NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
40 reports174,000 miles · May 3, 2017
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other
WHILE BRAKING TO STOP CAR IN A SCHOOL PICK UP LINE, WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES BEGAN FLASHING. WARNING LIGHTS STATED BRAKE MALFUNCTION, ABS SYSTEM ETC. DEALER RAN DIAGNOSTIC, STATED THERE IS AN INTERNAL LEAK OF BRAKE ACTUATOR, REPAIR COSTS $5500. LIGHTS WERE RESET AND 2 WEEKS LATER WHILE DRIVING LIGHTS AND WARNINGS CAME BACK ON…
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WHILE BRAKING TO STOP CAR IN A SCHOOL PICK UP LINE, WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES BEGAN FLASHING. WARNING LIGHTS STATED BRAKE MALFUNCTION, ABS SYSTEM ETC. DEALER RAN DIAGNOSTIC, STATED THERE IS AN INTERNAL LEAK OF BRAKE ACTUATOR, REPAIR COSTS $5500. LIGHTS WERE RESET AND 2 WEEKS LATER WHILE DRIVING LIGHTS AND WARNINGS CAME BACK ON. TOYOTA HAS RECALL FOR 2006 AND 2007 BUT NOT 2009.
NHTSA ODI #10983340
69,000 miles · Nov 21, 2016
Service Brakes
I WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND MY BRAKES COMPLETELY WENT OUT. LUCKILY, SINCE IT WAS ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT WITH KIDS EVERYWHERE NO ONE WAS HURT. ABS WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND WARNING LIGHTS SAID TO PULL OVER AND TAKE TO MECHANIC. I HAD NO BRAKES AND COASTED HOME GOING 2MPH. IT WAS MY ABS ACTUATOR PUMP.
NHTSA ODI #10927284
122,000 miles · Nov 7, 2016
Service Brakes
WHILE DRIVING FROM ORLANDO TO TAMPA FLORIDA MY WIFE HAD THE ABS BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND A WEIRD NOISE COMING UNDER THE VEHICLE. SHE WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME AND WE TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER. THEY SAID WE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE BRAKE ACTUATOR AT A COST OF MORE THAN $3,400! WE CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY SUCH A SMALL PART WOULD COST…
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WHILE DRIVING FROM ORLANDO TO TAMPA FLORIDA MY WIFE HAD THE ABS BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND A WEIRD NOISE COMING UNDER THE VEHICLE. SHE WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME AND WE TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER. THEY SAID WE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE BRAKE ACTUATOR AT A COST OF MORE THAN $3,400! WE CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY SUCH A SMALL PART WOULD COST ABOUT A QUARTER OF THE VALUE OF THIS VEHICLE AND AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE I FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS ISSUE REALLY NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO AND TOYOTA SHOULD ISSUE AN IMMEDIATE RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #10924610
96,000 miles · Aug 26, 2016
StructureUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed ControlCrash
I ARRIVE AT A PARKING LOT ON FLOWER AVENUE STRIP DRIVING SLOWLY INTO A PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF A CLINIC, AT A VERY LOW SPEED, WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED--BY THE TIME I HIT THE BRAKES ATTEMPTING TO STOP, IT WAS IN THE OFFICE OF OF MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE, UNSTOPPABLE--FORTUNATELY, IT WAS ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND THERE W…
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I ARRIVE AT A PARKING LOT ON FLOWER AVENUE STRIP DRIVING SLOWLY INTO A PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF A CLINIC, AT A VERY LOW SPEED, WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED--BY THE TIME I HIT THE BRAKES ATTEMPTING TO STOP, IT WAS IN THE OFFICE OF OF MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE, UNSTOPPABLE--FORTUNATELY, IT WAS ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND THERE WERE NO EMPLOYEES OR PATIENTS IN THE RECEPTION AREA OF THE OFFICE...SUDDEN ACCELERATION WAS THE CAUSE OF THIS ACCIDENT. THIS CAR MUST BE RECALLED---I TOOK IT TO KOONS TOYOTA IN VIENNA, VIRGINIA-- WHERE I BOUGHT IT LAST OCTOBER--A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER...
NHTSA ODI #10899033
155,000 miles · Aug 17, 2016
Service Brakes
ABS ACTUATOR NOISE WHEN DEPRESSING AND RELEASING BRAKES. MAY LEAD TO FAILED ABS SYSTEM.
NHTSA ODI #10896776
147,000 miles · Mar 1, 2016
Electrical SystemService Brakes
ABS LIGHT ON WITH WARNING, BRAKES PERFORMING POORLY. THE ABS ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BREAK PUMP FAILED REQUIRING REPLACEMENT WITH A COST OF OVER $3764 IN REPAIRS. THE TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID HAD MILLIONS OF RECALLS FOR THE ABS ACTUATOR BUT THE HIGHLANDER HYBRID WAS CURRENTLY NOT ON RECALL. I OWN A 2000 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER WITH OVER 200…
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ABS LIGHT ON WITH WARNING, BRAKES PERFORMING POORLY. THE ABS ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BREAK PUMP FAILED REQUIRING REPLACEMENT WITH A COST OF OVER $3764 IN REPAIRS. THE TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID HAD MILLIONS OF RECALLS FOR THE ABS ACTUATOR BUT THE HIGHLANDER HYBRID WAS CURRENTLY NOT ON RECALL. I OWN A 2000 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER WITH OVER 200,000 MILES AND NEVER HAD AN ABS ISSUE. THIS CAR IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD AND SHOULDN'T REQUIRE THIS PROBLEM SO EARLY.
NHTSA ODI #10839207
125,000 miles · Nov 2, 2015
EngineHybrid Propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE OR RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO CONSUME ABNORMAL QUANT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE OR RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO CONSUME ABNORMAL QUANTITIES OF OIL. THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL CHANGE A MONTH AND A HALF PRIOR TO THE FAILURE AND THE OIL METER MEASURED ONE QUART OF ENGINE OIL LEFT IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V396000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10787806
89,000 miles · Aug 18, 2015
Service Brakes
BRAKE AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE TRAVEL CITY SPEED (35-40MPH). NO NOTICEABLE BRAKING PROBLEM BUT ADVISED CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. DEALER SAYS THERE IS AN INTERNAL LEAK AND THE BRAKE ACTUATOR AND BOOSTER NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $5,100 (MAINLY THE COST OF TOYOTA PARTS). THIS IS A SOCCER MOM CAR NO ROUGH DRIVI…
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BRAKE AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE TRAVEL CITY SPEED (35-40MPH). NO NOTICEABLE BRAKING PROBLEM BUT ADVISED CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. DEALER SAYS THERE IS AN INTERNAL LEAK AND THE BRAKE ACTUATOR AND BOOSTER NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $5,100 (MAINLY THE COST OF TOYOTA PARTS). THIS IS A SOCCER MOM CAR NO ROUGH DRIVING OR BRAKING...AND NO ACCIDENTS. I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AND THEY SAY THE PARTS ARE OUT OF WARRANTY. HOW DOES THESE TWO PARTS ACCOUNT FOR OVER 10% OF THE ORIGINAL VALUE OF THE CAR 6 YEARS AGO. SHOULDN'T I EXPECT MORE FROM TOYOTA?
NHTSA ODI #10749605
40,138 miles · Dec 28, 2013
Fuel/propulsion SystemHybrid Propulsion System
WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IN FOR A 5,000 MILE SERVICE MAINTENANCE. AFTER OUR SERVICE ADVISOR LOOKED OVER THE VEHICLE HE SAID WE NEEDED NEW SET OF TIRES AS THE CURRENT ONES WERE AT THE WEAR INDICATORS. OUR SERVICE ADVISOR ALSO SAID OUR VEHICLE WAS IN THE OPEN CAMPAIGN (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V396000) TO REPLACE THE INT…
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WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IN FOR A 5,000 MILE SERVICE MAINTENANCE. AFTER OUR SERVICE ADVISOR LOOKED OVER THE VEHICLE HE SAID WE NEEDED NEW SET OF TIRES AS THE CURRENT ONES WERE AT THE WEAR INDICATORS. OUR SERVICE ADVISOR ALSO SAID OUR VEHICLE WAS IN THE OPEN CAMPAIGN (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V396000) TO REPLACE THE INTELLIGENT POWER MODULE (IPM) IN THE VEHICLE HYBRID SYSTEM. THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT FOUR HOURS AND THERE WOULD BE NO CHARGE. SINCE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE IPM THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN MPG. BEFORE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE IPM THE VEHICLE WAS AVERAGING 26 - 27 MPH IN THE CITY AND ABOUT 30 MPG (29.8 MPG HIGHEST) FREEWAY DRIVING. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE IPM THE VEHICLE IS AVERAGING 21 - 22 MPG IN THE CITY AND 24-25 ON THE FREEWAY. THIS IS A 5-6 MPG DECREASE. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE IPM HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE MPG AND IT IS BECAUSE OF THE WINTER MONTHS OUR MPG HAS DROP. I DO NOT BELIEVE THE WINTER MONTHS WOULD HAVE THIS MUCH EFFECT ON THE MPG. I HAVE DONE SOME ONLINE RESEARCH AND FOUND OTHER OWNERS HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AFTER THEIR IPM WAS REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10557530
4,300 miles · Nov 25, 2013
Air BagsService Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, THE STOPPING DISTANCE WOULD INCREASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, THE STOPPING DISTANCE WOULD INCREASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,300 UPDATED 01/07/2014 *LJ ALSO, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED A SENSOR
NHTSA ODI #10553759
Official recalls
4Oct 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
3DP22005 · 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
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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