NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
182 reports45,500 miles · Apr 5, 2017
Wheels
LUG NUTS ARE 2-PIECE: STEEL NUTS WITH CHROMED COVERS CRIMPED ON. THE NUTS RUST INSIDE THE CHROME COVERS AND SWELL SO THAT THE LUG WRENCH THAT COMES WITH THE VEHICLE (NOR SOCKETS OR TYPICAL 4-WAY LUG WRENCHES) WILL NOT FIT THE NUT. ONE CAN BE STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD UNABLE TO REMOVE A FLAT TIRE. BESIDES THE WHEEL LOCKS, …
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LUG NUTS ARE 2-PIECE: STEEL NUTS WITH CHROMED COVERS CRIMPED ON. THE NUTS RUST INSIDE THE CHROME COVERS AND SWELL SO THAT THE LUG WRENCH THAT COMES WITH THE VEHICLE (NOR SOCKETS OR TYPICAL 4-WAY LUG WRENCHES) WILL NOT FIT THE NUT. ONE CAN BE STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD UNABLE TO REMOVE A FLAT TIRE. BESIDES THE WHEEL LOCKS, ALL 16 OF THE REMAINING NUTS WERE AFFECTED. I HAVE ORDERED REPLACEMENT NUTS, ON ADVICE FROM MY LOCAL TIRE SHOP, THAT ARE CHROME PLATED AND NOT 2-PIECE. I INFORMED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGED RECEIPT BUTOFFERED NO SOLUTION OR COMPENSATION. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN I NEEDED TO REMOVE A TIRE, BUT THANKFULLY IT WAS STILL DRIVEABLE. MY LOCAL TIRE SHOP WAS ABLE TO HAMMER-ON A SOCKET TO REMOVE THE SWOLLEN NUTS, AND I WILL HAVE TO RETURN TO THEM TO HAVE THEM INSTALL THE REPLACEMENT NUTS. I AM RETAINING THE ORIGINAL NUTS IN CASE THEY ARE NEEDED BY NHTSA OR TOYOTA FOR EXAMINATION. THERE ARE MANY REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE ONLINE, AS WELL AS MENTIONS IN PRODUCT QUESTIONS ABOUT REPLACEMENT NUTS ON AMAZON.COM (EG, ARE THESE NUTS ONE-PIECE OR NOT, AND REPORTS OF THIS EXACT PROBLEM WITH MANY VEHICLES). INTERESTINGLY, IT TURNS OUT THAT TOOL MANUFACTURER SNAP-ON MAKES AN 18.5MM AND 19.5MM OVERSIZED SOCKETS TO REMOVE THESE SWOLLEN NUTS. THE PROBLEM IS COMMON ENOUGH FOR SPECIALIZED TOOLS. PLEASE ACT ON THIS TO PREVENT SOME POOR INDIVIDUAL FROM BEING STRANDED!
NHTSA ODI #10970714
Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2017
Visibility/wiper
THE EYEGLASSES HOLDER IN OUR 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAS A MALFUNCTION OF DROPPING DOWN IN FRONT OF THE REARVIEW MIRROR DUE TO THE LOSS OF A SMALL RETAINING PIN. THE ISSUE CAUSES A DISRUPTIVE AND VERY ANNOYING SAFETY HAZARD. ATTEMPTS TO GET THE PROBLEM REPAIRED HAVE MET WITH NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES AS THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP MECHANI…
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THE EYEGLASSES HOLDER IN OUR 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAS A MALFUNCTION OF DROPPING DOWN IN FRONT OF THE REARVIEW MIRROR DUE TO THE LOSS OF A SMALL RETAINING PIN. THE ISSUE CAUSES A DISRUPTIVE AND VERY ANNOYING SAFETY HAZARD. ATTEMPTS TO GET THE PROBLEM REPAIRED HAVE MET WITH NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES AS THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP MECHANICS AND ANOTHER DEALERSHIP IN SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI HAVE CAME TO THE SAME CONCLUSION, NOT REPAIRABLE. WE HAVE TRIED TO TAPE UP THE EYEGLASSES HOLDER, BUT THE TAPE WILL NOT STICK DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE MATERIEL. THE SITUATION BECOMES EMBARRASSING WHEN FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE IN THE VEHICLE AND TRY TO ASSIST IN KEEPING THE HOLDER UP WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. HOWEVER, WITHOUT FAVORABLE RESULTS AND CONTINUED NAGGING OR COMPLAINING. WE ARE HOPING THAT THIS INCIDENT INFORMATION WILL BE SUFFICIENT IN FINDING A POSITIVE SOLUTION. THE TIMELINE IS APPROXIMATE AND COULD HAVE BEEN LONGER THAN MARKED BECAUSE OF BEING IN PLAUSIBLE DENIAL.
NHTSA ODI #10967665
125,000 miles · Mar 15, 2017
Visibility/wiper
THE SUN VISORS ARE BOTH BROKEN AND ARE A SAFETY HAZARD. THE DRIVERS VISOR HAS BEEN DEFECTIVE FOR TIME. THE PASSENGER VISOR JUST BROKE RECENTLY. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND AM SURPRISED I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. I HAVE WORN OUT LOTS OF VEHICLES, BUT NEVER THE SUN VISORS. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION…
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THE SUN VISORS ARE BOTH BROKEN AND ARE A SAFETY HAZARD. THE DRIVERS VISOR HAS BEEN DEFECTIVE FOR TIME. THE PASSENGER VISOR JUST BROKE RECENTLY. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND AM SURPRISED I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. I HAVE WORN OUT LOTS OF VEHICLES, BUT NEVER THE SUN VISORS. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION AS THE SITUATION IS WORSENING. SINCERELY [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10966152
71,579 miles · Mar 10, 2017
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND EXITING A HIGHWAY, APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, DASHBOARD FLICKERED, AND ENGINE DIED. THE RED STEERING WHEEL WARNING LIGHT CAME ON BRIEFLY, BUT THE WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE PERIOD OF A FEW MINUTES. BATTERY & ALTERNAT…
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WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND EXITING A HIGHWAY, APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, DASHBOARD FLICKERED, AND ENGINE DIED. THE RED STEERING WHEEL WARNING LIGHT CAME ON BRIEFLY, BUT THE WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE PERIOD OF A FEW MINUTES. BATTERY & ALTERNATOR WERE TESTED - NO MALFUNCTION.
NHTSA ODI #10960048
93,000 miles · Mar 8, 2017
SteeringCrash
WIFE WAS IN PARKING LOT AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY. WENT TO TURN CAR OUT OF PARKING SPOT, WAS NOT ABLE TO AND HIT A POLE. STEERING WHEEL TURNED BUT WHEELS DID NOT. TOWED VEHICLE TO ANDY MOHR TOYOTA AVON. ADVISED THAT RACK WAS SHEERED. NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT THE TWO YEARS SERVICE WRITER HAD BEEN WORKING THERE. THERE WAS NO …
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WIFE WAS IN PARKING LOT AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY. WENT TO TURN CAR OUT OF PARKING SPOT, WAS NOT ABLE TO AND HIT A POLE. STEERING WHEEL TURNED BUT WHEELS DID NOT. TOWED VEHICLE TO ANDY MOHR TOYOTA AVON. ADVISED THAT RACK WAS SHEERED. NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT THE TWO YEARS SERVICE WRITER HAD BEEN WORKING THERE. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT PRIOR THAT WOULD OF CAUSED PROBLEM. ALSO DEALER INDICATES STEERING WIRE IS ALSO DAMAGED. LUCKY WIFE WAS NOT ON INTERSTATE OR OTHER HIGHWAY, ACCIDENT COULD OF BEEN CATASTROPHIC.
NHTSA ODI #10959521
Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2017
Unknown Or OtherCrash
ON FEBRUARY 2, 2017,MY 2012 HIGHLANDER WAS PLACED IN PARK AND LEFT IN HIGH SCHOOL( DHS DURANGO, CO) ROUND ABOUT WITH KEYS IN CAR. I PARKED MY CAR IN FRONT OF A SCHOOL ROUND ABOUT, LEFT THE KEYS IN IGNITION BECAUSE I WAS RETURNING. THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK, ACCELERATED UP A SLIGHT INCLINE IN THE DRIVEWAY AND HIT A PARKED T…
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ON FEBRUARY 2, 2017,MY 2012 HIGHLANDER WAS PLACED IN PARK AND LEFT IN HIGH SCHOOL( DHS DURANGO, CO) ROUND ABOUT WITH KEYS IN CAR. I PARKED MY CAR IN FRONT OF A SCHOOL ROUND ABOUT, LEFT THE KEYS IN IGNITION BECAUSE I WAS RETURNING. THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK, ACCELERATED UP A SLIGHT INCLINE IN THE DRIVEWAY AND HIT A PARKED TRUCK. THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE VEHICLE. VIDEO FROM SAFETY OFFICER AT HIGH SCHOOL SHOWS THE WHOLE EVENT. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK, LIGHTS TURN OFF AS I PARKED VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SITS STILL IN PARK FOR SOME TIME, THEN PROCEEDS TO MOVE ON ITS OWN AND RUNS INTO VEHICLE AHEAD OF IT. THE TRUCK IN FRONT HAD DAMAGE TO BACK LEFT BUMPER AND BODY....MY VEHICLE HAS DAMAGE TO FRONT RIGHT BUMPER. MOST ALARMED BY VEHICLE HAVING CHANGED GEARS AND MOVED ON ITS OWN WITH NO ONE IN VEHICLE. SEVERAL WITNESS AND VIDEO THAT I AM UNABLE TO UP LOAD. CASE HAS BEEN INITIATED WITH TOYOTA AND SOMEONE IS COMING FROM DENVER TO DO A EDR ON TUESDAY, MARCH 7TH, 2017. I'M AFRAID ALL THE STORIES I'VE READ OVER THE WEEKEND ON INTERNET ARE VERY TRUE...THERE IS NO OTHER EXPLANATION TO WHAT HAPPENED. CONCERNED THAT TOYOTA REP WILL TRY TO MISREAD AND MIS-INTERPRET FINDINGS OR CAUSE DATA TO BE TAMPERED WITH...MY MAIN CONCERN IS SAFETY AND ASIDE FROM THIS INCIDENT AND A FEW UNEXPLAINED PULLING ON THE GAS PUMP LIKE A DRAG OR ACCELERATION, I THOUGHT MY CAR WAS SAFE---SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED. SINCE I WAS NOT PRIVY TO WHAT HAPPENED UNTIL VIDEO WAS PROVIDED FE. 23, I HAD NO IDEA HOW TO REPORT TO INSURANCE MY VEHICLE RUNNING INTO SOMEONE WITH NO ONE IN IT!
NHTSA ODI #10958968
48,000 miles · Feb 15, 2017
Air BagsVehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CABINET IN FRONT OF HER HOUSE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CRAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CABINET IN FRONT OF HER HOUSE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
NHTSA ODI #10954933
51,000 miles · Feb 9, 2017
Electrical System
THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER STOPPED WORKING. WITH ONLY 51K ON THE CAR, ALL 4 DOORS WONT CLOSE WITH THE KEY FOB, OR ON THE DOOR. THEY OPEN BUT DONT CLOSE, I HAVE TO MANUALLY CLOSE EACH DOOR LOCK EVERY TIME I WANT THE DOORS LOCKED. I'VE SEEN MANY POSTS ABOUT THIS! I THINK ITS TIME TOYOTA FIXES THE PROBLEM WITH A RE…
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THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER STOPPED WORKING. WITH ONLY 51K ON THE CAR, ALL 4 DOORS WONT CLOSE WITH THE KEY FOB, OR ON THE DOOR. THEY OPEN BUT DONT CLOSE, I HAVE TO MANUALLY CLOSE EACH DOOR LOCK EVERY TIME I WANT THE DOORS LOCKED. I'VE SEEN MANY POSTS ABOUT THIS! I THINK ITS TIME TOYOTA FIXES THE PROBLEM WITH A RECALL! I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA DEALER THAT IT IS MALFUNCTION OF THE ACTUATOR AND THAT THEY SEE THIS ALL THE TIME WITH THIS MODULE... IT WOULD COST ME $500-$600 TO LET THEM FIX IT!!WHY SHOULD THE CONSUMER HAVE TO PAY FOR THE MANUFACTURERS PROBLEMS!! CAN I HEAR RECALL! RECALL! RECALL!!
NHTSA ODI #10950440
58,109 miles · Feb 2, 2017
Latches/locks/linkagesVisibility/wiper
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS FAILED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LOCK THE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DOOR LOCKS WERE REPLACED PER AN UNKNOWN NHTSA CAMPAIGN. THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIV…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS FAILED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LOCK THE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DOOR LOCKS WERE REPLACED PER AN UNKNOWN NHTSA CAMPAIGN. THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WINDOW FAILED TO ALIGN WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ROLL IT UP OR DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V689000 (VISIBILITY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,109.
NHTSA ODI #10948988
99,000 miles · Dec 2, 2016
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST DUE TO THE ROAD BEING WET. THE VEHCILE BEGAN TO SPIN HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LAND OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE RECEIVED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT-END AND THE AI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST DUE TO THE ROAD BEING WET. THE VEHCILE BEGAN TO SPIN HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LAND OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE RECEIVED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT-END AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER RECEIVED NECK INJURIES AND BOTH PASSENGERS THAT WERE SEATED IN THE REAR RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE ABDOMIN. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
NHTSA ODI #10929523
Official recalls
2Apr 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.
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.
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