NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
182 reports45,000 miles · Jun 12, 2014
EngineFire
VEHICLE GOT STUCK IN SHALLOW WET SAND, WITHIN LESS THAN A COUPLE MINS OF ATTEMPTS TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD BY SPINNING WHEELS , THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND BECAME FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE ISSUE IS THE LITTLE THAT IT TOOK TO START A FIRE LIKE THIS - PERHAPS SOME COMPONENT NEEDS TO HAVE SAFETY F…
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VEHICLE GOT STUCK IN SHALLOW WET SAND, WITHIN LESS THAN A COUPLE MINS OF ATTEMPTS TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD BY SPINNING WHEELS , THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND BECAME FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE ISSUE IS THE LITTLE THAT IT TOOK TO START A FIRE LIKE THIS - PERHAPS SOME COMPONENT NEEDS TO HAVE SAFETY FEATURE ADDED OR STERN WARNING COMMUNICATED AND POSTED IN THE CAR OF THIS DANGER. WE LEARNED THAT LESSON THE VERY HARD WAY. INTERNET SEARCHES AFTER THE FACT SHOW OCCURRENCES OF THIS SAME SCENARIO ON ICE, ETC ON MODERN CARS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10597939
51,000 miles · May 25, 2014
Steering
THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A CLICKING FEEL IN THE STEERING SYSTEM ABOUT A YEAR AND 9 MONTHS FROM MANUFACTURE DATE. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS A FAILED INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND RECOMMEND INDICATE REPLACEMENT . I CONTACTED TOYOTA AS I FEEL REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED BY COMPANY DUE TO NATURE OF FAILURE AND AGE OF VEHIC…
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THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A CLICKING FEEL IN THE STEERING SYSTEM ABOUT A YEAR AND 9 MONTHS FROM MANUFACTURE DATE. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS A FAILED INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND RECOMMEND INDICATE REPLACEMENT . I CONTACTED TOYOTA AS I FEEL REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED BY COMPANY DUE TO NATURE OF FAILURE AND AGE OF VEHICLE. THEY HAVE NOT OFFERED ANYTHING IN WAY IF ASSISTANCE AND HAVE NO RECALL PENDING EVEN THOUGH THIS SEEMS TO BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM ACROSS THE WHOLE TOYOTA VEHICLE LINE UP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10593980
1,500 miles · Apr 9, 2014
Power Train
WE WERE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT WITH OUR 2 SMALL CHILDREN WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE CAR JERKED LIKE WE WERE REAR ENDED. I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL AGAIN TO HAVE IT ONLY HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES. IT WAS VERY SCARY. IF WE WERE ON THE ROAD WE WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. WE CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD TO HAVE TH…
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WE WERE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT WITH OUR 2 SMALL CHILDREN WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE CAR JERKED LIKE WE WERE REAR ENDED. I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL AGAIN TO HAVE IT ONLY HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES. IT WAS VERY SCARY. IF WE WERE ON THE ROAD WE WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. WE CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER WHICH WAS VERY FAR FROM OUR HOME. THE DEALER PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION AFTER FINDING METAL DEBRIS IN THE FLUID. AFTER A FEW DAYS THE CAR STARTED ACTING UP AGAIN AND WAS BROUGHT TO ANOTHER DEALER. THAT DEALER ORDERED YET ANOTHER TRANSMISSION AND PUT IN A SECOND ONE MAKING SURE IT WAS CALIBRATED. TOYOTA CORPORATE OUT OF CALIFORNIA WAS INVOLVED THE WHOLE TIME. THEY RESPONDED AND WAS ON TOP OF EVERYTHING THAT HAD OCCURRED WITH THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10578448
48,151 miles · Apr 8, 2014
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
RIGHT FRONT DOOR DOES NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK USING THE KEYLESS REMOTE HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOOR. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND HAD TO HAVE THE ACTUATOR REPLACED ON MARCH 17TH, 2014. NOW ON APRIL 8TH, 2014 DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK USING KEYLESS REMOTE AGAIN HAVING TO MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOOR. TAKE…
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RIGHT FRONT DOOR DOES NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK USING THE KEYLESS REMOTE HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOOR. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND HAD TO HAVE THE ACTUATOR REPLACED ON MARCH 17TH, 2014. NOW ON APRIL 8TH, 2014 DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK USING KEYLESS REMOTE AGAIN HAVING TO MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOOR. TAKEN TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND HAS TO HAVE THE ACTUATOR REPLACED. TWO ACTUATORS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED IN LESS THAN 1 MONTH. SUV NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10578419
9,900 miles · Apr 2, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine
WHILE PARKED AT A CURBSIDE, WITH ENGINE IDLING, I SPONTANEOUSLY DECIDED TO ADJUST MY TILT STEERING COLUMN (UP/DOWN) TO SEE IF THERE WAS A MORE COMFORTABLE POSITION TO DRIVE. WHEN I MOVED THE COLUMN DOWN FOR THE FIRST TIME (I HAD NEVER TRIED TO ADJUST THE POSITION PREVIOUSLY, SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR ONE YEAR EARLIER), THE CAR'S E…
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WHILE PARKED AT A CURBSIDE, WITH ENGINE IDLING, I SPONTANEOUSLY DECIDED TO ADJUST MY TILT STEERING COLUMN (UP/DOWN) TO SEE IF THERE WAS A MORE COMFORTABLE POSITION TO DRIVE. WHEN I MOVED THE COLUMN DOWN FOR THE FIRST TIME (I HAD NEVER TRIED TO ADJUST THE POSITION PREVIOUSLY, SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR ONE YEAR EARLIER), THE CAR'S ENGINE IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF. I COULD NOT RE-START THE ENGINE AND ALL I KEPT THINKING WAS THANK-GOODNESS I WAS NOT DRIVING, AS I HAD LOST ENGINE, STEERING AND BRAKING POWER. THE RECENT HEADLINES ABOUT GM'S IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS AND DRIVERS SUDDENLY LOSING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING MADE ME REALIZE THAT I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN IN A SIMILAR CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF CONTROL SITUATION, BECAUSE OF THE TILT-STEERING PROBLEM I ENCOUNTERED. I THANK THE STARS THAT I WAS NOT DRIVING OR ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THIS OCCURRED. MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. APPARENTLY, AN IGNITION SWITCH WIRE SOMEHOW BECAME DETACHED OR BROKEN DUE TO MY SINGLE TILT ACTION. SCARY INDEED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10576724
19,004 miles · Feb 22, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control
THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE WHEN WE CAME TO A STOP. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM AND NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO HELP. THE CAR HAS TO BE TURNED OFF BEFORE IT GETS OUT OF CONTROL. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE HAS BEEN NO RESOLUTION OR SOLUTION FOR THE ACCELERATION PROBLEM. UPDATED 02/25/14
NHTSA ODI #10565408
23,000 miles · Jan 10, 2014
Visibility/wiper
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS LATCHED TOGETHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER BOLTS WERE LOOSE DUE TO THE COLD WEATHER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS LATCHED TOGETHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER BOLTS WERE LOOSE DUE TO THE COLD WEATHER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
NHTSA ODI #10559305
44,120 miles · Nov 15, 2013
Visibility/wiper
I WAS ABOUT TO START THE CAR. MY WIFE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. SHE LOWERED THE PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR AND THEN TRIED TO PUT IT BACK UP. WE HEARD A CLICK, AND FOUND THAT THE SUN VISOR WILL NOT GO BACK INTO THE "UP" POSITION. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT AFFECTS MY VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10552494
9,796 miles · Nov 5, 2013
Structure
AFTER DRIVING APROX 1200 MILES FROM MASSACHUSETTS TO FLORIDA NOTICED THAT THE FLOOR MATS UNDER THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SEATS WERE SOPPING WET. BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO ARLINGTON TOYOTA IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA ON 12/27/2012 TO HAVE THE PROBLEM LOOKED INTO. SINCE I DID NOT HAVE A "REPAIR APPOINTMENT" IT WAS NECESSARY TO RETURN…
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AFTER DRIVING APROX 1200 MILES FROM MASSACHUSETTS TO FLORIDA NOTICED THAT THE FLOOR MATS UNDER THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SEATS WERE SOPPING WET. BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO ARLINGTON TOYOTA IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA ON 12/27/2012 TO HAVE THE PROBLEM LOOKED INTO. SINCE I DID NOT HAVE A "REPAIR APPOINTMENT" IT WAS NECESSARY TO RETURN ON A LATER DATE. RETURNED ON 01/23/2013 AND SUBMITTED THE CAR FOR REPAIR. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBABLE CAUSE WAS FOREIGN DEBRIS HAD ENTERED THE A/C SYSTEM AND CLOGGED THE DRAIN. THIS PROBLEM HAS REPEATED ITSELF THREE ADDITIONAL TIMES SINCE THE INITIAL REPAIR WITH A DIAGNOSIS OF SPIDERS BLOCKING THE DRAIN TUBE. THE WET FLOORS IN THE CAR AND THE RESULTING MOLD HAS TRIGGERED AN ALLERGIC REACTION AND CAUSED A SINUS INFECTION. THIS IS A CONTINUING PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10550942
14,000 miles · Oct 18, 2013
Structure
OVER THE COURSE OF A FEW WEEKS WE NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT SMELL IN OUR CAR. WE HAVE RUBBER FLOORMATS, SO DID NOT NOTICE THAT THERE WAS A DRAINAGE PROBLEM IN OUR A/C CONDENSER. THE BLOCKAGE CAUSED DRAINAGE TO BACK UP INTO THE BODY OF OUR VEHICLE AND MOLD STARTED TO GROW ALL OVER THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ON THE CARPET UNDERNEATH TH…
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OVER THE COURSE OF A FEW WEEKS WE NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT SMELL IN OUR CAR. WE HAVE RUBBER FLOORMATS, SO DID NOT NOTICE THAT THERE WAS A DRAINAGE PROBLEM IN OUR A/C CONDENSER. THE BLOCKAGE CAUSED DRAINAGE TO BACK UP INTO THE BODY OF OUR VEHICLE AND MOLD STARTED TO GROW ALL OVER THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ON THE CARPET UNDERNEATH THE RUBBER FLOORMATS. WE LATER LEARNED THAT THE BLOCKAGE WAS CAUSED BY A SPIDER WEB IN THE A/C CONDENSER DRAINAGE TUBE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY CALLED TOYOTA AND LEARNED IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED TOYOTA CARE WARRANTY AND ANY COSTS WOULD HAVE TO BE PAID OUT OF POCKET. I JUST LEARNED THAT SIMILAR MODEL YEAR TOYOTA VEHICLES, INCLUDING THE AVALON AND CAMRY, ARE UNDER RECALL DUE TO PROBLEMS THAT RESULT FROM SPIDER WEBS BLOCKING THE A/C CONDENSER DRAINAGE TUBE. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN DEFECT THAT COVERS MORE THAN JUST THE AVALON AND CAMRY MODELS, BUT THE RECALL DID NOT COVER MY HIGHLANDER. WE HAVE AN INFANT SON AND THE GROWTH OF MOLD COULD HAVE SEVERELY IMPACTED HIS HEALTH AND BREATHING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548398
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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