NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
181 reports17,000 miles · Dec 15, 2015
Structure
REAR LIFT GATE STOPPED OPENING AND CLOSING WITH BUTTON ON DASH. HYDRAULIC ARM POPPED OFF. WAS ABLE TO REATTACH, BUT TOYOTA DEALER SAID IT WOULD KEEP HAPPENING BECAUSE THE HINGES OF THE DOOR WERE SEPARATING FROM THE DOOR AND TO GET THAT REPAIRED I WOULD NEED TO SEND IT TO THE BODY SHOP. THE ARM HAS SINCE SNAPPED IN HALF AND TH…
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REAR LIFT GATE STOPPED OPENING AND CLOSING WITH BUTTON ON DASH. HYDRAULIC ARM POPPED OFF. WAS ABLE TO REATTACH, BUT TOYOTA DEALER SAID IT WOULD KEEP HAPPENING BECAUSE THE HINGES OF THE DOOR WERE SEPARATING FROM THE DOOR AND TO GET THAT REPAIRED I WOULD NEED TO SEND IT TO THE BODY SHOP. THE ARM HAS SINCE SNAPPED IN HALF AND THE DOOR CAN ONLY BE OPENED/CLOSED MANUALLY, BUT TOYOTA WARNED ME THAT THE HINGES WILL CONTINUE TO BEND. I AM FEARFUL AS I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND DO NOT TRUST THE DOOR TO BE SAFE. TOYOTA DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR AT THEIR EXPENSE EVEN THOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN LAWSUITS AND ARE SO MANY DOCUMENTED CASES.
NHTSA ODI #10810610
43,002 miles · Oct 12, 2015
Structure
THE POWER FUNCTION LIFT ARM BROKE OFF FROM WHERE IT CONNECTS INTO THE REA DOOR ON MY 2011 HIGHLANDER. TOYOTA DIDN'T MENTIONED ABOUT THE DOOR HINGES RELATED ISSUES AND I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT OF THE HINGES. THIS, OF COURSE DIDN'T PREVENTED NOR RESOLVED THE ISSUE WITH THE POWER FUNCTION LIFT ARM THAT NOW IS BEYON…
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THE POWER FUNCTION LIFT ARM BROKE OFF FROM WHERE IT CONNECTS INTO THE REA DOOR ON MY 2011 HIGHLANDER. TOYOTA DIDN'T MENTIONED ABOUT THE DOOR HINGES RELATED ISSUES AND I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT OF THE HINGES. THIS, OF COURSE DIDN'T PREVENTED NOR RESOLVED THE ISSUE WITH THE POWER FUNCTION LIFT ARM THAT NOW IS BEYOND REPAIR; THE BOLT AND SCREW HOLE ARE NOW STRIPPED.
NHTSA ODI #10781482
40,000 miles · Sep 5, 2015
Visibility/wiper
DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR IS BROKEN AND STUCK AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE, AND WILL NOT STAY IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION, OBSTRUCTING VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN ISSUE OF THIS PARTICULAR MODEL, AS THERE ARE MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONCE DOING A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH.
NHTSA ODI #10761805
58,000 miles · Aug 9, 2015
Unknown Or Other
ON JULY 19 MY DAUGHTER HIT THE BUTTON TO CLOSE THE REAR LIFT GATE. THE HANDLE BROKE AWAY FROM THE CAR. IT LOOKED LIKE THE SCREW WAS STRIPPED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AUG 5. THEY SAID IT IS A FULL REAR DOOR REPLACEMENT WITH ESTIMATED COST OF $3000 - $5000. THEY WERE VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE I FO…
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ON JULY 19 MY DAUGHTER HIT THE BUTTON TO CLOSE THE REAR LIFT GATE. THE HANDLE BROKE AWAY FROM THE CAR. IT LOOKED LIKE THE SCREW WAS STRIPPED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AUG 5. THEY SAID IT IS A FULL REAR DOOR REPLACEMENT WITH ESTIMATED COST OF $3000 - $5000. THEY WERE VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE I FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2008-2012 HIGHLANDERS AND TOYOTA HAS BEEN AWARE. THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT REGARDING IT ALSO. CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID I AM OUT OF WARRANTY AND OUT OF LUCK.
NHTSA ODI #10747241
39,530 miles · Jul 24, 2015
Visibility/wiper
DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR WON'T STAY CLOSE TO THE CEILING .
NHTSA ODI #10743427
69,125 miles · Jul 10, 2015
Visibility/wiper
AS I ATTEMPTED TO LOWER THE VISOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, THE MECHANISM BROKE AND IT WOULD NEITHER STAY OR OR DOWN - BLOCKING VISIBILITY. I KNOW A COUPLE OF MY FRIENDS WHO OWN HIGHLANDERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE DEALERSHIP I WENT TO SAID THAT TOYOTA WAS GOING TO DO SOME TYPE OF "EXTENDED WARRANTY" TO COVER THE COST. HOW…
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AS I ATTEMPTED TO LOWER THE VISOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, THE MECHANISM BROKE AND IT WOULD NEITHER STAY OR OR DOWN - BLOCKING VISIBILITY. I KNOW A COUPLE OF MY FRIENDS WHO OWN HIGHLANDERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE DEALERSHIP I WENT TO SAID THAT TOYOTA WAS GOING TO DO SOME TYPE OF "EXTENDED WARRANTY" TO COVER THE COST. HOW DO I APPLY FOR THAT?
NHTSA ODI #10733100
44,727 miles · Jun 19, 2015
Service BrakesCrashInjury
WHILE GOING INTO A PARKING SPACE, I ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED ENTIRELY TO THE FLOOR, AND THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. AS THE RESULT, MY VEHICLE DROPPED APPROXIMATELY 15 FEET OVER A RETAINING WALL TO A LOWER PARKING LOT LANDING NOSE FIRST ONTO THE PAVEMENT OF THE PARKING AREA BELOW. THE AIRBAG DEPLOY…
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WHILE GOING INTO A PARKING SPACE, I ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED ENTIRELY TO THE FLOOR, AND THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. AS THE RESULT, MY VEHICLE DROPPED APPROXIMATELY 15 FEET OVER A RETAINING WALL TO A LOWER PARKING LOT LANDING NOSE FIRST ONTO THE PAVEMENT OF THE PARKING AREA BELOW. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND THE VEHICLE ULTIMATELY LANDED ON ALL FOUR TIRES, ROLLING FORWARD UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY ENGAGING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE.
NHTSA ODI #10726236
55,603 miles · Jun 16, 2015
Visibility/wiper
THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR IS STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION. THIS IS CREATING DIFFICULTY SEEING AND I HAVE HIT MY HEAD ON THE VISOR A FEW TIMES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA EXPECTING IT TO BE COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THE COST WAS ROUGHLY $230 FOR THE PART AND AN ADDITIONAL $30 TO INSTALL. CLEARLY WIT…
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THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR IS STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION. THIS IS CREATING DIFFICULTY SEEING AND I HAVE HIT MY HEAD ON THE VISOR A FEW TIMES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA EXPECTING IT TO BE COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THE COST WAS ROUGHLY $230 FOR THE PART AND AN ADDITIONAL $30 TO INSTALL. CLEARLY WITH THIS CREATING A VISIBILITY HAZARD AND THE SHEER NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS THIS SHOULD BE A FACTORY RECALL. ...UPDATED08/20/15 *BF UPDATED 11/27/15*JS
NHTSA ODI #10725477
52,500 miles · May 27, 2015
Steering
WHEN MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN THE STEERING SYSTEM HAS A SIGNIFICANT "BUMP" OF "THUMP". THIS APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH A PART OF THE STEERING SECTOR SHAFT THAT TOYOTA IS WELL AWARE OF BUT WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH DESIGN. TOYOTA WILL ONLY CORRECT PROBLEM IF CUSTOMER IS WILLING TO PAY COST OF APPROXIMATEL…
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WHEN MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN THE STEERING SYSTEM HAS A SIGNIFICANT "BUMP" OF "THUMP". THIS APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH A PART OF THE STEERING SECTOR SHAFT THAT TOYOTA IS WELL AWARE OF BUT WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH DESIGN. TOYOTA WILL ONLY CORRECT PROBLEM IF CUSTOMER IS WILLING TO PAY COST OF APPROXIMATELY $1200. NOT SURE WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF CORRECTION IS NOT MADE, BUT I BELIEVE IT COULD LEAD TO FAILURE OF THE STEERING SYSTEM TO FUNCTION APPROPRIATELY.
NHTSA ODI #10721723
30,200 miles · May 14, 2015
Electrical System
THE REAR DOOR SENSOR KEEPS INDICATING THE DOOR IS OPEN WHEN IT IS NOT. THIS CAUSES THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TO FLASH, DOOR TO CHIME, AND THE REAR DISPLAY TO SHOW "DOOR OPEN". THIS BEGAN HAPPENING WHEN I WOULD TURN LEFT. WHEN THE WEATHER IS REALLY HOT OUTSIDE (90S AND ABOVE) IT IS WORSE. THIS ISSUE CAUSES A BIGGER PROBLEM, WITH TH…
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THE REAR DOOR SENSOR KEEPS INDICATING THE DOOR IS OPEN WHEN IT IS NOT. THIS CAUSES THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TO FLASH, DOOR TO CHIME, AND THE REAR DISPLAY TO SHOW "DOOR OPEN". THIS BEGAN HAPPENING WHEN I WOULD TURN LEFT. WHEN THE WEATHER IS REALLY HOT OUTSIDE (90S AND ABOVE) IT IS WORSE. THIS ISSUE CAUSES A BIGGER PROBLEM, WITH THE VEHICLE THINKING THAT THE REAR DOOR IS NOT CLOSED IT DOES NOT ALLOW ME TO LOCK/ALARM MY VEHICLE WHEN OUT IN PUBLIC. I AM ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY AND CURRENTLY LIVE OVERSEAS, SO KEEPING MY VEHICLE LOCKED/ALARMED IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.
NHTSA ODI #10716385
Official recalls
5Jun 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, 2013
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Jan 16, 2013
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2EA18006 · Steering Column Separation
Opened Nov 16, 2018 · Closed Apr 2, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:column
On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005). The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism. Given the separation occurring when operating the tilt and/or telescoping function and failure of both shear capsules to maintain the lower steering column mounting position, potential for shear capsule damage in the known failures due to collisions, the overall low rate of occurrence, and the updated manufacturer documentation, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. A detailed summary of the investigation is attached to this closing resume. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:column
On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005). The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism. Given the separation occurring when operating the tilt and/or telescoping function and failure of both shear capsules to maintain the lower steering column mounting position, potential for shear capsule damage in the known failures due to collisions, the overall low rate of occurrence, and the updated manufacturer documentation, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. A detailed summary of the investigation is attached to this closing resume. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Steering
On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005). The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism. Given the separation occurring when operating the tilt and/or telescoping function and failure of both shear capsules to maintain the lower steering column mounting position, potential for shear capsule damage in the known failures due to collisions, the overall low rate of occurrence, and the updated manufacturer documentation, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. A detailed summary of the investigation is attached to this closing resume. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE18005 · Upper Steering Column Separation
Opened May 4, 2018 · Closed Nov 20, 2018
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:column
On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Since opening PE18-005, one (1) additional VOQ involving steering column separation has been received. This incident occurred while the vehicle was stationary.As part of PE18-005, ODI examined the field data, warranty data, and relevant technical information submitted by Toyota in response to the PE18-005 information request letter. Ten (10) additional incidents of steering column separation were identified. Four (4) of these instances occurred while driving. During PE18-005, ODI confirmed that the steering columns in the subject vehicles are equipped with breakaway capsules that are designed to collapse/shear during certain types of vehicle collisions. This design feature aims to reduce driver injury severity from impact with the steering wheel in frontal vehicle collisions. There is no direct method for detecting when the capsules in the subject vehicles have sheared. If the driver operates the tilt/telescoping feature after the breakaway capsules have separated, the steering column may drop out of position and could subsequently detach entirely from the rest of the steering assembly. Loss of steering while driving may cause a loss of vehicle control, which could lead to a vehicle crash.To date, ODI has identified 14 incidents involving complete steering column separation, 6 of which occurred while driving. One of these incidents involved a minor crash. Additionally, there have been 16 events where the steering column dropped from the dashboard mounting brackets, but column separation did not occur. Four of these incidents happened while driving. Of these 30 total separation/drop incidents, 5 of the vehicles have evidence of minor collision repairs months or years prior to the steering column failure.This investigation has been upgraded an to Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) in order to 1) conduct a more detailed analysis of the conditions that may cause the steering column breakaway capsules to separate and 2) assess factors that may contribute to the problem of failing to detect and repair breakaway capsules after they have separated. Toyota has recently revised their repair manual and issued a Collision Repair Information Bulletin to help address the second concern.The VOQs associated with this investigation can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI complaint numbers: 11141761, 11083623, 11083280, 10888043.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:column
On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Since opening PE18-005, one (1) additional VOQ involving steering column separation has been received. This incident occurred while the vehicle was stationary.As part of PE18-005, ODI examined the field data, warranty data, and relevant technical information submitted by Toyota in response to the PE18-005 information request letter. Ten (10) additional incidents of steering column separation were identified. Four (4) of these instances occurred while driving. During PE18-005, ODI confirmed that the steering columns in the subject vehicles are equipped with breakaway capsules that are designed to collapse/shear during certain types of vehicle collisions. This design feature aims to reduce driver injury severity from impact with the steering wheel in frontal vehicle collisions. There is no direct method for detecting when the capsules in the subject vehicles have sheared. If the driver operates the tilt/telescoping feature after the breakaway capsules have separated, the steering column may drop out of position and could subsequently detach entirely from the rest of the steering assembly. Loss of steering while driving may cause a loss of vehicle control, which could lead to a vehicle crash.To date, ODI has identified 14 incidents involving complete steering column separation, 6 of which occurred while driving. One of these incidents involved a minor crash. Additionally, there have been 16 events where the steering column dropped from the dashboard mounting brackets, but column separation did not occur. Four of these incidents happened while driving. Of these 30 total separation/drop incidents, 5 of the vehicles have evidence of minor collision repairs months or years prior to the steering column failure.This investigation has been upgraded an to Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) in order to 1) conduct a more detailed analysis of the conditions that may cause the steering column breakaway capsules to separate and 2) assess factors that may contribute to the problem of failing to detect and repair breakaway capsules after they have separated. Toyota has recently revised their repair manual and issued a Collision Repair Information Bulletin to help address the second concern.The VOQs associated with this investigation can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI complaint numbers: 11141761, 11083623, 11083280, 10888043.
Steering
On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Since opening PE18-005, one (1) additional VOQ involving steering column separation has been received. This incident occurred while the vehicle was stationary.As part of PE18-005, ODI examined the field data, warranty data, and relevant technical information submitted by Toyota in response to the PE18-005 information request letter. Ten (10) additional incidents of steering column separation were identified. Four (4) of these instances occurred while driving. During PE18-005, ODI confirmed that the steering columns in the subject vehicles are equipped with breakaway capsules that are designed to collapse/shear during certain types of vehicle collisions. This design feature aims to reduce driver injury severity from impact with the steering wheel in frontal vehicle collisions. There is no direct method for detecting when the capsules in the subject vehicles have sheared. If the driver operates the tilt/telescoping feature after the breakaway capsules have separated, the steering column may drop out of position and could subsequently detach entirely from the rest of the steering assembly. Loss of steering while driving may cause a loss of vehicle control, which could lead to a vehicle crash.To date, ODI has identified 14 incidents involving complete steering column separation, 6 of which occurred while driving. One of these incidents involved a minor crash. Additionally, there have been 16 events where the steering column dropped from the dashboard mounting brackets, but column separation did not occur. Four of these incidents happened while driving. Of these 30 total separation/drop incidents, 5 of the vehicles have evidence of minor collision repairs months or years prior to the steering column failure.This investigation has been upgraded an to Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) in order to 1) conduct a more detailed analysis of the conditions that may cause the steering column breakaway capsules to separate and 2) assess factors that may contribute to the problem of failing to detect and repair breakaway capsules after they have separated. Toyota has recently revised their repair manual and issued a Collision Repair Information Bulletin to help address the second concern.The VOQs associated with this investigation can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI complaint numbers: 11141761, 11083623, 11083280, 10888043.
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