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2006 Toyota Highlander

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Toyota Highlander do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 186.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

199 reports with mileage · 78 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

29 crash reports4 fire reports19 injury reports

Service Brakes complaints

70 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2021
Service BrakesSteering

In the last 4 weeks my 06 Highlander Hybrid has had malfunctions in the brakes and in the power steering. Both issues rendering the car inoperable. The first issue that was to arise was the brake actuator pump. I noticed it was failing when i got in the vehicle to move it out of the driveway and noticed after i put the car …

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In the last 4 weeks my 06 Highlander Hybrid has had malfunctions in the brakes and in the power steering. Both issues rendering the car inoperable. The first issue that was to arise was the brake actuator pump. I noticed it was failing when i got in the vehicle to move it out of the driveway and noticed after i put the car in gear that their was no power brake assist. When the car was shifted into drive the car began rolling even while i was pushing hard on the brakes. Luckily the brake assist resumed and i did not run into anything but the car unintentionally moved about 5 feet. I mentioned this to my wife, and she said while driving home one day the car made a high pitched buzz. She was close to home, so she made it home and parked the car and forgot about the noise. After the car was turned back on again no noise was made and no CEL or warnings were displayed. The actuator was replaced, and the car operated fine for about one week and probably 40 miles of driving. I want to mention I had noted a odd feeling in the brakes for years leading up the the failure. The brake pedal would continue to the floor while trying to maintain constant pressure on the brakes. I believe this is due to the actuator losing pressure, but it would cause an uneasy sensation of failing brakes, but no CEL's were ever triggered. The new actuator fixed this. After fixing the car we drove it on a few trips. Yesterday 8/24/21 my wife went to drive the car, and it wouldn't start. She tried about 10 times and it wouldn't turn on. I put a battery charger on the car and the battery looked okay. I tried to start it a few time probably 5 and finally got the READY light, so the car was ready to go, but all of a sudden the car would shut off and the READY light would go out and the P/S light would come on. This light is triggered when something is wrong with the power steering system, and the computer will disable the vehicle. The car immobile now. These are worth recalling.

NHTSA ODI #11430261

Mileage unknown · Jul 3, 2021
Service BrakesCrashInjury

3 accidents all rear end due to brakes ( brake pump/brake actuator failure) not safe.

NHTSA ODI #11423307

Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2021
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes

The dashboard on my Highlander Hybrid 2006 (AWD) had all its check lights on suddenly. I was not driving then. The car was in my parking lot for a few hours before which it had no signs on. The warning message said: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). I took it to my nearest Toyota service center for diagnosing the issue. They rep…

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The dashboard on my Highlander Hybrid 2006 (AWD) had all its check lights on suddenly. I was not driving then. The car was in my parking lot for a few hours before which it had no signs on. The warning message said: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). I took it to my nearest Toyota service center for diagnosing the issue. They reported that the ABS systems have started to fail. Specifically, the ABS actuator is losing pressure and should be replaced. They quoted a price of $2700 approx. which includes about $2000 for parts. Turns out that this same part had been replaced in 2016 during a recall - but they cannot attend to this again without charging the customer. What I was never told about was that a whirring sound - which has always been an issue with this car - was always from the ABS actuator. The same service center has checked and diagnosed this car multiple times - so I am surprised that they did not find the ABS actuator noise a problem on earlier occasions. I have been reading about this on this forum and Toyotanation and this seems to be a consistent issue with the older Toyota hybrid highlanders and other hybrids as well - with the same diagnosis and approximately the same price quoted by the service centers. I have not currently fixed this issue since I cannot afford this price. It also seems that I will be paying for manufacturer's or service center's negligence since this actuator seemed to be faulty all along and I was not warned about this.

NHTSA ODI #11423140

Mileage unknown · Apr 26, 2021
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

THE BRAKE ACTUATOR IS FAILING AND IS MAKING LOUD NOISES. THE CAR DOES NOT BRAKE NORMALLY. I HAVE REPORTED BRAKING PROBLEMS SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2007. WHEN IT HITS A BUMP IT ACCELERATES AND I MUST STAND ON THE BRAKES SO I DO NOT HIT SOMEONE. IT LURCHES FORWARD WHEN IT HITS A POTHOLE OR SOME KIND OF OBSTRUCTION IN THE ROA…

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THE BRAKE ACTUATOR IS FAILING AND IS MAKING LOUD NOISES. THE CAR DOES NOT BRAKE NORMALLY. I HAVE REPORTED BRAKING PROBLEMS SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2007. WHEN IT HITS A BUMP IT ACCELERATES AND I MUST STAND ON THE BRAKES SO I DO NOT HIT SOMEONE. IT LURCHES FORWARD WHEN IT HITS A POTHOLE OR SOME KIND OF OBSTRUCTION IN THE ROAD. WHEN I WORKED DOWN NEAR THE BUS STATION I WOULD HIT THE AREAS IN THE ROAD WHERE THE BUSES CREATED BUMPS IN THE ROADWAY AND IT WOULD LURCH FORWARD. I REPORTED THIS NUMEROUS TIMES AT NORTH BAKERSFIELD TOYOTA. I RECENTLY WENT IN TO REPORT THE NOISE I WAS HEARING AND THEY FINALLY FIGURED OUT THAT THE BRAKE ACTUATOR IS FAILING. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT A HAZARD BUT THEY COULD NOT TELL ME WHEN IT WILL TOTALLY FAIL. I BELIEVE IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND THERE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM DAY ONE

NHTSA ODI #11413884

100,000 miles · Apr 21, 2021
Service Brakes

HAVE HAD BRAKE ACTUATOR MALFUNCTION/FAILURE FOR A VERY LONG TIME. STARTED WITH NOISES AND HAS PROGRESSED TO WARNING LIGHTS AND ALMOST COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. HAVE CONTACTED LEXUS BC IT A RX400H AND NOT A HIGHLANDER BIT THEY RESPECTFULLY DECLINE TO GET INVOLVED. HAD CALLED OVER A YEAR AGO. HAD CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE THAT ALM…

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HAVE HAD BRAKE ACTUATOR MALFUNCTION/FAILURE FOR A VERY LONG TIME. STARTED WITH NOISES AND HAS PROGRESSED TO WARNING LIGHTS AND ALMOST COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. HAVE CONTACTED LEXUS BC IT A RX400H AND NOT A HIGHLANDER BIT THEY RESPECTFULLY DECLINE TO GET INVOLVED. HAD CALLED OVER A YEAR AGO. HAD CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE THAT ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WITH OTHER MOTORIST AND AM NOW PAYING 3000 TO HAVE THE BRAKE ACTUATOR REPLACED THAT THEY HAVE BEEN TOLD ABOUT FOR YEARS AND REFUSED TO FIX AND CONSISTENTLY REMIND ME I DON'T SERVICE MY VEHICLE AT A DEALERSHIP FOR NORMAL MAINTENANCE. THE PREVIOUS OWNER NEVER RECIEVED NOTICE OR A WARRANTY CAMPAIGN AND ULTIMATELY RID THEMSELVES OF IT BECAUSE OF THE ISSUE AND PRICE OF THE BRAKE ACTUATOR TO BE FIXED.

NHTSA ODI #11413142

182,000 miles · Apr 20, 2021
Forward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes

MY ABS, VSC, (I), AND EMERGENCY BRAKE DASH LIGHTS ARE ON CONTINUOUSLY. IT IS VERY HARD TO STOP THE CAR AS IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKE ISN'T ENGAGING. WHEN IT DOES ENGAGE YOU ARE JERKED FORWARD.

NHTSA ODI #11412982

199,000 miles · Mar 30, 2021
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

THE VSC LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND SOUND IS ARE ON. THE CODE IS BACK AS WELL C1391 FOR THIS BRAKE ACTUATOR. IT IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH TOYOTAS . THIS WAS FIXED ONCE ALREADY BY TOYOTA DEALER AND FAILED AFTER 40K MILES AGAIN. HOW CAN A PART HAS FAILED AGAIN IN SUCH A SHORT TIME AND MILES? THIS IS A COMMON PROB…

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THE VSC LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND SOUND IS ARE ON. THE CODE IS BACK AS WELL C1391 FOR THIS BRAKE ACTUATOR. IT IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH TOYOTAS . THIS WAS FIXED ONCE ALREADY BY TOYOTA DEALER AND FAILED AFTER 40K MILES AGAIN. HOW CAN A PART HAS FAILED AGAIN IN SUCH A SHORT TIME AND MILES? THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND WE CAN'T GET HELP FROM TOYOTA COMPANY OTHER THAN TO PAY FOR THEIR LACK OF QUALITY ON PARTS? I CAN'T AFFORD $4000 PLUST TO FIX A PART THAT ONLY LASTED 40,000 MILES. WHEN IS TOYOTA GOING TO DO A RECALL ON THIS PART AND FIX IT FOR GOOD?

NHTSA ODI #11405584

191,000 miles · Mar 23, 2021
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH DOWN A HILL, WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND STARTED MAKING AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REGAINED CONTROL AND S…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH DOWN A HILL, WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND STARTED MAKING AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REGAINED CONTROL AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DCH WAPPINGERS FALLS TOYOTA (1349 U.S. 9, WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY 12590, (845) 288-0892) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE BRAKE ACTUATOR TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 191,000.

NHTSA ODI #11404407

149,000 miles · Mar 8, 2021
Service Brakes

THE VSC LIGHT, ABS LIGHT AND NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. THE CODE COMES BACK TO C1391 WHICH IS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR. IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA THAT OCCURS @118,000 MILES. I WAS TOLD IT WAS GOING TO COST $4,000, BUT THEY FINALLY ONLY MADE ME PAY FOR THE LABOR AND TAX. HOWEVER, IT HAS NOW BEEN 30,000 MILES LATER AND…

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THE VSC LIGHT, ABS LIGHT AND NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. THE CODE COMES BACK TO C1391 WHICH IS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR. IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA THAT OCCURS @118,000 MILES. I WAS TOLD IT WAS GOING TO COST $4,000, BUT THEY FINALLY ONLY MADE ME PAY FOR THE LABOR AND TAX. HOWEVER, IT HAS NOW BEEN 30,000 MILES LATER AND THAT PART HAS FAILED AGAIN. I CAN'T AFFORD $2500-$4000 TO FIX A PART THAT ONLY LASTS 30,000 MILES. I HAVE SEEN THIS COMPLAINT OVER AND OVER. CAN WE GET SOME HELP??

NHTSA ODI #11399721

229,000 miles · Feb 8, 2021
Service Brakes

LOUD CONTINUOUS BEEP BEGAN IN CAR WITH NO INDICATION AS TO WHAT IT WAS. WAS DRIVING AT 40 MPH, LET OFF GAS TO GET READY FOR TURN, HIT BRAKES AND THERE WEREN'T ANY. WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MERGE BACK INTO TRAFFIC AND DECELERATE ENOUGH TO TURN ONTO THE NEXT STREET. DIAGNOSED AS FAILED BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY.

NHTSA ODI #11395172

Official recalls

7

16V396000 · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler

Jun 2, 2016

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

14V743000 · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler

Nov 19, 2014

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

11V112000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

Feb 24, 2011

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 LEXUS RX330, RX350, AND RX400H VEHICLES. IF THE FORWARD RETENTION CLIP USED TO SECURE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, WHICH IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE CENTER CONSOLE, IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY TEMPORARILY BECOME STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION RATHER THAN RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. A STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN UNINTENDED AND SUSTAINED VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE FREE OR CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

10V499000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder

Oct 21, 2010

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 LEXUS RX, AND MODEL YEAR 2006 LEXUS GS AND IS VEHICLES. BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING POLYMERS IS USED THAT ACTS AS LUBRICANTS FOR CERTAIN BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAL WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

10V035000 · Equipment:other:labels

Feb 3, 2010

GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

10V036000 · Equipment:other:labels

Feb 3, 2010

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

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.

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

2

RQ10003 · Unintended And Uncontrolled Acceleration

Opened Feb 16, 2010 · Closed Mar 1, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:software; Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.

Additional source detail variants (6)

Electrical System:software

On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.

Electrical System:software

On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.

Electrical System:software

On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.

PE06055 · Sudden Loss Of Power Steering Assist

Opened Nov 21, 2006 · Closed Mar 28, 2007

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:electric Power Assist System

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED PE06-055 BASED ON TWO COMPLAINTS OF LOSS OF EPS ASSIST IN 43,931 MY 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID VEHICLES.ONE OF THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT A LOSS IN POWER STEERING ASSIST RESULTED IN A CRASH.IN RESPONSE TO AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER FROM ODI, TOYOTA SUBMITTED INFORMATION ABOUT 6 ADDITIONAL CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, INCLUDING 2 ALLEGING CRASHES, AND 109 WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE EPS ASSEMBLY IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI?S ANALYSIS OF THE CRASH INCIDENTS REVEALED THAT EACH INCIDENT OF ALLEGED LOSS IN POWER STEERING ASSIST OCCURRED AT VERY LOW SPEEDS AND PRESENTED MINOR SAFETY CONSEQUENCES.TOYOTA'S RESPONSE ALSO IDENTIFIED THREE POTENTIAL ISSUES THAT COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF EPS ASSIST IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.TWO OF THE CONDITIONS ARE RELATED TO ELECTRICAL CURRENT SURGES WITHIN THE EPS ECU.THE OTHER IS RELATED TO EPS MOTOR MAGNETS BECOMING DISLODGED BECAUSE OF POOR ADHESION.THE TWO ISSUES RELATED TO CURRENT SURGES CAN ONLY OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING PARKED OR BEING OPERATED AT VERY LOW SPEEDS.THE THIRD ISSUE COULD THEORETICALLY OCCUR AT ANY SPEED, BUT OCCURS AS A RESULT OF A SPECIFIC TYPE OF IMPACT TO ONE OF THE FRONT WHEELS.TOYOTA STATES THAT IN ALL THREE CASES, AND DURING ANY LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST TO THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT WHEELS CAN STILL BE DIRECTED WITHOUT ASSIST, MANUALLY, VIA THE STEERING WHEEL. ODI'S ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLAINT DATA AND OTHER INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY TOYOTA INDICATES THAT THERE IS A LOW OVERALL FAILURE RATE FOR ALL OF THE CONDITIONS COMBINED THAT CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF EPS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (18 COMPLAINTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES AND A 0.2% WARRANTY CLAIM RATE) AND THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY FAILURE THAT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.THE CHANGE IN STEERING EFFORT IS GREATEST AT VERY LOW SPEEDS WHEN THE STEERING IS AT OR NEAR END OF TRAVEL.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Steering:electric Power Assist System

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED PE06-055 BASED ON TWO COMPLAINTS OF LOSS OF EPS ASSIST IN 43,931 MY 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID VEHICLES.ONE OF THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT A LOSS IN POWER STEERING ASSIST RESULTED IN A CRASH.IN RESPONSE TO AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER FROM ODI, TOYOTA SUBMITTED INFORMATION ABOUT 6 ADDITIONAL CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, INCLUDING 2 ALLEGING CRASHES, AND 109 WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE EPS ASSEMBLY IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI?S ANALYSIS OF THE CRASH INCIDENTS REVEALED THAT EACH INCIDENT OF ALLEGED LOSS IN POWER STEERING ASSIST OCCURRED AT VERY LOW SPEEDS AND PRESENTED MINOR SAFETY CONSEQUENCES.TOYOTA'S RESPONSE ALSO IDENTIFIED THREE POTENTIAL ISSUES THAT COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF EPS ASSIST IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.TWO OF THE CONDITIONS ARE RELATED TO ELECTRICAL CURRENT SURGES WITHIN THE EPS ECU.THE OTHER IS RELATED TO EPS MOTOR MAGNETS BECOMING DISLODGED BECAUSE OF POOR ADHESION.THE TWO ISSUES RELATED TO CURRENT SURGES CAN ONLY OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING PARKED OR BEING OPERATED AT VERY LOW SPEEDS.THE THIRD ISSUE COULD THEORETICALLY OCCUR AT ANY SPEED, BUT OCCURS AS A RESULT OF A SPECIFIC TYPE OF IMPACT TO ONE OF THE FRONT WHEELS.TOYOTA STATES THAT IN ALL THREE CASES, AND DURING ANY LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST TO THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT WHEELS CAN STILL BE DIRECTED WITHOUT ASSIST, MANUALLY, VIA THE STEERING WHEEL. ODI'S ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLAINT DATA AND OTHER INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY TOYOTA INDICATES THAT THERE IS A LOW OVERALL FAILURE RATE FOR ALL OF THE CONDITIONS COMBINED THAT CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF EPS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (18 COMPLAINTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES AND A 0.2% WARRANTY CLAIM RATE) AND THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY FAILURE THAT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.THE CHANGE IN STEERING EFFORT IS GREATEST AT VERY LOW SPEEDS WHEN THE STEERING IS AT OR NEAR END OF TRAVEL.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.

Steering

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED PE06-055 BASED ON TWO COMPLAINTS OF LOSS OF EPS ASSIST IN 43,931 MY 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID VEHICLES.ONE OF THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT A LOSS IN POWER STEERING ASSIST RESULTED IN A CRASH.IN RESPONSE TO AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER FROM ODI, TOYOTA SUBMITTED INFORMATION ABOUT 6 ADDITIONAL CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, INCLUDING 2 ALLEGING CRASHES, AND 109 WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE EPS ASSEMBLY IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI?S ANALYSIS OF THE CRASH INCIDENTS REVEALED THAT EACH INCIDENT OF ALLEGED LOSS IN POWER STEERING ASSIST OCCURRED AT VERY LOW SPEEDS AND PRESENTED MINOR SAFETY CONSEQUENCES.TOYOTA'S RESPONSE ALSO IDENTIFIED THREE POTENTIAL ISSUES THAT COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF EPS ASSIST IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.TWO OF THE CONDITIONS ARE RELATED TO ELECTRICAL CURRENT SURGES WITHIN THE EPS ECU.THE OTHER IS RELATED TO EPS MOTOR MAGNETS BECOMING DISLODGED BECAUSE OF POOR ADHESION.THE TWO ISSUES RELATED TO CURRENT SURGES CAN ONLY OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING PARKED OR BEING OPERATED AT VERY LOW SPEEDS.THE THIRD ISSUE COULD THEORETICALLY OCCUR AT ANY SPEED, BUT OCCURS AS A RESULT OF A SPECIFIC TYPE OF IMPACT TO ONE OF THE FRONT WHEELS.TOYOTA STATES THAT IN ALL THREE CASES, AND DURING ANY LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST TO THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT WHEELS CAN STILL BE DIRECTED WITHOUT ASSIST, MANUALLY, VIA THE STEERING WHEEL. ODI'S ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLAINT DATA AND OTHER INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY TOYOTA INDICATES THAT THERE IS A LOW OVERALL FAILURE RATE FOR ALL OF THE CONDITIONS COMBINED THAT CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF EPS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (18 COMPLAINTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES AND A 0.2% WARRANTY CLAIM RATE) AND THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY FAILURE THAT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.THE CHANGE IN STEERING EFFORT IS GREATEST AT VERY LOW SPEEDS WHEN THE STEERING IS AT OR NEAR END OF TRAVEL.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.