NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
13 reportsClear category filter180,000 miles · Feb 21, 2023
Parking BrakeService Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC: C1391, indicating that the brake actuator assembly was faulty and needed to b…
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The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC: C1391, indicating that the brake actuator assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the Extended Program had expired, and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA ODI #11508310
62,030 miles · Jan 28, 2012
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
BRAKE MALFUNCTION SPEED SENSOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10445693
53,000 miles · Apr 11, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH CONCLUDED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER HAD BURST AND WOULD NEED REPLACING.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH CONCLUDED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER HAD BURST AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE DEALER PERFORMED THE REPAIRS AND THE MANUFACTURER PAID FIFTY PERCENT OF THE REPAIR COSTS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. UPDATED 05/03/11*LJ UPDATED 05/11/11
NHTSA ODI #10395540
23,000 miles · Jan 29, 2011
Fuel System, GasolineService Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed ControlCrashFireInjury
I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON 08/17/2010 WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER THAT HAS 23000 MILES ON IT. THE ACCIDENT CAUSED ME TOTAL DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND PUT MY LIFE IN DANGER DUE TO FAILURE IN THE BREAK/ACCELERATION SYSTEM ON THE CAR. THE CAR DID NOT STOP BUT ACCELERATED EVEN THOUGH WHEN I WAS PRESSING THE BREAK WHIC…
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I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON 08/17/2010 WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER THAT HAS 23000 MILES ON IT. THE ACCIDENT CAUSED ME TOTAL DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND PUT MY LIFE IN DANGER DUE TO FAILURE IN THE BREAK/ACCELERATION SYSTEM ON THE CAR. THE CAR DID NOT STOP BUT ACCELERATED EVEN THOUGH WHEN I WAS PRESSING THE BREAK WHICH CAUSED ME TO HIT A TRUCK THAT WAS PASSING IN FRONT OF ME. I EXPLAINED TO THE EMERGENCY CREW THAT THE ACCIDENT WAS BECAUSE OF FAILURE OF THE BREAK/AND ACCELERATION SYSTEM ON THE TOYOTA CAR AND I EXPLAINED THE SAME THING TO THE POLICE OFFICER WHO WAS PRESENTED ON THE SCENE. I LIKE TO MENTION HERE THAT THE TOYOTA DEALER SENT ME A NOTE OF DEFECTION ABOUT MY CAR PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT AND I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER SHOP AND SPENT 2 HOURS THERE TO HAVE IT FIXED. THE CAR NOW IS AT THE STATE FARM INSURANCE AND I CAN EMAIL/SEND YOU THE CAR PICTURES AFTER THE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI #10380388
10,245 miles · Mar 16, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control
NOTED RECENTLY ON MYCARSTATS.COM SIX COMPLAINTS REGISTERED WITH NHTSA REGARDING 2008 HIGHLANDER BRAKE PROBLEMS AND FIVE COMPLAINTS REGISTERED WITH NHTSA REGARDING 2008 HIGHLAND ELECTRIC PROBLEMS THAT INVOLVE BRAKES AND ELECTRONIC CONTROLS. I AM SUBMITTING THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCES WITH MY 2008 HIGHLANDER BECAUSE THEY MIRROR MAN…
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NOTED RECENTLY ON MYCARSTATS.COM SIX COMPLAINTS REGISTERED WITH NHTSA REGARDING 2008 HIGHLANDER BRAKE PROBLEMS AND FIVE COMPLAINTS REGISTERED WITH NHTSA REGARDING 2008 HIGHLAND ELECTRIC PROBLEMS THAT INVOLVE BRAKES AND ELECTRONIC CONTROLS. I AM SUBMITTING THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCES WITH MY 2008 HIGHLANDER BECAUSE THEY MIRROR MANY OF THE COMPLAINTS. THE BRAKES ON MY HIGHLANDER HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE FROM THE FIRST WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND COMPLAINED ABOUT THE BRAKES. THE DEALERSHIP DID ADJUST THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WHICH THEY INDICATED WAS OUT OF ADJUSTMENT BUT HAVE STATED THAT THE BRAKES ARE WORKING NORMALLY. MY SPECIFIC COMPLAINT IS BRAKE RESPONSE. THERE IS ROUGHLY AN INCH OF PEDAL TRAVEL BEFORE THE BRAKES BEGIN TO RESPOND. IF ONE MUST MAKE A HARD EMERGENCY STOP THE VSC CONTROL WILL ENGAGE. ON ONE OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN A CAR RAN THROUGH A TRAFFIC LIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT THE BRAKES HARD - THE VSC LIGHT CAME ON - AND THE CAR SLOWLY STOPPED. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT BUT IT WAS EXTREMELY CLOSE. I HAVE FOUND THAT IF I ROUTINELY PRESS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL UNTIL THE VSC LIGHT COMES ON THAT THE PEDAL TRAVEL IS REDUCED. I TOOK THE HIGHLANDER TO AAA AUTO DIAGNOSTICS AND THEY CONFIRMED THE PEDAL/VSC. AAA WAS UNABLE TO READ THE HIGHLANDER COMPUTER BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PROPRIETARY TOYOTA COMPUTER INTERFACE. THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER HAS STATED THAT THE DEPRESSED PEDAL AND VSC LIGHT RESPONSE IS NORMAL. I ALSO NOTED COMPLAINTS OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN PUTTING THE CAR INTO GEAR. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED A SURGE TO THE DEGREE MENTIONED IN THE COMPLAINTS REFERENCED ABOVE, HOWEVER, WHILE PUTTING THE CAR INTO DRIVE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE I HAVE HAD THE CAR SURGE FORWARD. I NOW ALWAYS HAVE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON WHILE PUTTING THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE. THE DATE LISTED BELOW IS THAT OF MY FIRST COMPLAINT TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10320164
30,000 miles · Mar 8, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
RECENTLY I WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR REAR-END ACCIDENT. THE IMPACT SPEED WAS APPROX 10-15 MPH AND LIGHT TO MODERATE DAMAGE WAS DONE TO MY VEHICLE, WHICH IS A 2008 HIGHLANDER. PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT I NOTICED MY ANTI-SKID BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATED AT A POINT I WOULD CONSIDER TO BE PREMATURE. THIS PREMATURE ACTIVATION LIMITS THE BRAK…
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RECENTLY I WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR REAR-END ACCIDENT. THE IMPACT SPEED WAS APPROX 10-15 MPH AND LIGHT TO MODERATE DAMAGE WAS DONE TO MY VEHICLE, WHICH IS A 2008 HIGHLANDER. PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT I NOTICED MY ANTI-SKID BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATED AT A POINT I WOULD CONSIDER TO BE PREMATURE. THIS PREMATURE ACTIVATION LIMITS THE BRAKING POWER OF THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS NEEDED. THIS PROBLEM WAS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF SOUTH COUNTY TOYOTA IN COSTA MESA, CA AND THEY STATED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING TO SPECIFICATION. I AM STILL CONCERNED ABOUT THE ISSUE AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT EVALUATED BY A TOYOTA MOTORS REP WHILE I AM PRESENT. I DO BELIEVE THIS PREMATURE ACTIVATION OF THE ANTI-SKID SYSTEM WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN MY RECENT ACCIDENT AND IT MAY HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF THE FULL BRAKING POWER WAS AVAILABLE. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT THE STREETS WERE DRY AND IT HAD NOT RAINED IN SEVERAL WEEKS. THE VEHICLE SUFFERED MODERATE FRONT END DAMAGE WHICH HAS SINCE BEEN REPAIRED. TOYOTA WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ACCIDENT AND THEY HAVE FAILED TO CORRECT THE ISSUE OR ADMIT THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. AS OF RIGHT NOW I CAN DUPLICATE THE BRAKE FADE/ ISSUE 100% OF THE TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10317885
29,000 miles · Feb 20, 2010
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WE HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WITH INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AND VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM (ABS/VSC). FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THE ABS/VSC WILL MALFUNCTION AND BRAKES OPERATE INCORRECTLY. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM THAT COMES AN GOES. WE HAVE ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THE SNOW IN OHIO. WE HAVE …
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WE HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WITH INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AND VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM (ABS/VSC). FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THE ABS/VSC WILL MALFUNCTION AND BRAKES OPERATE INCORRECTLY. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM THAT COMES AN GOES. WE HAVE ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THE SNOW IN OHIO. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR INTO THE DEALER 4X WITHOUT RESOLUTION SINCE NOBODY KNOWS WHAT IS WRONG. IT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE SINCE IT STARTED JAN 2010. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312322
Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2008 FROM AUG 2008. THIS CAR HAS A PROBLEM WITH BRAKING. FIRST WINTER IT WAS UNSAFE TO PARK CAR ON SHOPPING PARKING, BECAUSE OF CLOSE PROXIMITY TO OTHER CARS. HIGHLANDER WAS NOT STOPPING, IT CONTINUED MOVING WITH MY LEG ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS CAR WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN. I DROVE MANY DIFFERENT SUVS FROM …
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I HAVE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2008 FROM AUG 2008. THIS CAR HAS A PROBLEM WITH BRAKING. FIRST WINTER IT WAS UNSAFE TO PARK CAR ON SHOPPING PARKING, BECAUSE OF CLOSE PROXIMITY TO OTHER CARS. HIGHLANDER WAS NOT STOPPING, IT CONTINUED MOVING WITH MY LEG ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS CAR WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN. I DROVE MANY DIFFERENT SUVS FROM RENTAL COMPANIES, LIKE CHEVY TRAIL BLAZER, GMC ACADIA, JEEP TWO DIFFERENT MODELS, BUT NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES AND EACH TIME THEY TOLD ME THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING. I'M USED TO THIS CAR NOW, BUT BRAKING STILL NOT GOOD. IT REQUIRES DEEP PRESSURE ON THE PEDAL AND CAR IS STOPPING LONGER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10308853
10,000 miles · Feb 9, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
LEFT AND RIGHT REAR BRAKES STAY ENGAGED WHEN APPLIED AND WILL NOT DISENGAGE FOR UP TO 2 MINUTES AFTER RELEASED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE MECHANISM (APPARENTLY THE CALIPERS) WAS CORRODED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10308219
16,144 miles · Feb 7, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
BRAKE FAILURE ON 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER: I TURNED CAR ON & SHIFTED INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF PARKING SPACE. THERE WAS NO RESISTANCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. CAR ROLLED BACKWARD & WOULD NOT STOP. I APPLIED EMERGENCY BRAKE AND CAR STOPPED. WHEN E-BRAKE WAS ON I TESTED TO SEE IF THERE WAS PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL - THERE WAS N…
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BRAKE FAILURE ON 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER: I TURNED CAR ON & SHIFTED INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF PARKING SPACE. THERE WAS NO RESISTANCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. CAR ROLLED BACKWARD & WOULD NOT STOP. I APPLIED EMERGENCY BRAKE AND CAR STOPPED. WHEN E-BRAKE WAS ON I TESTED TO SEE IF THERE WAS PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL - THERE WAS NONE. AT THIS POINT I PUT CAR INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF ENGINE, WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND RESTARTED ENGINE. STILL NO BRAKE PRESSURE AND SHIFTER WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK POSITION. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN AND RELEASED EMERGENCY BRAKE. AT THIS POINT THE CAR SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND THERE WAS PRESSURE IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. I DROVE VEHICLE SAFELY TO NEAREST TOYOTA DEALERSHIP (WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED). COMPUTER CHECK INDICATED NO PROBLEM WITH BRAKES. MANUAL/VISUAL CHECK REVEALED A GAP LEAKING BRAKE FLUID BETWEEN THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE BRAKE BOOSTER , BOTH OF WHICH WERE SUBSEQUENTLY REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. *TW
NHTSA ODI #10307300
Official recalls
11Jun 2, 2016
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 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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 SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Oct 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.
Nov 19, 2014
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 affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Apr 9, 2014
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 housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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 necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Remedy: 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. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
Oct 10, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.
Apr 21, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 RAV4 VEHICLES. IN THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG (CSA) SYSTEM, THERE ARE TWO SENSORS IN THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO DETECT VEHICLE ROLL ANGLE. IF ONE OF THESE SENSORS MALFUNCTIONS, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT: MIL) WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE ROLL DETECTION SYSTEM WILL BE SUSPENDED; HOWEVER, THE AIRBAG CSA REMAINS AVAILABLE IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE CRASH. IF BOTH SENSORS FAIL NEARLY SIMULTANEOUSLY AFTER INITIAL AIRBAG SYSTEM CHECK, THE CSA AND THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER COULD BE INADVERTENTLY ACTIVATED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE CSA AND/OR THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ONE CONTAINING IMPROVED ROLL RATE SENSORS, FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA INTENDS TO SEND AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS EARLY TO MID-MAY, 2011 WHEN SUFFICIENT PARTS AND REMEDY BECOMES AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:side/window
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 RAV4 VEHICLES. IN THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG (CSA) SYSTEM, THERE ARE TWO SENSORS IN THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO DETECT VEHICLE ROLL ANGLE. IF ONE OF THESE SENSORS MALFUNCTIONS, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT: MIL) WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE ROLL DETECTION SYSTEM WILL BE SUSPENDED; HOWEVER, THE AIRBAG CSA REMAINS AVAILABLE IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE CRASH. IF BOTH SENSORS FAIL NEARLY SIMULTANEOUSLY AFTER INITIAL AIRBAG SYSTEM CHECK, THE CSA AND THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER COULD BE INADVERTENTLY ACTIVATED.
Consequence: INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE CSA AND/OR THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ONE CONTAINING IMPROVED ROLL RATE SENSORS, FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA INTENDS TO SEND AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS EARLY TO MID-MAY, 2011 WHEN SUFFICIENT PARTS AND REMEDY BECOMES AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Air Bags
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 RAV4 VEHICLES. IN THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG (CSA) SYSTEM, THERE ARE TWO SENSORS IN THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO DETECT VEHICLE ROLL ANGLE. IF ONE OF THESE SENSORS MALFUNCTIONS, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT: MIL) WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE ROLL DETECTION SYSTEM WILL BE SUSPENDED; HOWEVER, THE AIRBAG CSA REMAINS AVAILABLE IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE CRASH. IF BOTH SENSORS FAIL NEARLY SIMULTANEOUSLY AFTER INITIAL AIRBAG SYSTEM CHECK, THE CSA AND THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER COULD BE INADVERTENTLY ACTIVATED.
Consequence: INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE CSA AND/OR THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ONE CONTAINING IMPROVED ROLL RATE SENSORS, FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA INTENDS TO SEND AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS EARLY TO MID-MAY, 2011 WHEN SUFFICIENT PARTS AND REMEDY BECOMES AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Feb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Feb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Jan 27, 2010
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).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Apr 18, 2008
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 90,189 MY 2008 HIGHLANDER AND HIGHLANDER HYBRID PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THIRD ROW SEAT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE NON-DRIVER DESIGNATED SEATING POSITIONS (DSP) ON THESE VEHICLES IS EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT HAVE A FEATURE THAT CONVERTS THE RETRACTOR FROM AN EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR (ELR) TO AN AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR). THE BELTS CONVERT TO THE ALR MODE AFTER THE WEBBING HAS BEEN FULLY WITHDRAWN FROM THE RETRACTOR. THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED SO THAT AS THE BELT IS RELEASED INTO THE RETRACTOR, THE SYSTEM REMAINS IN THE ALR MODE SO THAT A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) CAN BE TIGHTLY SECURED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: HOWEVER, FOR THE TWO THIRD ROW DSP'S ON THESE VEHICLES, THE ALR MODE DEACTIVATES BEFORE THE WEBBING IS FULLY RETRACTED, SO THAT IT WILL NOT LOCK WHEN CERTAIN REAR-FACING CRS'S THAT HAVE A SHORT SEAT BELT ROUTING PATH ARE INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SEAT BELT WEBBING TO SPOOL OUT DURING NORMAL DRIVING MANEUVERS, WHICH COULD AFFECT THE STABILITY OF A CHILD RESTRAINT INSTALLED AT THOSE SEATING POSITIONS. AS SUCH, THIS COULD DISCOURAGE THE USE OF A CHILD RESTRAINT AND IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED SEAT BELT COMPONENT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
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
2EA18006 · 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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