Service Brakes. Review the 94 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electronic Stability Control (esc). Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports4 fire reports4 injury reports

Service Brakes complaints

94 reports

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113,400 miles · Jun 15, 2018

Service Brakes

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BRAKE MALFUNTION WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS, ABS ,VSC(SLIIP INDICATORL) LIGHT),EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT AND MASTER WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATE ON INSTRUMENT PANEL. I,VE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS FOR 2 WEEKS NOW. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE DIAGONISTIC TEST SHOWED NOTHING, , BUT, POSSIBLY COULD BE LOW VOLTAGE FROM A PERFECTLY GOOD 18MONTHS AND 20 DAY OLD BATTERY BOUGHT FROM THE DEALERSHIP. I HAD A NEW BATTERY PUT IN FOR FEAR OF DOING ANYTHING TO HARM THE HYBRID SYSTEM. MAY I ALSO ADD THAT THE DEALERSHIP OFFERED NO PRORATE ON THE BATTERY. . ABOUT 200 MILES, LESS THAN 4 DAYS , EVERYTHING LIT UP AGAIN. FEARING WHAT I HAD RESEARCHED ON LINE, THEY QUOTED ME A PRICE OF $5129.00 FOR THIS REPAIR OF ABS PUMP/BRAKE ACTUATOR.. REALLY?? WHO HAS THAT KIND OF MONEY FOR A DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY TOYOTA? I ASKED THEM TO RETURN THE BATTERY TAKEN FROM MY CAR A FEW DAYS EARLIER SINCE THAT WASN'T THE PROBLEM . I TOLD THEM I WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AT MY OPTIONS ABOUT THE RIDICULOUS REPAIR. I WAS OFFERED $6000.00 AT THE DEALERSHIP OR POSSIBLY MORE FOR A TRADE IN FOR MY VEHICLE.. NICE, RIGHT?? STILL IN SHOCK,, I PULL ALL THE MAINTENANCE RECORDS OF WHICH THIS VEHICLE WITH 113,400 MILES HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED.SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT AT THAT DEALERSHIP NOW, I AM WONDERING IF THEY EVEN KNOW HOW TO DO DIAGIONISTIC TESTING SINCE ONE WEEK IT DIDN'T SHOW UP AND A FEW DAYS LATER IT DID! NOW, I RESEARCH MORE AND AND FIND A RECALL 13V396000 OF 09/04/13 FOR THE HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM,INVERTER COMPONENT WHICH EXPLICITLY DESCRIBES WHAT HAPPENED TO MY HIGHLANDER. I AM WONDERING IF MY CAR WAS IN THAT GROUP AND IF I WAS. TOYOTA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND MAKE IT RIGHT. I HAVE NO PROBLEM PAYING FOR NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR OF A VEHICLE,....BUT THIS IS CLEARLY A TOYOTA DEFECT!!

NHTSA ODI #11101972

128,000 miles · May 26, 2018

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes

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WE PURCHASED A 2008 HIGHLANDER HYBRID IN 2016. THE CAR WAS PRACTICALLY MAINTENANCE FREE UNTIL LAST WEEK. ALL SERVICE EXCEPT OIL CHANGES HAVE BEEN DONE BY THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. MY WIFE WAS PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THE ABS/VSC LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE CONSOLE SAID TO PULL OVER. A CODE SCAN SAID IT WAS C1391, INTERNAL ACC PRESSURE LEAK. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID IT NEEDED A NEW BRAKE ACCUMULATOR AND A NEW BRAKE BOOSTER FOR A TOTAL OF OVER $5000! RESEARCHING THE ISSUE, I FOUND IT IS A FAIRLY COMMON ISSUE FOR THESE CARS. WHEN I CALLED TOYOTA TO ASK IF THE COST OF THIS REPAIR, EQUAL TO 1/3 THE COST OF THE VEHICLE, COULD BE MITIGATED, I EVENTUALLY GOT A WOMAN WHO TOLD ME THAT SINCE I DIDN'T TAKE THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER FOR NEARLY A YEAR IN 2015, I WAS NOT A LOYAL TOYOTA CUSTOMER AND THEY HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO HELP ME. REALLY!!?? THE CAR DIDN'T NEED ANY SERVICE DURING THAT TIME! I OWN 5 OTHER CARS INCLUDING A COUPLE OF BMWS AND I HAVE NEVER HAD A REPAIR THIS EXPENSIVE AND HAVE NEVER BEEN ADMONISHED BY AN AUTOMOBILE COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE FOR NOT GETTING A CAR SERVICED WHEN IT DIDN'T NEED IT. THIS WAS OUR FIRST TOYOTA AND WILL BE OUT LAST.

NHTSA ODI #11098045

115,000 miles · May 16, 2018

Service Brakes

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3 WEEKS AFTER WE PURCHASED OUR 2008 HIGHLANDER HYBRID WITH ONLY 115,000 MILES ON IT, THE WHOLE DASHBOARD LIT UP WITH WARNING LIGHTS. THE LIGHTS INDICATED THAT THE ABS HAD MALFUNCTIONED. IT SAID TO PULL OVER AND GET IT CHECKED BY THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL LEAK IN THE ACCUMULATOR AND THAT IT WILL COST $4693.46 TO REPAIR. THIS IS AFTER WE HAD JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FOR $15,000. WE ARE A FAMILY WITH 6 KIDS AND OBVIOUSLY DO NOT HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY. WE CONTINUED DRIVING THE HIGHLANDER UNTIL IT BECAME COMPLETELY UNSAFE. THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT ONE DAY WITH MY KIDS. THE BRAKES WOULD GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND BARELY EVEN STOPPED ME. I MANAGED TO MAKE IT HOME WITHOUT BEING IN A WRECK, BUT WE FEEL THAT IT IS TOTALLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IT IS THE ONLY VEHICLE THAT WE HAVE TO TRANSPORT ALL OF OUR FAMILY, AND WE AREN'T SURE WHAT TO DO. MY HUSBAND HAS RESEARCHED AND DISCOVERED THAT THE ABS HAS BEEN RECALLED IN THE 2006 AND 2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDERS. WE HAVE ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO OURS WITH THE 2008 HIGHLANDER. WE REALLY HOPE THAT YOU CONSIDER THE SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS AT STAKE WITH THE BRAKES GOING OUT IN THESE VEHICLES. THIS PART NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF MANY AMERICANS.

NHTSA ODI #11096425

143,000 miles · May 11, 2018

Service Brakes

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A BUNCH OF LIGHTS CAME ON INCLUDING MY ABS AND WARNINGS FLASHED.. I BROUGHT IT TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN GA AND THEY TRIED TO CHARGE ME LIKE 4000 TO REPLACE IT.. THEY TOLD MY WIFE IF IT WASN'T REPLACED SHE MAY DIE WHEN SHE LEFT THE DEALERSHIP. SHE WAS PRAYING AND COMPLETELY SCARED OUT OF HER MIND. IT'S STILL NOT FIXED.. SHE DRIVE IT WITH ALL THE LIGHTS ON TO COLORADO AND I STILL HAVE NO IDEA HOW I CAN FIX THIS PROBLEM. APPARENTLY I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE.. I LOVE TOYOTA AND REALLY HOPE SOME ONE REACHES OUT SOON.

NHTSA ODI #11093401

141,565 miles · Mar 19, 2018

Service Brakes

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL PULSATED. ALSO, THE BRAKE MALFUNCTION, ABS, BSB, CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM, AND EMERGENCY BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF CLERMONT (16851 STATE ROAD 50, CLERMONT, FL 34711) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,565.

NHTSA ODI #11080211

159,000 miles · Mar 7, 2018

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

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IN AUGUST OF 2017 WE WERE DRIVING OUR 20088 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID AND ALL OF SUDDEN THE DISPLAY WARNED OF ABS VSC MALFUNCTION AND TO PULL OVER OR TAKE CAR TO NEAREST DEALER, THE BRAKE PEDALS LOST COMPRESSION OR PRESSURE AND THE BRAKE WAS NOT WORKING HARDLY. TOOK TO THE MECHANIC SHOP THAT HAS BEEN DOING THE REGULAR MAINTENANCE, THEY PERFORMED DIAGNOSTICS AND STATED ABS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY ADVISE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. CHECKED THIS WEBSITE AND CARCOMPLAINTS TO SEE MANY OTHER USERS SAME ISSUE, CONTACTED TOYOTA, THEY STATED THEY HAD NO RECALLS, ITS OUT OF WARRANTY, WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE $4000 TO HAVE FIXED, WE PAID FOR THE REPAIR OUT OF POCKET, WHICH WAS A FINANCIAL HIT FOR US. CONTACTED TOYOTA TODAY ABOUT REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIR COST, SAID THEY DONT HAVE IT RECALLED OR A CAMPAIGN FOR THE ISSUE, I STATED THIS WEBSITE WITH THE COMPLAINTS AND OTHER SITES, WAS BASICALLY TOLD UNTIL A RECALL IS ON THE ISSUE, WOULDNT BE REFUNDED.

NHTSA ODI #11076663

78,000 miles · Mar 5, 2018

Service Brakes

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WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, VEHICLE WARNING LIGHTS FOR ABS BRAKES, PARKING BRAKE, VSC AND BRAKE MALFUNCTION ALL ILLUMINATED WITH MESSAGE TO STOP VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY IN A SAFE LOCATION AND CONTACT DEALER. DEALER DIAGNOSTIC DISCOVERED CODE C1391 "ACCUMULATOR LEAK", WHICH IS AN INTERNAL LEAK AND NOT VISIBLE FROM EXTERNAL INSPECTION - I HAD JUST BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER FOR REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE 3 WEEKS PRIOR. DEALER SERVICE DEPT SAID ABS SYSTEM HAD FAILED AND RECOMMENDED REMOVING AND REPLACING BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AT A COST OF $4,622! AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, I LEARNED ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURES ARE A WIDESPREAD AND COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE HIGHLANDER. TOYOTA ISSUED RECALLS FOR 2006, 2007 MODELS FOR ABS BRAKE ACTUATOR, BUT NOT FOR 2008 HIGHLANDER. TOYOTA KNOWS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE (SERVCO SERVICE DEPT IN HAWAII STATED THEY HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE INSTANCES OF THIS BRAKE ACTUATOR FAILURE). NOTE MY 2008 HIGHLANDER IS UNDER 80K MILES. TOYOTA NEEDS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND ADD THE 2008 HIGHLANDER MODEL TO THE CURRENT BRAKE ACTUATOR RECALL SO THAT THIS SAFETY CONCERN IS FIXED.

NHTSA ODI #11076361

93,000 miles · Feb 19, 2018

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes

ABS, VSC LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE ON A BRIDGE ON AT HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH; PULLED OVER SAFELY TO CHECK FUNCTION; BRAKES STILL WORKED, ABS DID NOT; TOOK TO A DEALER NEXT DAY; DEALER ADVISED THE ABS ACCUMULATOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND OTHER ERROR CODES (OVER POWER) INDICATED A LEAK IN THE ABS NETWORK. DEALER ADVISED PARTS ALONE WOULD EXCEED 48…

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NHTSA ODI #11073643

130,000 miles · Feb 15, 2018

Service Brakes

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THE CAR HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED BY THE DEALERSHIP SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED NEW AND HAS NEVER BEEN USED FOR TOWING. WE WERE DRIVING NORMALLY WHEN WE BEGAN NOTICING A SERIES OF RECURRING HYDRAULIC-LIKE PULSATIONS AND NOISES WHENEVER DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE ISN'T MOVING. THE PULSATION SENSATION CAN BE FELT THROUGHOUT THE BRAKE SYSTEM WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED EVEN WHEN NOT MOVING. THE SERIES OF NOISES ARE COMING DIRECTLY FROM THE ABS SYSTEM/ACTUATOR UNDER THE HOOD WHENEVER THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. I BELIEVE THIS IS DUE TO AN ABNORMAL LEAK IN THE ACCUMULATOR. THE VEHICLE PREVIOUSLY SHOWED NO SIGNS OF ANY ISSUES WHEN THE TOYOTA SERVICE TECHNICIAN LAST INSPECTED IT. WE HAVE SINCE PAID A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY TO HAVE THE BRAKES INSPECTED AND FLUID CHANGED, BUT THAT DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. AFTER DOING RESEARCH WE ARE CONFIDENT THE ISSUE IS EXACTLY AS HUNDREDS OF OTHER OWNERS HAVE PREVIOUSLY REPORTED TO TOYOTA, BBB, AND NHTSA. TOYOTA HAS SINCE ISSUES RECALLS AND WARRANTY EXTENSIONS FOR THE OTHER TOYOTA HYBRID MODEL THAT UTILIZE THE SAME PLATFORM/SYSTEM BUT JUST NOT FOR THE LATER 2008 HIGHLANDER HYBRID. SOMEONE NEEDS TO STEP UP AND HOLD TOYOTA ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE SAME FAULTY PARTS THEY CONTINUED TO INSTALL IN THEIR OTHER HYBRID VEHICLES THEY SOLD TO CONSUMERS. THE ABS SYSTEM IS CLEARLY NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AS HUNDREDS OF CONSUMERS HAVE PREVIOUSLY NOTED. WHY WOULD TOYOTA COVER THE COST OF REPAIR FOR OTHER HYBRIDS WITH THIS SAME DEFECT BUT NOT OTHERS? THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL OR WARRANTY EXTENSION ISSUED FOR THIS MODEL/YEAR AS TOYOTA HAS ISSUED FOR OTHER HYBRID MODELS USING THE SAME PLATFORM. I AM SERIOUSLY CONCERNED AND TROUBLED BY THE SAFETY FACTORS THIS MALFUNCTION PRESENTS ESPECIALLY WHEN TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED. THIS IS CLEARLY A WELL-DOCUMENTED PROBLEM FOR THE 2008 MODELS.

NHTSA ODI #11072998

160,000 miles · Jan 25, 2018

Service Brakes

ABS MODULE WENT OUT DURING ICE STORM MAKING CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. LOOKING ONLINE, I SEE THAT THIS HAS BEEN A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL OF MY PARTICULAR CAR. I WAS LUCKY THAT I LIVE IN HOUSTON WHICH RARELY HAS ICY ROADS

NHTSA ODI #11064798

Official recalls

15V689000 · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

Oct 22, 2015

Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.

13V396000 · Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter

Sep 4, 2013

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through December 2, 2008. The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module may contain transistors that have higher operating temperatures than the solder can support and the transistors may be heat damaged by the solder. If this occurs, various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, will be illuminated on the instrument panel.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPM free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicles that had their IPM replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by this campaign.

12V491000 · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

Oct 10, 2012

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.

Remedy: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.

11V245000 · Air Bags; Air Bags:side/window

Apr 21, 2011

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 RAV4 VEHICLES. IN THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG (CSA) SYSTEM, THERE ARE TWO SENSORS IN THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO DETECT VEHICLE ROLL ANGLE. IF ONE OF THESE SENSORS MALFUNCTIONS, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT: MIL) WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE ROLL DETECTION SYSTEM WILL BE SUSPENDED; HOWEVER, THE AIRBAG CSA REMAINS AVAILABLE IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE CRASH. IF BOTH SENSORS FAIL NEARLY SIMULTANEOUSLY AFTER INITIAL AIRBAG SYSTEM CHECK, THE CSA AND THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER COULD BE INADVERTENTLY ACTIVATED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE CSA AND/OR THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Remedy: TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ONE CONTAINING IMPROVED ROLL RATE SENSORS, FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA INTENDS TO SEND AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS EARLY TO MID-MAY, 2011 WHEN SUFFICIENT PARTS AND REMEDY BECOMES AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:side/window

Consequence: INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE CSA AND/OR THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Remedy: TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ONE CONTAINING IMPROVED ROLL RATE SENSORS, FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA INTENDS TO SEND AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS EARLY TO MID-MAY, 2011 WHEN SUFFICIENT PARTS AND REMEDY BECOMES AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Air Bags

Consequence: INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE CSA AND/OR THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

09V223000 · Equipment:other:labels

Jun 15, 2009

TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.

08V181000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

Apr 18, 2008

TOYOTA IS RECALLING 90,189 MY 2008 HIGHLANDER AND HIGHLANDER HYBRID PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THIRD ROW SEAT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE NON-DRIVER DESIGNATED SEATING POSITIONS (DSP) ON THESE VEHICLES IS EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT HAVE A FEATURE THAT CONVERTS THE RETRACTOR FROM AN EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR (ELR) TO AN AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR). THE BELTS CONVERT TO THE ALR MODE AFTER THE WEBBING HAS BEEN FULLY WITHDRAWN FROM THE RETRACTOR. THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED SO THAT AS THE BELT IS RELEASED INTO THE RETRACTOR, THE SYSTEM REMAINS IN THE ALR MODE SO THAT A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) CAN BE TIGHTLY SECURED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: HOWEVER, FOR THE TWO THIRD ROW DSP'S ON THESE VEHICLES, THE ALR MODE DEACTIVATES BEFORE THE WEBBING IS FULLY RETRACTED, SO THAT IT WILL NOT LOCK WHEN CERTAIN REAR-FACING CRS'S THAT HAVE A SHORT SEAT BELT ROUTING PATH ARE INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SEAT BELT WEBBING TO SPOOL OUT DURING NORMAL DRIVING MANEUVERS, WHICH COULD AFFECT THE STABILITY OF A CHILD RESTRAINT INSTALLED AT THOSE SEATING POSITIONS. AS SUCH, THIS COULD DISCOURAGE THE USE OF A CHILD RESTRAINT AND IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED SEAT BELT COMPONENT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

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

DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

EA18006 · 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

Steering

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

Steering

EA12006 · Power Window Master Switch Fire

Opened Jun 14, 2012 · Closed Feb 12, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Structure:body; Unknown Or Other

On October 10, 2012, Toyota initiated a safety recall of approximately 2.5 million U.S. vehicles involving the following models and model years:2007-2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2008 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007-2009 RAV4, 2008-2009 Scion xB and xD, 2008-2009 Sequoia, 2007-2008 Tundra, 2007-2008 Yaris, and 2009 Pontiac Vibe.See NHTSA recall number 12V-491 for more details, including the affected vehicle manufacture dates for each vehicle model.Note that only early-production 2009 model year vehicles are included in the recall.Toyota and GM dealers will inspect the power window master switch (PWMS) assemblies and apply a specialized grease that inhibits heat build-up.The circuit board in the PWMS may be replaced with a new one if notchy or sticking feeling is observed during the inspection.The failure report summary above shows counts for the vehicles identified at the start of this Engineering Analysis, specifically the approximately 1.4 million vehicles that share an identical PWMS assembly design including, model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, and Yaris built from September 2006 through August 2008, as well as all 2008 Highlander Hybrid.Toyota subsequently identified approximately one million additional vehicles that have a slightly different PWMS design but contain the same defect condition.Note that the totals for complaints and fires shown above may include duplicative reports (between ODI and manufacturer reports).This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10323848, 10360414, 10392622, 10394453, 10411328, 10429983, 10436663, 10446699, 10447416, 10447417, 10447419, 10447444, 10447515, 10447845, 10447947, 10449270, 10450133, 10450568, 10450606, 10450641, 10451821, 10455540, 10455614, 10456353, 10456438, 10457854, 10457955, 10459730, 10460166, 10460691, 10461220, 10462140, 10462200, 10462247, 10462404, 10462705, 10462761, 10464451, 10464769, 10465421, 10466279, 10466667, 10468126, 10468265, 10475230, 10470313, 10470684, 10471551, 10471824, 10472336, 10472910, 10473753, 10473967, 10473969, 10476921, 10477469, 10478563 and 10478657.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System

Structure:body

Unknown Or Other

PE12002 · Power Window Master Switch Fire

Opened Feb 6, 2012 · Closed Jun 14, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Structure:body; Unknown Or Other

ODI has identified certain Toyota vehicles experiencing a higher rate of fire and thermal event incidents among all Toyota vehicles that use the same power window master switch design.They include a total of approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2007 through 2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 and Yaris vehicles built from approximately September 2006 through August 2008, as well as all MY 2008 Highlander Hybrid vehicles.This Preliminary Evaluation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA12-006) to further study the alleged defect and its consequences.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10461220, 10460691, 10460166, 10459730, 10457955, 10457854, 10456438, 10456353, 10455614, 10455540, 10451821, 10450641, 10450606, 10450568, 10450133, 10449270, 10447947, 10447845, 10447515, 10447444, 10447419, 10447417, 10447416, 10446699, 10436663, 10429983, 10411328, 10407290, 10394453, 10392622, 10360414, 10323848.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System

Structure:body

Unknown Or Other