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2013 Toyota Highlander

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Toyota Highlander do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 186.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

159 reports with mileage · 47 unknown

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

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

26 crash reports0 fire reports12 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

26 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2026
Electrical System

The factory Blizzard Pearl paint on this vehicle is experiencing severe chemical delamination down to the bare primer and sheet metal on multiple body panels. This structural failure aligns exactly with Toyota Customer Support Program ZKG. Large sheets of brittle paint regularly flake and peel off while driving at highway speeds…

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The factory Blizzard Pearl paint on this vehicle is experiencing severe chemical delamination down to the bare primer and sheet metal on multiple body panels. This structural failure aligns exactly with Toyota Customer Support Program ZKG. Large sheets of brittle paint regularly flake and peel off while driving at highway speeds, creating a projectile and visibility hazard for following motorists. Despite this being a known manufacturing defect, the vehicle falls outside of Toyota's arbitrary 10-year secondary extension window, leaving a recognized factory flaw unremedied.

NHTSA ODI #11761980

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2020
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND DRIVER DOOR LOCK/ACTUATOR DOES NOT WORK. THE PASSENGER DOOR FIRST HAPPENED 1 TO 1.5 YEARS AGO. I HAVE NOT FIXED IT BECAUSE OF THE OUTRAGEOUS COST. NOW, THE DRIVER DOOR ACTUATOR/DOOR LOCK IS EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AND WILL SOON CEASE TO WORK. TOYOTA HAS NO WARRANTY PROGRAM OR RECALL ON THIS EVE…

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THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND DRIVER DOOR LOCK/ACTUATOR DOES NOT WORK. THE PASSENGER DOOR FIRST HAPPENED 1 TO 1.5 YEARS AGO. I HAVE NOT FIXED IT BECAUSE OF THE OUTRAGEOUS COST. NOW, THE DRIVER DOOR ACTUATOR/DOOR LOCK IS EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AND WILL SOON CEASE TO WORK. TOYOTA HAS NO WARRANTY PROGRAM OR RECALL ON THIS EVEN THOUGH IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL. I THINK HAVING YOUR DOOR LOCKS NOT WORK IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND REQUEST THAT THIS BE FOUND TO BE AN ISSUE TOYOTA MUST COVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11330685

Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2020
Electrical System

FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR DOES NOT WORK, MAKING LOCK INEFFECTIVE AND NOT WORKABLE. TOYOTA CLAIMS THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. UNSURE HOW INEFFECTIVE LOCKS ARE NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY ON A CAR THAT IS NOT THAT OLD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11329478

Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2019
Electrical System

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND HAS TWICE HAD RATS CHEWING ON THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE CENSOR WIRING. THESE ARE THE ONLY WIRES THEY'VE CHEWED ON SO FAR. I FEEL THE SOY BASED WIRING THAT TOYOTA USES IS TO BLAME SINCE MY NEIGHBORS ARE NOT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR VEHICLES THAT ARE PARKED OUTDOORS. A CLAIM WITH USAA …

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THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND HAS TWICE HAD RATS CHEWING ON THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE CENSOR WIRING. THESE ARE THE ONLY WIRES THEY'VE CHEWED ON SO FAR. I FEEL THE SOY BASED WIRING THAT TOYOTA USES IS TO BLAME SINCE MY NEIGHBORS ARE NOT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR VEHICLES THAT ARE PARKED OUTDOORS. A CLAIM WITH USAA HAS BEEN FILED.

NHTSA ODI #11288536

43,000 miles · Aug 11, 2019
Electrical SystemSteeringVehicle Speed Control

THE DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING AND I WAS FORCED TO PAY TO REPAIR THEM AFTER OWNING CAR FOR LESS THAN 6 MONTHS. THE POWER WINDOWS FAIL TO OPERATE AT RANDOM TIMES. THERE WAS A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH THE 2010 TOYOTA YARIS WINDOW PANEL. THE CAR JUMPS OR SKIPS WHILE ACCELERATING.

NHTSA ODI #11243113

100,000 miles · Aug 3, 2019
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeats

MAINTENANCE LIGHT IS ON AT ALL TIMES FOR THE FORWARD PASSENGER SEAT, MAKING AIRBAGS USELESS. READ IT CAN POTENTIALLY BE A WIRE. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED ON OTHER VEHICLES. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND RECALL AS PASSENGERS WILL BE UNSAFE AND COULD HAVE GREAT BODILY HARM WITH THIS DEFECT.

NHTSA ODI #11241464

45,449 miles · May 6, 2019
Electrical System

OUR 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAS HAD 3 OF THE 4 DOOR ACTUATORS FAIL IN A 26 MONTH PERIOD. THE FIRST ACTUATOR FAILED IN IN MARCH 2017 (CAR WAS ONLY 3 YEARS, 8 MONTHS OLD), THE SECOND ACTUATOR FAILED IN FEBRUARY 2018 (CAR WAS 4 YEARS, 7 MONTHS OLD) AND THE THIRD ACTUATOR FAILED IN MAY 2019 (CAR WAS ONLY 5 YEARS 10 MONTHS OLD). BEC…

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OUR 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAS HAD 3 OF THE 4 DOOR ACTUATORS FAIL IN A 26 MONTH PERIOD. THE FIRST ACTUATOR FAILED IN IN MARCH 2017 (CAR WAS ONLY 3 YEARS, 8 MONTHS OLD), THE SECOND ACTUATOR FAILED IN FEBRUARY 2018 (CAR WAS 4 YEARS, 7 MONTHS OLD) AND THE THIRD ACTUATOR FAILED IN MAY 2019 (CAR WAS ONLY 5 YEARS 10 MONTHS OLD). BECAUSE THE DOOR ACTUATOR FAILED, THE DOOR DID NOT LOCK WHEN PLACING THE CAR IN DRIVE WHICH INCREASED THE CHANCES THE DOOR WOULD OPEN IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH; THEREBY, REDUCING THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE IN A CRASH. SINCE THE ACTUATORS ALSO FAILED TO AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCK WHEN THE CAR WAS PLACED IN PARK, THE ACTUATORS WOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCK THE DOORS IN THE EVENT OF AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT; THEREBY, POSSIBLY IMPEDING THE ABILITY TO ENTER/EXIT THE CAR IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. A COMPLAINT WAS LODGED WITH TOYOTA AND A CASE NUMBER WAS ESTABLISHED. HOWEVER, TOYOTA INDICATED THAT THERE IS NOT A RECALL RELATED TO DOOR ACTUATORS AT THIS TIME AND THERE IS NOTHING THE COULD DO ABOUT THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11205833

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2018
Electrical System

DOOR ACTUATORS HAVE GONE OUT FOR BOTH DOORS. I CONTACTED TOYOTA SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY REFUSED TO FIXED THEM.

NHTSA ODI #11139849

51,125 miles · Jun 11, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

BOUGHT VEHICLE 'CERTIFIED' ON 04/20/17 AND FIRST OIL CHANGE 06/30/17 CORROSION ON BATTERY TERMINAL NOTATED. NEW BATTERY PURCHASED. 05/25/17, CORROSION IS AGAIN NOTATED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN THROUGH 2 SEPARATE OIL CHANGES AND NO CORROSION NOTATED. NOW DEALER IS STATING VERBALLY $5800 TO FIX TERMINALS AND CABLE DUE TO BATTERY ACID AND…

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BOUGHT VEHICLE 'CERTIFIED' ON 04/20/17 AND FIRST OIL CHANGE 06/30/17 CORROSION ON BATTERY TERMINAL NOTATED. NEW BATTERY PURCHASED. 05/25/17, CORROSION IS AGAIN NOTATED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN THROUGH 2 SEPARATE OIL CHANGES AND NO CORROSION NOTATED. NOW DEALER IS STATING VERBALLY $5800 TO FIX TERMINALS AND CABLE DUE TO BATTERY ACID AND CORROSION LEADING TO ELECTRICAL DAMAGE. HARNESS DAMAGE. FLAW OF THIS VEHICLE IS ALL COMPONENTS ARE INTERCONNECTED. REP WILL NOT PUT IN WRITING, BUT IS SAYING MAJOR HAZARD. TOYOTA WILL GIVE ONLY $2500 TOWARDS COST. NOT DRIVING CAR AT THIS TIME.

NHTSA ODI #11101098

Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2018
Electrical System

DOOR LOCKS REPLACED ON PASSENGER FRONT DOOR AT TOYOTA DEALERSHIP (YOKEM TOYOTA) LESS THAN 6 MONTHS LATER DOING THE SAME THING . NOW PASSENGER REAR DOOR DOING THE SAME THING. VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS

NHTSA ODI #11100299

Official recalls

3

14V148000 · Seats

Mar 27, 2014

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2013 Highlander vehicles manufactured March 13, 2013, through August 6, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the second row left hand seat may not lock in place when positioned in the forward front or second adjusting position. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the seat does not lock into the seat track, there may be an increased risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second row left hand seat so that it will lock into the seat track, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

13V123000 · Equipment:other:labels

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.

13V014000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Seats

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

2

EA18006 · 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.