NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
206 reports40,000 miles · Mar 6, 2017
Electrical System
THE DOOR LOCKS ARE FAILING ONE BY ONE. IT SEEMS TO BE BAD ACTUATORS. FIRST, ONE DOOR WASN'T LOCKING AUTOMATICALLY WHEN PRESSING LOCK ON THE KEY FOB. NOW, I HAVE 2 DOORS NOT LOCKING AUTOMATICALLY WHEN I HIT LOCK ON THE KEY FOB. I FEEL THIS POSES A SAFETY HAZARD FOR MYSELF AND MY BELONGINGS BECAUSE IF I EVER NEEDED TO ENTER MY …
Read full complaint
THE DOOR LOCKS ARE FAILING ONE BY ONE. IT SEEMS TO BE BAD ACTUATORS. FIRST, ONE DOOR WASN'T LOCKING AUTOMATICALLY WHEN PRESSING LOCK ON THE KEY FOB. NOW, I HAVE 2 DOORS NOT LOCKING AUTOMATICALLY WHEN I HIT LOCK ON THE KEY FOB. I FEEL THIS POSES A SAFETY HAZARD FOR MYSELF AND MY BELONGINGS BECAUSE IF I EVER NEEDED TO ENTER MY CAR QUICKLY WITH MY 2 KIDS, I CANNOT. THIS OCCURS WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
NHTSA ODI #10958750
371,500 miles · Feb 3, 2017
Fuel System, GasolineFuel/propulsion System
AT 37,500 MILES WHILE MOVING THE CHECK ENGINE AN TRACTOR OFF WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALER CHARGED $125.00 TO REPLACE THE GAS CAP. IF THIS IS A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE RECALLED. THANK YOU *TR
NHTSA ODI #10949221
63,000 miles · Jan 16, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion System
UPON ENTERING INTO CAR AFTER IT HAD BEEN PARKED I SMELLED GASOLINE. WIFE SAID SHE HAD JUST FILLED UP BEFORE COMING HOME AND PERHAPS SPILLED SOME. I GOT OUT OF VEHICLE AND CHECKED AND SAW SMALL PUDDLE OF GASOLINE WHERE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED. MOVED CAR AWAY FROM HOUSE AND RAISED HOOD TO VENT ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I REMOVED FRONT S…
Read full complaint
UPON ENTERING INTO CAR AFTER IT HAD BEEN PARKED I SMELLED GASOLINE. WIFE SAID SHE HAD JUST FILLED UP BEFORE COMING HOME AND PERHAPS SPILLED SOME. I GOT OUT OF VEHICLE AND CHECKED AND SAW SMALL PUDDLE OF GASOLINE WHERE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED. MOVED CAR AWAY FROM HOUSE AND RAISED HOOD TO VENT ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I REMOVED FRONT SKID PLATE/PANEL TO FIND LEAK AND ALLOW FURTHER AIR CIRCULATION. I POWER CYCLED KEY AND SAW FUEL LEAK AGAIN. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION FOUND WERE MAIN FUEL LINE WAS MISTING ONTO ENGINE AND SURROUNDING PARTS. LEAKS WERE COMING FROM MIDDLE PORTION OF HOSE AND NOT AT CONNECTIONS. NEXT DAY I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY SUSPECTED RODENT DAMAGE. UPON INSPECTION THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF "CHEWING" OR OTHER TYPE OF EXTERNAL DAMAGE. A REPLACEMENT LINE WAS ORDERED AND INSTALLED. I WAS CHARGED FOR THE REPAIRS. I HAVE KEPT THE ORIGINAL FUEL LINE FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. DEALER HAD NO EXPLANATION OF THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. I FEEL BLESSED THAT WE DID STOP WHEN WE DID OTHERWISE IT WOULD OF RESULTED IN AN GASOLINE FED ENGINE FIRE BECAUSE OF THE GAS SPRAYING ONTO THE EXHAUST AND OTHER HOT ENGINE PARTS IN A CONFINED AREA.
NHTSA ODI #10945482
35,000 miles · Dec 2, 2016
TiresUnknown Or Other
MY PROBLEM IS WITH THE LOW TIRE WARNING SYSTEM. MY ISSUE IS THAT YOU CANNOT MANUALLY RESET THIS WARNING LIGHT AS WITH OTHER CARS. I HAVE HAD TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALER TWICE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS FOR THEM TO PROPERLY INFLATE/RESET THE SYSTEM. ALL MY TIRES WERE PROPERLY INFLATED EXCEPT FOR THE SPARE. MYSELF AND FIRESTONE AU…
Read full complaint
MY PROBLEM IS WITH THE LOW TIRE WARNING SYSTEM. MY ISSUE IS THAT YOU CANNOT MANUALLY RESET THIS WARNING LIGHT AS WITH OTHER CARS. I HAVE HAD TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALER TWICE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS FOR THEM TO PROPERLY INFLATE/RESET THE SYSTEM. ALL MY TIRES WERE PROPERLY INFLATED EXCEPT FOR THE SPARE. MYSELF AND FIRESTONE AUTO CARE COULD NOT GET THE WARNING LIGHT TO GO AWAY. FINALLY, AFTER MONTHS OF HAVING THE WARNING LIGHT ON, I WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY PROPERLY RESET ALL THE TIRES INCLUDING THE SPARE AND THE WARNING LIGHT FINALLY WENT OFF. SEEMS LIKE A PLOY TO GET YOU TO GO TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THEY HAVE HAD A LOT OF THOSE ISSUES DUE TO THE CHANGES IN THE TEMPERATURE. IF ALL THE TIRES ARE PROPERLY INFLATED, THE WARNING LIGHT CAN STILL GO OFF IF BECAUSE YOUR SPARE TIRE MAY BE LOW. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE TO ME AS YOU MAY NOT KNOW THAT YOU REALLY HAVE A LOW TIRE THAT COULD AFFECT DRIVING. IF THE LIGHT IS ALREADY ON DUE TO A LOW SPARE TIRE, AND A REGULAR TIRE GOES LOW, ONE WOULD HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING AS THE LIGHT IS ALREADY ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10929571
30,000 miles · Nov 15, 2016
Steering
THE STEERING COLUMN IS MAKING A THUNKING-TYPE OF NOISE WHEN TURNING, USUALLY AT LOW SPEEDS, AROUND CORNERS (NOT SLIGHT TURNS, SUCH AS WHEN THE ROAD CHANGES ON THE FREEWAY). IT'S BEEN DOCUMENTED IN MY RECORDS AT LEAST SINCE 30,000 MILES, JUST OUT OF TOYOTA'S WARRANTY PERIOD. THE CAR DEALER REPORTED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLIC…
Read full complaint
THE STEERING COLUMN IS MAKING A THUNKING-TYPE OF NOISE WHEN TURNING, USUALLY AT LOW SPEEDS, AROUND CORNERS (NOT SLIGHT TURNS, SUCH AS WHEN THE ROAD CHANGES ON THE FREEWAY). IT'S BEEN DOCUMENTED IN MY RECORDS AT LEAST SINCE 30,000 MILES, JUST OUT OF TOYOTA'S WARRANTY PERIOD. THE CAR DEALER REPORTED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE AT THE 30,000 SERVICE, AS DOCUMENTED. IT WASN'T HAPPENING AS FREQUENTLY THEN, BUT NOW AT 60,000 MILES, IT'S CONSTANT. IT SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO THE STEERING SHAFT/INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. THERE APPEARS TO BE A SERVICE BULLETIN FROM THE MANUFACTURER, BUT NO FURTHER INVESTIGATION/RESEARCH PRESENTED. SINCE I AM AWARE OF WHAT PART IS FAILING, I WANT TO GET IT FIXED, AS I'VE READ THAT THIS PART, IF IT FAILS, COULD CAUSE THE CAR TO FAIL, BUT DON'T WANT TO PAY MONEY FOR A PART THAT IS CONSIDERED DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA ODI #10926227
50,000 miles · Oct 4, 2016
Seat Belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PRETENSIONER ON THE SEAT BELT WAS EXCESSIVELY TIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA ODI #10913778
52,000 miles · Sep 7, 2016
Steering
STEERING TSB BY TOYOTA: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AND TURNING CORNERS, I FELT POPING CLUNKING NOISE IN STEERING WHEEL. SOMETIMES MADE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATE. INSTEAD OF JUST A SERVICE BULLETIN, THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL SINCE TOYOTA HAS RE-DESIGNED THE FAILING COMPONENT. TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALER TO HAVE FIXED. WOULD HAVE PAID FULL R…
Read full complaint
STEERING TSB BY TOYOTA: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AND TURNING CORNERS, I FELT POPING CLUNKING NOISE IN STEERING WHEEL. SOMETIMES MADE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATE. INSTEAD OF JUST A SERVICE BULLETIN, THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL SINCE TOYOTA HAS RE-DESIGNED THE FAILING COMPONENT. TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALER TO HAVE FIXED. WOULD HAVE PAID FULL REPAIR PRICE BUT WAS ABLE TO NEGOTIATE A DISCOUNTED PRICE FOR VEHICLE WITH ONLY 52,000 MILES. COMPONENT SHOULD HAVE EASILY LASTED OVER 125,000 MILES. MAY BE THE SAME AS YOUR 10075792 RECORD.
NHTSA ODI #10904514
5,000 miles · Aug 19, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other
VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING, USUALLY WHEN MAKING A TURN FROM A STOP OR MOVING SLOWLY. IT IS ESPECIALLY HAZARDOUS WHEN TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, NOT JUST THE DATE BELOW. THE DEALER CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN EARLY 2014 NEW, AND NOTICED T…
Read full complaint
VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING, USUALLY WHEN MAKING A TURN FROM A STOP OR MOVING SLOWLY. IT IS ESPECIALLY HAZARDOUS WHEN TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, NOT JUST THE DATE BELOW. THE DEALER CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN EARLY 2014 NEW, AND NOTICED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE 5,000 MILES. THE CAR NOW HAS 22,000 MILES AND IT STILL DOES THIS INTERMITTENTLY.
NHTSA ODI #10897242
39,000 miles · Jul 13, 2016
Power TrainStructureCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REVERSED, THE HATCHBACK OPEN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER WAS PLACED IN PARK BEFORE EXITING THE VEHICLE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE HATCH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS AND KNOCKED THE CONTACT TO THE G…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REVERSED, THE HATCHBACK OPEN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER WAS PLACED IN PARK BEFORE EXITING THE VEHICLE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE HATCH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS AND KNOCKED THE CONTACT TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HIP AND ARMS, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED FROM THE CRASH SITE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. UPDATED 09/01/16*LJ
NHTSA ODI #10884514
41,490 miles · Jun 23, 2016
Structure
WHEN THE LIFT GATE OF MY TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WAS CLOSING I HEARD A CLUNK AND SAW THE LIFT ARM DETACH FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD NO WARRANTY OR EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD COVER THE DAMAGE. I HAVE 41,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND THE PLATINUM EXTENDED WARRANTY. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND WAS S…
Read full complaint
WHEN THE LIFT GATE OF MY TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WAS CLOSING I HEARD A CLUNK AND SAW THE LIFT ARM DETACH FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD NO WARRANTY OR EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD COVER THE DAMAGE. I HAVE 41,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND THE PLATINUM EXTENDED WARRANTY. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND WAS SHOCKED TO SEE SO MANY LAWSUITS AND COMPLAINTS AGAINST TOYOTA FOR THIS DESIGN FLAW. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE REGIONAL TOYOTA OFFICE AND THE MOST THEY ARE WILLING TO DO IS 50% OF THE BILL WHICH WOULD LEAVE ME TO PAY $1700.00. CONSIDERING IT LOOKS TO ME THAT A $2 BOLT IS THE CULPRIT, I BELIEVE THIS IS SOMETHING THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE RECALLED NOT JUST DONE A SILENT SERVICE BULLETIN. IF YOU COULD CONTACT TOYOTA AND TELL THEM THEY SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE LIFT GATE BECAUSE OF A TERRIBLE DESIGN, I WOULD APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10876184
Official recalls
3Mar 27, 2014
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2013 Highlander vehicles manufactured March 13, 2013, through August 6, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the second row left hand seat may not lock in place when positioned in the forward front or second adjusting position. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the seat does not lock into the seat track, there may be an increased risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second row left hand seat so that it will lock into the seat track, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
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.
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.
Illustration