NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
403 reports70,000 miles · Sep 30, 2019
Service Brakes
ABS AND VSC SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON SUDDENLY FOR THE FIRST TIME WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I PARKED THE CAR AND IT WOULD NOT START. I WAS STRANDED AND SUDDENLY HAD A CRITICAL BRAKE FAILURE WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. MY VEHICLE HAS LOW MILEAGE AT APPROX. 70,000. THIS IS A DANGEROUS FAILURE WHICH HAS BEEN COVERED BY WARRANTY IN P…
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ABS AND VSC SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON SUDDENLY FOR THE FIRST TIME WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I PARKED THE CAR AND IT WOULD NOT START. I WAS STRANDED AND SUDDENLY HAD A CRITICAL BRAKE FAILURE WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. MY VEHICLE HAS LOW MILEAGE AT APPROX. 70,000. THIS IS A DANGEROUS FAILURE WHICH HAS BEEN COVERED BY WARRANTY IN PREVIOUS MODELS AND IS STILL A PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11258917
118,000 miles · Sep 25, 2019
Engine
ON THE HIGHWAY AT 75 MILES/HOUR (WITH MY 3 SMALL CHILDREN IN THE BACKSEAT), LOSS OF ENGINE OIL PRESSURE. DIAGNOSED AS THE ENGINE OIL COOLER PIPE, OIL WAS EVERYWHERE WITHOUT ANY IN THE ENGINE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ON MANY ENGINES WHICH WAS COVERED BY TOYOTA FOR A LIMITED TIME/MILEAGE WITH A LIMITED EXTENDED WARRANTY UNDER A "CU…
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ON THE HIGHWAY AT 75 MILES/HOUR (WITH MY 3 SMALL CHILDREN IN THE BACKSEAT), LOSS OF ENGINE OIL PRESSURE. DIAGNOSED AS THE ENGINE OIL COOLER PIPE, OIL WAS EVERYWHERE WITHOUT ANY IN THE ENGINE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ON MANY ENGINES WHICH WAS COVERED BY TOYOTA FOR A LIMITED TIME/MILEAGE WITH A LIMITED EXTENDED WARRANTY UNDER A "CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM (ZE2)." WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS POTENTIAL ISSUE, AS WE WOULD HAVE ELECTED TO FIX THIS PRIOR TO AN OIL BLOWOUT, TO PREVENT A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT WITH LOSS OF THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING, PARTICULARLY WITH OUR CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11258179
105,000 miles · Sep 18, 2019
Wheels
GOODYEAR FORTERA HL TIRES PURCHASED AT SAMS CLUB IN WV IN NOVEMBER 2018. TIRES ARE 245/65/R17 WITH DOT CODE M71TJA2R1918. TIRES APPEARED TO HAVE SOME CRACKING ON THE SIDES OF TREADS SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION BY SAMS CLUB. BY APPROXIMATELY 20K MILES WITH EVEN TREADWEAR AND PROPER MAINTENANCE TIRES BECAME MORE CRAC…
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GOODYEAR FORTERA HL TIRES PURCHASED AT SAMS CLUB IN WV IN NOVEMBER 2018. TIRES ARE 245/65/R17 WITH DOT CODE M71TJA2R1918. TIRES APPEARED TO HAVE SOME CRACKING ON THE SIDES OF TREADS SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION BY SAMS CLUB. BY APPROXIMATELY 20K MILES WITH EVEN TREADWEAR AND PROPER MAINTENANCE TIRES BECAME MORE CRACKED ON THE SIDES OF THE TREADS AND SMALL CUTS BEGAN APPEARING ON SURFACES AND IN TREAD GROOVES. TIRE WOULD GET SMALL AIR LEAKS THROUGH SOME OF THESE CUTS. SAMS WOULD OFFER TO PATCH THE TIRES UNDER ROAD HAZARD AND CLAIMED GLASS ON ROADWAYS WOULD CAUSE THIS. SOME PATCHES WOULD TEAR LARGER AND LEAK AROUND THE PATCHES PUT IN PLACE. ATTEMPTING STANDARD BLACK PLUG PATCHES WOULD RESULT IN HOLE TEARING LARGER THAN IT BEGAN. SAMS APPLIED A FLAT SEAL/PLUG FROM INSIDE THE TIRE THAT ALSO HAD TEARS FORM ON THE EDGE AND HAD FURTHER LEAKS FROM SAME HOLE. TWO TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED BY DIFFERENT SUPPLIER 9/15/19 AND ANOTHER TIRE OF THE TWO REMAINING HAVE BEGAN LEAKING AROUND PLUGS 9/19/19.
NHTSA ODI #11256545
162,000 miles · Sep 13, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes
AT TOYOTA, WE ARE DEDICATED TO PROVIDING VEHICLES OF OUTSTANDING QUALITY AND VALUE. AS PART OF OUR CONTINUAL EFFORTS TO ENSURE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, TOYOTA WOULD LIKE TO ADVISE YOU OF A VOLUNTARY CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM THAT HAS BEEN INITIATED FOR YOUR VEHICLE. TOYOTA HAS RECEIVED REPORTS REGARDING CERTAIN INTERNAL MALFUNCTION…
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AT TOYOTA, WE ARE DEDICATED TO PROVIDING VEHICLES OF OUTSTANDING QUALITY AND VALUE. AS PART OF OUR CONTINUAL EFFORTS TO ENSURE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, TOYOTA WOULD LIKE TO ADVISE YOU OF A VOLUNTARY CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM THAT HAS BEEN INITIATED FOR YOUR VEHICLE. TOYOTA HAS RECEIVED REPORTS REGARDING CERTAIN INTERNAL MALFUNCTIONS OF THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY IN CERTAIN 2008-2010 MODEL YEAR HIGHLANDER HYBRID VEHICLES. IN THESE REPORTS, CUSTOMERS HAVE NOTED VARIOUS BRAKE SYSTEM RELATED WARNING LAMPS ARE ILLUMINATED. THIS CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM PROVIDES COVERAGE AS IT APPLIES TO THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY. THE SPECIFIC CONDITION COVERED BY THIS PROGRAM IS FOR CERTAIN INTERNAL MALFUNCTIONS OF THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. IF THE CONDITION IS VERIFIED, THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED WITH NEW BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. IF THE FOLLOWING WARNING LAMPS ARE ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE MAY BE EXPERIENCING A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY THAT IS COVERED BY THIS CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. THE PART IS BACK ORDERED AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE. I JUST PICKED THE VEHICLE FOR THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WILL NOTIFY ME WHEN IT'S AVAILABLE. I'M STILL DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I FIRST FILED 7 MONTHS AGO. IT'S FUNNY HAS THE PART IS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE, BUT IT'S ON BACK ORDER FOR MY VEHICLE. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. LOOKS LIKE I'M GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT AGAIN. THANKS FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER.
NHTSA ODI #11255430
145,670 miles · Aug 15, 2019
EngineCrash
2008 HIGHLANDER, ENGINE OIL COOLER PIPE FAILED, DROPPED 4 QTS OF OIL ON THE HIGHWAY, WHICH LED TO A SLIPPERY SITUATION, I PULLED OVER BUT A CAR BEHIND ME SKIDDED THROUGH THE OIL AND REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF THEM DUE TO THE OIL LEFT ON THE ROAD IMPACTING THEIR SAFE STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS FAILED PART WAS A RUBBER HOSE HOLD…
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2008 HIGHLANDER, ENGINE OIL COOLER PIPE FAILED, DROPPED 4 QTS OF OIL ON THE HIGHWAY, WHICH LED TO A SLIPPERY SITUATION, I PULLED OVER BUT A CAR BEHIND ME SKIDDED THROUGH THE OIL AND REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF THEM DUE TO THE OIL LEFT ON THE ROAD IMPACTING THEIR SAFE STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS FAILED PART WAS A RUBBER HOSE HOLDING HOT MOTOR OIL NEXT TO THE CATATLYTIC CONVERTER, TERRIBLE DESIGN, TOYOTA REPLACED THIS ORIGINAL RUBBER HOSE WITH PART 04004-29131 THAT WAS METAL PIPES NOT HOSES. THIS PART WAS ELIGIBLE FOR A TOYOTA EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE (TOYOTA WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT ZE2) TILL 2016 OR SO, BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED VIA MAIL OF THE ISSUE, THEREFORE DID NOT KNOW ABOUT IT UNTIL AFTER MY CAR BROKE DOWN. THERE ARE MANY DOCUMENTED ISSUES OF THIS PART FAILING, AND ALSO MANY DOCUMENTED ISSUES OF TOYOTA FAILING TO NOTIFY CUSTOMERS DUE TO THEIR INABILITY TO LINK VIN TO MAILING ADDRESS PRIOR TO 2014. I FEEL THAT TOYOTA DIDN'T NOTIFY ME PROPERLY, WHICH CAUSED AN UNSAFE SITUATION FOR ME AND OTHER MOTORISTS. HAD THIS BEEN A RECALL, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN OBLIGATED TO MORE FORMALLY NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND DEALERSHIPS ABOUT THIS HAZARD, AND WOULD HAVE TO FIX THEM ALL, VS. THE RELATIVELY SMALL NUMBER THAT THEY DID FIX. I CALLED TOYOTA MOTOR CORP CUST SERVICE, AND THEY TOLD ME THEY NO LONGER HAD ANY FINANCIAL OR NOTIFICATION OBLIGATION FOR THIS DESIGN & SAFETY DEFECT AS THE 'WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT' HAD EXPIRED. PLEASE REQUIRE A RECALL! THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF CARS ON THE ROAD TODAY WITH THIS UNSAFE CONDITION READY TO CAUSE PROBLEMS!
NHTSA ODI #11244249
Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2019
Service Brakes
WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BREAKS THERE IS A CHIRPING SOUND. TOYOTA HAS DEEMED THIS AN ABS ACTUATOR FAILING ISSUE; WHICH IS AN ISSUE I HAVE SEEN REPEATEDLY ONLINE POSTED BY OTHER HY HI DRIVERS. I AM ALSO SEEING 2 YEARS PREVIOUS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS VERY ISSUE. WHY IS THE RECALL NOT EXTENDED AND IS THERE ANY WAY FOR IT …
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WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BREAKS THERE IS A CHIRPING SOUND. TOYOTA HAS DEEMED THIS AN ABS ACTUATOR FAILING ISSUE; WHICH IS AN ISSUE I HAVE SEEN REPEATEDLY ONLINE POSTED BY OTHER HY HI DRIVERS. I AM ALSO SEEING 2 YEARS PREVIOUS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS VERY ISSUE. WHY IS THE RECALL NOT EXTENDED AND IS THERE ANY WAY FOR IT TO BE? THE COST OF THE VEHICLE TO THE COST OF REPAIR IS SO GREAT AND UNFORTUNATELY, THIS IS NOT A NORMAL FAILURE THAT IS TO BE EXPECTED. ITS TO MY UNDERSTANDING THAT A COMPLETE FAILURE CAN CAUSE A VERY UNAVOIDABLE FATAL CRASH AS THE BREAKING SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD LOCK UP ALL BREAK FUNCTION. THIS HAS OCCURRED IN THE PAST TOO WITH VEHICLES UNDER FURTHER DETERIORATION OF THE ABS ACTUATOR. WOULD YOU PLEASE GIVE HEAVY THOUGHT TO AN EXTENSION OF THE WARRANTY TO COVER THIS ISSUE FOR THE 2008 MODELS? ITS A GREAT RISK TO HIGHLANDER DRIVERS AND THOSE AROUND US.
NHTSA ODI #11244055
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2019
Steering
FOUND STEERING SHAFT NOISY/ WORN/LOOSE
NHTSA ODI #11243002
128,700 miles · Jul 24, 2019
Engine
THE ENGINE IS EMITTING SMOKE, CREATES RATTLING SOUND. AT START TIMING CHAIN SOUNDS SCARED KIDS. WHILE DRIVING YOU CAN HEAR KNOCKING SOUND AND IF SOMETHING CAN BREAK WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11234326
175,230 miles · Jul 15, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes
ABS MODULE FAILURE, SAME US OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAINING. GOT DASH LIGHTS ON AND THE CAR LOST COMPLETE BRAKE POWER. ABS ACTUATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE PRICE FOR THE PART IS UNBELIEVABLE HIGH AND SEEMS TO BE RECALLED ON EARLIER MODELS
NHTSA ODI #11231847
149,259 miles · May 31, 2019
Engine
THE CAR WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY WHEN SUDDENLY I NOTICED SMOKE COMING UP FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY AND IN THE PROCESS NOTICED THE ENGINE SOUNDING DIFFERENT AND PERFORMANCE LEVEL QUICKLY DROPPING. I THEN NOTICED THE OIL LIGHT COME ON, SO I CONTINUED TO FIND THE FIRST SAFE SPOT …
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THE CAR WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY WHEN SUDDENLY I NOTICED SMOKE COMING UP FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY AND IN THE PROCESS NOTICED THE ENGINE SOUNDING DIFFERENT AND PERFORMANCE LEVEL QUICKLY DROPPING. I THEN NOTICED THE OIL LIGHT COME ON, SO I CONTINUED TO FIND THE FIRST SAFE SPOT AVAILABLE TO PULL OVER. I THEN CALLED AAA AND THEY HAD TO TOW THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE CAR HAD EVIDENTLY DRAINED ALL OF ITS OIL, LEAVING A PUDDLE. THE CAR WAS THEN TOWED TO NEIGHBORHOOD CAR CARE IN MISSION VIEJO. IT WAS NOTICED AT THE SHOP THAT THE ENGINE AND COMPARTMENT WERE COVERED IN OIL. I WAS TOLD THE ENGINE OIL COOLER LINE HAD FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH AN UPGRADED PART. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT HAVING THE ENGINE COATED IN OIL IS A FIRE HAZARD, AND HE TOLD ME I WAS LUCKY MY ENGINE DIDN'T CATCH FIRE WHILE ON THE FREEWAY. HE TOLD ME AFTER THE REPAIR, THAT I WOULD NEED TO GET THE ENGINE AND COMPARTMENT CLEANED TO AVOID A FIRE. OUT OF CONCERN OF THE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION I WAS IN, I CONTACTED TOYOTA. THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBABLE FAILURE OF THE PART, AND SAID THERE WAS A WARRANTY, BUT THEY DON'T INFORM CUSTOMERS UNLESS THEY HAVE A FAILURE WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD. HAD I BEEN INFORMED OF THIS POTENTIAL DANGER, I WOULD HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY, BEFORE PUTTING MYSELF AND FAMILY AT RISK.
NHTSA ODI #11217171
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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