NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
206 reports20,437 miles · Sep 27, 2014
Electrical System
I PURCHASED A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FROM CABE TOYOTA, A TOYOTA DEALER IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ON MARCH, 2013. I ALWAYS USE CABE TOYOTA FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THIS VEHICLE. I BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE TO CABE TOYOTA ON JULY 5TH, 2014 FOR 20,000 MILES SERVICE AND REPLACED THE CABIN FILTER AS PER THEIR RECOMMENDATION. I REALIZED THE…
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I PURCHASED A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FROM CABE TOYOTA, A TOYOTA DEALER IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ON MARCH, 2013. I ALWAYS USE CABE TOYOTA FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THIS VEHICLE. I BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE TO CABE TOYOTA ON JULY 5TH, 2014 FOR 20,000 MILES SERVICE AND REPLACED THE CABIN FILTER AS PER THEIR RECOMMENDATION. I REALIZED THE ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE WERE SLOWER WHEN ENTERING THE FREEWAYS AFTER THE SERVICE. THE PERFORMANCE WAS EVEN WORSE WHEN THE VEHICLE GOING UPHILL AND THE TOP SPEED STAYS ON 40 MPH EVEN WHEN THE ACCELERATION PADDLE WAS FULLY ENGAGE. WHEN I WAS VACUUMED THE VEHICLE YESTERDAY, SEPT 26TH, 2014. I NOTICED SOME ELECTRIC WIRES WERE UNPLUGGED, AND ONE SET OF THEM WAS CUT OFF COMPLETELY. I AM NOT SURE THIS IS THE RESULT OF MANUFACTURE FAILURE OR MAINTENANCE PROBLEM. THEREFORE, I WOULD LIKE TO OBTAIN INFORMATION FOR INDEPENDENT INSPECTION CENTER IN MY AREA FROM YOU, SO THAT I CAN BRING MY CAR TO HAVE COMPLETE DIAGNOSES. THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10639537
12,356 miles · Sep 20, 2014
Air BagsService Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
ON SEPTEMBER 12 2014 MY WIFE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT HER DOCTOR'S OFFICE. THE SPACE INCLUDE A STOP CURB AND IT FACED A FOUR LANE STREET. AS SHE PULLED INTO THE SPACE, SHE BRAKED TO AVOID CONTACTING THE CURB AND WAS ABOUT TO SHIFT INTO PARK WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CAR JUMPED THE PARKING CURB AND THEN …
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ON SEPTEMBER 12 2014 MY WIFE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT HER DOCTOR'S OFFICE. THE SPACE INCLUDE A STOP CURB AND IT FACED A FOUR LANE STREET. AS SHE PULLED INTO THE SPACE, SHE BRAKED TO AVOID CONTACTING THE CURB AND WAS ABOUT TO SHIFT INTO PARK WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CAR JUMPED THE PARKING CURB AND THEN ANOTHER CURB AND ENTERED A GRASSY AREA (APPROXIMATELY 10 FT WIDE. THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND JUMPED ANOTHER CURB AND LANDED IN A 4 LANE STREET. SHE CONTINUED TO APPLY THE BRAKES WHILE THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE ACROSS THE STREET. SHE WAS HEADED TOWARD ANOTHER CURB AND GRASSY AREA AND A DOWNHILL SLOPE FOLLOWED BY A MEINEKE REPAIR BUSINESS. NOT WANTING TO GO DOWN THE HILL AND INTO THE BUILDING, SHE TURNED THE CAR TO THE RIGHT BUT NOT IN TIME TO AVOID ENTERING THE SECOND GRASSY AREA. SHE WAS NOW TRAVELING PARALLEL TO THE MEINEKE BUILDING AND SIDE SWIPED TWO SMALL TREES, AND WAS HEADED TOWARD A VERY BUSY RUSH HOUR STREET. TO AVOID ACCELERATING INTO THIS STREET, SHE DECIDED TO TRY SHIFTING THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL. SHE LOOKED DOWN TO FIND THE NEUTRAL GEAR, AND JUST AS SHE LOOKED UP, SHE CRASHED HEAD-ON INTO ANOTHER TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE SEAT BELTS SAVED HER. THE CAR WAS SIGNIFICANTLY DAMAGED TO THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT WHERE SHE HIT THE TREE AND TO THE SIDE OF THE CAR WHERE SHE SIDE SWIPED THE TWO TREES. THE MEINEKE EMPLOYEES CALLED 911 AND A DETECTIVE TOOK HER TO HER DOCTOR'S OFFICE FOR TREATMENT. SHE INJURED HER RIBS AND BACK AND CONTINUES TO RECEIVE TREATMENT. I'M CONVINCED THIS IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM AND I AM ATTEMPTING TO RESOLVE THIS WITH TOYOTA BUT HOLD OUT LITTLE HOPE. IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE THERE ARE ADDITIONAL INJURIES OR LOSS OF LIFE. MY WIFE COULD HAVE DIED IF THE CAR HAD MADE IT TO THE VERY BUSY STREET.
NHTSA ODI #10637921
3,000 miles · Sep 1, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling
BURNT SMELL COMING FROM THE AC VENTS, WHICH HAPPENS MOST OF THE TIME THE AFTER THE NOTED FIRST TIME OF INCIDENT, ESPECIALLY WHEN I TAKE MAJOR FREEWAYS, LAST TIME NOTED THIS AFTERNOON 8/31/2014 WHILE TAKING I-75 IN FLORIDA. WHEN I ACCELERATE TO 70-80MPH, ME AND MY WIFE/ PASSENGER ALWAYS SMELL BURNT ODOR COMING FROM THE AC VENTS …
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BURNT SMELL COMING FROM THE AC VENTS, WHICH HAPPENS MOST OF THE TIME THE AFTER THE NOTED FIRST TIME OF INCIDENT, ESPECIALLY WHEN I TAKE MAJOR FREEWAYS, LAST TIME NOTED THIS AFTERNOON 8/31/2014 WHILE TAKING I-75 IN FLORIDA. WHEN I ACCELERATE TO 70-80MPH, ME AND MY WIFE/ PASSENGER ALWAYS SMELL BURNT ODOR COMING FROM THE AC VENTS WHICH IS REALLY ANNOYING AND SCARY BECAUSE I DO NOT KNOW IF SOMETHING IS BURNING INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR ELSEWHERE IN THE VEHICLE. SO I NEED TO SLOW DOWN AFTER THAT, OPEN THE WINDOWS TO LET THE ODOR OUT. I HAVE LET THE TOYOTA CHECK IT BUT CANNOT DUPLICATE IT MAY BE BECAUSE DURING THE PLACE OF TESTING IS NOT THE RIGHT PLACE IN MY OPINION, THE DEALERSHIP IS LOCATED NEAR A FREEWAY WHERE SPEED LIMIT IS ONLY AT 60MPH, THE TECH ACCELERATED IT ONCE AT 70MPH BUT I TOLD HIM HE CANNOT DUPLICATE IT WITH NOT CONSISTENTLY HITTING AT 70 OR HIGHER.MAY BE NEXT TIME OF SERVICE I WILL CHOOSE A DEALERSHIP NEAR THE FREEWAY I DRIVE AND DRIVE IT MYSELF. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10629806
3,500 miles · Jul 7, 2014
Power Train
PURCHASED 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 11/24/12; TRANSMISSION HAS MALFUNCTIONED APPROXIMATELY 16 TIMES SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE. WHEN REDUCING SPEED TO APPROXIMATELY 30 TO10 M.P.H. AND THEN TRY TO ACCELERATE, THE TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO GO INTO NEUTRAL; THE DRIVE STICK REMAINS IN DRIVE! WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I SHIFT DRIVE STICK TO NEUTRAL …
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PURCHASED 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 11/24/12; TRANSMISSION HAS MALFUNCTIONED APPROXIMATELY 16 TIMES SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE. WHEN REDUCING SPEED TO APPROXIMATELY 30 TO10 M.P.H. AND THEN TRY TO ACCELERATE, THE TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO GO INTO NEUTRAL; THE DRIVE STICK REMAINS IN DRIVE! WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I SHIFT DRIVE STICK TO NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK TO DRIVE AND THEN TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO WORK FINE. I DON'T THINK YOU HAVE TO EXTEND YOUR IMAGINATION TOO FAR TO REALIZE THE POSSIBILITY OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH WHEN MAKING A TURN OR TRYING TO PASS SOMEONE! DEALER WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION. THE INITIAL RESPONSE FROM DEALER WAS THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO ADJUST TO MY DRIVING HABITS? IF YOU CHECK CARCOMPLAINTS.COM OR EDMONDS.COM, YOU WILL SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. IT APPEARS THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED SINCE 2004. IT WOULD BE INTERESTING TO REVIEW PAST HEAD ON COLLISIONS AND TURN ACCIDENTS TO CONSIDER IF IT WAS "DRIVER ERROR" VS "TRANSMISSION FAILURE" I WOULD LIKE TO BE CONTACTED TO HAVE FURTHER DISCUSSION ON THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU *TR UPDATED 02/20/2015 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10608513
300 miles · Jul 3, 2014
EngineFuel System, GasolinePower Train
I PURCHASED A NEW 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED IN NOVEMBER 2013. A FEW DAYS LATER, UPON ACCELERATING FROM A STOP INTO A LEFT TURN, THE ENGINE CUT OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS WHILE ENTERING TRAFFIC. THIS HAPPENED A COUPLE MORE TIMES BEFORE THE FIRST CHECKUP, AT WHICH TIME I INFORMED THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN, PROBLEM WAS NOTED ON SER…
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I PURCHASED A NEW 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED IN NOVEMBER 2013. A FEW DAYS LATER, UPON ACCELERATING FROM A STOP INTO A LEFT TURN, THE ENGINE CUT OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS WHILE ENTERING TRAFFIC. THIS HAPPENED A COUPLE MORE TIMES BEFORE THE FIRST CHECKUP, AT WHICH TIME I INFORMED THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN, PROBLEM WAS NOTED ON SERVICE SHEET, BUT WHEN SERVICE WAS COMPLETED, THEY SAID THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM. THE HESITATION CONTINUED, QUITE RANDOMLY, AND SEEMED TO HAPPEN IN LEFT TURN, ACCELERATING SITUATIONS. AT NEXT SERVICE AND CHECKUP (DIFFERENT DEALER) I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND IT WAS WRITTEN UP AGAIN WITH SAME RESULT, NO PROBLEM COULD BE FOUND. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO DEALER AT LEAST THREE TIMES, NO RESULTS, NO ACTION TAKEN, NO PROBLEM FOUND. I CONSIDER THIS A DANGEROUS SITUATION, ESPECIALLY WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. BASED ON INFORMATION I HAVE SEEN, IT APPEARS THAT TOYOTA SHOULD ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM ASAP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10608016
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2014
Air BagsSeats
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NUMEROS ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO HAVE HER VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V148000 AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V014000 (AIR BAGS , SEATS) HOWEVER, BOTH DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT RETURN THE CONTACT'S PHONE CALLS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT EXHIBI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NUMEROS ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO HAVE HER VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V148000 AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V014000 (AIR BAGS , SEATS) HOWEVER, BOTH DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT RETURN THE CONTACT'S PHONE CALLS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT EXHIBITED THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10598229
Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2014
Seats
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V148000 (SEATS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10597628
5,000 miles · Jun 11, 2014
Tires
DEAR SIR, I PURCHASED A NEW 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE SPARE TIRE IS MOUNTED UNDER THE VEHICLE & HELD IN PLACE BY A CABLE. THE SPARE TIRE BECOMES LOOSE AND IT DROPS DOWN WHEN DRIVING. I JUST RECENTLY HAD RIVERHEAD TOYOTA (WHERE I PURCHASED THE HIGHLANDER) REPAIR THE MECHANICAL CRANK, IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 8 DAYS. THE SERVI…
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DEAR SIR, I PURCHASED A NEW 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE SPARE TIRE IS MOUNTED UNDER THE VEHICLE & HELD IN PLACE BY A CABLE. THE SPARE TIRE BECOMES LOOSE AND IT DROPS DOWN WHEN DRIVING. I JUST RECENTLY HAD RIVERHEAD TOYOTA (WHERE I PURCHASED THE HIGHLANDER) REPAIR THE MECHANICAL CRANK, IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 8 DAYS. THE SERVICE MANAGER MIKE HAMMER TOLD ME HE PERSONALLY REPAIRED IT. I HAD IT 2 DAYS AND ABOUT 300 MILES AND THE SPARE TIRE DROPPED DOWN AGAIN. IT IS CURRENTLY BACK AT RIVERHEAD TOYOTA. I ASKED FOR THE REGIONAL MANAGER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE NOV 2013. I CALLED TOYOTA TO COMPLAIN, ABOUT 15 TIMES. I HAVE A CASE WORKER BUT MY VEHICLE IS NOT FIXED. MY SPARE TIRE GETS DAMAGED WHEN IT DROPS DOWN, TOYOTA HAS REPLACED 2 MAG WHEELS AND IS REFUSING TO REPLACE 2 MORE DAMAGED MAG WHEELS. THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE SPARE TIRE HANGING BY A CABLE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE (IT HAS DROPPED DOWN AS MUCH 8IN OFF THE ROAD) AND IT SWINGS. MY VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH A TRAILER HITCH WHICH CONTAINS THE SWINGING OF TIRE. WHEN THE TIRE DROPS BELOW THE TRAILER HITCH IT MAKES A LOT OF NOISE. CAN YOU PLEASE CHECK IF THIS IS ISSUE WITH OTHER OWNERS & WHAT IS WAS DONE TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. I'M AFRAID ONE DAY THE TIRE WILL BECOME SEPARATED FROM MY VEHICLE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I'M NOT SURE TOYOTA WANTS TO FIX THE DEFECT AND I FEEL MY VEHICLE IS BEING HELD HOSTAGE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10597569
5,000 miles · Jun 11, 2014
Tires
DEAR SIR, I PURCHASED A NEW 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE SPARE TIRE IS MOUNTED UNDER THE VEHICLE & HELD IN PLACE BY A CABLE. THE SPARE TIRE BECOMES LOOSE AND IT DROPS DOWN WHEN DRIVING. I JUST RECENTLY HAD RIVERHEAD TOYOTA (WHERE I PURCHASED THE HIGHLANDER) REPAIR THE MECHANICAL CRANK, IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 8 DAYS. THE SERVI…
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DEAR SIR, I PURCHASED A NEW 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE SPARE TIRE IS MOUNTED UNDER THE VEHICLE & HELD IN PLACE BY A CABLE. THE SPARE TIRE BECOMES LOOSE AND IT DROPS DOWN WHEN DRIVING. I JUST RECENTLY HAD RIVERHEAD TOYOTA (WHERE I PURCHASED THE HIGHLANDER) REPAIR THE MECHANICAL CRANK, IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 8 DAYS. THE SERVICE MANAGER MIKE HAMMER TOLD ME HE PERSONALLY REPAIRED IT. I HAD IT 2 DAYS AND ABOUT 300 MILES AND THE SPARE TIRE DROPPED DOWN AGAIN. IT IS CURRENTLY BACK AT RIVERHEAD TOYOTA. I ASKED FOR THE REGIONAL MANAGER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE NOV 2013. I CALLED TOYOTA TO COMPLAIN, ABOUT 15 TIMES. I HAVE A CASE WORKER BUT MY VEHICLE IS NOT FIXED. MY SPARE TIRE GETS DAMAGED WHEN IT DROPS DOWN, TOYOTA HAS REPLACED 2 MAG WHEELS AND IS REFUSING TO REPLACE 2 MORE DAMAGED MAG WHEELS. THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE SPARE TIRE HANGING BY A CABLE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE (IT HAS DROPPED DOWN AS MUCH 8IN OFF THE ROAD) AND IT SWINGS. MY VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH A TRAILER HITCH WHICH CONTAINS THE SWINGING OF TIRE. WHEN THE TIRE DROPS BELOW THE TRAILER HITCH IT MAKES A LOT OF NOISE. CAN YOU PLEASE CHECK IF THIS IS ISSUE WITH OTHER OWNERS & WHAT IS WAS DONE TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. I'M AFRAID ONE DAY THE TIRE WILL BECOME SEPARATED FROM MY VEHICLE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10597564
Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2014
Structure
I HAVE A NEW 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. DURING A HEAVY RAIN OR CAR WASH WATER ENTERS THE CABIN AROUND FROM THE CENTER POST WHERE THE SEATBELT RETRACTS. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THERE IS BAD WELD AT ONE OF THE ROOF SEAMS AND THE WATER IS LEAKING DOWN THROUGH THE CENTER POST. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER WHILE THEY TRY AN…
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I HAVE A NEW 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. DURING A HEAVY RAIN OR CAR WASH WATER ENTERS THE CABIN AROUND FROM THE CENTER POST WHERE THE SEATBELT RETRACTS. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THERE IS BAD WELD AT ONE OF THE ROOF SEAMS AND THE WATER IS LEAKING DOWN THROUGH THE CENTER POST. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER WHILE THEY TRY AND FIGURE OUT HOW TO MAKE THE REPAIR. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS DEFECT MAY ALSO AFFECT THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE DURING A CRASH. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT EVEN AFTER THE REPAIR IT MAY BE POSSIBLE THAT SMALL TRACES OF WATER ARE STILL ENTERING THE VEHICLE BUT AREN'T VISIBLE AS IT MAY BE HIDDEN BY INTERIOR TRIM. OVER TIME THIS MAY CAUSE RUST. SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS DEFECT? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10596948
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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