NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
40 reports57,780 miles · Sep 21, 2013
Engine
DRIVING ABOUT 40MPH WENT TO ACCELERATE AND THE WHOLE CAR STOPPED RESPONDING TO ANYTHING. COULDN'T DRIVE IT AT ALL, WAS ABLE TO LIMP TO SIDE OF ROAD, AT FIRST COULDN'T TURN VEHICLE OFF. ONCE ABLE TO TURN OFF AND BACK ON CAR WOULD DRIVE. WARNING MESSAGES CAME ON "CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM-HAVE YOUR VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALER IMMEDIATELY" …
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DRIVING ABOUT 40MPH WENT TO ACCELERATE AND THE WHOLE CAR STOPPED RESPONDING TO ANYTHING. COULDN'T DRIVE IT AT ALL, WAS ABLE TO LIMP TO SIDE OF ROAD, AT FIRST COULDN'T TURN VEHICLE OFF. ONCE ABLE TO TURN OFF AND BACK ON CAR WOULD DRIVE. WARNING MESSAGES CAME ON "CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM-HAVE YOUR VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALER IMMEDIATELY" AND THEN "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM-STOP THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE (AS IF I HAD A CHOICE SINCE THE VEHICLE STOPPED ITSELF0, IMMEDIATELY CONTACT DEALER" HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER WHO DID A CHECK AND INFORMED ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS A PART OF THE MOST RECENT RECALL HOWEVER THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS AS OF YET AND ARENT SURE WHEN THEY ARE GOING TO GET THEM.
NHTSA ODI #10544729
21,000 miles · Feb 25, 2013
Hybrid Propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED THEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE HYBRID INVERTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED THEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE HYBRID INVERTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO MORE TIMES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000. UPDATED 6/21/13 *CN UPDATED 07/18/2013 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10499998
60,200 miles · Oct 15, 2012
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
DEPRESSED ACCELERATOR AFTER BEING STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. CAR JERKED FORWARD, STOPPED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. WARNING MESSAGES FOR THE HYBRID SYSTEM (MESSAGE WAS 'STOP IMMEDIATELY AND NOTIFY DEALER'), BRAKE SYSTEM AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER WHO DETERMINED IT WAS FAILURE OF HYBRID INVERTER REQUIRING COMPLETE R…
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DEPRESSED ACCELERATOR AFTER BEING STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. CAR JERKED FORWARD, STOPPED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. WARNING MESSAGES FOR THE HYBRID SYSTEM (MESSAGE WAS 'STOP IMMEDIATELY AND NOTIFY DEALER'), BRAKE SYSTEM AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER WHO DETERMINED IT WAS FAILURE OF HYBRID INVERTER REQUIRING COMPLETE REPLACEMENT. I'M CONCERNED BECAUSE THIS SOUND SIMILAR TO ISSUES REPORTED FOR 2006 AND 2007 HIGHLANDER MODELS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10480201
27,233 miles · Jan 21, 2011
Tires
THE TIRES ON MY 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THE SNOW EVEN THOUGH IT WAS AN ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10378199
8,000 miles · Jun 3, 2010
Service Brakes, Electric
RIGHT FRONT BRAKE "CLANKS" WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED FAIRLY HARD. DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS NORMAL FOR HIGHLANDERS AND THAT HIS ENTIRE INVENTORY EXHIBITS THE SAME SYMPTOMS. (START LAST YEAR AND CONTINUES; COMMENTS ARE FROM DEALER TODAY -- JUNE 3, 2010.) *TR
NHTSA ODI #10334452
12,000 miles · May 28, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment Adaptive/mobilitySeat Belts
2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WE HAVE SEVERAL SAFETY RELATED COMPLAINTS: 1. MY WIFE HAS NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT & TO OUR RECOLLECTION HAS NEVER HAD A TRAFFIC TICKET. SHE HAD A MINOR UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND SHE TAPPED THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF HER. SHE TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE BRAKE & THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD. THE DEALER SAID IT W…
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2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WE HAVE SEVERAL SAFETY RELATED COMPLAINTS: 1. MY WIFE HAS NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT & TO OUR RECOLLECTION HAS NEVER HAD A TRAFFIC TICKET. SHE HAD A MINOR UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND SHE TAPPED THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF HER. SHE TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE BRAKE & THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A RECALL BUT THE TOYOTA WEBSITE SAYS IT IS INVOLVED IN A FLOOR MATT RECALL. I'VE THROWN THE MATT IN THE REAR CARGO AREA. 2. OUR GARAGE IS ATTACHED TO OUR HOUSE WITH OUR BEDROOM ABOVE THE GARAGE. WITH 3 KIDS, BOTH MY WIFE AND I HAVE BEEN DISTRACTED LEAVING THE CAR IN THE GARAGE TO UNLOAD GROCERIES OR HELP THE CHILDREN. WHEN ON ELECTRIC POWER WE HAVE NEGLECTED TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION SINCE THE CAR IS SILENT. ONLY WHEN THE CARBON-MONOXIDE DETECTOR SOUNDED IN OUR GARAGE DID WE REALIZE THE ENGINE HAD STARTED WHILE WE WERE IN THE HOUSE. WE THINK THIS COULD BE DEADLY TO OTHER FAMILIES WITHOUT CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS WHO MAY ALSO FORGET TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE WHEN PARKED IN AN ATTACHED GARAGE WHILE ON ELECTRIC POWER. 3. THE DRIVER'S SEAT-BELT HAS BROKEN AND YOU CAN ONLY FASTEN IT BY MAKING A SPECIAL EFFORT TO DEPRESS THE BUTTON AND HOLD IT WHILE INSERTING THE BUCKLE. NORMALLY YOU SIMPLY INSERT THE BUCKLE TO FASTENIT. THE CAR HAS MANY OTHER "ISSUES" THAT ARE NOT SAFETY RELATED. UNFORTUNATELY, WE BELIEVE OUR INSURANCE COMPANY WILL SETTLE MY WIFE'S OTHERWISE UNEVENTFUL "TAPPING" OF A TRUCK FROM THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND CHARGE THIS LIKELY BOGUS INJURY CLAIM BY THE TRUCK DRIVER AGAINST OUR POLICY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10332639
10,500 miles · May 3, 2010
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Traction Control System
IN EARLY FEBRUARY 2010 DURING HEAVY SNOWFALL, I LOST PARTIAL TRACTION IN MY ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE (AWD), 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID WHILE DRIVING UP THE STEEP STREET TO MY HOME. WHEN THE TRACTION LOSS OCCURRED, ALL POWER FROM THE GAS ENGINE AND THE FRONT AND REAR WHEEL ELECTRIC MOTORS WAS CUT OFF BY THE COMPUTERIZED VEHICLE STABILI…
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IN EARLY FEBRUARY 2010 DURING HEAVY SNOWFALL, I LOST PARTIAL TRACTION IN MY ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE (AWD), 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID WHILE DRIVING UP THE STEEP STREET TO MY HOME. WHEN THE TRACTION LOSS OCCURRED, ALL POWER FROM THE GAS ENGINE AND THE FRONT AND REAR WHEEL ELECTRIC MOTORS WAS CUT OFF BY THE COMPUTERIZED VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL (VSC)/TRACTION CONTROL (TRAC) SYSTEM. THE LOSS OF POWER TO ALL FOUR WHEELS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE SKIDDING PERPENDICULAR TO THE STREET AND THEN SLIDING SIDEWAYS DOWN THE MOUNTAIN ABOUT 200 FEET. THAT SITUATION HAPPENED TWICE. BY HAVING NO POWER TO ANY OF THE FOUR WHEELS, I WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE INTO THE SKID AND HAD ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL OF IT. THIS MEANT THAT WHEN THE AWL WAS NEEDED MOST, THE VEHICLE BECAME NO WHEEL DRIVE. THERE IS A SERIOUS FLAW IN THE ENGINEERING DESIGN. REGARDLESS OF THE REASON BEHIND THE PHENOMENON, IT CONSTITUTES A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT THAT COULD CAUSE PEOPLE TO BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA MOTOR SALES (TMS) IN CA AND MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. BOTH TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD HAVE TO BE DUPLICATED BY A DEALER TECH BEFORE ANY RESOLUTION COULD BE INITIATED. SO, THE NEXT AND LAST TIME IT SNOWED HERE I CONTACTED THE SERVICE MGR WHO TOLD HIS SHOP WAS CLOSED BECAUSE OF THE SNOW AND NO ONE WAS AVAILABLE TO TEST DRIVE MY VEHICLE. BASICALLY, I HAVE BEEN IGNORED BY TMS AND THE DEALER IN HOPES THAT I WILL DROP MY COMPLAINT. I PREVIOUSLY REPORTED THE COMPLAINT AS ODI #10314563 VIA A TELEPHONE CALL. THE LADY WHO TOOK MY CALL ENTERED IT WITH INCORRECT INFORMATION. NHTSA HAS NOT CONTACTED ME REGARDING AN INVESTIGATION OF THE INCIDENT, AND I AM HEREBY REQUESTING SUCH CONTACT AND FOLLOW-UP. UPDATED IVOQ 08/04/10 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10328602
5,600 miles · Apr 15, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 15 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES ON A ROUGH ROAD SURFACE, THERE WAS A DELAY IN BRAKE APPLICATION. THE VEHICLE DID COME TO A STOP AFTER MOMENTARY HESITATION. THE DEALER HAD NOT YET BEEN CONTACTED TO REPORT THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,600 AN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 15 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES ON A ROUGH ROAD SURFACE, THERE WAS A DELAY IN BRAKE APPLICATION. THE VEHICLE DID COME TO A STOP AFTER MOMENTARY HESITATION. THE DEALER HAD NOT YET BEEN CONTACTED TO REPORT THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 6,858. UPDATED 05/19/10. *LJ
NHTSA ODI #10325836
Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2010
Electrical System
2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. CONSUMER STATES ISSUES WITH BATTERY. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE WENT TO START THE VEHICLE, THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER INFORMED THE CONSUMER HE NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED TO THE DEALER, HE WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BATTERY AND THEY REFUSE…
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2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. CONSUMER STATES ISSUES WITH BATTERY. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE WENT TO START THE VEHICLE, THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER INFORMED THE CONSUMER HE NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED TO THE DEALER, HE WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BATTERY AND THEY REFUSED TO PUT A NEW BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE. LESS THAN TWO MONTHS LATER, THE CONSUMER WENT TO START THE VEHICLE AND AGAIN THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. THE DEALER AGAIN, DENIED HIS REQUEST FOR A NEW BATTERY. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER HE NEEDED TO DO MORE HIGHWAY DRIVING AND THAT WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID MORE HIGHWAY DRIVING, BUT AGAIN, THE BATTERY DIED. THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED A NEW BATTERY FOR THE THIRD TIME. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10325313
Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2010
Service Brakes, Electric
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 2009 BRAKES FADE FOR A BRIEF BUT NOTICEABLE MOMENT WHEN BRAKING. SOMETIMES IT IS MORE PRONOUNCED THAN OTHERS BUT IS SIMILAR TO THE OTHER COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN RE THIS SAME THING ON THIS SITE. WHILE TO SOME IT MAY FEEL LIKE A SLIGHT ACCELERATION IT IS MORE LIKE THERE IS A SUDDEN RELEASE OF BRAKE PRESSURE…
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TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 2009 BRAKES FADE FOR A BRIEF BUT NOTICEABLE MOMENT WHEN BRAKING. SOMETIMES IT IS MORE PRONOUNCED THAN OTHERS BUT IS SIMILAR TO THE OTHER COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN RE THIS SAME THING ON THIS SITE. WHILE TO SOME IT MAY FEEL LIKE A SLIGHT ACCELERATION IT IS MORE LIKE THERE IS A SUDDEN RELEASE OF BRAKE PRESSURE AND THEN IT COMES BACK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10317153
Official recalls
4Oct 22, 2015
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Sep 4, 2013
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through December 2, 2008. The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module may contain transistors that have higher operating temperatures than the solder can support and the transistors may be heat damaged by the solder. If this occurs, various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, will be illuminated on the instrument panel.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPM free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicles that had their IPM replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by this campaign.
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.
Jun 15, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
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
3DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
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.
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