NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
206 reports30,500 miles · Apr 1, 2015
Service BrakesSteeringCrash
I TURNED ON MY CAR, PUT IT ON DRIVE WHEN I TRIED TO PRESS THE GAS AND TURN THE WHEEL TO GET OUT OF THE PARKING LOT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED SO HARD I COULD NOT TURN IT. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING AT ALL AS I WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SO DID THE BRAKE LIGHT …
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I TURNED ON MY CAR, PUT IT ON DRIVE WHEN I TRIED TO PRESS THE GAS AND TURN THE WHEEL TO GET OUT OF THE PARKING LOT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED SO HARD I COULD NOT TURN IT. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING AT ALL AS I WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SO DID THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD, ON THE BIG SCREEN WHERE IT SHOWS MY INFO AND OTHER FANCY GADGETS SHOWED "BRAKE MALFUNCTION PARK CAR IN SAFE ZONE" AS THE CAR DROVE FORWARD BY ITSELF AND THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING THE CAR HIT AN EMPTY PARKING SPACE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I WAS AT A SCHOOL PARKING LOT WITH KIDS EVERYWHERE AROUND ME! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10703233
10,753 miles · Feb 26, 2015
StructureCrash
ON 2/20/2015 MY PARKED TOYOTA WAS HIT IN THE FRONT BUMPER CAUSING DAMAGE. THE PARTY THAT HIT ME CARRIED STATE FARM INSURANCE. THEY ADMITTED FAULT AND SENT ME TO ONE OF THEIR PREFERRED SHOPS. THE SHOP INFORMED ME THAT STAE FARM WOULD NOT ALLOW THEM TO INSTALL A NEW BUMPER SINCE MY VEHICLE HAS 10,753 MILES ON IT. STATE FARM FORCED…
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ON 2/20/2015 MY PARKED TOYOTA WAS HIT IN THE FRONT BUMPER CAUSING DAMAGE. THE PARTY THAT HIT ME CARRIED STATE FARM INSURANCE. THEY ADMITTED FAULT AND SENT ME TO ONE OF THEIR PREFERRED SHOPS. THE SHOP INFORMED ME THAT STAE FARM WOULD NOT ALLOW THEM TO INSTALL A NEW BUMPER SINCE MY VEHICLE HAS 10,753 MILES ON IT. STATE FARM FORCED THEM TO SOURCE A USED BUMPER, EVEN THOUGH THIS IS PART OF THE TOYOTA SAFETY SYSTEM. I WOULD NOT ALLOW THE USED PART TO BE INSTALLED. SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL LAST WEEK ASK THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND DOJ TO INVESTIGATE THIS PRACTICE OVER SAFETY CONCERNS. THESE USED PARTS HAVE NOT BEEN TESTED OR CERTIFIED AS SAFE BY THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA ODI #10690855
35,000 miles · Feb 13, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 7:50AM MST, AFTER FILLING UP THE GAS TANK AT THE HOLIDAY GAS STATION ON PLEASANT GROVE BOULEVARD IN PLEASANT GROVE, UT, I BEGAN TO PULL AWAY FROM THE GAS PUMPS. BEFORE EXITING THE GAS STATION, AND AFTER MOVING ABOUT 20 FEET AT ABOUT 5 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED UP TO AROUND 4000…
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ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 7:50AM MST, AFTER FILLING UP THE GAS TANK AT THE HOLIDAY GAS STATION ON PLEASANT GROVE BOULEVARD IN PLEASANT GROVE, UT, I BEGAN TO PULL AWAY FROM THE GAS PUMPS. BEFORE EXITING THE GAS STATION, AND AFTER MOVING ABOUT 20 FEET AT ABOUT 5 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED UP TO AROUND 4000 RPM. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY FOOT ENTIRELY OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL AND SLAMMED MY FOOT DOWN ON THE BRAKE, HOLDING THE BRAKE DOWN FIRMLY. DESPITE NOTHING PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL, AND DESPITE THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING VERY FIRMLY AND CONTINUOUSLY PRESSED, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO CYCLE AT EXACTLY THE SAME HIGH RPM AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD, STRAINING AGAINST THE BRAKE. I THEN SWITCHED THE GEAR FROM DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AT EXACTLY THE SAME RPM. AT THIS TIME, THE ENGINE WAS CONTINUOUSLY REVVING AT APPROXIMATELY 4000 RPM, THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING, THE GEAR WAS SET TO NEUTRAL, NOTHING WAS PRESSING ON THE GAS/ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND I WAS FIRMLY PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I THEN EXAMINED THE DRIVER FOOTWELL TO MAKE SURE THAT NOTHING COULD POSSIBLY BE PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL AND INDEED THERE WERE NO OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE DRIVER FOOTWELL. I THEN TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE AND PUMPED THE GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND IN ANY WAY TO THIS ACTION ? RATHER IT CONTINUED TO SIMPLY REV AT THE CONSTANT HIGH RPM. I THEN TURNED OFF THE IGNITION, AT WHICH TIME THE ENGINE STOPPED AND THE VEHICLE WAS ENTIRELY OFF. I THEN SWITCHED THE GEAR INTO PARK, AND THEN STARTED THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY. I PROCEEDED TO SWITCH THE GEAR INTO DRIVE, AND PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD AS EXPECTED WITHOUT ANY UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. SINCE THEN, THE VEHICLE HAS BEHAVED NORMALLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10683283
30,000 miles · Jan 16, 2015
Air BagsEngineStructureCrash
I REAR ENDED A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. DAMAGE MINIMAL TO HIS CAR. MY HIGHLANDER SUSTAINED OVER 10 THOUSAND DOLLAR FRONT DAMAGE. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10673101
36,300 miles · Dec 24, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
THE DOOR OPEN ALERT AND ALERT BEEPING CAME ON AS WELL AS ALL OF THE INTERIOR LIGHTING AS I WAS DRIVING. IT SHOWS GLASS DOOR ON THE DISPLAY. I CHECKED ALL DOORS AND NONE OF THE DOORS ARE OPEN. IT WAS VERY DISTRACTING AND DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY WITH ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS ON. THEY KEEP GOING ON AND OFF AN…
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THE DOOR OPEN ALERT AND ALERT BEEPING CAME ON AS WELL AS ALL OF THE INTERIOR LIGHTING AS I WAS DRIVING. IT SHOWS GLASS DOOR ON THE DISPLAY. I CHECKED ALL DOORS AND NONE OF THE DOORS ARE OPEN. IT WAS VERY DISTRACTING AND DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY WITH ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS ON. THEY KEEP GOING ON AND OFF AND THE ALERT KEEPS BEEPING. AS FAR AS I CAN FIND OUT, THERE IS NO WAY TO TURN OFF THE INTERIOR LIGHTS. MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY BY 300 MILES. I JUST HAD IT IN FOR THE 35,000 MILE SERVICE. I FIND NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF THIS KNOWN ISSUE ON SEVERAL WEBSITES/DISCUSSION FORUMS. I CALLED TOYOTA AND WAS INFORMED THERE IS NO RECALL HOWEVER I FOUND THERE WAS A TSB? SENT OUT ON THE BACK LATCHES. I CALLED JIM NORTON TOYOTA IN TULSA, OK AND WAS INFORMED THEY WANT A $110 DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE IS. SEEMS LIKE WITH ALL OF THE SAME ISSUES THAT TOYOTA WOULD LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AND RESOLVE. TOYOTA SAID THEY COULD NOT WAIVE THE DIAGNOSTIC FEE. HOPING I CAN FIND A QUICK FIX OR SOMEONE WILLING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE INEXPENSIVELY OR BETTER YET, TOYOTA COULD STEP UP AND RESOLVE THE ISSUE THEMSELVES AS A CUSTOMER SERVICE STAND. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10668185
Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2014
Air BagsStructureCrash
MY VEHICLE T-BONED ANOTHER VEHICLE, STRIKING DIRECTLY INTO THE DRIVER'S DOOR OF THE OTHER VEHICLE . THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE SUSTAINED APPROXIMATELY $8000 WORTH OF FRONT END DAMAGE, HOWEVER THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. (FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO INJURIES). IN LIGHT OF CURRENT WELL-PUBLICIZED AIR BAG ISSUES, I ASKED MY DEALERS…
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MY VEHICLE T-BONED ANOTHER VEHICLE, STRIKING DIRECTLY INTO THE DRIVER'S DOOR OF THE OTHER VEHICLE . THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE SUSTAINED APPROXIMATELY $8000 WORTH OF FRONT END DAMAGE, HOWEVER THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. (FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO INJURIES). IN LIGHT OF CURRENT WELL-PUBLICIZED AIR BAG ISSUES, I ASKED MY DEALERSHIP IF THEY WOULD INSPECT MY VEHICLE TO ENSURE THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT DEFECTIVE. THEY REFUSED, AND REFERRED ME TO TOYOTA CORPORATE. I CALLED TOYOTA CORPORATE, EXPLAINED MY CONCERN, AND REQUESTED THAT MY AIR BAGS BE CHECKED OUT. TOYOTA CORPORATE REFUSED, AND SUGGESTED I SEND A LETTER TO THEIR CLAIMS DEPARTMENT. I SENT THE CLAIMS DEPARTMENT A LETTER ON NOVEMBER 10, 2014, AND HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A RESPONSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10664019
15,000 miles · Oct 29, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering
THE 2013 HIGHLANDER WAS SERVICED IN FLORIDA MONDAY 10/27 FOR 15000 MILES SERVICE, TODAY MY SISTER WAS DRIVING SINCE SERVICE, THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON ,THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS FLASHING , THE HIGHLANDER WAS NOT STABLE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD AND SEEMED LIKE IT NEEDS A TUNE UP.I CALLED THE DEALER AND IT WAS TAKEN THEIR ,FIR…
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THE 2013 HIGHLANDER WAS SERVICED IN FLORIDA MONDAY 10/27 FOR 15000 MILES SERVICE, TODAY MY SISTER WAS DRIVING SINCE SERVICE, THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON ,THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS FLASHING , THE HIGHLANDER WAS NOT STABLE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD AND SEEMED LIKE IT NEEDS A TUNE UP.I CALLED THE DEALER AND IT WAS TAKEN THEIR ,FIRST RESPONSE WAS GAS PUT IN, YES . WAS TOLD POSSIBLE THE CAP WAS NOT PUT ON RIGHT AND WITH NEWER CARS IT COULD BE A MALFUNCTION THE COMPUTER.. TURNED OUT THAT THE IGNITION COIL SWITCH WAS BAD ON THIS 2013 HIGHLANDER. WHICH IS WHY I'M REPORTING THIS DUE TO RECENT ISSUE WITH ANOTHER CAR MANUFACTURE KNOWING THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS BAD ON THEIR AUTOMOBILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10651095
7,000 miles · Oct 27, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE AC UNIT DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, IT IS NOT DRAINING, RESULTING IN A FOUL MOLDY MILDEW SMELL DUE TO THE BUILT UP CONDENSATION. TOYOTA OFFERED TO CHANGE THE AIR FILTER AS A SOLUTION TO THE ISSUE, UNFORTUNATELY IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. WITHIN DAYS, THE ODOR WAS STILL VERY APPARENT. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NOT…
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THE AC UNIT DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, IT IS NOT DRAINING, RESULTING IN A FOUL MOLDY MILDEW SMELL DUE TO THE BUILT UP CONDENSATION. TOYOTA OFFERED TO CHANGE THE AIR FILTER AS A SOLUTION TO THE ISSUE, UNFORTUNATELY IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. WITHIN DAYS, THE ODOR WAS STILL VERY APPARENT. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING MORE THAT CAN BE DONE. THE VEHICLE IS A 2013, WITH 10K MILES, AND STILL COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE RESPONSE FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN UNACCEPTABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10650496
23,550 miles · Oct 24, 2014
Seat BeltsInjury
I WAS CUTOFF BY ANOTHER DRIVER IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND HIT MY BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING THE DRIVER IN FRONT ME. I HEARD THE SEATBELT AND MY SONS CAR SEAT COME LOOSE. I TURNED AROUND AND SAW MY 2 YEAR OLD SONS CAR SEAT HAD BEEN EJECTED AND HIS FACE HAD SLAMMED INTO THE PASSENGER SEAT IN FRONT HIM. I WAS PUSHING THE CAR SEAT BACK, S…
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I WAS CUTOFF BY ANOTHER DRIVER IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND HIT MY BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING THE DRIVER IN FRONT ME. I HEARD THE SEATBELT AND MY SONS CAR SEAT COME LOOSE. I TURNED AROUND AND SAW MY 2 YEAR OLD SONS CAR SEAT HAD BEEN EJECTED AND HIS FACE HAD SLAMMED INTO THE PASSENGER SEAT IN FRONT HIM. I WAS PUSHING THE CAR SEAT BACK, SO HE COULD BREATH, WITH ONE ARM AND PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. THE TRAFFIC AROUND WAS TOO FAST FOR ME TO GET OFF THE VEHICLE TO REINSTALL THE CAR SEAT SO I ADJUSTED IT AS BEST I COULD WITHOUT TAKING HIM OUT OF THE SEAT AND PROCEEDED TO TAKE HIM TO SCHOOL. I CALLED THE DEALER I NORMALLY GO TO ([XXX] ) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE ON MY LUNCH BREAK SO THEY COULD CHANGE THE SEAT BELT. I WAS THEN INFORMED THAT BOTH THE SHOP FOREMAN AND SERVICE MANAGER REFUSED TO CHANGE THE SEATBELT BECAUSE IT WAS WORKING PROPERLY THERE AND SAID I HAD INSTALLED THE CAR SEAT INCORRECTLY! THEY REFUSE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND I REFUSE TO PUT MY KIDS BACK IN THAT CAR, WHAT CAN I DO? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10649719
24,000 miles · Oct 4, 2014
Service BrakesCrash
I PULLED INTO MY PARKING SPOT ART HOME. I PRESSED THE BRAKES BUT THE CAR DID NOT STOP, IT ACTUALLY ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY. I KNOW I PRESSED THE BRAKE AND NOT THE GAS BECAUSE I LOOKED DOWN AND SAW THE BRAKE FULLY DEPRESSED AND MY LEG WAS FULLY EXTENDED. ALSO IF I WOULD HAVE ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE ACCELERATOR, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH …
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I PULLED INTO MY PARKING SPOT ART HOME. I PRESSED THE BRAKES BUT THE CAR DID NOT STOP, IT ACTUALLY ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY. I KNOW I PRESSED THE BRAKE AND NOT THE GAS BECAUSE I LOOKED DOWN AND SAW THE BRAKE FULLY DEPRESSED AND MY LEG WAS FULLY EXTENDED. ALSO IF I WOULD HAVE ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE ACCELERATOR, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10641427
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.
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