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
134 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Feb 28, 2020
FAULTY BRAKE ACTUATOR. THIS IS CAUSING THE VEHICLE CALIBERS TO ENGAGE WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BRAKE PEDAL..THE BRAKE STAYS STUCK CAUSING ONE OF THE FOUR TIRES TO DRAG.THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION AND COULD CAUSE DEATH OR BODILY INJURY.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Feb 10, 2020
ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE MALFUNCTION LIGHT ON IN DASH DUE TO THE ABS BRAKE PUMP AND ACTUATOR NOT HAVING ENOUGH POWER AND A ABNORMAL LEAK. THE LIGHTS STAY ON FOR A DAY OR 2 AND GO OFF FOR ABOUT THE SAME TIME FIRST TIME LIGHTS CAME ON I HIT POUNDING WATER ON INTERSTATE ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AT AROUND 7PM AN LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY I DIDNT HIT ANYTHING. THE TRACTION CONTROL, ABS IS NOT WORKING. I HAVE SEEN WHERE THE 2008 MODELS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE.
Steering, Seats, Jan 13, 2020
I KEEP MY CAR VERY GOOD IN MY LIFE . RECENTLY MY LIMITED HIGHLANDER 09 WITH 42.000 MILES START CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I MAKE A SLOW TURNING RIGHT , LEFT TO PARKING LOT AND EVERY WHERE WHEN I MAKE A TURN SLOWLY IT HAVE A CLUNKING SOUND. I THINK THAT I CAN PAY THE PART AND TOYOTA HAVE TO HAVE RECALL AND HELP ME TO FIX IT . IT IS DEFECT FROM TOYOTA.
Exterior lighting, Jan 12, 2020
THE LIFE SPAN OF MY HEADLIGHTS AND HIGH BEAM IS VERY SHORT. I CHANGE THE BULBS AND AFTER 2-3 WEEKS, THEY STOP WORKING.
Engine, Sep 27, 2019
VVTI CAM GEAR ISSUE, MAKING GRINDING NOISE.VEHICLE JUST HIT 60,000 AND OUT OF WARRANTY. EARLIER TSB FROM TOYOTA DIDN'T COVER THIS SINCE THE VEHICLE DIDN'T SHOW ANY SIGNS.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Sep 7, 2019
THIS IS FOR A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID LIMITED WITH ABOUT 142000 MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS AND IS NOT ABUSED IN ANY WAY. ALL MAINTENANCE ARE UP TO DATE WITH THE MAJOR TIMING KIT REPLACED MOST RECENTLY AT ABOUT 140000. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON NORMAL ROADS (SOMETIMES HIGHWAY, SOMETIME CITY ROADS), I GET THREE WARNINGS THAT POP UP AT THE CENTER SCREEN BETWEEN THE AIR VENTS; 1) CHECK ABS, 2) CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM, AND 3) BRAKE MALFUNCTION. FOR THE FIRST TWO WARNINGS, IT IS FOLLOWED BY "HAVE YOUR VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALER." BUT, FOR THE THIRD WARNING, IT IS ACCOMPANIED BY "STOP THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY AND CONTACT DEALER." THESE WARNINGS ALSO CORRESPOND TO THREE LIGHTS THAT POP UP BY THE SPEEDOMETER; 1) VSC, 2) ABS, AND 3) BRAKE. THE LIGHTS STAY ON FOR TWO TO THREE DAYS AT A TIME AND THEN WILL GO AWAY WITHOUT ANY REASONABLE EXPLAINATION. THIS HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY OTHER WEEK. I WAS UNABLE TO BRING IT TO A DEALERSHIP WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON AS I LIVE VERY FAR AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP. WHEN I CALL AND DESCRIBE THE WARNINGS, I AM TOLD THAT THIS MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE ACTUATOR AND IT IS COMMON. THE DEALER ESTIMATED THE COST TO BE AROUND $3500. I DID A QUICK SEARCH ONLINE AND FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG SAME GENERATION HIGHLANDERS. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS AND THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO GET THE VEHICLE RIGHT. I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH THE UNCERTAINTY OF BEING ABLE TO STOP SAFELY WHEN NECESSARY. I UNDERSTAND THAT TOYOTA HAD A RECALL ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM FOR THE PRIUS AND CAMRY, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THE HIGHLANDER. THEY SHOULD HAVE SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM THAT IS COMMON WITH THE FIRST AND SECOND GENERATION HIGHLANDERS. PLEASE GET TOYOTA TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY BEFORE AN ACCIDENTS OCCURS. BRAKES ARE AN IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE THAT SHOULD NOT BE COMPROMISED.
Steering, Sep 5, 2019
A CLUNKING OR THUMPING NOISE COMES FROM THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN AS YOU MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT HAND TURN. THE THUMPING NOISE HAS BEEN STEADILY INCREASING OVER THE PAST WEEKS.
Air bags, Aug 20, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE IN A PARKING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, WENT OVER A CEMENT BARRIER, AND CONTINUED ACCELERATING WITH SPEED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN ENTERED ANOTHER PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, AS A RESULT THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CORNER DUNKIN DONUT STORE. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR FACE INJURIES DUE TO THE GLASS, NECK INJURED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION; THE CONTACT WAS HOSPITALIZED FOR TWO DAYS. THE FRONT PASSENGER, SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT MENTION THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN FOR SERVICE AT MILLENNIUM TOYOTA DEALER (267 N FRANKLIN ST, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550, (516) 874-2581) AND WAS INFORMED THE SERVICE WAS COMPLETED AND ALL WAS GOOD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,784. *TR CONSUMER STATED BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB
Steering, Aug 13, 2019
STEERING WHEEL IS CLICKING VERY BAD WHEN MAKING TURNS. CAR SHOP CHECKED EVERYTHING OUT AND DECIDED IT WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. CAR WAS IN A PRIOR CAR ACCIDENT IN 2012 WITH NO REPORTED FRAME DAMAGE. TAKING CAR TO LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, AS RECOMMENDED FROM REGULAR CAR SHOP.
Engine, Jul 17, 2019
OIL COOLANT LINE BURSTS WHICH CAUSES IMMEDIATE LOSS OF ALL OIL. PROBLEM HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, AND IN THIS CASE WHILE IN MOTION ON A HIGH TRAFFICKED FREEWAY. FIX COST ABOUT $1,000 OUT OF POCKET. THIS IS A VERY LARGE LEAK WHICH COVERS THE GROUND, ENGINE, AND UNDERCARRIAGE. IF THE OIL LINE RUPTURES WHILE DRIVING, THE LOW ENGINE OIL MESSAGE AND ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WARNINGS WILL ILLUMINATE. CONTINUED USE AFTER THESE WARNINGS WILL RESULT IN COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO OIL STARVATION. THE LINE IS KNOWN TO BE DEFECTIVE, AND A REVISED PART HAS BEEN ISSUED BY TOYOTA BUT RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED. COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY ISSUED BY TOYOTA BUT COVERS UNDER A SHORT TIME FRAME.
Engine, Jul 10, 2019
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE IN WISCONSIN DURING RUSH HOUR WHEN I TOOK OFF MY CRUISE CONTROL TO SLOW DOWN TO TAKE THE NEXT EXIT. I NOTICED AN ABNORMAL DOWN SHIFT WHEN I TOOK OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY THE OIL AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON. AS I SLOWED TO THE STOP SIGN AT THE END OF THE EXIT THE DISPLAY SCREEN BEGAN DINGING AND READ LOW OIL PRESSURE AND IMMEDIATELY STOP THE CAR AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER ONCE OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC AND SHUT DOWN THE CAR. UPON CHECKING THE OIL THERE WAS NONE ON THE DIPSTICK. THERE WAS OIL DRIPPING DOWN FROM THE GRILL ALL UNDERNEATH THE CAR INCLUDING IN THE FRONT TIRE WHEEL WELLS. I ALSO HEARD KNOCKING FROM THE ENGINE, SO I AM CONCERNED THAT THE LIFTERS AND THE TOP END OF THE ENGINE MAY BE COMPROMISED. THIS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH TOYOTA, WHO HAS REFUSED TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR FAULTY OIL LINES AND SEALS. LUCKILY, I WAS AT AN EXIT WHERE I COULD SAFELY PULL OVER BEFORE MORE MAJOR DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE. MY PERSONAL SAFETY, THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AS WELL AS OTHER DRIVERS COULD HAVE COMPROMISED BY THE NEGLECT THAT TOYOTA HAS SHOWN BY CONTINUING TO IGNORE THIS ISSUE.
Engine, Jun 24, 2019
WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, ENGINE ALWAYS MAKES STRANGE NOISE UPON INITIAL START.
Engine, Jun 20, 2019
I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT AND I STARTED GETTING "LOW OIL PRESSURE" ALERTS ON MY DASHBOARD. I WAS WORRIED IF IT WAS A SENSOR ISSUE AND KEPT MOVING TILL I PARKED MY VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I SAW THAT OIL HAD STARTED TO DRIP FROM WHERE I HAD TURNED, AND WHEN I PARKED THE CAR THE OIL DRIP GOT BIGGER AND HAD POOLED UNDER THE VEHICLE. BASED ON THE INFORMATION I GOT FROM THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WHICH STARTS AS A SMALL LEAK BUT DUE TO PRESSURE, THE OIL COOLER PIPE BURSTS OPEN. THIS KNOWN PROBLEM IS DOCUMENTED HERE: HTTPS://WWW.TOYOHEADQUARTERS.COM/THREADS/2007-2011-TOYOTA-SIENNA-HIGHLANDER-AND-VENZA-ENGINE-OIL-COOLER-PIPE-LEAK-LSC-ZE2.358/ TOYOTA REFUSED TO PAY MY REPAIR BILL AS I WAS OVER THE MILEAGE REQUIREMENT BY 2700 MILES. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY TOYOTA DID NOT CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE/RECALL. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY ENGINE COULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND THE HEAVILY LEAKING OIL COULD HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO AN ACCIDENT(S). THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ALSO AGREED WITH ME THAT THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A SAFETY RECALL. TOYOTA CLAIMS THEY SENT OUT A LETTER FOR THIS WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT (ZE2) WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED. TOYOTA HAS REFUSED TO ESCALATE THIS ISSUE WITHIN THE COMPANY.
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.
Electrical system, May 28, 2019
LOCK ACTUATORS MAL-FUNCTION WHEN USING THE REMOTE OR WHEN USING THE POWER LOCKS. UNABLE TO LOCK DOORS EXCEPT MANUALLY WITH KEY OR BY HAND. AT TIMES, CERTAIN LOCKS WILL WORK AND SEEM IMPACTED BY WEATHER CONDITIONS, I.E. HUMIDITY OR RAINY DAY VS. FAIR WEATHER DAY. THIS CAUSES THE OWNER TO BELIEVE THE DOORS ARE LOCKED WHEN THEY ARE NOT AND THE INCONVENIENCE THEY ARE UNLOCKED WHEN LEAVING YOUR CAR PARKED IN A PUBLIC LOT.
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
Steering, Feb 11, 2019
WHILE DRIVING, THE BATTERY LIGHT ON THE DASH ILLUMINATED, WHILE THE POWER ASSIST STEERING NO LONGER WORKED. THE CAR COULD STILL DRIVE AND STEER, BUT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD INTERMITTENTLY COME BACK ON, AND THEN GO OFF AGAIN, MAKING IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO OPERATE THE CAR SAFELY. IN THIS CONDITION, IF THERE WERE A NEED TO TUNER THE CAR SUDDENLY, IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.
Service brakes, Dec 29, 2018
2009 VEHICLE (MANUFACTURED 9/2008) ONLY HAS 83K MILES ON IT. CROAKING SOUND FOR WEEK OR SO AND THEN ONE MORNING ABS FAILURE WARNING ON DISPLAY. CODES ARE C1241 AND C1391. SAME PROBLEM AS OTHERS. NEEDS NEW ABS PUMP AND ACTUATOR. THE PARTS ARE #44050-48320 AND #44070-48020AND COST OVER $3K FOR PARTS ALONE. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN TOYOTA, I THOUGHT TOYOTA QUALITY WAS BETTER THAN THIS.
Electrical system, Oct 22, 2018
2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED DOOR ACTUATORS HAVE ALL BROKE, BEEN REPLACED AND BROKE AGAIN. SOME ARE BEING REPLACED FOR THE 3RD TIME SINCE I OWED THE VEHICLE (MAKING IT THE 4TH LOCK ON THE CAR). AT THE MOMENT ONLY 1 DOOR LOCK WORKS AND I HAVE TO CLIMB ACROSS TO OPEN THE OTHER DOORS. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT THEY WILL ALL BREAK AND I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET MY DAUGHTER OUT OF THE CAR. I STARTED CONTACTING TOYOTA IN 2013 WHEN THEY ALL STARTED BREAKING. I ALSO CAN NOT OPEN THE CAR WITH THE KEY. 8/2012- DRIVERS LOCK AND ACTUATOR REPLACED AND WINDOW 6/2013- RIGHT REAR DOOR ACTUATOR REPLACED 7/2013- PASSENGER DOOR ACTUATOR REPLACED 3/2014- LEFT REAR DOOR ACTUATOR REPLACED 4/2014- DRIVERS LOCK ACTUATOR REPLACED (AGAIN) 5/2014- RIGHT REAR DOOR ACTUATOR REPLACED (AGAIN) 2015- LEFT REAR ACTUATOR BROKE AGAIN THIS TIME MY EXTENDED WARRANTY IS UP AND THEY WANT 600 TO FIX. 2016- PASSENGER ACTUATOR BROKE 9/2018- DRIVERS ACTUATOR BROKE FOR THE 3RD TIME. I AM LEFT WITH LEAVING THE CAR UNLOCKED AND HOPING NO ONE GOES IN OR CLIMB ACROSS MY VEHICLE. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA NUMEROUS TIMES TO TRY AND GET THEM TO HELP AND THEY HAVENT DONE ANYTHING BUT TELL ME I'M NOW OUT WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH I CONTACTED THEM REGARDING THE ISSUES BEFORE MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS UP.
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
Steering, Aug 7, 2018
AUGUST 4,2018 BACKING ON OF GARAGE AND POWER STEERING COMPLEXLY QUIT WORKING. YOU CAN STILL STEER BUT WITH GREAT EFFORT , MILEAGE 134,521. IN MARCH 1, 2015 POWER STEERING QUIT WORKING WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 25MPH MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN .IT HAD 88644 MILES. THE TOYOTA DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN PART # 45250-48181 & COMPUTER PART # 89650-48060. TWO STEERING FAILURES IN 134,000 SEEMS RATHER HIGH IN A SYSTEM THAT IMPORTANT.. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING AND HAD THEY OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON A WINDING RROAD ONE COULD HAVE LOST CONTROL ON THE VEHICLE.08
Air bags, Aug 2, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. IN ADDITION, THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL BECAME COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER (ROYAL MOORE TOYOTA, 1415 SOUTHEAST RIVER ROAD, HILLSBORO, OREGON 97124) DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE IN THE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER (BEAVERTON TOYOTA, 4300 SOUTHWEST MURRAY BLVD, BEAVERTON, OREGON 97705) SERVICED THE VEHICLE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 1807132735. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Other or unspecified, Apr 30, 2018
THE SUNROOF, IN IT'S ENTIRETY FLEW OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. THE SUNROOF WAS OPEN, SO WE CLOSED IT AND IT BEGAN MAKING A WEIRD NOISE, SO WE BEGAN TO RE-OPEN THE ROOF, AND THE ENTIRE PIECE OF GLASS FLEW OFF. WE WERE ON AN INTERSTATE, GOING ABOUT 70MPH, AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE SUNROOF UNTIL IT FLEW OFF. THANKFULLY, WE DID NOT SEE IT EFFECT ANY CARS AND LANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE.
Steering, Apr 4, 2018
THE STEERING WHEEL CAME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING ON A 4 LANE CITY STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. I WAS ADJUSTING THE TELESCOPING STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL CAME LOOSE FROM THE CAR AND A LOUD RAPID BEEPING NOISE WAS EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. I CROSSED INTO THE ONCOMING LANE BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO GET THE STEERING WHEEL BACK ONTO THE CAR ENOUGH TO STEER BACK INTO MY LANE. I DROVE THE CAR 6 BLOCKS HOME AND IT HAS NOT BEEN STARTED OR DRIVEN SINCE.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 27, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S WINDOW INTERMITTENTLY CEASED TO FUNCTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103,659. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.