain types of vehicle collisions. This design feature aims to reduce driver injury severity from impact with the steering wheel in frontal vehicle collisions. There is no direct method for detecting when the capsules in the subject vehicles have sheared. If the driver operates the tilt/telescoping feature after the breakaway capsules have separated, the steering column may drop out of position and could subsequently detach entirely from the rest of the steering assembly. Loss of steering while driving may cause a loss of vehicle control, which could lead to a vehicle crash.To date, ODI has identified 14 incidents involving complete steering column separation, 6 of which occurred while driving. One of these incidents involved a minor crash. Additionally, there have been 16 events where the steering column dropped from the dashboard mounting brackets, but column separation did not occur. Four of these incidents happened while driving. Of these 30 total separation/drop incidents, 5 of the vehicles have evidence of minor collision repairs months or years prior to the steering column failure.This investigation has been upgraded an to Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) in order to 1) conduct a more detailed analysis of the conditions that may cause the steering column breakaway capsules to separate and 2) assess factors that may contribute to the problem of failing to detect and repair breakaway capsules after they have separated. Toyota has recently revised their repair manual and issued a Collision Repair Information Bulletin to help address the second concern.The VOQs associated with this investigation can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI complaint numbers: 11141761, 11083623, 11083280, 10888043.
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