IllustrationAbs brake actuator started to fail.
2011 Toyota Highlander
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2011 Toyota Highlander do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 186.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Highlander years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
340–25K
3725–50K
3450–75K
1675–100K
15100–150K
8150K+
144 reports with mileage · 37 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Visibility/wiper. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
14 crash reports0 fire reports7 injury reports
Service Brakes complaints
13 reportsWhen driving approximately 20-30mph multiple warning lights illuminated on dash along with Brake Malfunction warning on information display. Did not notice any issues with braking and no fluid loss / leaks noted. Codes stored were C1241 (Low or High Power Supply Voltage), C1253 (Pump Motor Relay), and C1391 (Abnormal Leak of A…
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When driving approximately 20-30mph multiple warning lights illuminated on dash along with Brake Malfunction warning on information display. Did not notice any issues with braking and no fluid loss / leaks noted. Codes stored were C1241 (Low or High Power Supply Voltage), C1253 (Pump Motor Relay), and C1391 (Abnormal Leak of ACC Press). Noticed that ABS pump would run 2-5 seconds every 1-5 minutes. Original part number 44510-48080. Research shows multiple Toyota “Warranty Extensions” on multiple models using same/similar components.
ON FEB 13, I WAS DRIVING AN ANN ARBOR, MI, STREET THAT WAS DOWNHILL AND ICY. I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL UNTIL THE ABS CAME ON, AND HELD IT ON FOR 15 TO 30 SECONDS. THIS DID NOT STOP THE CAR, BUT SLOWED IT, AND ALLOWED ME TO GO STRAIGHT, UNTIL AFTER 10 TO 20 SECONDS, THE ABS STOPPED WORKING (NO MORE PEDAL PULSING, NO MORE ABS NOIS…
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ON FEB 13, I WAS DRIVING AN ANN ARBOR, MI, STREET THAT WAS DOWNHILL AND ICY. I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL UNTIL THE ABS CAME ON, AND HELD IT ON FOR 15 TO 30 SECONDS. THIS DID NOT STOP THE CAR, BUT SLOWED IT, AND ALLOWED ME TO GO STRAIGHT, UNTIL AFTER 10 TO 20 SECONDS, THE ABS STOPPED WORKING (NO MORE PEDAL PULSING, NO MORE ABS NOISE), THE WHEELS LOCKED UP, AND I SLID INTO THE CURB. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO DAMAGE. A TECHNICIAN AT TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAID IT IS NORMAL ON ALL VEHICLES FOR ABS TO STOP WORKING, AND FOR WHEELS TO LOCK UP, AFTER ABS OPERATES FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. THIS MAY BE WHAT I EXPERIENCED. HE SAID ONE SHOULD RELEASE THE PEDAL AND THEN REAPPLY PRESSURE, OR PUMP THE PEDAL. THIS SUGGESTION IS QUITE DIFFERENT THAN THE USUAL INSTRUCTIONS, WHICH SAY TO CONTINUALLY PRESS BRAKE PEDAL. HE HAD AN EXPLANATION, WHICH I CANNOT REPEAT -- SOMETHING TO DO WITH BRAKE FLUID DEPLETING SOMEWHERE, PERHAPS THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE ABS PROBLEM PROBLEM LIGHT HAS NOT COME ON. AFTER THAT INCIDENT, THE ANTILOCK BRAKES HAVE WORKED FINE, THOUGH I HAVE NOT TESTED THEM IN THE SEVERE CONDITIONS OF FEB 13. SINCE THE ABS SYSTEM SEEMS TO BE WORKING NOW, AND THE ABS LIGHT IS NOT ON, THERE APPEARS TO BE LITTLE CHANCE THE TOYOTA DEALER COULD DO SOMETHING USEFUL. THERE APPEAR TO BE TWO POSSIBILITIES: 1. THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA HIGHLANDER ABS SYSTEMS WHEN APPLIED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. NHTSA WILL BECOME AWARE OF THIS IF MORE OWNERS MAKE REPORTS. 2. THE TECHNICIAN IS CORRECT THAT AFTER ACTIVATING ABS FOR A LENGTH OF TIME, ONE MUST RELEASE THE PEDAL, OR PULSE IT, IN ORDER FOR ABS TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE. IN THIS CASE, INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING ABS NEED TO BE SUBSTANTIALLY REVISED, AND ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS NHTSA OUGHT TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THE ISSUE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR DANGEROUS ACCIDENTS WHEN ABS IS APPLIED CONTINUOUSLY FOR TOO LONG.
I WAS PARKING MY CAR AT A PARKING LOT. I ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE CAR (IT WAS ABOUT 2MPH) WHILE APPLYING BRAKE AND MY CAR DID NOT STOP, RATHER IT ACCELERATED, I PUSHED BRAKE AND DID NOT WORK, IT JUMPED ON THE CURB. I RELEASED BRAKE, REAPPLIED AND CHANGED TO PARKING MODE IMMEDIATELY AND IT STOPPED. THIS ISSUE HAS HAPPENED THIRD TIM…
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I WAS PARKING MY CAR AT A PARKING LOT. I ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE CAR (IT WAS ABOUT 2MPH) WHILE APPLYING BRAKE AND MY CAR DID NOT STOP, RATHER IT ACCELERATED, I PUSHED BRAKE AND DID NOT WORK, IT JUMPED ON THE CURB. I RELEASED BRAKE, REAPPLIED AND CHANGED TO PARKING MODE IMMEDIATELY AND IT STOPPED. THIS ISSUE HAS HAPPENED THIRD TIME WITH THIS CAR. WHEN CAR IS ABOUT TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP, THAT TIME BRAKE DON'T WORK AND CAR ACCELERATE FURTHER. BRAKE PEDAL WAS VIBRATING WHEN IT WAS A SNOW ON THE ROAD WHEN I WAS TRYING TO STOP AT STOPLIGHT AND IT ACCELERATE. THIS IS VERY VERY DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE. I HAVE READ SEVERAL SAME COMPLAINTS ONLINE. THIS IS A DEFINITE MANUFACTURER DEFECTS AND MUST BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. LUCKILY SO FAR, I HAVE NOT HIT ANYTHING BUT NOW AFTER THE PARKING LOT INCIDENT I AM AFRAID.
DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR I WAS HEADING HOME WITH MY KIDS (5 Y.O. AND 7 Y.O.) WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND LOST POWER WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE CARE ROLLED LONG ENOUGH TO PULL OVER TO A SAFE SPOT WITH MY CHILDREN AND CALL FOR A TOW. LIGHTS THAT CAME ON CHECK HYBRID SYS…
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DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR I WAS HEADING HOME WITH MY KIDS (5 Y.O. AND 7 Y.O.) WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND LOST POWER WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE CARE ROLLED LONG ENOUGH TO PULL OVER TO A SAFE SPOT WITH MY CHILDREN AND CALL FOR A TOW. LIGHTS THAT CAME ON CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM, CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM, CHECK 4WD SYSTEM, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AT TOYOTA OF CERRITOS I WAS INFORMED THAT THE MASTER MECHANIC HAD TO PLACE A TICKET WITH TOYOTA MOTOR COMPANY TO FIGURE OUT THE ISSUE DUE TO ALL THE CODES THAT WERE LOGGED AFTER THE DIAGNOSTIC. TOYOTA MOTOR INFORMED MECHANIC IT WAS HYBRID INVERTER FAILURE. THIS COULD OF BEEN A HORRIBLE SITUATION HAD I BEEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED FUNCTION LIKE IT DID ON THE EVENING OF 11/05/2019.
ABS BRAKE ACTUATOR FAILED ON TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. SPENT $1905 ON REPAIRS FROM TOYOTA. THERE WAS A RELATE RECALL ON TOYOTA CAMERY HYBRID WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THE ABS FUNCTION WON'T ACTIVATE WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE RECEIPTS OF ALL THE REPAIRS ON HAND
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STOPPED AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WITH EXTREME FORCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MIL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STOPPED AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WITH EXTREME FORCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,900. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
AT 8:00 AM ON 7/7/2016, MY SON WAS DRIVING MY HIGHLANDER 2011 TO WORK AT 80 M/H ON ROAD 287 IN NJ. THE VIN IS [XXX]. THE CAR IN FRONT OF MY SON WAS SLOWING DOWN. MY SON WAS TRYING TO BRAKE THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN. BUT, THE ALL BRAKES STOPPED WORKING AND THE DASHBOARD SCREEN DISPLAYING A WARNING MESSAGE "BRAKE: BRAKE MALFUNCTION…
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AT 8:00 AM ON 7/7/2016, MY SON WAS DRIVING MY HIGHLANDER 2011 TO WORK AT 80 M/H ON ROAD 287 IN NJ. THE VIN IS [XXX]. THE CAR IN FRONT OF MY SON WAS SLOWING DOWN. MY SON WAS TRYING TO BRAKE THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN. BUT, THE ALL BRAKES STOPPED WORKING AND THE DASHBOARD SCREEN DISPLAYING A WARNING MESSAGE "BRAKE: BRAKE MALFUNCTION". MY HIGHLANDER 2011 CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. MY CAR WAS JUST MAINTAINED ON 3/15/2106 AT TOWNE TOYOTA, LEDGEWOOD, NJ 07852. ALL BRAKES WERE UPDATED. PLEASE ADVISE ME WHO SHOULD TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR "BRAKE MALFUNCTION". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
WHILE GOING INTO A PARKING SPACE, I ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED ENTIRELY TO THE FLOOR, AND THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. AS THE RESULT, MY VEHICLE DROPPED APPROXIMATELY 15 FEET OVER A RETAINING WALL TO A LOWER PARKING LOT LANDING NOSE FIRST ONTO THE PAVEMENT OF THE PARKING AREA BELOW. THE AIRBAG DEPLOY…
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WHILE GOING INTO A PARKING SPACE, I ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED ENTIRELY TO THE FLOOR, AND THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. AS THE RESULT, MY VEHICLE DROPPED APPROXIMATELY 15 FEET OVER A RETAINING WALL TO A LOWER PARKING LOT LANDING NOSE FIRST ONTO THE PAVEMENT OF THE PARKING AREA BELOW. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND THE VEHICLE ULTIMATELY LANDED ON ALL FOUR TIRES, ROLLING FORWARD UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY ENGAGING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE.
I WAS DRIVING IN THE SIERRA NEVADA WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING SEVERELY WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES ON DOWNWARD SLOPES. I REALIZED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO THE BRAKE DISCS OVERHEATING. FOR THE REMAINED OF THE TRIP I USED THE GEARSHIFT TO SLOW DOWN THE CAR WHEN DRIVING ALONG DOWNWARD SLOPING ROADS BY SELECTING 2ND GEAR…
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I WAS DRIVING IN THE SIERRA NEVADA WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING SEVERELY WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES ON DOWNWARD SLOPES. I REALIZED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO THE BRAKE DISCS OVERHEATING. FOR THE REMAINED OF THE TRIP I USED THE GEARSHIFT TO SLOW DOWN THE CAR WHEN DRIVING ALONG DOWNWARD SLOPING ROADS BY SELECTING 2ND GEAR IN THE AUTOMATIC GEARSHIFT. BY AVOIDING USE OF THE BRAKES, I AVOIDED THE VIBRATION AND WAS ABLE TO GET HOME SAFELY. I SUBSEQUENTLY BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTENANCE. THE TECHNICAL STAFF CONFIRMED THAT THE BRAKE DISCS SHOWED SIGNS OF OVERHEATING AND REPLACED THEM UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT SOLVE THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM: UNDERSIZED DISCS, UNABLE TO DISSIPATE THE HEAT GENERATED BY THE BRAKES WHEN DRIVING DOWNHILL. THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS PRESENTED ITSELF AGAIN AT APPROXIMATELY 19,000 MILES, DURING ANOTHER TRIP IN THE COASTAL HILLS OF THE SAN FRANCISCO PENINSULA. PLEASE, CONSIDER THIS A SEVERE PROBLEM, POTENTIALLY REQUIRING A RECALL: THE SEVERE VIBRATIONS CAUSED BY THE BRAKES ON A DOWNWARD SLOPING MOUNTAIN ROAD, ESPECIALLY WITH WET OR SNOWY ROADS, COULD EASILY MAKE THE VEHICLE TO SLIP OUT OF CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH. *TR
Official recalls
516V396000 · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler
Jun 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.
15V689000 · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls
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.
14V743000 · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler
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.
13V123000 · Equipment:other:labels
Apr 9, 2013
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
13V014000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Seats
Jan 16, 2013
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
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.