NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
182 reports17,300 miles · Jul 29, 2015
Electrical System
THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER STOPPED WORKING. WITH ONLY 17300 ON THE CAR, ALL 4 DOORS WONT CLOSE WITH THE KEY FOB, OR ON THE DOOR. THEY OPEN BUT DONT CLOSE, I HAVE TO MANUALLY CLOSE EACH DOOR LOCK EVERY TIME I WANT THE DOORS LOCKED. AM I THE ONLY OWNER?I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW, AND AS SOON AS IT CAME OUT OF WARR…
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THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER STOPPED WORKING. WITH ONLY 17300 ON THE CAR, ALL 4 DOORS WONT CLOSE WITH THE KEY FOB, OR ON THE DOOR. THEY OPEN BUT DONT CLOSE, I HAVE TO MANUALLY CLOSE EACH DOOR LOCK EVERY TIME I WANT THE DOORS LOCKED. AM I THE ONLY OWNER?I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW, AND AS SOON AS IT CAME OUT OF WARRANTY THE DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING. I DISCONNECTED THE AUTO CLOSE WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, NOW THE DOORS CLOSE ONCE IN A WHILE FROM THE KEY FOB.
NHTSA ODI #10744835
60,000 miles · Jul 29, 2015
Unknown Or Other
THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK (DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR) ON MY 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER RECENTLY BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS; IT WORKED INTERMITTENTLY FOR A SHORT TIME, THEN CEASED WORKING AT ALL. AFTER A RECENT SERVICE TRIP, TOYOTA QUOTED ME OVER $500 TO REPLACE THE DOOR ACTUATOR AND LABOR. I REALIZE THIS SEEMS LIKE A SMALL ISSUE. BUT I, AND…
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THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK (DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR) ON MY 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER RECENTLY BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS; IT WORKED INTERMITTENTLY FOR A SHORT TIME, THEN CEASED WORKING AT ALL. AFTER A RECENT SERVICE TRIP, TOYOTA QUOTED ME OVER $500 TO REPLACE THE DOOR ACTUATOR AND LABOR. I REALIZE THIS SEEMS LIKE A SMALL ISSUE. BUT I, AND MY FAMILY, HAVE OWNED TOYOTAS PREVIOUSLY AND HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE, EVEN WITH DIFFERENT MODELS. I CAN'T HELP BUT FEEL THAT TOYOTA IS MAKING A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND I, AS A CONSUMER, AM FOOTING THE BILL FOR THEIR FAULTY PART. MOREOVER, A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH FINDS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS UBIQUITOUS; THERE ARE MYRIAD FORUMS DEDICATED TO FINDING A SOLUTION. I FEEL THAT THIS MAY EVEN JUSTIFY A RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #10744578
39,850 miles · Jun 9, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
ON (OR ABOUT) THE LAST WEEK OF MAY 2015, I HAD MY AUTO SERVICED AT THE DEALSHIP. I WAS ADVISED THAT THE 'THROTTLE BODY' NEEDED 'CLEANING' AND THIS WAS DONE BY THE DEALERSHIP AT THAT TIME. ON JUNE 4, 2015, I WAS BACKING INTO A PARKING SPOT ON A PARKING LOT, WIITH THE CAR 'COASTING' BACK AND MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. ABOUT HALF WAY …
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ON (OR ABOUT) THE LAST WEEK OF MAY 2015, I HAD MY AUTO SERVICED AT THE DEALSHIP. I WAS ADVISED THAT THE 'THROTTLE BODY' NEEDED 'CLEANING' AND THIS WAS DONE BY THE DEALERSHIP AT THAT TIME. ON JUNE 4, 2015, I WAS BACKING INTO A PARKING SPOT ON A PARKING LOT, WIITH THE CAR 'COASTING' BACK AND MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. ABOUT HALF WAY INTO THE 'SPOT' THE CAR ENGINE SUDDELY ACCELLERATED AND I HAD TO USE EXTREME PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO OBTAIN A 'MINIMUM' OF SLOWING. THE CAR ONLY CAME TO A STOP WHEN THE REAR TIRES, MADE CONTACT WITH AN 'IN-PLACE' CEMENT PARKING BARRIER AND THE ENGINE ACCELERATION ONLY CEASED WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN 'PARK' GEAR. IT HAS NOT OCCURED SINCE, NOR HAS IT EVER OCCURED WHILE DRIVING FORWARD. I AM A RETIRED POLICE OFFICER WITH YEARS OF TRAINING IN DRIVING AND DRIVER SAFETY, AND AM CERTAIN OF THIS ACTION OCURRING AS I HAVE DESCRIBED.
NHTSA ODI #10724352
48,896 miles · Jun 8, 2015
Electrical System
THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK NO LONGER WORKS. IT HAS TO BE MANUALLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. I SEE THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME TYPE FAILURE IN THEIR VEHICLES AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME MILEAGE-RIGHT AROUND THE TIME THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED OR SOON AFTER. IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON ENOUGH PROBLEM THAT …
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THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK NO LONGER WORKS. IT HAS TO BE MANUALLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. I SEE THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME TYPE FAILURE IN THEIR VEHICLES AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME MILEAGE-RIGHT AROUND THE TIME THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED OR SOON AFTER. IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON ENOUGH PROBLEM THAT IT SHOULD BE FIXED AT TOYOTA'S EXPENSE.
NHTSA ODI #10724124
17,400 miles · May 23, 2015
Electrical System
THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER STOPPED WORKING. WITH ONLY 17500 ON THE CAR, ALL 4 DOORS WONT CLOSE WITH THE KEY FOB, OR ON THE DOOR. THEY OPEN BUT DONT CLOSE, I HAVE TO MANUALLY CLOSE EACH DOOR LOCK EVERY TIME I WANT THE DOORS LOCKED. I AM THE ONLY OWNER, I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW, AND AS SOON AS IT CAME OUT OF WAR…
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THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER STOPPED WORKING. WITH ONLY 17500 ON THE CAR, ALL 4 DOORS WONT CLOSE WITH THE KEY FOB, OR ON THE DOOR. THEY OPEN BUT DONT CLOSE, I HAVE TO MANUALLY CLOSE EACH DOOR LOCK EVERY TIME I WANT THE DOORS LOCKED. I AM THE ONLY OWNER, I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW, AND AS SOON AS IT CAME OUT OF WARRANTY THE DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING.
NHTSA ODI #10721143
58,000 miles · May 8, 2015
Visibility/wiper
MY PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR BROKE INTERNALLY AND THE INTERNAL SPRING FORCED IT TO POINT STRAIGHT DOWN. IT BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF VEHICLES APPROACHING FROM A SIDE STREET ON THE RIGHT . I HAVE FIDDLED WITH IT AND GOT IT TO STAY UP ABOUT 3 INCHES FROM THE ROOF , BUT IT KEEPS CREEPING BACK DOWN . I ORDERED A REPLACEMENT SUN VI…
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MY PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR BROKE INTERNALLY AND THE INTERNAL SPRING FORCED IT TO POINT STRAIGHT DOWN. IT BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF VEHICLES APPROACHING FROM A SIDE STREET ON THE RIGHT . I HAVE FIDDLED WITH IT AND GOT IT TO STAY UP ABOUT 3 INCHES FROM THE ROOF , BUT IT KEEPS CREEPING BACK DOWN . I ORDERED A REPLACEMENT SUN VISOR FROM TOYOTA THROUGH MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN JANUARY . THE ORDER WAS "BACK ORDERED" AND HAS YET TO BE SHIPPED FROM ( I PRESUME ) SOUTH EAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS . *TR
NHTSA ODI #10715302
40,000 miles · Mar 31, 2015
Electrical System
2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS BEGAN TO FAIL AT ABOUT 40K MILES. THE INITIAL FAILURE BEGAN WITH RT FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, BUT ALL FOUR DOORS BEGAN TO FAIL TO LOCK OR UNLOCK INTERMITTENTLY BY SMART KEY REMOTE OR BY DRIVER SIDE DOOR CONTROLS (SOMETIMES ALL THE DOORS WOULD FAIL TO UNLOCK). EMERGENCY ACCESS TO AN…
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2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS BEGAN TO FAIL AT ABOUT 40K MILES. THE INITIAL FAILURE BEGAN WITH RT FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, BUT ALL FOUR DOORS BEGAN TO FAIL TO LOCK OR UNLOCK INTERMITTENTLY BY SMART KEY REMOTE OR BY DRIVER SIDE DOOR CONTROLS (SOMETIMES ALL THE DOORS WOULD FAIL TO UNLOCK). EMERGENCY ACCESS TO ANY OF THE PASSENGERS WOULD BE A CONCERN. AT 47K MILES, TWO OF THE DOORS' ACTUATORS (RT FRONT PASSENGER & LT REAR PASSENGER) HAD TOTALLY FAILED, AND ARE BEING REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP AT OWNER'S EXPENSE OF $900 PLUS $125 DIAGNOSTIC FEE. WEB RESEARCH OF MULTIPLE TOYOTA AND AUTOMOTIVE FORUMS HAVE REVEALED THAT SIMILAR DOOR ACTUATOR FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED WITH OTHER TOYOTA MODELS AND YEARS, MANY REPORTING FAILURES THAT OCCUR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING EXPIRATION OF WARRANTY AT 3YRS/36K MILES. BASED ON OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS' REPORTS ON THIS ISSUE, WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THE OTHER TWO DOOR ACTUATORS ARE LIKELY TO FAIL IN THE NEAR FUTURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10702972
38,620 miles · Mar 25, 2015
Visibility/wiper
SUN VISOR, DRIVER'S SIDE: HANGS DOWN AT APPROXIMATELY 45 DEGREE ANGLE TOWARD DRIVER IN THE STOWED POSITION AND BUMPS HEAD ON THE BOTTOM EDGE WHEN EXITING OR LEANING FORWARD. WHEN IN THE USED POSITION IT GOES AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD GIVING LITTLE BENEFIT AS IT IS TOO HIGH TO BLOCK SUN AT SUNSET OR SUNRISE. IT WILL NOT STAY IN A FU…
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SUN VISOR, DRIVER'S SIDE: HANGS DOWN AT APPROXIMATELY 45 DEGREE ANGLE TOWARD DRIVER IN THE STOWED POSITION AND BUMPS HEAD ON THE BOTTOM EDGE WHEN EXITING OR LEANING FORWARD. WHEN IN THE USED POSITION IT GOES AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD GIVING LITTLE BENEFIT AS IT IS TOO HIGH TO BLOCK SUN AT SUNSET OR SUNRISE. IT WILL NOT STAY IN A FULL DOWN POSITION. THE INTERNAL SPRING HOLDS THE SUN VISOR IN THESE 2 POSITIONS ONLY. IN AN ACCIDENT IT MAY POSE A CUTTING PROBLEM ON FOREHEAD IN THE RETRACTED/STOWED POSITION. THE SUN VISOR?S SPRING MECHANISM APPEARED TO ROTATE OUT OF POSITION UPON NORMAL USE. IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AS TO MANY POSTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. DEALER CONTACTED ABOUT ISSUE AND CLAIMED IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10701692
53,000 miles · Feb 5, 2015
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
NHTSA ODI #10681570
31,000 miles · Jan 12, 2015
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
AT APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SINCE THAT TIME, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES AND WAS REPLACED OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND NOW THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR HAS ALSO FAILED. THREE OF THE FOUR DOOR LOCK …
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AT APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SINCE THAT TIME, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES AND WAS REPLACED OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND NOW THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR HAS ALSO FAILED. THREE OF THE FOUR DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS HAVE FAILED BETWEEN 30,000 AND 42,000 MILES AND ONLY ONE WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10671763
Official recalls
2Apr 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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