NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
26 reportsClear category filter60,000 miles · Apr 4, 2018
Electrical System
EACH OF THE FOUR DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED SUCH THAT THE DOOR CANNOT BE UNLOCKED/OPENED FROM EITHER THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. THIS HAS OCCURRED DURING THE PAST 18 MONTHS. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD IN CASE OF A WRECK/FIRE WHERE SOMEONE COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR EMERGENTLY OR SECURITY THREAT IF THE DRIVER/PA…
Read full complaint
EACH OF THE FOUR DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED SUCH THAT THE DOOR CANNOT BE UNLOCKED/OPENED FROM EITHER THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. THIS HAS OCCURRED DURING THE PAST 18 MONTHS. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD IN CASE OF A WRECK/FIRE WHERE SOMEONE COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR EMERGENTLY OR SECURITY THREAT IF THE DRIVER/PASSENGER EMERGENTLY NEEDED TO ENTER THE CAR TO AVOID HARM. I HAVE RECEIPTS FOR ALL REPAIRS AT THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD BY A TOYOTA DEALER SHIP REPRESENTATIVE THIS IS A RECOGNIZED ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11083206
44,700 miles · Jan 7, 2018
Electrical System
POWER TRAIN FAILED WHILE DRIVING ALONG A CITY STREET AT 30MPH- CAR HAD NO POWER- CHECK HYBRID COMPONENTS AND CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE CENTER CONSOLE- I BELIEVE IT FAILED DUE TO THE HYBRID ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND IS IDENTICAL TO DESCRIPTIONS OF EARLIER HYBRID INVERTER FAILURES IN 2006-2010 MODELS OF HIGHLANDER AND …
Read full complaint
POWER TRAIN FAILED WHILE DRIVING ALONG A CITY STREET AT 30MPH- CAR HAD NO POWER- CHECK HYBRID COMPONENTS AND CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE CENTER CONSOLE- I BELIEVE IT FAILED DUE TO THE HYBRID ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND IS IDENTICAL TO DESCRIPTIONS OF EARLIER HYBRID INVERTER FAILURES IN 2006-2010 MODELS OF HIGHLANDER AND LEXUS THAT WERE RECALLED BY TOYOTA-
NHTSA ODI #11061006
83,000 miles · Apr 5, 2017
Electrical System
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE EVERY AUTOMATIC OPENER DOOR LOCKS ON EVERY DOOR AND SOME TWICE (EARLY 2014 TO PRESENT). THEY CAN'T TELL ME WHY THE KEEP FAILING. NOW THAT THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY I NOW HAVE 2 MORE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS THAT HAVE FAILED. I HAVE ANOTHER FRIEND WHO OWNS A HIGHLANDER AND HE IS HAVING THE AUTOMATIC DOOR OPE…
Read full complaint
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE EVERY AUTOMATIC OPENER DOOR LOCKS ON EVERY DOOR AND SOME TWICE (EARLY 2014 TO PRESENT). THEY CAN'T TELL ME WHY THE KEEP FAILING. NOW THAT THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY I NOW HAVE 2 MORE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS THAT HAVE FAILED. I HAVE ANOTHER FRIEND WHO OWNS A HIGHLANDER AND HE IS HAVING THE AUTOMATIC DOOR OPENERS FAIL. THIS MUST BE A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THESE LOCKS.
NHTSA ODI #10970787
40,000 miles · Mar 6, 2017
Electrical System
THE DOOR LOCKS ARE FAILING ONE BY ONE. IT SEEMS TO BE BAD ACTUATORS. FIRST, ONE DOOR WASN'T LOCKING AUTOMATICALLY WHEN PRESSING LOCK ON THE KEY FOB. NOW, I HAVE 2 DOORS NOT LOCKING AUTOMATICALLY WHEN I HIT LOCK ON THE KEY FOB. I FEEL THIS POSES A SAFETY HAZARD FOR MYSELF AND MY BELONGINGS BECAUSE IF I EVER NEEDED TO ENTER MY …
Read full complaint
THE DOOR LOCKS ARE FAILING ONE BY ONE. IT SEEMS TO BE BAD ACTUATORS. FIRST, ONE DOOR WASN'T LOCKING AUTOMATICALLY WHEN PRESSING LOCK ON THE KEY FOB. NOW, I HAVE 2 DOORS NOT LOCKING AUTOMATICALLY WHEN I HIT LOCK ON THE KEY FOB. I FEEL THIS POSES A SAFETY HAZARD FOR MYSELF AND MY BELONGINGS BECAUSE IF I EVER NEEDED TO ENTER MY CAR QUICKLY WITH MY 2 KIDS, I CANNOT. THIS OCCURS WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
NHTSA ODI #10958750
10,000 miles · Dec 14, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Unknown Or Other
THE COMPLAINT HAS TO DO WITH COMPUTER SYSTEMS ON THIS VEHICLE. SOME OF THE COMPLAINT IS CONVENIENCE, BUT WORRISOME BECAUSE OTHER SYSTEMS SEEM TO BE INVOLVED AS WELL. THE COMPUTER SCREEN HAS ALWAYS BEEN SLOW/HESITENT, WITH VARIOUS "GLITCHES". VEHICLE HAS GPS MAPPING SCREEN WHICH OCCASSIONALLY "DISCONNECTS" AND RESETS TO BLAN…
Read full complaint
THE COMPLAINT HAS TO DO WITH COMPUTER SYSTEMS ON THIS VEHICLE. SOME OF THE COMPLAINT IS CONVENIENCE, BUT WORRISOME BECAUSE OTHER SYSTEMS SEEM TO BE INVOLVED AS WELL. THE COMPUTER SCREEN HAS ALWAYS BEEN SLOW/HESITENT, WITH VARIOUS "GLITCHES". VEHICLE HAS GPS MAPPING SCREEN WHICH OCCASSIONALLY "DISCONNECTS" AND RESETS TO BLANK SCREEN. THE BLUETOOTH AND OTHER SYSTEMS HAVE ALSO "DISCONNECTED" AND COULDN'T BE RESET UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND TURNED OFF. THE HEADLIGHTS SOMETIMES DO NOT SHUT OFF, DAY/NIGHT DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. HAVE HAD OCCASSIONAL PROBLEMS WITH DOOR LOCKS NOT WORKING AS THEY SHOULD. NEVER KNOW WHEN AND WHICH SYSTEMS WILL BE AFFECTED. I HAVE ALSO FILED A COMPLAINT ABOUT INTERMITENT NON-ACCELERATION ISSUES, WHICH MAYBE RELATED.
NHTSA ODI #10809984
48,500 miles · Sep 2, 2015
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAYED THAT THE POWER STEERING NEEDED ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC COMPUTER THAT MANAGED THE STEERING NE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAYED THAT THE POWER STEERING NEEDED ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC COMPUTER THAT MANAGED THE STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,500.....UPDATED 10-27-15 *BF *CN
NHTSA ODI #10760954
59,500 miles · Aug 23, 2015
Electrical System
ABOUT A WEEK AGO MY RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK STARTED TO FAIL. THE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THIS IS THE DOOR MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER USES. I TOOK IT TOO A DEALER AND WAS CHARGED $638 TOTAL TO REPLACE THE ACTUATOR. THE SERVICE TECH ACTUALLY MISQUOTED ME, I WOULD NEVER PAY THIS MUCH TO FIX THIS PART. UPON READING NOW I SEE THAT …
Read full complaint
ABOUT A WEEK AGO MY RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK STARTED TO FAIL. THE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THIS IS THE DOOR MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER USES. I TOOK IT TOO A DEALER AND WAS CHARGED $638 TOTAL TO REPLACE THE ACTUATOR. THE SERVICE TECH ACTUALLY MISQUOTED ME, I WOULD NEVER PAY THIS MUCH TO FIX THIS PART. UPON READING NOW I SEE THAT MANY, MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM. MY CAR IS STILL UNDER 3 YEARS OLD. THE ACTUATORS SHOULD NOT FAIL. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM IN ANY OTHER CAR. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE IF THE CAR IS IN AN ACCIDENT. THESE CARS NEED TO BE RECALLED. I WILL BE CONTACTING TOYOTA TOO.
NHTSA ODI #10758699
7,600 miles · Jul 28, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
I PURCHASED THE 2013 HIGHLANDER NEW FROM A DEALER IN VIENNA, VA IN JULY 2013. THE AUTO STARTED A STRING OF ENGINE HESITANCY TO ACCELERATE PROBLEMS AT AROUND 5,000 MILES WHICH WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALER AT THE 5,000 MILE CHECK-UP AND AGAIN AT THE 7,500 MILE CHECKUP. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND GAVE …
Read full complaint
I PURCHASED THE 2013 HIGHLANDER NEW FROM A DEALER IN VIENNA, VA IN JULY 2013. THE AUTO STARTED A STRING OF ENGINE HESITANCY TO ACCELERATE PROBLEMS AT AROUND 5,000 MILES WHICH WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALER AT THE 5,000 MILE CHECK-UP AND AGAIN AT THE 7,500 MILE CHECKUP. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND GAVE THE ENGINE A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH. WE MOVED TO MN IN MAY 2014 AND THE HESITANCY OF THE CAR TO MOVE (ACCELERATE) FROM A STOPPED POSITION FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER ENGAGING THE GAS PETAL CONTINUES AND IS INCREASING IN FREQUENCY. THE CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN IN TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS WITH THE SAME ANSWER THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN IN TWO NEAR ACCIDENTS WHILE PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC ON TO A HIGH SPEED DIVIDED HIGHWAY AND CONSIDER THIS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY, (THREE TIMES THIS PAST WEEK), BUT A PATTERN HAS DEVELOPED - MOST INCIDENTS OCCUR WHILE IDLING AT INTERSECTIONS FOR SOME TIME WAITING FOR TRAFFIC TO CLEAR, TRAFFIC LIGHTS, ETC, AND THEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ONTO THE ROADWAY. THE CAR HAS EXHIBITED THIS BEHAVIOR ONLY A COUPLE TIMES WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN FROM A IDLING START. THE SENSATION IS THAT THE ENGINE STALLED AND NO MATTER WHAT IS DONE WITH THE GAS PETAL NOTHING HAPPENS FOR ANYWHERE UP TO 4-5 SECONDS. WITH TRAFFIC MOVING AT 60 MILES AN HOUR AND ONE IS ATTEMPTING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC, A FIVE SECOND DELAY BRINGS THE ON-COMING TRAFFIC ALMOST 450 FEET CLOSER TO ONE BEFORE THE CAR STARTS TO MOVE REQUIRING MORE DISTANCE IN TRAFFIC GAPS TO OVERCOME A POTENTIAL STALL IN THE ROADWAY. I HAVE COME ACROSS ANOTHER LOCAL OWNER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND NOTE AT LEAST 15 OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB OF ALMOST THE EXACT CIRCUMSTANCES. WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR TOYOTA TO RECOGNIZE THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE? UPDATED 12/12/2017*CN
NHTSA ODI #10744308
24,626 miles · Jun 17, 2015
Electrical System
BLACK SHREDDED MATERIAL BLEW OUT OF THE AIR VENTS UPON STARTING THE CAR. IF I HAD NOT HAD THE A/C ON AND, RATHER, CHOSE TO TURN IT ON WHILE DRIVING, I MIGHT HAVE BEEN BLINDED BY THE LARGE AMOUNT OF SHREDDED MATERIAL THAT FLEW INTO MY FACE AND EYES. - THAT IS A LIABILITY AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED. HAD I BEEN DRIVING, I CAN SEE T…
Read full complaint
BLACK SHREDDED MATERIAL BLEW OUT OF THE AIR VENTS UPON STARTING THE CAR. IF I HAD NOT HAD THE A/C ON AND, RATHER, CHOSE TO TURN IT ON WHILE DRIVING, I MIGHT HAVE BEEN BLINDED BY THE LARGE AMOUNT OF SHREDDED MATERIAL THAT FLEW INTO MY FACE AND EYES. - THAT IS A LIABILITY AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED. HAD I BEEN DRIVING, I CAN SEE THAT I WOULD HAVE HAD A VERY DIFFICULT TIME BEING ABLE CONTROL SOMETHING I COULD NOT SEE. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT I MAY HAVE A RODENT ISSUE - I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON LINE AND HAVE LEARNED THAT TOYOTA, AMONG OTHER CAR MANUFACTURERS, IS CONSTRUCTING VEHICLE PARTS OUT OF BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING SOY, CANE HUSKS, ETC., MAKING MY CAR A TASTY TREAT FOR NASTY ANIMALS. FURTHERMORE, THERE IS NOTHING THAT PREVENTS SOMETHING FROM CRAWLING FROM THE OUTSIDE INTO THE CABIN THROUGH THE ENGINE AND I BELIEVE THAT TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I AM LOOKING FOR TOYOTA TO COVER THE COST OF FIXING THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10725775
26,500 miles · Apr 13, 2015
Electrical SystemStructureVisibility/wiper
WATER IS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE SOAKING CARPET AND ELECTRONICS. CAN BE A DAMAGED WINDSHIELD. WORRIED ABOUT SAFETY ON ROADS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10705503
Official recalls
3Mar 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.
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.
Illustration