2008 Toyota Highlander
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 404 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 25 Highlander model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 44 involved a crash and 14 involved a fire. 42 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerJun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Campaign 16V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 15V689000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerNov 19, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Campaign 14V743000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleApr 9, 2014
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
Campaign 14V168000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 10, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.
If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.
Campaign 12V491000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsApr 21, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 RAV4 VEHICLES. IN THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG (CSA) SYSTEM, THERE ARE TWO SENSORS IN THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO DETECT VEHICLE ROLL ANGLE. IF ONE OF THESE SENSORS MALFUNCTIONS, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT: MIL) WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE ROLL DETECTION SYSTEM WILL BE SUSPENDED; HOWEVER, THE AIRBAG CSA REMAINS AVAILABLE IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE CRASH. IF BOTH SENSORS FAIL NEARLY SIMULTANEOUSLY AFTER INITIAL AIRBAG SYSTEM CHECK, THE CSA AND THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER COULD BE INADVERTENTLY ACTIVATED.
INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE CSA AND/OR THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ONE CONTAINING IMPROVED ROLL RATE SENSORS, FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA INTENDS TO SEND AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS EARLY TO MID-MAY, 2011 WHEN SUFFICIENT PARTS AND REMEDY BECOMES AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 11V245000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 10V036000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Campaign 10V035000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalJan 27, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, VENZA AND MATRIX PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT. THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A CAMPAIGN OF 3.8 MILLION OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES ANNOUNCED IN 2009 FOR THE SAME ISSUE (SEE 09V-388).
A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
TOYOTA WILL MODIFY OR REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FLOOR SURFACE MODIFICATIONS ARE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED AND WILL BE INCLUDED FOR ANY MODEL FOR WHICH IT IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE. INITIALLY, DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO RESHAPE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FOR THE REPAIR. AS REPLACEMENT PARTS WITH THE SAME SHAPE AS THE MODIFIED PEDAL BECOME AVAILABLE, THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE DEALERS FOR THE REPAIR. CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD THE PEDAL RESHAPE REMEDY COMPLETED WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A NEW PEDAL IF THEY DESIRE, AFTER REPLACEMENT PEDALS BECOME AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, TOYOTA WILL REPLACE ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT IN A SUBJECT VEHICLE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT BUT DO NOT NEED OR WANT THE NEWLY DESIGNED ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT, TOYOTA WILL RECOVER THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT AND REIMBURSE ITS PRICE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN MARCH 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 10V023000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsJun 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."
INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 09V223000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentMay 14, 2009
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING 3,499 STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST TIPS SOLD BY SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AS AN OPTIONAL ACCESSORY FOR USE ON MY 2008 HIGHLANDER AND HIGHLANDER HYBIRD VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS, THE ORIGINAL CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST TIP TO THE EXHAUST PIPE MAY DEVELOP MICROSCOPIC CRACKS. EVENTUALLY THE CRACK MAY EXPAND CAUSING THE CLAMP TO BREAK.
THE ORIGINAL CLAMP AND THE TOYOTA STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST TIP MAY FALL OFF THE VEHICLE'S EXHAUST PIPE AND BECOME A ROAD HAZARD WHICH WOULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE CLAMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY/JUNE 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA CUSTOMER LOYALTY DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 09E028000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentApr 27, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 39,100 STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST TIPS SOLD BY TOYOTA AS AN OPTIONAL ACCESSORY FOR USE ON MY 2008 HIGHLANDER AND HIGHLANDER HYBRID VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS, THE ORIGINAL CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE TOYOTA STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST TIP TO THE EXHAUST PIPE MAY DEVELOP MICROSCOPIC CRACKS. EVENTUALLY THE CRACK MAY EXPAND CAUSING THE CLAMP TO BREAK.
THE ORIGINAL CLAMP AND THE TOYOTA STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST TIP MAY FALL OFF THE VEHICLE'S EXHAUST PIPE AND BECOME A ROAD HAZARD WHICH WOULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE CLAMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AT 1 888-270-9371 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 5:00 AM TO 6:00 PM, SATURDAY 7:00 AM THROUGH 4:00 PM PACIFIC TIME.
Campaign 09E022000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherApr 18, 2008
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 90,189 MY 2008 HIGHLANDER AND HIGHLANDER HYBRID PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THIRD ROW SEAT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE NON-DRIVER DESIGNATED SEATING POSITIONS (DSP) ON THESE VEHICLES IS EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT HAVE A FEATURE THAT CONVERTS THE RETRACTOR FROM AN EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR (ELR) TO AN AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR). THE BELTS CONVERT TO THE ALR MODE AFTER THE WEBBING HAS BEEN FULLY WITHDRAWN FROM THE RETRACTOR. THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED SO THAT AS THE BELT IS RELEASED INTO THE RETRACTOR, THE SYSTEM REMAINS IN THE ALR MODE SO THAT A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) CAN BE TIGHTLY SECURED.
HOWEVER, FOR THE TWO THIRD ROW DSP'S ON THESE VEHICLES, THE ALR MODE DEACTIVATES BEFORE THE WEBBING IS FULLY RETRACTED, SO THAT IT WILL NOT LOCK WHEN CERTAIN REAR-FACING CRS'S THAT HAVE A SHORT SEAT BELT ROUTING PATH ARE INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SEAT BELT WEBBING TO SPOOL OUT DURING NORMAL DRIVING MANEUVERS, WHICH COULD AFFECT THE STABILITY OF A CHILD RESTRAINT INSTALLED AT THOSE SEATING POSITIONS. AS SUCH, THIS COULD DISCOURAGE THE USE OF A CHILD RESTRAINT AND IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED SEAT BELT COMPONENT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 08V181000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
404 reports, newest first.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 4, 2010, crash
ON DECEMBER 7, 2009, I HAD JUST ARRIVED AT MY PARKING APRON IN FRONT OF MY GARAGE AND WAS PUTTING THE CAR IN "PARK" AND HAD DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DO SO. THE ACCELERATOR IMMEDIATELY JAMMED ON "FULL" AND THE CAR WENT THROUGH A WOODEN TWO-CAR GARAGE DOOR TAKING ALL OF THE EQUIPMENT WITH IT AND PROCEEDED EIGHTEEN (18) FEET INTO THE GARAGE AND WAS STOPPED ONLY BY THE STAIRS TO THE CONDO AND THE HOUSE FOUNDATION. THERE WAS $9,000 DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND $4,000 DAMAGE TO THE GARAGE AND STAIRS. TOYOTA HAS EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND CLAIM IT IS NOT ONE OF THE RECALLED AUTOS AND THIS EVENT MUST HAVE BEEN MY FAULT. THIS IS VERY DISTRESSING AS I AM A SENIOR VOLUNTEER DRIVING SENIORS TO THEIR MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS AND AN "AT FAULT" ACCIDENT WOULD PREVENT MY CONTINUING THIS PROJECT. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT SOME DEFECT, PROBABLY ELECTRONIC CONTROLS, CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DO WHAT IT DID AND I AM VERY AFRAID TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT. EVEN IF, TOYOTA'S CLAIM IS CORRECT THAT MY FOOT WEDGED BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDAL CAUSING ACCELERATION, WOULD THIS NOT ALSO BE A DESIGN DEFECT? PLEASE PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2010, crash
GAS PEDAL IS TOO TIGHT. I WOULD LIKE SOME ONE TO CHECK THE CAR. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THERE WILL BE A BIG PROBLEM FOUND WITH THIS MODEL ALSO. PEDAL IS ABNORMALLY TIGHT. *TR
Power train, Mar 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT WAS BACKING OUT OF THE RESIDENCE DRIVEWAY ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. THE DRIVER STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE WHILE THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED IN THE REVERSE POSITION AND WITHIN THREE SECONDS THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER TOP OF THE DRIVER. THE AMBULANCE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO THE LEFT LEG AND CHEST AREA. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 4/5/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED SHE STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE NOT REALIZING IT WAS IN GEAR. IT STAYED STATIONARY FOR SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE RUNNING HER OVER. UPDATED 05/11/10.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 25, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. ON DECEMBER 7, 2009 THE CONTACT DROVE INTO HIS PARKING GARAGE AND DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IMMEDIATELY JAMMED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE GARAGE, APPROXIMATELY 18 FEET. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AT THE STAIRS. THERE WAS $9,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND $4,000 FOR THE GARAGE. TOYOTA HAS EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL YET IT WAS THE CONTACTS FAULT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRONIC FAILURE. TOYOTA ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HIS FOOT WENT BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE BRAKE PEDAL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE GARAGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 24, 2010, crash
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) MY FATHER [XXX] WAS KILLED WHILE DRIVING A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. HE HIT ANOTHER CAR SUSTAINING SEVERE INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. HE LEFT MY HOUSE IN GEORGETOWN, TX. DRIVING TO ROCKPORT TX WHEN IT IS REPORTED THAT HE LEFT HIS LANE, NO INDICATION THAT HE TRIED TO SLOW DOWN. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN GOLIAD COUNTY, ABOUT AN HOUR FROM HIS HOUSE. THE AUTOPSY COULD FIND NO MEDICAL OR PHYSICAL CAUSE FOR THIS ACCIDENT. THE ACCIDENT IS ON FILE WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND USAA INSURANCE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND CHANGING LANES, THE THROTTLE CAUSED THE WHEELS TO LOSE TRACTION CONTROL. AFTER A WHILE, THE THROTTLE ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN FUNCTIONING NORMALLY. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NORMAL. VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BUT NO ERRORS WERE FOUND AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33000. UPDATED 03/24/10 *BF UPDATED 06/28/10*JB
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. ON FEBRUARY 10, 2008 WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHEN SHE PUT HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. SHE LOST CONTROL AND SWERVED THE INTO THE LEFT LANE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLES REAR BUMPER CAUSING THAT VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THEM. SHE SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER RIBS. THE OTHER TWO DRIVERS ALSO SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS IN THE PROCESS OF INVESTIGATING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 13,000. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. UPDATED 03/30/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE MAY HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE STEERING PROBLEMS AS WELL. ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING TOO FAST FOR THE ROAD CONDITIONS. UPDATED 06/28/10*JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 21, 2010
IN JANUARY 2010, I WAS PARKED IN MY DAUGHTER'S DAYCARE DRIVEWAY. THE DRIVEWAY HAS A NORMAL SLOPE. I TURNED THE VEHICLE ON WHILE IN THE DRIVEWAY AND EVEN THOUGH I WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKES THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE CAR BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARD. I HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THANKFULLY NO CHILDREN WERE AROUND ME. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AGAIN MOMENTS LATER WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY, WHICH HAS A MINIMAL SLOPE. AGAIN THE BRAKES LOST PRESSURE AND DID NOT WORK. IN BOTH INSTANCES I NOTICED THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER THE VSC LIGHT TURNED ON 4X IN THE SAME DAY. THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THE VSC LIGHT AND BRAKES FAIL ON A ROUTINE BASIS...AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. I MAKE SURE THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND PARKING BRAKE ARE ENGAGED AND THAT THE VSC LIGHT DOES NOT TURN ON BEFORE SHIFTING TO DRIVE. THIS CARE IS UNSAFE CONSIDERING THE VSC ENGAGES FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 20, 2010
WE HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WITH INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AND VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM (ABS/VSC). FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THE ABS/VSC WILL MALFUNCTION AND BRAKES OPERATE INCORRECTLY. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM THAT COMES AN GOES. WE HAVE ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THE SNOW IN OHIO. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR INTO THE DEALER 4X WITHOUT RESOLUTION SINCE NOBODY KNOWS WHAT IS WRONG. IT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE SINCE IT STARTED JAN 2010. *TR
Steering, Feb 19, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE POWER STEERING LOCKED AND IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. THE VEHICLE ALSO BECAME HARD TO CONTROL AT HIGHER SPEEDS BETWEEN 50 TO 70 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED 10 TIMES. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED THAT WAY AND IT WAS NOT MALFUNCTIONING. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,050.
Electrical system, Feb 15, 2010
ALL THE SENSOR LIGHTS, INCLUDING ABS, EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND TRAC, FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAVE GONE ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY ON MY 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. SOMETIMES THE BRAKES ENGAGED THE SKID CONTROL AND ONE TIME I HEARD THE BACK LEFT BRAKE MAKE A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE BRAKES WERE INSPECTED TWICE, ONCE BY TOYOTA MECHANIC AND ANOTHER TIME BY A LOCAL SEARS MECHANIC. THE TOYOTA MECHANIC RE-CALIBRATED THE SENSORS AND THEY STAYED OFF FOR A FEW WEEKS, BUT THEY ARE ALL BACK ON NOW. THE TOYOTA MECHANIC STATED THAT OUR VEHICLE WAS THIRD ONE HE SAW THAT WEEK FOR BRAKE SENSOR PROBLEMS. ALSO, BOTH MECHANICS SAID I HAD PLENTY OF BRAKES LEFT. THIS STARTED WHEN THERE WAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON MY CAR BUT, WITH OVER 36,000 WARRANTY MILES. I THINK THE SENSORS SHOULD LAST LONGER AND IT'S SCARY DRIVING WITH THE SENSOR LIGHTS INDICATING A PROBLEM. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 12, 2010
I HAVE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2008 FROM AUG 2008. THIS CAR HAS A PROBLEM WITH BRAKING. FIRST WINTER IT WAS UNSAFE TO PARK CAR ON SHOPPING PARKING, BECAUSE OF CLOSE PROXIMITY TO OTHER CARS. HIGHLANDER WAS NOT STOPPING, IT CONTINUED MOVING WITH MY LEG ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS CAR WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN. I DROVE MANY DIFFERENT SUVS FROM RENTAL COMPANIES, LIKE CHEVY TRAIL BLAZER, GMC ACADIA, JEEP TWO DIFFERENT MODELS, BUT NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES AND EACH TIME THEY TOLD ME THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING. I'M USED TO THIS CAR NOW, BUT BRAKING STILL NOT GOOD. IT REQUIRES DEEP PRESSURE ON THE PEDAL AND CAR IS STOPPING LONGER. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Feb 10, 2010
2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FAILS TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. MOST OCCURRENCES AT LOW SPEED AFTER SLOWING TO 5MPH VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND TO GAS PEDAL - OR WILL NOT ENGAGE INTO GEAR AND MOVE FORWARD. THIS OCCURS OR IS MOST NOTICEABLE AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS PUSHED AFTER HAVING SLOWED DOWN OR IN THE MIDST OF A SLOW DOWN (NOT A COMPLETE STOP) USUALLY TO WAIT FOR TRAFFIC TO CLEAR. OCCURRED WITH EVERY DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE (4). MOST NOTABLE (SCARY) WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS TURNING AND TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC. CAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN GEAR, RPM INCREASE, CAR REVES UP, BUT WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC. MY DAUGHTER SCREAMED. TAKEN TO DEALER AT LEAST TWICE. AND CONTINUE TO CALL AND COMPLAIN. DEALER STATES THEY HAD EXPERTS LOOK AT CAR, REBOOTED COMPUTER (BECAUSE CAR RESPONDS TO DRIVER THAT DRIVES THE MOST!). SAID NOTHING IS WRONG OR CAN BE DONE. DEALER HAS ADMITTED THAT ENGAGING IS SLOW, NOTICEABLE. FAILURE TO ENGAGE OCCURS DAILY. CONSEQUENCE - IN DANGER OF NOT BEING ABLE TO MOVE CAR OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. NOTHING WAS DONE TO REPAIR. COMPUTER RE-SET. (THIS IS WHAT I WAS TOLD) VEHICLE ALSO HAS EXPERIENCED TROUBLE WHILE DRIVING UP HILL. RPM WENT TO 4000 + AND WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS. ON FREEWAY AND SLOWING DOWN. HAD 6 HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS IN CAR. ALSO HAS "DROPPED" INTO GEAR HEAVILY. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 10, 2010
THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH ACCELERATION WE HAVE HAD WITH OUR TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. WHEN ACCELERATING, THE VEHICLE WILL PERIODICALLY OVER-REV BEFORE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS INTO THE APPROPRIATE GEAR. THIS RESULTS IN A MOMENTARY LACK OF ACCELERATION. AGAIN THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. WHEN TAKEN TO THE TOYOTA DEALER, THEY SAY THEY CANNOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN SEE THAT IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Feb 10, 2010
OUR 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAS HAD THE SAME INTERMITTENT BRAKING PROBLEM SINCE WE PURCHASED IT IN 2008. WHEN WE BRAKE FOR THE FIRST SECOND OR SO OF DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE BRAKES WILL EITHER NOT RESPOND OR THERE WILL BE A SLIGHT SURGE IN ACCELERATION. AFTER FURTHER DEPRESSION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES WILL ENGAGE, BUT THE INITIAL ENGAGEMENT IS NOT SMOOTH. IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE THAT HAS BRAKED THEIR VEHICLE TOO RAPIDLY. THIS ISSUE COMES AND GOES. WHEN WE TAKE IT TO THE DEALER, THEY SAY THEY CANNOT RECREATE THE ISSUE AND SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 9, 2010
LEFT AND RIGHT REAR BRAKES STAY ENGAGED WHEN APPLIED AND WILL NOT DISENGAGE FOR UP TO 2 MINUTES AFTER RELEASED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE MECHANISM (APPARENTLY THE CALIPERS) WAS CORRODED. *TR
Suspension, Feb 9, 2010
I OWN A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER ALL WHEEL DRIVE AND HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR'S ALIGNMENT. MY MECHANIC SAID IT IS A DEFECT THAT CANNOT BE FIXED AND IS A SAFETY DANGER. WHEN MY CAR HAD 3,000 MY MECHANIC SAID THE TIRES WERE SHREDDING. WHEN HE CHECKED MY ALIGNMENT HE SAID IT WAS OFF BUT WHENHE TRIED TO CORRECT IT HE SAID IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO FIX AND IT IS A DEFECT. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD FIX IT. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR THEY SAID IT WAS REALIGNED BUT COULD NOT GET IT TO THE RECOMMENDED ALIGNMENT BUT IT WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. I TOOK THE CAR BACK AGAIN TO HAVE IT REALIGNED AND THE SAME RESULT THAT IT COULD NOT BE REALIGNED TO COMPANY SPECS BUT TOYOTA TOLD ME THE MISALIGNMENT IS NOT A SAFETY DANGER. MY MECHANIC SAID IT IS A DANGER SO I BROUGHT IT BACK TO TOYOTA TO COMPLAIN. TOYOTA SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO SO I SHOULD JUST LIVE WITH IT. I AM FURIOUS AND AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY CAR. WILL YOU PLEASE HELP ME. I AM AWARE OF OTHER OWNERS WITH ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS WITH THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE MODELS. THANK YOU. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN OCTOBER 2007. SHE STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN RPMS WITHOUT WARNING. SHE ASSUMED THE FLOOR MAT WAS BLOCKING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; HOWEVER UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION FOUND THIS WAS NOT THE CASE. THE VEHICLE THEN PROCEEDED TO ABNORMALLY ACCELERATE AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 15 MPH. THE CONTACT USED BOTH FEET TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ABRUPTLY SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO IDLE UNTIL SHE SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HER VEHICLE. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER PROVIDED ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,400 AND THE CURRENT WAS 39,538. UPDATED 3/24/10 *CN UPDATED 08/18/10*JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 9, 2010
AT THE END OF OCTOBER, 09, I WAS DRIVING WITH BOTH OF MY BOYS IN THE CAR. I GOT INTO THE LEFT TURN LANE ON BAY AREA BLVD, HOUSTON,TX. I HAD ONE CAR IN FROM OF ME. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND MY ENGINE RACED AND I STARTED TO GO FORWARD. I LOOKED DOWN QUICKLY TO SEE IF THE FLOOR MAT WAS STUCK AND IT WAS NOT. I PRESSED BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE AND CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. I PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. MY 11 YEAR OLD WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT AND HE EXPERIENCED THE ENTIRE SITUATION. I WAS VERY SCARED THAT I WOULD HIT THE CAR IN FRONT WHICH IS WHY I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF. I DID NOT THINK ANYONE WOULD BELIEVE ME SO I DID NOT TELL ANYONE ABOUT IT. LAST WEEKEND I WAS WAITING AT THE RED LIGHT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO TURN LEFT AND MY CAR ENGINE STARTED TO RACE AGAIN, I WAS READY TO PUT MY CAR IN PARK BUT THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN SO I WAS ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD. I CONTACTED STAR TOYOTA IN LEAGUE CITY AND SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER. I WAS INFORMED AGAIN ( ONCE BY THE SALES MANAGER) THAT MY CAR VIN HAD A J IN FRONT OF IT SO IT WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. I WAS TOLD TO BRING IT IN AT MY EXPENSE TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT AND WAS REFERRED TO THE 800 331 4331. I CALLED THAT NUMBER AND RECEIVED A RECORDING THAT DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF CALLS THAT THEY WERE NOT ACCEPTING CALLS AND WAS REFERRED TO THE TOYOTA PRESS ROOM ON LINE. I WENT TO THAT SITE AND DID NOT FIND ANY WAY TO CONTACT TOYOTA. I HAVE A DANGEROUS CAR AND I CANNOT GET HELP WITH IT FROM THE DEALER. I DON'T CARE IF THE VIN HAS A J IN FRONT OF IT OR IF IT WAS MADE IN JAPAN. I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR SINCE OCT 2007. MY HUSBAND COMPLAINED SEVERAL TIMES THAT WHILE HE WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON THE INTERSTATE THAT IT SEEMED TO ACCELERATE FASTER ON ITS OWN. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 8, 2010
I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE INFORMATION SCREEN INDICATED THERE HAD BEEN A BRAKE MALFUNCTION AND THAT I SHOULD PULL OVER AND CALL THE DEALER. I NOTICED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT WAS LIT SO I THOUGHT I HAD SOMEHOW BEEN DRIVING WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. IN KIND OF A PANIC I THEN PUSHED DOWN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ABOUT HALF WAY IN AN EFFORT TO TURN IT OFF. THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN PRECIPITIOUSLY AND WE ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. IT TURNS OUT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY CORROSION IN ONE OF THE WHEEL SENSORS THAT DETECTS SLIPPAGE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS NEVER ENGAGED. TOYOTA SHOULD NOT ILLUMINATE THAT LIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENS TO PREVENT DRIVERS FROM THINKING THEIR EMERGENCY BRAKE IS ENGAGED WHEN INFACT IT IS NOT. TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL THE 2008 HIGHLANDER TO MAKE SURE THERE IS NO CORROSION SINCE THE MESSAGE ON THE INFORMATIONAL DISPLAY IS SO DISTRACTING TO THE DRIVER.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Feb 8, 2010
DRIVING MY NEW 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LEASED DEC. 2008. ON 4-5 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON I ACCELERATED AND THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY WENT TO FULL RACE. PEDAL WAS NOT STUCK. COULD NOT TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL. SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL CAUSED UNCONTROLLED MAXIMUM RPMS. TURNING THE KEY OFF AND BACK ON NUMEROUS TIMES DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. EVENTUALLY AFTER ABOUT 20-30 SECONDS THE PROBLEM RESOLVED, ENGINE SLOWED WITH NO SIGN THERE HAD EVER BEEN A PROBLEM. THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN SINCE SPRING 2009 BUT THAT SPRING THE 4-5 EPISODES HAPPENED WITHIN A FEW WEEKS.
Tires, Feb 7, 2010
MY WIFE'S 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SPORT WITH 19" RIMS CAME WITH BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/L 400 TIRES. THIS TIRE HAPPENS TO BE THE ONLY TIRE MADE TO FIT THIS RIM OTHER THAN A TOYOTA OPEN COUNTRY WHICH APPARENTLY WAS STANDARD ON THE HYBRID MODEL. WE FOUND THIS TIRE TO BE UNFIT AND UNSAFE FOR A 4,500 LB VEHICLE OF THIS SCALE. THESE TIRES HYDROPLAN IN RAIN FROM THE MOMENT THEY WERE NEW, AND THEY HANDLED TERRIBLY IN ANY AMOUNT OF SNOW, CAUSING THE REAR OF OUR 4WD VEHICLE TO SLIDE SIDEWAYS WHEN STARTING FROM SIMPLE STOPS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WE HELD OUR BREATH AS WE SLID TOWARD VEHICLES AND PROPERTY WHILE THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM TRIED IN VAIN TO OVERCOME THE TIRE'S VERY POOR HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS. IF YOU GO TO TIRERACK.COM YOU WILL SEE THAT THIS TIRE IS RATED EXTREMELY POORLY BY MANY MANY OWNERS OF HIGHLANDERS AND OTHER CARS THAT THEY CAME STANDARD ON. WHEN I CONTACTED TOYOTA ABOUT THIS, THEY BALKED AT ME, AND COPPED AN ATTITUDE WHEN THEY ASKED IF I SERIOUSLY THOUGHT TOYOTA WAS GOING TO REPLACE MY TIRES FOR ME. THESE TIRES ARE UNSAFE FOR ANY VEHICLE WHICH WILL TRAVEL IN SNOW OR RAIN. THE FINAL INSULT OF THESE TIRES IS THAT THEY WERE MORE THAN THREE-QUARTERS WORN OUT BY 15,000 MILES. WE MILKED THESE TIRES UNTIL ALMOST 30,000 MILES SINCE I REFUSED TO BUY THE SAME TIRE AGAIN, HOPING SOME OTHER MANUFACTURER WOULD COME ALONG WITH A SIMILAR SIZED TIRE - 245/55-19. THAT NEVER HAPPENED, SO I WENT WITH A 255 WIDTH TIRE AND BROUGHT A WELL RATED HANKOOK. I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER. I AM JUST INCENSED THAT TOYOTA COLLUDED WITH BRIDGESTONE TO INSTALL SUCH TERRIBLY CHEAP AND UNSAFE TIRES ON THOUSANDS OF HIGHLANDERS, STRANDING ALL THOSE OWNERS TO SUFFER THE SAME INSTABILITY ISSUES AS WE DID, WHILE THEY DID NOT WORK WITH ANY OTHER TIRE VENDORS TO SUPPLY THIS DISTINCTIVE TIRE DESIGN. I AM NOT SURE WHO I HOLD IN MORE CONTEMPT - BRIDGESTONE OR TOYOTA. I DO NOT DOUBT THAT YOU COULD RESEARCH VEHICLE CRASHES INVOLVING HIGHLANDERS AND FIND MANY CAUSED BY POOR TRACTION. *TW
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 7, 2010
BRAKE FAILURE ON 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER: I TURNED CAR ON & SHIFTED INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF PARKING SPACE. THERE WAS NO RESISTANCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. CAR ROLLED BACKWARD & WOULD NOT STOP. I APPLIED EMERGENCY BRAKE AND CAR STOPPED. WHEN E-BRAKE WAS ON I TESTED TO SEE IF THERE WAS PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL - THERE WAS NONE. AT THIS POINT I PUT CAR INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF ENGINE, WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND RESTARTED ENGINE. STILL NO BRAKE PRESSURE AND SHIFTER WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK POSITION. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN AND RELEASED EMERGENCY BRAKE. AT THIS POINT THE CAR SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND THERE WAS PRESSURE IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. I DROVE VEHICLE SAFELY TO NEAREST TOYOTA DEALERSHIP (WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED). COMPUTER CHECK INDICATED NO PROBLEM WITH BRAKES. MANUAL/VISUAL CHECK REVEALED A GAP LEAKING BRAKE FLUID BETWEEN THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE BRAKE BOOSTER , BOTH OF WHICH WERE SUBSEQUENTLY REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. *TW
Tires, Feb 6, 2010
TOYO A20 OPEN COUNTRY TIRES IN 245/55R19 SIZE WEAR PREMATURELY WITH POTENTIAL LOSS OF TRACTION AND CONTROL. DRIVERS UNAWARE OF THE FACT THESE TIRES WEAR OUT IN LESS THAN 20,000 MILES MAY FAIL TO CHECK THEM FOR WEAR SOON ENOUGH. THESE TIRES ARE THE OEM TIRES USED ON THE 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SPORT MODEL AND PROBABLY SOME OTHER TOYOTA MODELS AND MODEL YEARS AS WELL. THE 2008 VEHICLE OWNERS WILL BE THE FIRST TO REPORT PROBLEMS. THIS BLOG ON CONSUMER REPORTS DETAILS THE PROBLEMS. HTTP://BLOGS.CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG/CARS/2009/04/TOYOTA-HIGHLANDER-HOW-TO-CHOOSE-THE-BEST-REPLACEMENT-TIRE-.HTML TOYOTA DEALERS ARE OFFERING NO COMPENSATION OR REPLACEMENT ASSISTANCE AND THIS SIZE TIRE IS UNIQUE SO THAT ONLY TWO FIRMS OFFER REPLACEMENTS - TOYO AND BRIDGESTONE. THE BRIDGESTONE OEM TIRES IN THIS SIZE MAY HAVE THE SAME WEAR AND TRACTION PROBLEMS. *CN
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 5, 2010
I AM LEASING TWO TOYOTA VEHICLES ... A 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER AND A 2009 TOYOTA CAMRY. DURING DECEMBER 2009 I EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER TRANSMISSION AND SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE BRAKING. DETAILS INCLUDE A TRANSMISSION NOISE RATTLE WHILE DRIVING ON A CALIFORNIA FREEWAY AT ABOUT 60 MPH. THIS TRANSMISSION NOISE CONTINUED FOR 3-4 MINUTES, SOUNDING LOUDER AS IF A PART WAS LOOSE INSIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION. I SHIFTED THE TRANSMISSION ON THE 2008 HIGHLANDER BETWEEN GEARS AND THE NOISE EVENTUALLY STOPPED. THE SECOND COMPLAINT ON THE 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 5, 2009, WHILE I WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE. AS I APPROACHED THE PARKING PLACE, WITH MY FOOT COVERING THE BRAKE PEDAL, I EXPERIENCED UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION WHILE BRAKING. THE 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SUDDENLY LURCHED WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD HAVE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE THROUGH A PLATE GLASS WINDOW AT THE BANK IF I DIDN'T APPLY FULL FORCE OF THE BRAKE! I WAS ABLE TO APPLY THE BRAKE FIRMLY ENOUGH TO OVERCOME THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE IN TIME. CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA TOYOTA OF CARLSBAD WAS NOTIFIED ON DECEMBER 9, 2009 IN WRITING REGARDING THESE TWO ISSUES. I HAD PERSONALLY DELIVERED A TWO PAGE DOCUMENT DETAILING BOTH OF THESE COMPLAINTS TO THE TOYOTA OF CARLSBAD SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RESPONSE FROM MY COMPLAINT BY TOYOTA OF CARLSBAD OR THE TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION. *TR