NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
206 reports1,500 miles · Apr 1, 2014
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
I BOUGHT A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IN OCTOBER 2012 AND NEVER NOTICED ANY PROBLEM UNTIL EARLY IN 2014. WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE ON A SMALL INCLINE, THE ACCELERATOR WOULD NOT RESPOND. IT ACTED AS IF I AM NOT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT GOING TO THE MOUNTAINS BUT JUST A SMALL INCLINE WHEN I DRIVE HOME FROM WORK…
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I BOUGHT A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IN OCTOBER 2012 AND NEVER NOTICED ANY PROBLEM UNTIL EARLY IN 2014. WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE ON A SMALL INCLINE, THE ACCELERATOR WOULD NOT RESPOND. IT ACTED AS IF I AM NOT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT GOING TO THE MOUNTAINS BUT JUST A SMALL INCLINE WHEN I DRIVE HOME FROM WORK EVERYDAY. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER IN MARCH 2014 AND THEY RESPONDED SAME AS OTHER PEOPLE ON THIS WEBSITE, NO ERRORS ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND NO POSTING FROM TOYOTA. THEY ADVISED ME TO PUT IN PREMIUM FUEL AND I DID BUT THAT DID NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE. VERY DISAPPOINTING FROM A TOYOTA WITH A V6 ENGINE. THE DEALER ALSO TRIES TO SAY IT IS DUE TO CVT TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, I HAVE A SUBARU WITH CVT AS WELL AND THAT CAR CAN ACCELERATE UPHILL WHEN NEEDED. I HAVE HAD A TOYOTA CELICA, TERCEL, AND A TOYOTA TRUCK IN MY LIFE AND NONE HAD THIS TYPE OF PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10576486
5,600 miles · Mar 19, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,600. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10573595
Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2014
Visibility/wiper
RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FROM A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ON 03/15/14. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE FOLLOWING DAY, I SUBSEQUENTLY NOTICED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD IMPAIRS / BLURRED VISION OF THE DRIVER AS WELL AS ANY OTHER OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE WHILE LOOKING OUT OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. IT ACTUALLY MAKES YOU…
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RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FROM A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ON 03/15/14. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE FOLLOWING DAY, I SUBSEQUENTLY NOTICED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD IMPAIRS / BLURRED VISION OF THE DRIVER AS WELL AS ANY OTHER OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE WHILE LOOKING OUT OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. IT ACTUALLY MAKES YOU DIZZY AND IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD TO ALL ON THE ROAD. SEARCHED FOR RECALL/DEFECTS WITH TOYOTA AND DID FIND ANOTHER COMPLAINT OF THE SAME INCIDENT/VEHICLE/PART/SYMPTOMS WITH A VEHICLE OWNER. HIS COMPLAINT WAS CONFIRMED BY A TOYOTA SERVICE MANAGER AND WAS SET UP FOR A WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT. UNFORTUNATELY, THE OWNER WAS LATER CONTACTED AND TOLD THAT TOYOTA WILL NOT REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS THE WINDSHIELD THAT ALL TOYOTA HIGHLANDER'S ARE ASSEMBLED WITH. PERSONAL OPINION: DEFECT MAY BE DUE TO THE INTEGRATION OF THE "FRONT WINDSHIELD HEATER SYSTEM." *TR
NHTSA ODI #10573413
6,395 miles · Mar 11, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. IT JUST ROLLED ALONG, ACCELERATOR DEPRESSED TILL ABOUT HALFWAY, THEN IT ACCELERATED RAPIDLY SPINNING THE TIRES, THIS HAS OCCURED 3 TIMES. IT HAS ALSO HESITATED BADLY WHILE ACCELERATING WITH NO RESPONSE TO PEDAL POSITION THEN SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED RAPID ACCELERATION, THIS HAS OCCURED 5 TI…
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VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. IT JUST ROLLED ALONG, ACCELERATOR DEPRESSED TILL ABOUT HALFWAY, THEN IT ACCELERATED RAPIDLY SPINNING THE TIRES, THIS HAS OCCURED 3 TIMES. IT HAS ALSO HESITATED BADLY WHILE ACCELERATING WITH NO RESPONSE TO PEDAL POSITION THEN SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED RAPID ACCELERATION, THIS HAS OCCURED 5 TIMES. THIS CONDITION HAS BECOME DRAMATICALLY WORSE SINCE IT WAS SERVICED FOR UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION PROBLEMS WHERE THE DEALER CLAIMED THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. HEADLIGHTS ARE ALSO AIMED WAY TOO HIGH ILLUMINATING THE TREES INSTEAD OF THE ROAD AND BLINDING ONCOMING DRIVERS. THE DEALER CLAIMS THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THIS EITHER AND THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THESE HAZARDS AT 6006 MILES. WE HAVE STOPPED USING THE CAR SINCE WE FEEL IT IS UNSAFE.
NHTSA ODI #10568341
4,650 miles · Feb 27, 2014
Unknown Or OtherInjury
JULY 20, 2013 I PUSHED THE IGNITION BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY REALIZED IT WAS STILL MOVING. I ATTEMPTED TO GET BACK IN THE VEHICLE TO STOP IT. I FELL AND THE BACK TIRE RAN OVER MY FOOT/LEG. A MAN CAME AND JUMPED IN THE CAR TO STOP IT AFTER IT CROSSED THE STREET AND HIT A PARKED CAR.…
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JULY 20, 2013 I PUSHED THE IGNITION BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY REALIZED IT WAS STILL MOVING. I ATTEMPTED TO GET BACK IN THE VEHICLE TO STOP IT. I FELL AND THE BACK TIRE RAN OVER MY FOOT/LEG. A MAN CAME AND JUMPED IN THE CAR TO STOP IT AFTER IT CROSSED THE STREET AND HIT A PARKED CAR. I HAVE BOTH A FRACTURED TIBIA AND FIBULA. THE TIBIA REQUIRED A SCREW TO STABILIZE HOWEVER, MY FOOT WAS SO INJURED (TORN FLESH) THAT I HAD TO WAIT 5 WEEKS FOR THE FLESH TO HEAL TO AVOID INFECTION. I HAVE BEEN OFF OF WORK SINCE JULY 22 TO DATE (SEPTEMBER 5,2013). I REALIZE HOW FORTUNATE I AM IN THAT IT APPEARS I HAVE NOT SUSTAINED A PERMANENT DISABILITY. I SHUDDER TO THINK HOW MUCH MORE TRAGIC THIS COULD HAVE BEEN FOR MULTIPLE INNOCENT PEOPLE. I AM UNSURE OF HOW TO GIVE NOTICE TO OTHERS TO PREVENT FURTHER INJURIES. IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT I REPORT THIS TO NHTSA.
NHTSA ODI #10567189
3,500 miles · Feb 19, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY WHEN BRAKE WAS APPLIED, CRUISE ON, SPEED 60MPH, 1 TIME. HESITATED ON ACCELERATION AFTER DECELERATION, SPEED 60 MPH, CRUISE OFF, 1 TIME; SPEED 40 MPH, CRUISE OFF, 2 TIMES; SPEED 35 MPH, CRUISE OFF, 3 TIMES. HESITATED ON ACCELERATION AFTER COASTING, SPEED 40 MPH, CRUISE OFF, 4 TIMES; SPEED 43 MPH, …
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VEHICLE ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY WHEN BRAKE WAS APPLIED, CRUISE ON, SPEED 60MPH, 1 TIME. HESITATED ON ACCELERATION AFTER DECELERATION, SPEED 60 MPH, CRUISE OFF, 1 TIME; SPEED 40 MPH, CRUISE OFF, 2 TIMES; SPEED 35 MPH, CRUISE OFF, 3 TIMES. HESITATED ON ACCELERATION AFTER COASTING, SPEED 40 MPH, CRUISE OFF, 4 TIMES; SPEED 43 MPH, CRUISE OFF, 1 TIME, SPEED 45 MPH, CRUISE OFF, 2 TIMES; SPEED 35, CRUISE OFF, 3 TIMES. ACCELERATED BY ITSELF INCLUDING DOWNSHIFT ONE GEAR, RPM 1725 CHANGED TO 2225 AND ACCELERATED FROM 60 TO 65 THEN RETURNED TO 60 MPH AFTER A FEW SECONDS, FLAT LEVEL ROADWAY, CRUISE ON, 1 TIME. I HAVE BEEN A MECHANIC OVER 45 YEARS AND A FLEET OWNER, ONCE I EXPERIENCED THE INITIAL SPEED UP I HAVE BEEN KEEPING A LOG OF ALL ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR RELATED TO THIS ISSUE. FIRST ISSUE AT ABOUT 3500 MILES, PRESENT MILEAGE ABOUT 6000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10564902
12,030 miles · Feb 9, 2014
Air BagsService BrakesCrash
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND CAME UPON A RED LIGHT, THERE WERE TWO CARS AHEAD OF ME, A LINCOLN AND A CHRYSLER. I STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AT A DISTANCE, WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE, MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED, I LOOKED DOWN TO MAKE SURE THAT MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, AND IT SURE WAS, SO I HAMMERED DOWN ON THE BRAKE AND MY VEHICLE DID …
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND CAME UPON A RED LIGHT, THERE WERE TWO CARS AHEAD OF ME, A LINCOLN AND A CHRYSLER. I STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AT A DISTANCE, WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE, MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED, I LOOKED DOWN TO MAKE SURE THAT MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, AND IT SURE WAS, SO I HAMMERED DOWN ON THE BRAKE AND MY VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN AND CONTINUED TO RUN AT THE SAME SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH. THE FAULTY BRAKE CAUSED A WITHOUT THE DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS. I KNEW THAT I DID NOT ACCIDENTALLY STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL BECAUSE IF I HAD DONE SO, THE RESULTS WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE FATAL. I WOULD HAVE PUSHED THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME ONTO THE ON COMING TRAFFIC. AFTER THE INCIDENT, I TESTED OUT THE BRAKES, AND IT WAS AS IF EVERYTHING WAS ALRIGHT. EVEN THOUGH I HAD SEEN THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME, AND THE RED TRAFFIC LIGHT, MY VEHICLE DID NOT REACT TO MY BRAKES. THE LINCOLN AND THE CHRYSLER IN FRONT OF ME ALSO DIDN'T HAVE THEIR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10563582
100 miles · Jan 28, 2014
SeatsVisibility/wiper
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE SECOND ROW SEATS MOVED FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE SECOND ROW SEATS MOVED FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID WOULD NOT DISPENSE WHEN SHE APPLIED THE SWITCH. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE FLUID HAD FROZEN. THE CONTACT ADDED DE-ICER TO THE VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO WORK BRIEFLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.
NHTSA ODI #10561749
14,000 miles · Jan 14, 2014
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES WHEN THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY LUNGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A SUPPORT BEAM, THEN DOWN AN EMBANKMENT BEFORE FINALLY CRASHING INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES WHEN THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY LUNGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A SUPPORT BEAM, THEN DOWN AN EMBANKMENT BEFORE FINALLY CRASHING INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
NHTSA ODI #10559956
15 miles · Jan 5, 2014
EngineService Brakes
I BOUGHT A NEW 2013 HIGHLANDER DECEMBER 28, 2013 FROM TOM WOOD TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME DECEMBER 28-31, 2013 CLICK, CLICK, SQUEAKING NOISE, BRAKES SLIPPING, DRAGGING, VIBRATING AND A TREMENDOUS PULSATING AGAINST MY FOOT WHEN I STOP. WHEN I TRIED TO STOP THE HIGHLANDER THE VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD. JANUARY 2, 2…
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I BOUGHT A NEW 2013 HIGHLANDER DECEMBER 28, 2013 FROM TOM WOOD TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME DECEMBER 28-31, 2013 CLICK, CLICK, SQUEAKING NOISE, BRAKES SLIPPING, DRAGGING, VIBRATING AND A TREMENDOUS PULSATING AGAINST MY FOOT WHEN I STOP. WHEN I TRIED TO STOP THE HIGHLANDER THE VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD. JANUARY 2, 2014 A BURNT ODOR COMING THROUGH THE HEATER VENTS, RATTLING IN THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR, GUSH SOUND COMING FROM THE BRAKES, THERE IS ALSO ANOTHER SOUND COMING FROM THE BRAKES THAT I CAN NOT IDENTIFY. I AM WONDERING IF A FIRE IS TRYING TO START, BECAUSE OF THE BURNT ODOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10558553
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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