NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
31 reportsClear category filter10,000 miles · Aug 26, 2015
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE AT A STOP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED BEFORE ACCELERATING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE AT A STOP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED BEFORE ACCELERATING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 1/12/16 *CN
NHTSA ODI #10759541
10 miles · Apr 6, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
EVERY TIME I SWITCH FROM BRAKE TO GAS PEDAL QUICKLY, THE CAR LOOSES POWER AS IF TO STALL. THEN IT REGAINS POWER AND ACCELERATES. IT ALSO HAPPENS IF I AM ON THE HIGHWAY AND TOUCH THE BRAKE PEDAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO PASS AND THEN I CAN'T GET POWER TO PASS FOR A COUPLE SECONDS. VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS I THINK. THE DEALER EXPLAI…
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EVERY TIME I SWITCH FROM BRAKE TO GAS PEDAL QUICKLY, THE CAR LOOSES POWER AS IF TO STALL. THEN IT REGAINS POWER AND ACCELERATES. IT ALSO HAPPENS IF I AM ON THE HIGHWAY AND TOUCH THE BRAKE PEDAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO PASS AND THEN I CAN'T GET POWER TO PASS FOR A COUPLE SECONDS. VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS I THINK. THE DEALER EXPLAINED TO ME THAT TOYOTA HAD MADE A CHANGE TO MAKE THE COMPUTER IN CHARGE OF DECIDING IF ONE COULD ACCELERATE OR NOT RATHER THAN A DIRECT LINK FROM THE GAS PEDAL TO THE CARBURETOR. THE CONDITION IS UNNERVING AND I BELIEVE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AS I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN ACCIDENTS WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE AND THE CAR WON'T RESPOND UNTIL IT IS READY TO ALLOW IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10704025
335 miles · Apr 4, 2015
Vehicle Speed Control
2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HESITATES/STALLS OCCASIONALLY WHEN DRIVING. PRIMARILY OCCURS WHEN TURNING LEFT AFTER STOPPING AT A SIGN/LIGHT. THE HESITATION LAST FOR 5-10 SECONDS. HAVE ASKED DEALERSHIP TO LOOK AT IT 5 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN JULY 2013 BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM DURING THEIR TEST D…
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2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HESITATES/STALLS OCCASIONALLY WHEN DRIVING. PRIMARILY OCCURS WHEN TURNING LEFT AFTER STOPPING AT A SIGN/LIGHT. THE HESITATION LAST FOR 5-10 SECONDS. HAVE ASKED DEALERSHIP TO LOOK AT IT 5 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN JULY 2013 BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM DURING THEIR TEST DRIVES. THEY CONCLUDE THE "VEHICLE IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED." *TR
NHTSA ODI #10703727
35,000 miles · Feb 13, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 7:50AM MST, AFTER FILLING UP THE GAS TANK AT THE HOLIDAY GAS STATION ON PLEASANT GROVE BOULEVARD IN PLEASANT GROVE, UT, I BEGAN TO PULL AWAY FROM THE GAS PUMPS. BEFORE EXITING THE GAS STATION, AND AFTER MOVING ABOUT 20 FEET AT ABOUT 5 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED UP TO AROUND 4000…
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ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 7:50AM MST, AFTER FILLING UP THE GAS TANK AT THE HOLIDAY GAS STATION ON PLEASANT GROVE BOULEVARD IN PLEASANT GROVE, UT, I BEGAN TO PULL AWAY FROM THE GAS PUMPS. BEFORE EXITING THE GAS STATION, AND AFTER MOVING ABOUT 20 FEET AT ABOUT 5 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED UP TO AROUND 4000 RPM. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY FOOT ENTIRELY OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL AND SLAMMED MY FOOT DOWN ON THE BRAKE, HOLDING THE BRAKE DOWN FIRMLY. DESPITE NOTHING PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL, AND DESPITE THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING VERY FIRMLY AND CONTINUOUSLY PRESSED, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO CYCLE AT EXACTLY THE SAME HIGH RPM AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD, STRAINING AGAINST THE BRAKE. I THEN SWITCHED THE GEAR FROM DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AT EXACTLY THE SAME RPM. AT THIS TIME, THE ENGINE WAS CONTINUOUSLY REVVING AT APPROXIMATELY 4000 RPM, THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING, THE GEAR WAS SET TO NEUTRAL, NOTHING WAS PRESSING ON THE GAS/ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND I WAS FIRMLY PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I THEN EXAMINED THE DRIVER FOOTWELL TO MAKE SURE THAT NOTHING COULD POSSIBLY BE PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL AND INDEED THERE WERE NO OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE DRIVER FOOTWELL. I THEN TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE AND PUMPED THE GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND IN ANY WAY TO THIS ACTION ? RATHER IT CONTINUED TO SIMPLY REV AT THE CONSTANT HIGH RPM. I THEN TURNED OFF THE IGNITION, AT WHICH TIME THE ENGINE STOPPED AND THE VEHICLE WAS ENTIRELY OFF. I THEN SWITCHED THE GEAR INTO PARK, AND THEN STARTED THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY. I PROCEEDED TO SWITCH THE GEAR INTO DRIVE, AND PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD AS EXPECTED WITHOUT ANY UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. SINCE THEN, THE VEHICLE HAS BEHAVED NORMALLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10683283
12,356 miles · Sep 20, 2014
Air BagsService Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
ON SEPTEMBER 12 2014 MY WIFE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT HER DOCTOR'S OFFICE. THE SPACE INCLUDE A STOP CURB AND IT FACED A FOUR LANE STREET. AS SHE PULLED INTO THE SPACE, SHE BRAKED TO AVOID CONTACTING THE CURB AND WAS ABOUT TO SHIFT INTO PARK WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CAR JUMPED THE PARKING CURB AND THEN …
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ON SEPTEMBER 12 2014 MY WIFE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT HER DOCTOR'S OFFICE. THE SPACE INCLUDE A STOP CURB AND IT FACED A FOUR LANE STREET. AS SHE PULLED INTO THE SPACE, SHE BRAKED TO AVOID CONTACTING THE CURB AND WAS ABOUT TO SHIFT INTO PARK WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CAR JUMPED THE PARKING CURB AND THEN ANOTHER CURB AND ENTERED A GRASSY AREA (APPROXIMATELY 10 FT WIDE. THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND JUMPED ANOTHER CURB AND LANDED IN A 4 LANE STREET. SHE CONTINUED TO APPLY THE BRAKES WHILE THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE ACROSS THE STREET. SHE WAS HEADED TOWARD ANOTHER CURB AND GRASSY AREA AND A DOWNHILL SLOPE FOLLOWED BY A MEINEKE REPAIR BUSINESS. NOT WANTING TO GO DOWN THE HILL AND INTO THE BUILDING, SHE TURNED THE CAR TO THE RIGHT BUT NOT IN TIME TO AVOID ENTERING THE SECOND GRASSY AREA. SHE WAS NOW TRAVELING PARALLEL TO THE MEINEKE BUILDING AND SIDE SWIPED TWO SMALL TREES, AND WAS HEADED TOWARD A VERY BUSY RUSH HOUR STREET. TO AVOID ACCELERATING INTO THIS STREET, SHE DECIDED TO TRY SHIFTING THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL. SHE LOOKED DOWN TO FIND THE NEUTRAL GEAR, AND JUST AS SHE LOOKED UP, SHE CRASHED HEAD-ON INTO ANOTHER TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE SEAT BELTS SAVED HER. THE CAR WAS SIGNIFICANTLY DAMAGED TO THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT WHERE SHE HIT THE TREE AND TO THE SIDE OF THE CAR WHERE SHE SIDE SWIPED THE TWO TREES. THE MEINEKE EMPLOYEES CALLED 911 AND A DETECTIVE TOOK HER TO HER DOCTOR'S OFFICE FOR TREATMENT. SHE INJURED HER RIBS AND BACK AND CONTINUES TO RECEIVE TREATMENT. I'M CONVINCED THIS IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM AND I AM ATTEMPTING TO RESOLVE THIS WITH TOYOTA BUT HOLD OUT LITTLE HOPE. IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE THERE ARE ADDITIONAL INJURIES OR LOSS OF LIFE. MY WIFE COULD HAVE DIED IF THE CAR HAD MADE IT TO THE VERY BUSY STREET.
NHTSA ODI #10637921
350 miles · May 31, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control
DRIVING UPHILL,SUDDENLY LOST SPEED,HAD NO GAS PEDAL,HAD TO PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD AND THEN IT CAME BACK.HAS HAPPENED DOZENS OF TIMES AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS DRIVING 70 MPH IN THE CENTER LANE OF I 95 IN PA, HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE I GOT HOME. TOYOTA HAS TOLD ME IT IS EVERYTHING FROM SLIGHT HESITA…
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DRIVING UPHILL,SUDDENLY LOST SPEED,HAD NO GAS PEDAL,HAD TO PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD AND THEN IT CAME BACK.HAS HAPPENED DOZENS OF TIMES AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS DRIVING 70 MPH IN THE CENTER LANE OF I 95 IN PA, HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE I GOT HOME. TOYOTA HAS TOLD ME IT IS EVERYTHING FROM SLIGHT HESITATION TO MY IMAGINATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10595323
3,000 miles · May 14, 2014
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED CAUSING HER TO LUNGE BACKWARD 20 FEET AND CRASHING INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ONLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER IT CRASHED INTO A FENCE AND GARDEN. THE CONTA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED CAUSING HER TO LUNGE BACKWARD 20 FEET AND CRASHING INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ONLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER IT CRASHED INTO A FENCE AND GARDEN. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY FACILITY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3000.
NHTSA ODI #10588353
11,432 miles · May 2, 2014
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed ControlCrash
AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE (MAYBE 5 MILES PER HOUR) AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP, MY 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LUNGED FORWARD SO HARD THAT IT WENT OVER THE CONCRETE SPACER, A GRASS MEDIAN, THE CURB AND INTO THE STREET BEYOND THE PARKING LOT. I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE AND STOP THE ACCELERATION, BUT IT WAS SO SUDDEN, F…
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AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE (MAYBE 5 MILES PER HOUR) AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP, MY 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LUNGED FORWARD SO HARD THAT IT WENT OVER THE CONCRETE SPACER, A GRASS MEDIAN, THE CURB AND INTO THE STREET BEYOND THE PARKING LOT. I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE AND STOP THE ACCELERATION, BUT IT WAS SO SUDDEN, FAST AND UNEXPECTED THAT I SCRAPED THE PASSENGER SIDE ON THE VEHICLE NEXT TO ME. A BY-STANDER COMMENTED "I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED! ALL OF A SUDDEN YOUR CAR JUST RACED AWAY!" I HAVE DRIVEN FOR OVER 45 YEARS WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL TOYOTA CUSTOMER, BUYING ONE FOR MY SON AND DAUGHTER AS WELL AS THIS VEHICLE AND I THOUGHT WHATEVER PROBLEMS TOYOTA HAD WERE TAKEN CARE OF BUT NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10586279
11,000 miles · Apr 15, 2014
EngineVehicle Speed ControlInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY WHEN STATIONARY WITH THE ENGINE ON. THE VIBRATIONS WOULD CAUSE EAR PAIN TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MAN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY WHEN STATIONARY WITH THE ENGINE ON. THE VIBRATIONS WOULD CAUSE EAR PAIN TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.
NHTSA ODI #10582957
88 miles · Apr 9, 2014
StructureVehicle Speed Control
TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR HATCH MOTOR EMITTED A LOUD CLICKING SOUND WHEN IT WAS OPENED AND CLOSED. THE D…
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TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR HATCH MOTOR EMITTED A LOUD CLICKING SOUND WHEN IT WAS OPENED AND CLOSED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MOTOR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,500. RK
NHTSA ODI #10578475
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.
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