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: vehicle speed control
14 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, May 13, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED BETWEEN A BUILDING AND PYLON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE WINCHED OUT OF WHERE IT WAS LODGED. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE BUILDING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRUISE TO THE RIGHT ARM HOWEVER, MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT SOUGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. GEICO INSURANCE COMPANY AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THOMPSON TOYOTA (1101 BUSINESS CENTER WAY, EDGEWOOD, MD 21040, (410) 679-1500) WAS SCHEDULED TO INSPECT AND INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V023000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED OR NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED ACCELERATOR PEDAL MALFUNCTIONED OR GOT STUCK AND THERE WAS NO BRKAE OVERRIDE.*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
Vehicle speed control, Jun 21, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE TO THE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. AFTER SOME TIME, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,132.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Apr 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED, AFTER A BRIEF DELAY, THE ACCELERATOR ENGAGED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTINUOUSLY FLICKERED AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED TO TOUCH THE VEHICLE AND CONTACTED AN INVESTIGATOR TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE INVESTIGATOR WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 26,500. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 1, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT WAS REVERSING FROM A PARKING SPACE AT 5 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE RAPIDLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND AS A RESULT, SHE CRASHED INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 783 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 18, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V023000, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: ACCELERATOR PEDAL. UPON RECEIVING THE VEHICLE HE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 22 MPH AND WHEN HE REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR WHENEVER HE RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 14,100.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Seat belts, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Seats, Aug 23, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION WAS LOOSE AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM WOULD NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. THE BRAKES WOULD GO TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WOULD NO LONGER MOVE BACKWARD, AND WAS POSITIONED ENTIRELY TOO CLOSE TO HE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS LITTLE ROOM FOR MOVEMENT WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FOUR SEPARATE DEALERS AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,500. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE REALIZED A POLICE OFFICER WAS BEHIND SHE ATTEMPTED TO STOP, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND THE BRAKES COLLAPSED VERY LOW TO THE FLOOR. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE LUG NUTS BROKE ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, AND THE ENGINE HAD A SLIGHT TICKING SOUND AND THE ROTORS WERE RUSTING. UPDATED EVOQ 12/23/10 THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT WRAPPED TIGHTLY AROUND HER THROAT. THE FRONT WHEEL WAS LOOSE, THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL, THE CRUISE CONTROL NO LONGER WORKED. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL NO LONGER STAYS IN PLACE AND THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. UPDATED 07/07/11. *JB
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Apr 12, 2010
2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WAS INVOLVED IN THE FLOOR MAT RECALL. WHEN VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AND CONSUMER WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE THE FLOOR MATS WERE NOT TOYOTA FLOOR MATS. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED AT TIMES THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND STATED THE BATTERY WAS WEAK. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 9, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS SITTING IDLE AND THE CONTACT WOULD ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE, THE TWO FRONT WHEELS WOULD BEGIN TO SPIN OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 2,500.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON AT LEAST FOUR OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHEN THE DRIVER WOULD DEPRESS THE PEDAL GENTLY AFTER A STOP. THE VEHICLE ALSO ACCELERATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND WHAT THE CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE WAS. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THE REPRESENTATIVE INSTRUCTED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AND REMOVING HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT APPLIED NORMAL PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN AND STOPPED. THE FAILURE IS CONSISTENT AND OCCURS DAILY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM OR IDENTIFY A FAILURE WHERE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL LOST PRESSURE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 700 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3300.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 28, 2010
I PURCHASED A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, IN FEBRUARY 2009. ON JUNE 1, 2009, I WAS NORTHEAST OF ROCKVILLE, INDIANA ON HIGHWAY 47 IN THIS TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. I APPROACHED A SLOW MOVING VEHICLE ON A STRAIGHT SECTION OF ROADWAY AND PASSED THE VEHICLE. AS I WAS PASSING I FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS GOING FASTER THAN I WAS ACCELERATING. WHEN I PULLED BACK INTO THE RIGHT LANE THE CAR WAS GOING EVEN FASTER AND I REALIZED THAT THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. LUCKILY, I WAS STILL ON A LONG STRAIGHT SECTION OF THE ROAD AND HAD SOME TIME. I FIRST TRIED TO BRAKE BUT THE CAR KEPT GOING EVEN FASTER. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND STARTED BRAKING AND LUCKILY FOUND A PLACE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. I WAS COMPLETELY SHOCKED THAT THE ENGINE WAS RACING UNCONTROLLABLY. I LOOKED DOWN AT THE ACCELERATOR AND NOTHING WAS PUSHING OR TOUCHING IT. I THEN TURNED OFF THE CAR, PUT THE CAR IN 'PARK', GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND LOOKED AROUND THE ACCELERATOR AGAIN TO MAKE SURE THAT NOTHING WAS PUSHING ON IT, THEN WAITED FOR ABOUT A MINUTE AND RESTARTED THE CAR. THE CAR STARTED WITH THE ENGINE RACING. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTED THE CAR TWO MORE TIMES AND EACH TIME THE ENGINE RACED UNCONTROLLABLY. I TURNED OFF THE CAR, LEFT A MESSAGE FOR MY HUSBAND ON HIS PHONE AND WAITED FOR FIVE MINUTES HOPING MY HUSBAND WOULD CALL BACK. HE DID NOT CALL SO I DECIDED TO START THE CAR ONE MORE TIME. WHEN I DID, THE CAR STARTED NORMALLY AND THE ENGINE DID NOT RACE. I TRIED TO CALM DOWN EMOTIONALLY AND DROVE HOME NOT KNOWING WHEN OR IF THE ACCELERATOR WOULD BE A PROBLEM. I TOOK THE HIGHLANDER IN FOR SERVICE TO JORDAN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, MISHAWAKA, INDIANA ON 6/3/2009 AND THEY INSISTED THAT THE FLOOR MATS WERE THE PROBLEM. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS BECAUSE I HAD CHECKED EVERYTHING AROUND THE ACCELERATOR WHEN THE ENGINE WAS RACING AND THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR. THE PROBLEM IS ELECTRONIC. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE.*CW
Vehicle speed control, Jan 28, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WITH MCNEIL WEATHER TECH FLOOR MATS WITH PART NUMBER 44115-1-2-3. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH HE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE TO PASS A VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FLOOR MAT BECAME STUCK BEHIND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CONTINUALLY ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RELEASE THE FLOOR MAT WHICH ALLOWED THE PEDAL TO RELEASE. THE FLOOR MAT HAS NOT BEEN CONFIRMED AS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE BY A DEALER. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 16, 2009
ACCELERATOR STUCK ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR ON 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WHILE VACATIONING IN TENNESSEE ON I40. HAD TO WEAVE THRU TRAFFIC TO SHOULDER WHILE TRAVELING TOWARDS 100 MPH, MASHING FULL FORCE TO THE FLOOR ALL THE TIME DURING INCIDENT. VERY FRIGHTENING. CAR IS PRESENTLY RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP, BUT NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN & THEY CAN'T FIND "ANYTHING WRONG." I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE NOW. THIS WAS A LIFE THREATENING EVENT, BUT I DON'T FEEL TOYOTA IS TREATING AS SUCH. I AM TRYING TO FIND SOME HELP AS TO WHAT TO DO. IT HAS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE, BUT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES TO BOTH MY HUSBAND AND I AND FOR OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. *TR THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 04/05/10*JB