NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Air Bags complaints
57 reportsClear category filter78,000 miles · Mar 19, 2014
Air Bags
SPIRAL CABLE FAILED AT ABOUT 78 000 MILES ON MY 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER BASE MODEL CAUSING AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. I TOOK IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT AND I WAS TOLD OF FAILURE OF AIRBAG SYSTEM CREATING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE LIGHT RANDOMLY CAME ON AND WAS NOT CAUSED BY AN ACCIDENT. I AM SUSP…
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SPIRAL CABLE FAILED AT ABOUT 78 000 MILES ON MY 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER BASE MODEL CAUSING AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. I TOOK IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT AND I WAS TOLD OF FAILURE OF AIRBAG SYSTEM CREATING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE LIGHT RANDOMLY CAME ON AND WAS NOT CAUSED BY AN ACCIDENT. I AM SUSPICIOUS THAT THE FAILURE IS A MANUFACTURING AND/OR DESIGN DEFECT WHICH HAS ALSO BEEN SEEN IN OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR SIMILAR SPIRAL CABLE FAILURE. I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA SERVICE THAT IT WOULD BE OVER $500 TO REPLACE THE CABLE SINCE IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. AFTER DOING A BIT OF RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WHO IS EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. I AM HOPEFUL THAT A RECALL CAN BE DONE SO THAT MY AIRBAG CAN DEPLOY IF NEEDED. THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD HAVE POSSIBLY DONE TO CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE SPIRAL CABLE WHICH IS HOUSED INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN; THEREFORE I BELIEVE THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10573574
73,000 miles · Mar 19, 2014
Air Bags
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT LIT, TOOK TO DEALER AND FOUND OUT SPIRAL CABLE WAS THE ISSUE AND NEED REPLACED. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE WHICH I BELIEVE SHOULD BE RECALLED BY TOYOTA AS THEY ALREADY DID ON OTHER MODELS. AS A LOYAL TOYOTA CUSTOMER ALONG WITH THE REST, I WOULD LIKE TO CALL UPON TOYOTA TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND DO THE RI…
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AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT LIT, TOOK TO DEALER AND FOUND OUT SPIRAL CABLE WAS THE ISSUE AND NEED REPLACED. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE WHICH I BELIEVE SHOULD BE RECALLED BY TOYOTA AS THEY ALREADY DID ON OTHER MODELS. AS A LOYAL TOYOTA CUSTOMER ALONG WITH THE REST, I WOULD LIKE TO CALL UPON TOYOTA TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND DO THE RIGHT THING--RECALL THIS AIR BAG ISSUE. THANK YOU!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10573365
120,000 miles · Feb 27, 2014
Air Bags
AIRBAG SENSOR IS ALWAYS LIT NOW. TOOK HIGHLANDER INTO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING FOR OTHER TOYOTA RECALLS AND HAD THEM CHECK SENSOR. I WAS TOLD MY 2008 HIGHLANDER NEEDED A NEW SPIRAL CABLE AND COST WAS 557.00 TO INSTALL. I JUST FOUND MORE COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS AND WONDER WHY IT IS NOT A RECALL CONSIDERING OTHER TOYOTAS SUCH…
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AIRBAG SENSOR IS ALWAYS LIT NOW. TOOK HIGHLANDER INTO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING FOR OTHER TOYOTA RECALLS AND HAD THEM CHECK SENSOR. I WAS TOLD MY 2008 HIGHLANDER NEEDED A NEW SPIRAL CABLE AND COST WAS 557.00 TO INSTALL. I JUST FOUND MORE COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS AND WONDER WHY IT IS NOT A RECALL CONSIDERING OTHER TOYOTAS SUCH AS CAMRYS, TACOMAS & VENZAS HAD SAME PROBLEM BUT WAS A RECALL. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE 2008 HIGHLANDERS INVOLVED IN A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. APPARENTLY, I WON'T HAVE ANY AIRBAGS WORKING UNTIL THIS IS FIXED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10566383
72,000 miles · Feb 4, 2014
Air Bags
SPIRAL CABLE FAILED AT ABOUT 72, 000 MILES ON MY 2008 TOY HIGHLANDER BASE MODEL CAUSING AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE STEADY AND WAS TOLD OF FAILURE OF AIRBAG SYSTEM CREATING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. CAUSE THE FAILURE APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURING AND/OR DESIGN DEFECT AS ALSO SEEN IN OTHER TOYOTA VE…
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SPIRAL CABLE FAILED AT ABOUT 72, 000 MILES ON MY 2008 TOY HIGHLANDER BASE MODEL CAUSING AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE STEADY AND WAS TOLD OF FAILURE OF AIRBAG SYSTEM CREATING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. CAUSE THE FAILURE APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURING AND/OR DESIGN DEFECT AS ALSO SEEN IN OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR SIMILAR SPIRAL CABLE FAILURE. SENSOR APPEARS TO RESET WHEN NO PERSON IS SEATED ON DRIVER SIDE AND IGNITION IS TURNED ON. AS SOON AS DRIVER SEAT SENSOR IS ACTIVATED THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT IS ON. PROBLEM WITH DRIVER SEAT SENSORS OR MAIN MODULE PERHAPS? EITHER WAY IT APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT NOT FOUND ON OLDER TOYOTAS (?) *TR
NHTSA ODI #10562850
107,406 miles · Dec 7, 2013
Air Bags
SPIRAL CABLE FAILED AT ABOUT 107,406 MILES ON MY 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, CAUSING AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE STEADY AND WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WOULDN'T BE FUNCTIONING. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY MANUFACTURER OR THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS. THE CAR HASN'T BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS. T…
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SPIRAL CABLE FAILED AT ABOUT 107,406 MILES ON MY 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, CAUSING AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE STEADY AND WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WOULDN'T BE FUNCTIONING. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY MANUFACTURER OR THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS. THE CAR HASN'T BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS. THE COST OF REPLACEMENT (PART AND LABORS) IS $544. TOYOTA NEEDS TO REIMBURSE CUSTOMERS FOR SUCH A COST AS IT IS OF NO DRIVER'S FAULT AND OBVIOUSLY A COMMON ISSUE. THERE IS ANOTHER 2008 RECALL ON THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BUT DIDN'T APPLY TO MY CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10555167
72,400 miles · Oct 25, 2013
Air Bags
SPIRAL CABLE FAILED AT ABOUT 72, 400 MILES ON MY 2008 TOY HIGHLANDER BASE MODEL CAUSING AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE STEADY AND FAILURE OF AIRBAG SYSTEM CREATING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN A CRASH. AS NO DRIVER ACTIONS, ETC. CAUSED THE FAILURE IT APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURING AND/OR DESIGN DEFECT AS ALSO SEEN IN OTHER TO…
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SPIRAL CABLE FAILED AT ABOUT 72, 400 MILES ON MY 2008 TOY HIGHLANDER BASE MODEL CAUSING AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE STEADY AND FAILURE OF AIRBAG SYSTEM CREATING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN A CRASH. AS NO DRIVER ACTIONS, ETC. CAUSED THE FAILURE IT APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURING AND/OR DESIGN DEFECT AS ALSO SEEN IN OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR SIMILAR SPIRAL CABLE FAILURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10549590
98,397 miles · Sep 30, 2013
Air Bags
IN JUNE OF 2013 I WENT TO MCCARTHY TOYOTA IN SEDALIA, MO FOR AN UNRELATED RECALL. SOME WORK WAS DONE, BUT I WAS TOLD TO RETURN IN A WEEK OR SO BECAUSE AN ADDITIONAL PART HAD TO BE ORDERED. DURING THIS WEEK, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT APPEARED. I HAD NEVER OBSERVED THIS WARNING LIGHT BEFORE. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE DEALER TO…
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IN JUNE OF 2013 I WENT TO MCCARTHY TOYOTA IN SEDALIA, MO FOR AN UNRELATED RECALL. SOME WORK WAS DONE, BUT I WAS TOLD TO RETURN IN A WEEK OR SO BECAUSE AN ADDITIONAL PART HAD TO BE ORDERED. DURING THIS WEEK, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT APPEARED. I HAD NEVER OBSERVED THIS WARNING LIGHT BEFORE. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE DEALER TO COMPLETE THE ORIGINAL RECALL WORK, I INQUIRED ABOUT THE WARNING LIGHT. THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT MY MODEL TOYOTA SOMETIMES HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE SPIRAL CABLE AND I WAS ONE OF THE UNLUCKY OWNERS! HE INFORMED ME THAT I NO LONGER HAD FUNCTIONING AIRBAGS, BUT HE HAD THE NECESSARY PARTS TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION AND COULD DO IT IMMEDIATELY. THE COST WAS APPROXIMATELY $500 AND WAS NOT COVERED BY ANY WARRANTEE OR RECALL. I DECIDED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE MY CHANCES IN A VEHICLE THAT NOW HAD NON-FUNCTIONING AIRBAGS, SINCE $500 WAS JUST TOO MUCH MONEY TO PAY. A FRIEND RECENTLY INFORMED ME THAT I SHOULD FILE THIS COMPLAINT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10546162
110,000 miles · Sep 24, 2013
Air Bags
AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT JUST CAME ON AT 110,000 MILES, NO ACCIDENT, IN THE GARAGE..TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY ARE ASKING TO REPLACE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY IN DRIVER AIRBAG AT A COST OF $663 AND EXPLAINED THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. I CALLED TOYOTA AND DISCUSSED THE ISSUE...I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT TACOMA'S HAD THE SAME ISSUE …
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AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT JUST CAME ON AT 110,000 MILES, NO ACCIDENT, IN THE GARAGE..TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY ARE ASKING TO REPLACE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY IN DRIVER AIRBAG AT A COST OF $663 AND EXPLAINED THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. I CALLED TOYOTA AND DISCUSSED THE ISSUE...I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT TACOMA'S HAD THE SAME ISSUE AS WELL, INTERESTING THOUGH, THAT MY 08 HIGHLANDER HAD SAME PROBLEM. TOYOTA CONFIRMED MY UNDERSTANDINGS AS WELL. I SEARCHED INTERNET AND SEVERAL OTHER HIGHLANDERS (ALMOST IDENTICAL VINS) HAVE FACED THE SAME ISSUE. I THINK HIGHLANDERS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED FOR THE SIMILAR ISSUES WHICH TACOMA'S FACED.. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE GIVEN SOME ATTENTION. HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/TOYOTA/HIGHLANDER/AIR-BAG-LIGHT-ON-PROBLEMS.PHP THE ABOVE WEBSITE LISTS OTHER HIGHLANDER'S WHICH FACED THE SAME ISSUE. I REALLY APPRECIATE THE GOOD WORK YOU GUYS ARE DOING TO MAKE THE ROADS/HIGHWAYS SAFER PLACE FOR EVERYONE.. THANK YOU. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10545121
93,255 miles · Sep 3, 2013
Air BagsElectrical System
AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT DEPLOYED, AND REMAINED LIT FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE DAYS. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AT PULLMAN, WA DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAULTY SPIRAL CABLE; THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $491.69. I WONDER WHY THERE WAS A RECALL DONE ON ~450,000 TACOMAS, BUT NOT ON THE HIGHLANDER. IT SOUNDS LIKE A SIMILA…
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AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT DEPLOYED, AND REMAINED LIT FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE DAYS. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AT PULLMAN, WA DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAULTY SPIRAL CABLE; THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $491.69. I WONDER WHY THERE WAS A RECALL DONE ON ~450,000 TACOMAS, BUT NOT ON THE HIGHLANDER. IT SOUNDS LIKE A SIMILAR PROBLEM: POOR ENGINEERING LEADS TO FRICTION, CAUSING A SHORT IN THE CABLE. WARNING LIGHT GOES ON, AND THE DRIVER AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY DURING A WRECK. I COULD THINK OF 1001 BETTER WAYS TO SPEND $500!!! *JB
NHTSA ODI #10541688
72,974 miles · Jul 29, 2013
Air Bags
AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT JUST CAME ON AT 73,000 MILES, NO ACCIDENT. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY IN DRIVER AIRBAG AT A COST OF $500 AND EXPLAINED THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY TOLD ME THIS ONLY AFFECTED TACOMA'S, INTERESTING THOUGH, THAT MY 08 HIGHLANDER HAD SAME P…
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AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT JUST CAME ON AT 73,000 MILES, NO ACCIDENT. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY IN DRIVER AIRBAG AT A COST OF $500 AND EXPLAINED THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY TOLD ME THIS ONLY AFFECTED TACOMA'S, INTERESTING THOUGH, THAT MY 08 HIGHLANDER HAD SAME PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10532337
Official recalls
11Jun 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.
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.
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.
Apr 9, 2014
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
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.
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
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: 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
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: 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.
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.
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.
Jan 27, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, VENZA AND MATRIX PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT. THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A CAMPAIGN OF 3.8 MILLION OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES ANNOUNCED IN 2009 FOR THE SAME ISSUE (SEE 09V-388).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL MODIFY OR REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FLOOR SURFACE MODIFICATIONS ARE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED AND WILL BE INCLUDED FOR ANY MODEL FOR WHICH IT IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE. INITIALLY, DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO RESHAPE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FOR THE REPAIR. AS REPLACEMENT PARTS WITH THE SAME SHAPE AS THE MODIFIED PEDAL BECOME AVAILABLE, THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE DEALERS FOR THE REPAIR. CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD THE PEDAL RESHAPE REMEDY COMPLETED WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A NEW PEDAL IF THEY DESIRE, AFTER REPLACEMENT PEDALS BECOME AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, TOYOTA WILL REPLACE ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT IN A SUBJECT VEHICLE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT BUT DO NOT NEED OR WANT THE NEWLY DESIGNED ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT, TOYOTA WILL RECOVER THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT AND REIMBURSE ITS PRICE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN MARCH 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
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.
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
2EA18006 · Steering Column Separation
Opened Nov 16, 2018 · Closed Apr 2, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:column
On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005). The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism. Given the separation occurring when operating the tilt and/or telescoping function and failure of both shear capsules to maintain the lower steering column mounting position, potential for shear capsule damage in the known failures due to collisions, the overall low rate of occurrence, and the updated manufacturer documentation, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. A detailed summary of the investigation is attached to this closing resume. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:column
On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005). The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism. Given the separation occurring when operating the tilt and/or telescoping function and failure of both shear capsules to maintain the lower steering column mounting position, potential for shear capsule damage in the known failures due to collisions, the overall low rate of occurrence, and the updated manufacturer documentation, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. A detailed summary of the investigation is attached to this closing resume. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Steering
On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005). The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism. Given the separation occurring when operating the tilt and/or telescoping function and failure of both shear capsules to maintain the lower steering column mounting position, potential for shear capsule damage in the known failures due to collisions, the overall low rate of occurrence, and the updated manufacturer documentation, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. A detailed summary of the investigation is attached to this closing resume. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE18005 · Upper Steering Column Separation
Opened May 4, 2018 · Closed Nov 20, 2018
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:column
On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Since opening PE18-005, one (1) additional VOQ involving steering column separation has been received. This incident occurred while the vehicle was stationary.As part of PE18-005, ODI examined the field data, warranty data, and relevant technical information submitted by Toyota in response to the PE18-005 information request letter. Ten (10) additional incidents of steering column separation were identified. Four (4) of these instances occurred while driving. During PE18-005, ODI confirmed that the steering columns in the subject vehicles are equipped with breakaway capsules that are designed to collapse/shear during certain types of vehicle collisions. This design feature aims to reduce driver injury severity from impact with the steering wheel in frontal vehicle collisions. There is no direct method for detecting when the capsules in the subject vehicles have sheared. If the driver operates the tilt/telescoping feature after the breakaway capsules have separated, the steering column may drop out of position and could subsequently detach entirely from the rest of the steering assembly. Loss of steering while driving may cause a loss of vehicle control, which could lead to a vehicle crash.To date, ODI has identified 14 incidents involving complete steering column separation, 6 of which occurred while driving. One of these incidents involved a minor crash. Additionally, there have been 16 events where the steering column dropped from the dashboard mounting brackets, but column separation did not occur. Four of these incidents happened while driving. Of these 30 total separation/drop incidents, 5 of the vehicles have evidence of minor collision repairs months or years prior to the steering column failure.This investigation has been upgraded an to Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) in order to 1) conduct a more detailed analysis of the conditions that may cause the steering column breakaway capsules to separate and 2) assess factors that may contribute to the problem of failing to detect and repair breakaway capsules after they have separated. Toyota has recently revised their repair manual and issued a Collision Repair Information Bulletin to help address the second concern.The VOQs associated with this investigation can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI complaint numbers: 11141761, 11083623, 11083280, 10888043.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:column
On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Since opening PE18-005, one (1) additional VOQ involving steering column separation has been received. This incident occurred while the vehicle was stationary.As part of PE18-005, ODI examined the field data, warranty data, and relevant technical information submitted by Toyota in response to the PE18-005 information request letter. Ten (10) additional incidents of steering column separation were identified. Four (4) of these instances occurred while driving. During PE18-005, ODI confirmed that the steering columns in the subject vehicles are equipped with breakaway capsules that are designed to collapse/shear during certain types of vehicle collisions. This design feature aims to reduce driver injury severity from impact with the steering wheel in frontal vehicle collisions. There is no direct method for detecting when the capsules in the subject vehicles have sheared. If the driver operates the tilt/telescoping feature after the breakaway capsules have separated, the steering column may drop out of position and could subsequently detach entirely from the rest of the steering assembly. Loss of steering while driving may cause a loss of vehicle control, which could lead to a vehicle crash.To date, ODI has identified 14 incidents involving complete steering column separation, 6 of which occurred while driving. One of these incidents involved a minor crash. Additionally, there have been 16 events where the steering column dropped from the dashboard mounting brackets, but column separation did not occur. Four of these incidents happened while driving. Of these 30 total separation/drop incidents, 5 of the vehicles have evidence of minor collision repairs months or years prior to the steering column failure.This investigation has been upgraded an to Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) in order to 1) conduct a more detailed analysis of the conditions that may cause the steering column breakaway capsules to separate and 2) assess factors that may contribute to the problem of failing to detect and repair breakaway capsules after they have separated. Toyota has recently revised their repair manual and issued a Collision Repair Information Bulletin to help address the second concern.The VOQs associated with this investigation can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI complaint numbers: 11141761, 11083623, 11083280, 10888043.
Steering
On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Since opening PE18-005, one (1) additional VOQ involving steering column separation has been received. This incident occurred while the vehicle was stationary.As part of PE18-005, ODI examined the field data, warranty data, and relevant technical information submitted by Toyota in response to the PE18-005 information request letter. Ten (10) additional incidents of steering column separation were identified. Four (4) of these instances occurred while driving. During PE18-005, ODI confirmed that the steering columns in the subject vehicles are equipped with breakaway capsules that are designed to collapse/shear during certain types of vehicle collisions. This design feature aims to reduce driver injury severity from impact with the steering wheel in frontal vehicle collisions. There is no direct method for detecting when the capsules in the subject vehicles have sheared. If the driver operates the tilt/telescoping feature after the breakaway capsules have separated, the steering column may drop out of position and could subsequently detach entirely from the rest of the steering assembly. Loss of steering while driving may cause a loss of vehicle control, which could lead to a vehicle crash.To date, ODI has identified 14 incidents involving complete steering column separation, 6 of which occurred while driving. One of these incidents involved a minor crash. Additionally, there have been 16 events where the steering column dropped from the dashboard mounting brackets, but column separation did not occur. Four of these incidents happened while driving. Of these 30 total separation/drop incidents, 5 of the vehicles have evidence of minor collision repairs months or years prior to the steering column failure.This investigation has been upgraded an to Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) in order to 1) conduct a more detailed analysis of the conditions that may cause the steering column breakaway capsules to separate and 2) assess factors that may contribute to the problem of failing to detect and repair breakaway capsules after they have separated. Toyota has recently revised their repair manual and issued a Collision Repair Information Bulletin to help address the second concern.The VOQs associated with this investigation can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI complaint numbers: 11141761, 11083623, 11083280, 10888043.
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