The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the sun visors on the driver’s and passenger’s sides were hanging down and would not stay in the upright position. The contact stated that the sun visors obstructed her vision while driving at various speeds. The contact called the dealer and was informed that th…
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The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the sun visors on the driver’s and passenger’s sides were hanging down and would not stay in the upright position. The contact stated that the sun visors obstructed her vision while driving at various speeds. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there was a recall on the vehicle for the sun visors; however, the recall had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
NHTSA ODI #11486115
65,000 miles · Apr 14, 2020
Structure
I NOTICED IN NOVEMBER 2016 THAT THE PAINT ON MY 2011 TOYOTA ROOF WAS PEELING OFF. I TOOK IT TO A TRUSTED BODY SHOP AND THE OWNER ADVISED MY TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AS IT APPEARED TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I DID AS HE SUGGESTED AND I WAS SUBJECTED TO MONTHS OF UNRESPONSIVE BEHAVIOR BEFORE I WAS FINALLY TOLD MY CAR WAS BEY…
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I NOTICED IN NOVEMBER 2016 THAT THE PAINT ON MY 2011 TOYOTA ROOF WAS PEELING OFF. I TOOK IT TO A TRUSTED BODY SHOP AND THE OWNER ADVISED MY TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AS IT APPEARED TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I DID AS HE SUGGESTED AND I WAS SUBJECTED TO MONTHS OF UNRESPONSIVE BEHAVIOR BEFORE I WAS FINALLY TOLD MY CAR WAS BEYOND THE 3YEAR WARRANTY THEREFORE NOT THEIR PROBLEM IN OCTOBER OF 2017. SINCE THIS TIME, THE PAINT FAILURE HAS PROGRESSED TO INCLUDE NEARLY EVERY PANEL ON MY VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO LEARNED THAT TOYOTA IS RECALLING BLIZZARD PEARL VEHICLES DUE TO THIS EXACT PROBLEM BUT MY VIN IN NOT INCLUDED. I FEEL THIS NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED IMMEDIATELY AS THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT GREATLY IMPACTS THE VALUE OF MY INVESTMENT. **I AM UNABLE TO ATTACH MORE THAN ONE PICTURE TO MY COMPLAINT. HOWEVER, I HAVE MULTIPLE PHOTOS AND SOME DAMAGE IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SUCCESSFULLY DOCUMENT BUBBLING PAINT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11321084
73,000 miles · Apr 11, 2017
Structure
POWER LIFTGATE MOTOR ARM DETACHED FROM THE UPPER PORTION OF THE REAR DOOR. UPON REPEATED USE AND TIGHTENING IT BECOMES STRIPPED. FORUMS REPORTS THIS IS COMMON FOR SEVERAL MODEL YEARS - NO RECALL. HOLE TO SCREW BECOMES STRIPPED OVER TIME. NO ACCESS TO THE BACK END TO APPLY NUT. DEALER RECOMMENDS TAKING IT TO A BODY SHOP FOR DO…
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POWER LIFTGATE MOTOR ARM DETACHED FROM THE UPPER PORTION OF THE REAR DOOR. UPON REPEATED USE AND TIGHTENING IT BECOMES STRIPPED. FORUMS REPORTS THIS IS COMMON FOR SEVERAL MODEL YEARS - NO RECALL. HOLE TO SCREW BECOMES STRIPPED OVER TIME. NO ACCESS TO THE BACK END TO APPLY NUT. DEALER RECOMMENDS TAKING IT TO A BODY SHOP FOR DOOR REPLACEMENT AT $3200 - $3900 DOLLARS. EXTREMELY BAD DESIGN FLAW. IF LIFTGATE SEEMS WEAK IN OPENING NAND CLOSING, THIS COULD BE PART OF THE PROBLEM. SHOWED WEAKNESS FOR WEEKS UNTIL I HEARD THE POP AND REALIZED THE POWER ROD CAME OUT. WHEN I WENT TO SCREW IT BACK IN - IT'S STRIPPED. OUT OF WARRANTY PERIOD. NO SOLUTION FOUND OTHER THAN REPLACING THE REAR LIFTGATE.
NHTSA ODI #10971817
70,000 miles · Sep 8, 2016
Structure
WHEN TRYING TO OPEN THE REAR HATCH FROM THE INSIDE, THE BEEPING SOUND WOULD NOT TURN OFFICE AND WHEN I WENT TO INVESTIGATE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE HATCH THE HYDRAULIC ARM HAD BROKEN AND THE MOLDING POPPED OFF PREVENTING IT FROM WORKING. I TOOK IT INTO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE WHOLE MOTOR/ARM ON THE HATCH. THIS W…
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WHEN TRYING TO OPEN THE REAR HATCH FROM THE INSIDE, THE BEEPING SOUND WOULD NOT TURN OFFICE AND WHEN I WENT TO INVESTIGATE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE HATCH THE HYDRAULIC ARM HAD BROKEN AND THE MOLDING POPPED OFF PREVENTING IT FROM WORKING. I TOOK IT INTO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE WHOLE MOTOR/ARM ON THE HATCH. THIS WAS COVERED THROUGH MY WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #10904653
Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2016
Structure
ISSUE WITH THE GLASS DOOR BACK (HATCH) DOES NOT CLOSE OR OPEN PROPERLY. I DID MAKE SURE THE DOOR ARE CLOSED BEFORE STARTING THE VEHICLE AND ONCE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION THE GLASS DOOR (HATCH) OPENS AND I HAD TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND CLOSE IT, WHICH IS VEERY INCONVENIENCE AND SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10889293
Mileage unknown · May 23, 2016
Structure
6MONTH AFTER I HAD BOUGHT MY VEHICLE I MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE CHECK MY MOON ROOF LEAKING,AND WORKING OUT OF CONTROL AFTER RAINING,THEY SAID THEY FOUND NOTHING, AND BETWEEN OIL CHANGE ASK TO RE-CHECK MOON ROOF AND NOTHING WRONG THEY ONLY KEPT ONE TIME "CHECK" FOR THE ISSUE THEN LAST YEAR FOR THE BAD WINTER WE HAD I FOUND MY …
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6MONTH AFTER I HAD BOUGHT MY VEHICLE I MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE CHECK MY MOON ROOF LEAKING,AND WORKING OUT OF CONTROL AFTER RAINING,THEY SAID THEY FOUND NOTHING, AND BETWEEN OIL CHANGE ASK TO RE-CHECK MOON ROOF AND NOTHING WRONG THEY ONLY KEPT ONE TIME "CHECK" FOR THE ISSUE THEN LAST YEAR FOR THE BAD WINTER WE HAD I FOUND MY CAR FLOOR TOO WET AND THOUGH IT WAS THE SNOW NOT THE MOON ROOF, SO I BROUGHT IT LAST APRIL AND THE SAID THEY WILL TRY TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG BUT THAT MY GUARANTEE WAS EXPIRED AND THEY DID FIND OUT FROM WHERE WAS THE LEAK, CAUSE MY CAR WILL BE PARK OVERNIGHT RAINING AND WILL BE IN THE MORNING SOAK N WET, SO I BROUGHT IT TO MY MECHANIC HE FOUND LIKE ITS FROM FACTORY DEFECT NOT A HOLE FOR A ONE HOSE TO THROW OUT THE WATER FROM MOON ROOF. SO MY CAR HAS MOLD, MY DAUGHTER AND I SUFFER FROM RESPIRATORY ILLNESS, AND SHE IS A CHILD, I AM VERY DISTRESS AND EMOTIONAL VERY WORRY CAUSE THAT PROBLEM IS MAKING US SEE K MOST OF THE TIME, I WANT THIS PROBLEM TO BE SOLVE.IM A SINGLE MOM WHO PAYS THIS VEHICLE WITH A LOT OF EFFORTS AND DON'T KNOW WHO COULD HELP ME I'M VERY DEPRESSED I NEED HELP CAN SOME BODY HELP US? THANK YOU. THIS IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE CAUSE MY FEET ARE GETTING SLEEPER I.E. DUE TO THE MOLD AS I DRIVE AROUND. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10870451
40,000 miles · Mar 31, 2016
StructureVisibility/wiper
THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW IS OFF THE TRACK AND UNABLE TO ROLL UP. PRIOR TO THE WINDOW FALLING OFF THE TRACK, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WOULD MAKE A POPPING NOISE AND WOULD RATTLE WHEN GOING UP OR DOWN. THE ISSUE IS EXACTLY LIKE THE 2010 NHTSA REFERENCE #10037962 AND TSB REFERENCE #T-SB-0010-11.
NHTSA ODI #10852757
46,000 miles · Jan 28, 2016
Structure
REAR LIFTGATE WILL NOT STAY OPEN AND HAS FALLEN ON MY WIFE. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN BUT WILL NOT FIX THERE PROBLEM EST. COST TO REPAIR $3000. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN ACCIDENT. PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT 10 MONTHS AGO WITH 46000 MILES VEHICLE NOW HAS 56000.
NHTSA ODI #10822783
25,000 miles · Dec 31, 2015
Structure
THE GLASS ON THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW IS OFF THE RAILS AND WOULD COME OFF THE WINDOW AT AN ANGLE WHEN ITS BEING RAISED. CURRENTLY WE CANNOT ROLL THE WINDOW GLASS UP AND DOWN. SIMILAR SYMPTONS ARE BEING SEEN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW NOW . I HAVE OWNED CARS IN THE PAST AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I AM SEEING THIS KIND OF AN IS…
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THE GLASS ON THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW IS OFF THE RAILS AND WOULD COME OFF THE WINDOW AT AN ANGLE WHEN ITS BEING RAISED. CURRENTLY WE CANNOT ROLL THE WINDOW GLASS UP AND DOWN. SIMILAR SYMPTONS ARE BEING SEEN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW NOW . I HAVE OWNED CARS IN THE PAST AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I AM SEEING THIS KIND OF AN ISSUE AND TOYOTA REFUSES TO CONSIDER THIS AS A QUALITY ISSUE. WHEN I GO ONLINE, I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE USERS HAVING SIMILAR ISSUE WITH TOYOTA HIGHLANDER AND IT SURPRISES ME THAT A COMPANY LIKE TOYOTA WONT DO ANYTHING TO HELP THE CUSTOMER.
NHTSA ODI #10817273
57,225 miles · Dec 28, 2015
Structure
I PRESSED THE REAR HATCH BUTTON TO CLOSE IT FROM DRIVER'S SEAT, HATCH ARM BROKE AND SPEWED PLASTIC AND METAL PARTS WHILE PARKED, ONTO MALL PARKING LOT. TOYOTA STATES "ROD HAS FALLEN OFF OF MOTOR CONNECT...T-SB-0038-15 POWER BACK DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY...BIG GAP ON DRIVER SIDE HINGE FOR BACK HATCH."TOYOTA SOLD ME $2299 SER…
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I PRESSED THE REAR HATCH BUTTON TO CLOSE IT FROM DRIVER'S SEAT, HATCH ARM BROKE AND SPEWED PLASTIC AND METAL PARTS WHILE PARKED, ONTO MALL PARKING LOT. TOYOTA STATES "ROD HAS FALLEN OFF OF MOTOR CONNECT...T-SB-0038-15 POWER BACK DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY...BIG GAP ON DRIVER SIDE HINGE FOR BACK HATCH."TOYOTA SOLD ME $2299 SERVICE CONTRACT W/PORTFOLIO ELITE PROTECTION PLAN WHICH SAYS WILL NOT COVER IT. DIAGNOSIS FROM TOYOTA IN UPLOADED FILE.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
2
EA18006 · Steering Column Separation
Opened Nov 16, 2018 · Closed Apr 2, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:column
On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005). The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism. Given the separation occurring when operating the tilt and/or telescoping function and failure of both shear capsules to maintain the lower steering column mounting position, potential for shear capsule damage in the known failures due to collisions, the overall low rate of occurrence, and the updated manufacturer documentation, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. A detailed summary of the investigation is attached to this closing resume. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:column
On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005). The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism. Given the separation occurring when operating the tilt and/or telescoping function and failure of both shear capsules to maintain the lower steering column mounting position, potential for shear capsule damage in the known failures due to collisions, the overall low rate of occurrence, and the updated manufacturer documentation, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. A detailed summary of the investigation is attached to this closing resume. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Steering
On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005). The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism. Given the separation occurring when operating the tilt and/or telescoping function and failure of both shear capsules to maintain the lower steering column mounting position, potential for shear capsule damage in the known failures due to collisions, the overall low rate of occurrence, and the updated manufacturer documentation, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. A detailed summary of the investigation is attached to this closing resume. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE18005 · Upper Steering Column Separation
Opened May 4, 2018 · Closed Nov 20, 2018
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:column
On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Since opening PE18-005, one (1) additional VOQ involving steering column separation has been received. This incident occurred while the vehicle was stationary.As part of PE18-005, ODI examined the field data, warranty data, and relevant technical information submitted by Toyota in response to the PE18-005 information request letter. Ten (10) additional incidents of steering column separation were identified. Four (4) of these instances occurred while driving. During PE18-005, ODI confirmed that the steering columns in the subject vehicles are equipped with breakaway capsules that are designed to collapse/shear during certain types of vehicle collisions. This design feature aims to reduce driver injury severity from impact with the steering wheel in frontal vehicle collisions. There is no direct method for detecting when the capsules in the subject vehicles have sheared. If the driver operates the tilt/telescoping feature after the breakaway capsules have separated, the steering column may drop out of position and could subsequently detach entirely from the rest of the steering assembly. Loss of steering while driving may cause a loss of vehicle control, which could lead to a vehicle crash.To date, ODI has identified 14 incidents involving complete steering column separation, 6 of which occurred while driving. One of these incidents involved a minor crash. Additionally, there have been 16 events where the steering column dropped from the dashboard mounting brackets, but column separation did not occur. Four of these incidents happened while driving. Of these 30 total separation/drop incidents, 5 of the vehicles have evidence of minor collision repairs months or years prior to the steering column failure.This investigation has been upgraded an to Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) in order to 1) conduct a more detailed analysis of the conditions that may cause the steering column breakaway capsules to separate and 2) assess factors that may contribute to the problem of failing to detect and repair breakaway capsules after they have separated. Toyota has recently revised their repair manual and issued a Collision Repair Information Bulletin to help address the second concern.The VOQs associated with this investigation can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI complaint numbers: 11141761, 11083623, 11083280, 10888043.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:column
On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Since opening PE18-005, one (1) additional VOQ involving steering column separation has been received. This incident occurred while the vehicle was stationary.As part of PE18-005, ODI examined the field data, warranty data, and relevant technical information submitted by Toyota in response to the PE18-005 information request letter. Ten (10) additional incidents of steering column separation were identified. Four (4) of these instances occurred while driving. During PE18-005, ODI confirmed that the steering columns in the subject vehicles are equipped with breakaway capsules that are designed to collapse/shear during certain types of vehicle collisions. This design feature aims to reduce driver injury severity from impact with the steering wheel in frontal vehicle collisions. There is no direct method for detecting when the capsules in the subject vehicles have sheared. If the driver operates the tilt/telescoping feature after the breakaway capsules have separated, the steering column may drop out of position and could subsequently detach entirely from the rest of the steering assembly. Loss of steering while driving may cause a loss of vehicle control, which could lead to a vehicle crash.To date, ODI has identified 14 incidents involving complete steering column separation, 6 of which occurred while driving. One of these incidents involved a minor crash. Additionally, there have been 16 events where the steering column dropped from the dashboard mounting brackets, but column separation did not occur. Four of these incidents happened while driving. Of these 30 total separation/drop incidents, 5 of the vehicles have evidence of minor collision repairs months or years prior to the steering column failure.This investigation has been upgraded an to Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) in order to 1) conduct a more detailed analysis of the conditions that may cause the steering column breakaway capsules to separate and 2) assess factors that may contribute to the problem of failing to detect and repair breakaway capsules after they have separated. Toyota has recently revised their repair manual and issued a Collision Repair Information Bulletin to help address the second concern.The VOQs associated with this investigation can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI complaint numbers: 11141761, 11083623, 11083280, 10888043.
Steering
On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Since opening PE18-005, one (1) additional VOQ involving steering column separation has been received. This incident occurred while the vehicle was stationary.As part of PE18-005, ODI examined the field data, warranty data, and relevant technical information submitted by Toyota in response to the PE18-005 information request letter. Ten (10) additional incidents of steering column separation were identified. Four (4) of these instances occurred while driving. During PE18-005, ODI confirmed that the steering columns in the subject vehicles are equipped with breakaway capsules that are designed to collapse/shear during certain types of vehicle collisions. This design feature aims to reduce driver injury severity from impact with the steering wheel in frontal vehicle collisions. There is no direct method for detecting when the capsules in the subject vehicles have sheared. If the driver operates the tilt/telescoping feature after the breakaway capsules have separated, the steering column may drop out of position and could subsequently detach entirely from the rest of the steering assembly. Loss of steering while driving may cause a loss of vehicle control, which could lead to a vehicle crash.To date, ODI has identified 14 incidents involving complete steering column separation, 6 of which occurred while driving. One of these incidents involved a minor crash. Additionally, there have been 16 events where the steering column dropped from the dashboard mounting brackets, but column separation did not occur. Four of these incidents happened while driving. Of these 30 total separation/drop incidents, 5 of the vehicles have evidence of minor collision repairs months or years prior to the steering column failure.This investigation has been upgraded an to Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) in order to 1) conduct a more detailed analysis of the conditions that may cause the steering column breakaway capsules to separate and 2) assess factors that may contribute to the problem of failing to detect and repair breakaway capsules after they have separated. Toyota has recently revised their repair manual and issued a Collision Repair Information Bulletin to help address the second concern.The VOQs associated with this investigation can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI complaint numbers: 11141761, 11083623, 11083280, 10888043.
2011 Toyota Highlander Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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