NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
66 reportsClear category filter149,689 miles · Apr 15, 2021
Service Brakes
THE ABS ON OUR 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID LIMITED WENT OUT SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE WE HAD PLANNED A LONG TRIP. WE HEARD A NOISE AND TOOK IT TO OUR MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED IT. THANKFULLY WE WERE NOT HURT OR IN AN ACCIDENT.THE 2006 AND 2007 HIGHLANDERS HAVE RECALLS ON THEM FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE 2008 HAS THE SAME BRAKE COMPONENTS…
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THE ABS ON OUR 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID LIMITED WENT OUT SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE WE HAD PLANNED A LONG TRIP. WE HEARD A NOISE AND TOOK IT TO OUR MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED IT. THANKFULLY WE WERE NOT HURT OR IN AN ACCIDENT.THE 2006 AND 2007 HIGHLANDERS HAVE RECALLS ON THEM FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE 2008 HAS THE SAME BRAKE COMPONENTS, PER OUR MECHANIC, BUT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE 2008. WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY, AS IT USES THE SAME PARTS THAT ALREADY HAVE A RECALL ON THEM.
NHTSA ODI #11408267
80,280 miles · Apr 12, 2021
Service Brakes
MY 2008 HIGHLANDER HYBRID CAME UP WITH THE FOLLOWING LIGHTS IN THE DASHBOARD AND INFORMATION DISPLAY: BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM, CHECK ABS AND CHECK VSC SYSTEM. THE BRAKES GOT HARD TO PRESS ALL THE SUDDEN AFTER THE LIGHTS CAME ON, I WAS LUCKY I WASN'T DRIVING THE CAR WHEN IT HAPPENED. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM …
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MY 2008 HIGHLANDER HYBRID CAME UP WITH THE FOLLOWING LIGHTS IN THE DASHBOARD AND INFORMATION DISPLAY: BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM, CHECK ABS AND CHECK VSC SYSTEM. THE BRAKES GOT HARD TO PRESS ALL THE SUDDEN AFTER THE LIGHTS CAME ON, I WAS LUCKY I WASN'T DRIVING THE CAR WHEN IT HAPPENED. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM TOYOTA BACK IN 2019 STATING THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH MY MODEL'S BRAKE ACTUATOR AND THAT IF MY VEHICLE HAD THESE SYMPTOMS, THEY WOULD REPAIR IT FOR FREE, BUT I HAD TO WAIT UNTIL THE PROBLEM PRESENTED ITSELF. THE PRIMARY COVERAGE FOR THIS WAS UNTIL DECEMBER 31ST, 2020 AND THE SECONDARY COVERAGE WAS UNTIL THE CAR HAD 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES ON IT. THEY TOLD ME I DON'T QUALIFY FOR EITHER COVERAGES SINCE THE WARRANTY EXTENSION WAS UNTIL 2020 AND MY CAR ALREADY HAS 12 YEARS (FIRST DATE OF USE MAY, 2009), EVEN THOUGH IT ONLY HAS 80,280 MILES ON IT. MY LOCAL DEALER'S ESTIMATE FOR THIS PROBLEM TOTALS $3,873.55 WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS FOR A PROBLEM THEY RECOGNIZED HAPPENS TO EVERY MODEL IN MY CATEGORY, AND A PROBLEM THEY WOULD'VE FIXED FOR FREE LESS THAN 4 MONTHS AGO. EVEN MY SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME TO BE CAREFUL AND NOT DRIVE THE CAR AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS SHOULD'VE BEEN A RECALL, NOT A WARRANTY EXTENSION.
NHTSA ODI #11407738
154,680 miles · Mar 15, 2021
Service Brakes
VEHICLE DRAINED THE NEW 12 VOLT BATTERY RECENTLY INSTALLED. I DELIVERED THE BATTERY TO THE VENDOR WHO CHARGED IT AND RAN AN ANALYSIS AND FOUND THAT THE BATTERY WAS IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. THEY INDICATED SOMETHING IN THE VEHICLE CAUSED THE DRAIN. UPON REPLACING THE FULLY CHARGED BATTERY THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THERE WERE …
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VEHICLE DRAINED THE NEW 12 VOLT BATTERY RECENTLY INSTALLED. I DELIVERED THE BATTERY TO THE VENDOR WHO CHARGED IT AND RAN AN ANALYSIS AND FOUND THAT THE BATTERY WAS IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. THEY INDICATED SOMETHING IN THE VEHICLE CAUSED THE DRAIN. UPON REPLACING THE FULLY CHARGED BATTERY THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THERE WERE THREE WARNING MESSAGES: CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM, CHECK VSC SYSTEM, AND CHECK 4WD SYSTEM. THE BRAKING SYSTEM ISSUE SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ONE IN THIS MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR AND I RECEIVED A CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM NOTIFICATION LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER INDICATING COVERAGE FOR THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY WHICH CAUSES THESE WARNINGS. WHEN I HAD THIS CHECKED PRIOR TO THE COVERAGE EXPIRATION DATE OF DECEMBER 31, 2020, THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS WAS NOT THE ISSUE. THE COST TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE SEEMS PROHIBITIVE AT OVER $3,000.00.
NHTSA ODI #11403006
177,000 miles · Mar 1, 2021
Service Brakes
THE CAR KEEPS LUNGING FORWARD AS THE BRAKE IS BEING PRESSED AT TIMES. THIS IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS IN SNOWY AND SLIPPERY CONDITIONS. I WAS FORCED ONTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AS THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO STOP AT A STOP. THE CAR BRAKE STOPPED WORKING BRIEFLY AND THE CAR INSTEAD JERK FORWARD. I CALLED TOYOTA ON 3/1…
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THE CAR KEEPS LUNGING FORWARD AS THE BRAKE IS BEING PRESSED AT TIMES. THIS IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS IN SNOWY AND SLIPPERY CONDITIONS. I WAS FORCED ONTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AS THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO STOP AT A STOP. THE CAR BRAKE STOPPED WORKING BRIEFLY AND THE CAR INSTEAD JERK FORWARD. I CALLED TOYOTA ON 3/1/2021 WHO CLAIMED IT IS PART A CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM TO REPAIR AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND NOT CLASSIFIED AS A RECALL AND WILL THEY WILL NOT MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. THIS IS A DEFINITE RECALL AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED ASAP. I WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL ROAD, SNOWY CONDITIONS, AND ATTEMPTED TO STOP GOING DOWNHILL WHEN THE CAR JERKED FORWARD AS THE BRAKE WAS BEING APPLIED.
NHTSA ODI #11398479
162,000 miles · Dec 9, 2020
Service BrakesSteering
STEERING WENT OUT ALL OF ASUDDEN WITHOUT NOTICE,ALMOST CAUSING ME TO CRASH,,MY SPEED WAS LEGAL SPEED IN TEXAS 80MPH,,,ALSO A THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND FELT LIKE BRAKES WERE GOING TO BE APPLIED,,TURNED ENGINE OFF, RESTARTED CAR AND ABS BRAKE LIGHT WENT OFF
NHTSA ODI #11382796
Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2020
Service BrakesSuspensionVehicle Speed Control
THE BRAKES FEEL LIKE THE PULSATE WGEN YOU START TO PRESS ON THEM. THEN WHILE ENGAGING THE BRAKES IT WILL FEEL LIKES ITS GRABBING THEN IT RELEAES AND THE PEDAL FEELS LIKE IT HAS NO PRESSURE IN IT. THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING, ALL THE LIGHTS ARE ON FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM, AND NOW IT HAS A LONG HIGH PITCH BEEP WHEN TURNING THE…
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THE BRAKES FEEL LIKE THE PULSATE WGEN YOU START TO PRESS ON THEM. THEN WHILE ENGAGING THE BRAKES IT WILL FEEL LIKES ITS GRABBING THEN IT RELEAES AND THE PEDAL FEELS LIKE IT HAS NO PRESSURE IN IT. THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING, ALL THE LIGHTS ARE ON FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM, AND NOW IT HAS A LONG HIGH PITCH BEEP WHEN TURNING THE CAR ON OR APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BREAK PEDAL.
NHTSA ODI #11374370
109,000 miles · Jul 3, 2020
Service Brakes
I HAVE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 2008. MY CAR IS MAKING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD WHENEVER I HIT THE BRAKE REGARDLESS OF IF THE CAR IS MOVING OR HALT. INITIALLY TOYOTA SERVICE GUYS SAID THAT THE SOUND IS EXPECTED AND NOTHING IS WRONG WITH MY CAR BUT DURING MY LAST VISIT TO THEM THEY MENTIONED MY ABS ACTUATOR AND MOTOR HAS GONE BAD AND…
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I HAVE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 2008. MY CAR IS MAKING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD WHENEVER I HIT THE BRAKE REGARDLESS OF IF THE CAR IS MOVING OR HALT. INITIALLY TOYOTA SERVICE GUYS SAID THAT THE SOUND IS EXPECTED AND NOTHING IS WRONG WITH MY CAR BUT DURING MY LAST VISIT TO THEM THEY MENTIONED MY ABS ACTUATOR AND MOTOR HAS GONE BAD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE ESTIMATE COST TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS AROUND $3200. I HAVE READ ONLINE ABOUT THE SIMILAR CASES AND I REQUEST TOYOTA TO RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM AND ISSUE A RECALL TO REPLACE THE PAT 'ABS ACTUATOR AND MOTOR'. PRIOR MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND ALTHOUGH 2008 USES THE SAME COMPONENTS , IT HAS NOT BEEN RE-CALLED.
NHTSA ODI #11337284
200,000 miles · May 8, 2020
Service Brakes
RECENTLY ALL THE BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR. THE WARNING NOTE ON THE SCREEN SAID TO TAKE IT IMMEDIATELY TO THE DEALER TO FIX. AFTER THEIR DIAGNOSTIC THE DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT BOTH THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP AND ABS ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $3,064 INCLUDING THE 3-4 HOURS LABOR COST AFTE…
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RECENTLY ALL THE BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR. THE WARNING NOTE ON THE SCREEN SAID TO TAKE IT IMMEDIATELY TO THE DEALER TO FIX. AFTER THEIR DIAGNOSTIC THE DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT BOTH THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP AND ABS ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $3,064 INCLUDING THE 3-4 HOURS LABOR COST AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE APPARENTLY IT IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT WITH THESE VEHICLES.FOR SOMETHING AS SERIOUS AS THIS I'M SURPRISED THAT THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11323883
Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2020
Service Brakes
ABS FAILURE, WHICH SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL BASED ON AN ONLINE SEARCH. PRIOR MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE, AND ALTHOUGH THE 2008 USES THE SAME COMPONENTS, IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE GIVEN THAT THE BRAKES CAN FAIL. FIXING THE ISSUE BEFORE IT BECOMES A DISASTER COSTS $4000 +
NHTSA ODI #11312153
155,000 miles · Feb 9, 2020
Service Brakes
I HAVE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 2008. MY CAR IS GIVING A SOUND UNDER THE HOOD WHENEVER I HIT THE BRAKE. NO MATTER THE CAR IS HALT OR MOVING. INITIALLY TOYOTA SERVICE GUYS SAID THAT THE SOUND IS EXPECTED AND NOTHING WRONG MY CAR. YESTERDAY THEY WERE TELLING THAT THE "ABS ACTUATOR" IS BAD AND HAS TO BE REPLACED NOW OR LATER. THE E…
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I HAVE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 2008. MY CAR IS GIVING A SOUND UNDER THE HOOD WHENEVER I HIT THE BRAKE. NO MATTER THE CAR IS HALT OR MOVING. INITIALLY TOYOTA SERVICE GUYS SAID THAT THE SOUND IS EXPECTED AND NOTHING WRONG MY CAR. YESTERDAY THEY WERE TELLING THAT THE "ABS ACTUATOR" IS BAD AND HAS TO BE REPLACED NOW OR LATER. THE ESTIMATED COST TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS $3000. I HAVE READ ONLINE ABOUT THE SIMILAR CASES. I REQUEST TO TOYOTA TO RECOGNIZE THE ISSUE AND ISSUE A RECALL TO REPLACE THE PART "ABS ACTUATOR ASSY". THE ATTACHED URL DESCRIBE THE SIMILAR ISSUE AND AT YOU CAN HEAR THE SOUND IN THE YOUTUBE URL: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=WVFUMDZLE4Y&FEATURE=YOUTU.BE
NHTSA ODI #11308098
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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