2009 Toyota Highlander
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 134 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 21st highest complaint count among 25 Highlander model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 6 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 9 people were injured.
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
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveJan 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 13V014000 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
Representative owner complaints: structure
15 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Jun 6, 2019
THERE HAS BEEN A LATCHING ISSUE WITH THE REAR POWER HATCH SINCE WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR. TOYOTA ISSUED A REPAIR RECALL IN 2017 TO FIX THE ISSUE BUT IT IS BROKEN ONCE AGAIN. EITHER THEY ARE USING DEFECTIVE PARTS OR A DESIGN FLAW, BUT IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AS WE HAVE HAD THE REAR DOOR OPEN WHILE DRIVING SEVERAL TIMES. THEY DO NOT WANT TO REPAIR BECAUSE THEY DO NOT THINK IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
Structure, Seats, Service brakes, Aug 12, 2018
I WAS SOLD OVER INTERNET BY VANDERGRIFT TOYOTA OF ARLINGTON,TX A FALSELY ADVERTISED 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER,THAT WAS DELIVERED TO ME IN SAN ANTONIO, TX IN ENCLIMATE WEATHER AND WHILE I WAS IN A FULL BODY BRACE, I HAD TOLD THEM OF WEATHER, AND WAS IN DOWN POUR WHEN THEY DELIVERED, I WAS UNABLE TO EXAMINE CAR IN MY CONDITION AND WEATHER TILL NEXT MORNING. CAR HAD BEEN WRECKED, HAD SILT IN REAR TAIL LIGHTS, I TRIED TO HAVE DEALERSHIP FIX IT, BY TAKING CAR BACK TO THEM, I DID NOT HV ANOTHER CAR. THE CONDITIONS OF THE CAR WERE NEVER DISCLOSED, I DID NOT RECEIVED A BUYERS GUIDE, ONLY A BLANK SALES CONTRACT WITH MY NAME, CAR MAKE AND MODEL AND VIN WITH PRICE PAID. I HV REPEATEDLY TRIED TO RESOLVE MATTER, DEALER HAS LIED REPEATEDLY AND BILLIGERENT. I HAVE CALLED OWNERS OF DEALERSHIP, BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY, THEY DEFER TO DEALER, DEALER HAS DONE NOTHING, I HAVE TRIED TO TELL PEOPLE AT BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THIS IS SOMETHING A DEALER HAS DROPPED ON ME, WHO ARE AND REPRESENT THE BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY BRAND, I TOLD BH, I WOULD PERSUE AND SEEK TO EXPOSE TO AUTHORITATIVE ENTITIES, AND PRESS,THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING. I HAVE ALSO FILED A PENDING COMPLAINT WITH TEXAS DMV. I ALSO HAVE ACCORDING TO USE TITLE 18 2511 (2)(D), RECORDED CONVERSATIONS WITH DLRSHIPS USED SALES MNGR, GENERAL MNGR/PARTNER, AND BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY, AND PREVIOUS OWNER WHO TOLD ME WHEN CAR TRADED IN, DLR SD WOLD NOT KEEP DO TO MILES AND AGE, WD GO TO WHOLES AUCTION. I ALSO HV SCREEN SHOT WHERE DEALER CONTINUED TO ADVERTISE CAR FOR SALE AT REDUCED PRICE 12 DAYS AFTER INITIAL DEPOSIT AND OVER A WEEK AFTER WIRE TRNSFER, AND 5 DAYS AFTER DELIVERY. OTHER, PROBLEMS INCLUDED COMPONENTS ADVERTISED OR OPTIONS NOT INCLUDED. TOYOTA TOW PKG, TURNED OUT TO BE UHAUL HITCH BOLTED ON, NO WIRING TO EVEN COONECT TO BRAKES, AND NO ADDITIONAL RADIATOR/FANS/ TO AID IN HAULING /TOWING, AND NO STELLITE RADIO AS ADVERTISED. ORIGINAL AD PHOTOS FAKED
Structure, Jan 20, 2016
THE POWER BACK DOOR/LIFTGATE DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. THE READ DOOR OF THE HIGHLANDER WOULD COME WITHIN AN INCH OF CLOSING WHEN YOU OPERATED THE POWERED CLOSE FUNCTION AND STOP, REQUIRING A PHYSICAL NUDGE TO COMPLETELY ENGAGE THE LOCK AND CLOSE. THIS WENT ON FOR ABOUT A YEAR UNTIL ONE DAY THERE WAS A LOUD CRUNCHING NOISE WHEN IT WAS CLOSED AND WOULD NOT OPEN. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR SOLUTIONS AND FINDING THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM (EVEN SEVERAL WEBSITES DEDICATED TO FORMING CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS) INCLUDING TOYOTA ISSUING T-SB-0091-12, I CALLED TOYOTA'S HELP LINE WHERE I WAS VERY RUDELY TOLD THAT SINCE THE WARRANTEE WAS OVER, THEY WOULD NOT COVER ANY OF IT. WE HAVE A 1 YEAR OLD BABY AND WE GOT THIS CAR WITH THAT IN MIND. WE CURRENTLY HAVE NO ACCESS TO THE TRUNK AND CANNOT FIT HER STROLLER IN THROUGH THE WINDOW. WE ARE NOW FACED WITH A SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLAR REPAIR! I DISASSEMBLED THE PART MYSELF TO FIND OUT THAT THE METAL GEAR ABOUT 1/2 AN INCH THICK HAD SHEARED OFF AND BROKEN - EXACTLY AS SHOWN IN FIGURE 2 OF THEIR OFFICIAL BULLETIN. TOYOTA TRIED TO BLAME US FOR THE FAILURE SAYING WE PROBABLY TRIED TO CLOSE THE DOOR ON CARGO (WE DID NOT) AND THAT THIS IS NOT A KNOWN ISSUE (WHY WOULD THEY ISSUE A TSB IF THIS WAS NOT A FREQUENT ISSUE?). FROM RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, THERE APPEARS TO BE MANY MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM AND UNFORTUNATELY FOR US, OUR OCCURRED OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTEE PERIOD SO WE ARE LEFT WITH LITTLE RECOURSE. I THINK IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR TOYOTA TO EXTEND COVERAGE FOR THIS COMMON ISSUE SINCE ITS FAILURE MAKES THE TRUNK UNUSABLE AND BECAUSE IT HAS SUCH A COMMON OCCURRENCE. TSB: HTTP://MEDIA.FIXED-OPS.COM/TOY_SERVICEBULLETINS/SB0091T12.PDF
Electrical system, Structure, Oct 26, 2015
LIFTGATE WILL NOT CLOSE OR OPEN WHEN AUTOMATIC BUTTON IS PUSHED EITHER ON THE DASH OR THE BUTTON ON THE LIFTGATE ITSELF. STAYS OPEN AND HAVE TO FORCE THE LIFTGATE DOWN MANUALLY. AT TIMES LIFTGATE WILL OPEN BY ITSELF WHILE STATIONARY OR VEHICLE IS MOVING. CLOSING OR OPENING THE LIFTGATE AUTOMATICALLY PROBLEM HAS BE ONGOING FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT REPAIR, BUT I COULD TAKE TO BODY SHOP FOR REPAIR. CURRENTLY A SERVICE BULLETIN HAS BEEN ISSUED, BUT SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL.
Electrical system, Structure, Aug 10, 2015
LIFT GATE AND POWER DOOR MOTOR BROKE. THE DOOR STOCKED AND COULD NOT BE OPENED OR LOCKED. I WAS LUCKY THAT MY TODDLER WAS NOT AROUND. I AM HORRIFIED WHAT WOULD HAPPENED IF HIS HAND STOCK IN IT AND THE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPEN. WE TOOK IT TO MOLLE TOYOTA. THEY TOLD ME THAT BESIDE THE LIFT GATE AND MOTOR THE WHOLE REAR DOOR AND HINGE HAS TO BE REPLACE. THEY SAID THAT IF I DON'T REPLACE THE DOORS I WILL HAVE SAME PROBLEM FEW MONTHS LATER. THEY SAID THAT TOYOTA MODIFIED THE NEW REAR DOOR THAT THEY ARE AWARE THAT THE DOOR IN MY VEHICLE CAUSING PROBLEMS. THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE DOOR BECAUSE IT'S OUTSIDE WARRANTY. THE COST OF MOTOR AND LIFT GATE REPAIR IS $1500 THE COST WITH NEW DOOR IS $3500. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY TOYOTA DOES NOT PAY FOR DOOR THAT THEY ARE AWARE THAT ARE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE MODIFIED. I ALSO THINK THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PART BECAUSE SOMEONE CAN GET INJURED.
Structure, Aug 4, 2015
REAR DOOR HATCH MADE A LOUD POPPING NOISE WHEN DOOR WAS LOWERED. DOOR NO LONGER OPENS OR CLOSES. DEALER STATES COST TO REPAIR $4,700 TO $5,400. TOYOTA HAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN COVERING THIS PROBLEM BUT DENIES RESPONSIBILITY IF VEHICLE IS BEYOND 36/36,000 WARRANTY. UPDATED 9/15/15*CW
Electrical system, Structure, Apr 18, 2015
THE POWER TAILGATE WILL NOT OPEN AND CLOSE AUTOMATICALLY. YOU HAVE TO FORCE IT TO OPEN MANUALLY AND FORCE IT TO CLOSE MANUALLY BECAUSE THE MOTOR GETS STUCK IN ONE POSITION. WE CALLED THE TOYOTA TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY RECALLS AFTER READING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET AND FEW LAWSUITS AGAINST TOYOTA FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, AND TOYOTA SAID NO THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THE TAILGATE MOTOR. THE MOTOR ITSELF COSTS ABOUT $1200 AND ONLY THE TOYOTA HAS IT, PLUS THE LABOR TO REPLACE IT WHICH COULD AMOUNTS UP TO $1500 IF YOU FIND AN OUTSIDE MECHANIC/BODY SHOP TO DO IT FOR YOU. IN ADDITION, YOU MIGHT NEED TO CHANGE THE RAILS AND SHOCKS THAT HOLD THE TAILGATE TO THE BODY OF THE CAR. IF YOU TAKE IT TO THE TOYOTA, IT COULD COST CLOSE TO $5000.00. SINCE THIS HAS OCCURRED WITH TOO MANY CONSUMERS, WE BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT COULD CAUSE SOME INJURIES IF SOMEONE GETS TRAPPED BETWEEN THE TAILGATE AND THE REAR BUMPER/CARGO AREA. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Mar 31, 2015
THE TAILGATE MOTOR UNEXPECTEDLY MALFUNCTIONED AND CLOSED THE DOOR IN AN UNBALANCED WAY CAUSING THE BREAKING OF THE TAILGATE HINGES / ARMS. THE TAILGATE STOPPED / FROZE AND REMAINED AJAR ABOUT 1 INCH ON RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DOOR AND LATCHING ON DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE DOOR. THE DOOR WOULD NOT MANUALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY OPEN BACK UP. HAD TO HAVE THE DOOR PHYSICALLY REMOVED BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND REPLACED ENTIRE TAILGATE HATCH, MOTOR AND HINGES. COSTING ME IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF $5,000 FOR PARTS, LABOR, AND A RENTAL CAR FOR 12 DAYS TO REPAIR AS MY INSURANCE WITH PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE DECLINED COVERAGE UNDER MY COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE AS THEY RELATED BACK TO WEAR AND TEAR. POTENTIAL SEVERE CRUSHING INJURY OR FATALITY COULD HAVE RESULTED FROM WHAT OCCURRED. SINCE THE DOOR CONTINUED TO CLOSE AFTER MALFUNCTIONING AND FROZE IN PLACE (UNABLE TO PHYSICALLY OPEN), HAD SOMEONE'S HAND OR BODY PART BEEN CAUGHT UNDER COULD HAVE RESULTED IN BEING CAUGHT / TRAPPED BETWEEN THE DOOR AND THE LATCHING AREA. QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET SHOWS THAT THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS HAS OCCURRED. ALL SHOWING SIMILAR COST ASSOCIATED WITH REPAIR AND ALL WITH THE SAME LIFE ALTERING OR SEVERE INJURY CONSEQUENCE. WOULD LIKE TO GET TOYOTA TO RECALL THE HIGHLANDER AND FIX THE FAULTY MOTOR BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR WORSE, KILLED BY THIS DEFAULT
Electrical system, Structure, May 2, 2014
LIFTGATE DOES WILL NOT OPEN. SCHAUMBURG TOYOTA REPORTED THE FOLLOWING ON THEIR SERVICE REPORT THE FOLLOWING: "FOUND AUTO OPEN & CLOSE MOTOR SEIZED. NEED: TO GO TO BODYSHOP - REPLACE L/HINGE, MOTOR-DOOR". TOYOTA SCHAUMBURG IS SPECULATING (PURE SPECULATION) THAT THE CAR WAS BUMPED INTO AND THEREFORE THE DISTANCES (WHICH DISTANCES ?) ARE SKEWED. WE (OWNERS) BELIEVE THAT NO SUCH INCIDENCE HAPPENED. WE E-MAILED TOYOTA (CASE # [XXX].) WHO REFERRED US BACK TO [XXX]. [XXX] DID CALL BUT OFFERED NO PROOF OF THEIR SPECULATION (THAT THE CAR WAS BUMPED INTO), NEITHER DID [XXX] PROVIDE THE MISALIGNMENT NUMBERS. [XXX] DID MENTION THAT TOYOTA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY WILL HONOR THE PROBLEM ONLY WITHIN 3 MONTHS/36,000 MILES. THE POWER TO MY LIFTGATE IS NOW DISABLED AND I WOULD LIKE FOR TOYOTA TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THEREFORE MAKE THE LIFTGATE FULLY FUNCTIONAL (POWER CONNECTED) FOR ME. WE (OWNERS) ARE HONEST WHEN WE SAY THAT THE CARE WAS NOT BUMPED INTO FROM REAR-SIDE AND WE SHOULD NOT BE PAYING FOR THESE REPAIRS. I HAVE TRIED MY BEST TO WORK IT OUT WITH TOYOTA CORPORATION AND SCHAUMBURG TOYOTA, HOWEVER, BOTH ARE TRYING TO DEFLECT THE RESPONSIBILITY AWAY FROM THEMSELVES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Structure, Apr 23, 2014
THE VEHICLE IS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE POWER ARM BROKE OFF OF THE REAR POWER LIFTGATE WHEN CLOSING. THE DRIVER SIDE HINGE ON THE REAR POWER LIFTGATE BOWED AND WOULD NOT ALLOW US TO CLOSE THE DOOR. THIS HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE SUPPORT DEVICE ISSUE OCCURRED MARCH 2013. WE FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT TO TOYOTA WHO WOULD NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY BUT WITH JUST A GOOGLE SEARCH YOU WILL FIND HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. THE SAFETY ISSUE HERE IS THAT DOOR CAN CLOSE ON A SMALL CHILD AND NOT BE ABLE TO RELEASE BECAUSE THE PART THAT BECOMES BOWED MAKES IT STICK IN POSITION. *TR
Structure, Apr 9, 2014
THE REAR HATCH IN MY 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER STOPPED WORKING - WITHOUT MISUSE OR HANDLING ON MY PART. AFTER PUSHING THE AUTOMATIC CLOSE BUTTON, THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNK SOUND. THERE WAS NOTHING OBSTRUCTING THE BACK AREA. THE BACK DOOR/HATCH WOULD NOT OPEN, NOR COULD I CLOSE IT. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP - ON A SATURDAY. I WAS AFRAID MY BACK DOOR WAS GOING TO FLY OPEN. THEY WERE ABLE TO CLOSE THE HATCH BUT IT CANNOT BE OPENED. THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THAT THEY HAD SEEN A LOT OF THESE AND SAID TOYOTA WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. HE SAID THE PROBLEM IS THE HINGES WERE BENDING AND THEREFORE CAUSING THE DOOR NOT TO SHUT. I WAS ASKED TO RETURN ON MONDAY. AFTER A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, THE SERVICE MANAGER CONFIRMED THAT THE HINGES WERE BENT AND I WOULD NEED A WHOLE NEW DOOR. THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROBLEM COULD BE CLOSE TO $3,000 (DEPENDS ON WHETHER THE MOTOR CAN BE SALVAGED). I WAS ALSO TOLD THIS IS MY RESPONSIBILITY SINCE I AM OUT OF THE 3YR/36K MILE WARRANTY (59K MILES). THERE HAS BEEN A TSB ISSUED FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM, BUT AS HE POINTED OUT, IT IS FOR MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE TIMEFRAME. I HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL WITH TOYOTA USA, BUT WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE THIS. THIS IS A KNOW DEFECT AND SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE OR AT THE VERY LEAST, AN EXTENSION ON THE TIME ASSOCIATED WITH THE TSB. TOYOTA IS REPLACING THE SUBPAR HINGES WITH BETTER ONES. AN ISSUE IS AN ISSUE - EVEN IF IT DOESN'T HAPPEN WITHIN A TIMEFRAME. I HAVE DONE NOTHING TO CAUSE THIS ISSUE. AND NOW BECAUSE TOYOTA USED SUBPAR HINGES, I HAVE TO PAY $3K! *TR
Structure, Apr 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE FAILED TO OPEN OR CLOSE AUTOMATICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE HATCH PANEL WAS DEFORMED CAUSING THE POWER DOOR MOTOR TO WORK HARDER THAN DESIGNED. AS A RESULT THE POWER HATCH MOTOR, HATCH DOOR, LID HINGES, LID HINGE STAYS, AND REAR BUMPER ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Sep 5, 2013
REAR DOOR/HATCH ELECTRIC MOTOR AND LATCH/LOCK ASSEMBLY FAILED. SEVERAL INCIDENCES OF THE REAR ELECTRIC HATCH FAILING TO SEAT/CLOSE OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DOOR WOULD START DOWN BUT WOULD NOT CLOSE/LATCH. TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT (DOTHAN, AL) SAID THE DOOR NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED AND DID SO. ABOUT ONE MONTH LATER THE DOOR CLOSED WITH A LOUD NOISE AND WOULD NOT OPEN AFTERWARDS. UPON OUTSIDE INSPECTION, I SAW THE DOOR WAS OFFSET ABOUT A QUARTER OF AN INCH TOWARD THE PASSENGER SIDE AND SEATED ABOUT THE SAME (1/4 INCH) FURTHER IN THAN NORMAL. THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AT ALL AT THAT POINT. THE SAME SERVICE DEPARTMENT INITIALLY ACCUSED ME OF DAMAGING THE CAR IN AN ACCIDENT (UNTRUE). THEY PRIED THE DOOR OPEN, AND RECOMMENDED I DISABLE THE ELECTRIC DOOR MOTOR AND ONLY OPERATE THE DOOR MANUALLY. LATER THE SAME SERVICE PERSONNEL ADMITTED THERE WAS A DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THE DOOR HINGES THAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. *JB
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Aug 8, 2013, crash
AS MY WIFE CAME HOW WITH MY DAUGHTER, SHE PROCEEDED TO REVERSE THE CAR INTO OUR DRIVEWAY TO PARK THE CAR IN OUR GARAGE AS SHE NORMALLY DOES EVERYDAY. IN THE DRIVEWAY WAS ALSO MY CAR WHERE IT IS PARKED EVERYDAY. AS SHE WAS PROCEEDING TO GO BACK, THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND TOOK OFF. SHE TRIED TO PRESS THE BRAKE BUT TO NO AVAIL. SHE CONTINUED TO PRESS THE BRAKE, HOWEVER THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. SHE PROCEEDED TO HIT MY CAR AND DAMAGED BOTH CARS FROM FRONT TO BACK. HER CAR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AND MINE ON THE DRIVER SIDE. AFTER HITTING BOTH CARS, HER CAR PROCEEDED TO GO FURTHER BACK AND CRASH INTO THE HOUSE CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE. THAT IS WHEN THE CAR ACTUALLY STOPPED. IT WAS AT THIS TIME THAT SHE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURN THE CAR OFF. BOTH CARS AND THE HOUSE NOW NEED MAJOR REPAIRS. MY DAUGHTER WAS SITTING IN THE BACK AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. *TR
Structure, Nov 28, 2012
THE POWER ARM BROKE OFF OF THE REAR POWER LIFT GATE WHEN CLOSING. THE DRIVER SIDE HINGE ON THE REAR POWER LIFTGATE IS BOWED. *TR