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.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 4, 2017
THE SUN VISOR REPEATEDLY FLOPS DOWN OBSCURING THE DRIVER'S VIEW. THE VISOR WILL NOT STAY IN THE "UP" POSITION. ALSO WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE, IF THE VISOR IS IN THE VERTICAL POSITION, I.E. NOT UP WHERE IT SHOULD BE, THE DRIVER WILL HIT HIS/HER HEAD ON THE EDGE OF THE VISOR. THIS ISSUE IS NOT NEW TO THIS VEHICLE, THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR EARLIER YEAR MODELS AS WELL AS OTHER TOYOTA MODELS AS WELL.
Steering, Aug 10, 2017
WHEN YOU DRIVE BACK AND TURN, THE TIRES MAKE A STRANGE MOVEMENT, IT SEEMS LIKE IT WILL BE DETACHED FROM THE AXLE.
Engine, Apr 18, 2017
OIL COOLER HOSE BURST IN CAR. YO HAVE ABOUT 20 SECONDS TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF BEFORE IT SEIZES UP BECAUSE ALL THE OIL IS POURING OUT OF THE CAR. WE HAD IT TOWED TO MIDAS DEALERSHIP AND THEY FIXED IT. I CALLED TOYOTA BECAUSE I NOTICED THEY HAD A CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM COVERING THIS PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD IF I WOULD HAVE TAKEN IT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP, IT WOULD BE COVERED BUT INSTEAD I HAD TO SUBMIT PAPERWORK WHICH I DID. WELL IT IS NOT COVERED. THEY ARE CLAIMING THAT THE PART ON THE INVOICE IS NOT COVERED. HOWEVER, THE OIL COOLER HOSE THAT BURST WHICH IS ORIGINAL TO THE CAR WAS RUBBER AND THE TOYOTA REPLACEMENT PART IS METAL. THEY ARE MERELY NOT COVERING THIS BECAUSE IT IS NOT A RECALL AND THEY ARE NOT GETTING IN TROUBLE FOR IT. IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, AS WHEN THIS BURSTS (WITH NO HEADS UP), YOU HAVE ONLY A FEW SECONDS TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. TOYOTA IS FULLY AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT THE GOV'T HAS NOT REQUIRED THEM TO PUT IN A RECALL.
Engine, Mar 27, 2017, fire
THE COOLANT PUMP PULLEY BROKE AND ENGINE GOT OVERHEATED AND STOPPED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 60K MILES ON IT. DEALER TELLS ME THAT BOTH THE ENGINE AND WATER PUMP HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND WOULD COST OVER $9,000.
Air bags, Feb 28, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 4, 2017
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN IN EARLY 2015, THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR BEGAN TO FAIL IN MY 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER VIN [XXX]. MY DESCRIPTION OF THE WORD FAIL, FOR THE VISOR, IS THAT IT WOULD NO LONGER STAY IN THE CLOSED STORED POSITION. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, A BUMP, ROAD VIBRATION, OR OTHER FACTOR WOULD CAUSE THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR TO LOWER FROM ITS CLOSED STORED POSITION AND THUS IMPAIRING DRIVER VISIBILITY. EVENTUALLY THE FAULTY VISOR WOULD LOWER TO THE POINT OF BEING A HAZARDOUS DISTRACTION. LOWERING ONLY PARTIALLY, IT WOULD FREQUENTLY IMPAIR THE DRIVER?S VISION OF THE ROAD. THIS FAILED VISOR IS NOT A CONDITION LIMITED TO THE 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. I HAVE ATTACHED A COPY OF WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM ZF1 WHICH DESCRIBES THE CONDITION I HAVE DEALT WITH. WHILE IT IS UNCLEAR WHY TOYOTA LIMITED THIS WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT TO CERTAIN 2010 TO 2013 HIGHLANDERS, I SEE LITTLE OR NO DIFFERENCE TO THE DESIGN FLAW WHICH HAS OCCURRENCE IN THE 2009 HIGHLANDER I OWN. AFTER READING THROUGH MANY FORUMS, IN REGARDS TO THE HIGHLANDER, THE FAILING VISOR IS A SAFETY/VISIBILITY PROBLEM, COMMON TO MANY NEWER AND OLDER MODEL YEARS IN THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER AFTER DEALING WITH THE FAULTY EQUIPMENT FOR A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF TIME, I PURCHASED A REPLACEMENT VISOR AT [XXX] TOYOTA. I PAID THE PRICE OF THE PART ONLY IN THE AMOUNT OF $89.11 PLUS TAX, NO LABOR. I INSTALLED THE PART MYSELF. ADDITIONALLY, I AM REQUESTING FULL REIMBURSEMENT FROM TOYOTA FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART TO RESOLVE THIS IMPAIRED VISIBILITY SAFETY CONDITION IN THE AMOUNT OF $89.11. PLEASE REMIT PAYMENT, AND RESOLUTION OF THE ENHANCED REVIEW TO [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Jan 21, 2017
MY VEHICLE HAS AN ISSUE WITH THE DOOR LOCKS WHICH IS A SAFETY CONCERN, THE POWER DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS HAVE REPEATEDLY FAILED ON MY VEHICLE. EACH OF THE FOUR DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND SEVERAL MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MOST RECENT WAS A DRIVERS (LEFT) SIDE REAR WHICH WAS REPLACED IN MARCH 2014 AND FAILED AGAIN. THIS MAKES THE 6TH OR 7TH TIME AN ACTUATOR HAS FAILED ON MY VEHICLE. THE COST TO REPLACE THESE IS APPROXIMATELY $600. HOWEVER MY BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNLOCKED WHEN I BELIEVE IT IS LOCKED. THIS IS A WORRY BOTH WHEN TRANSPORTING YOUNG CHILDREN (WHO CAN OPEN THE DOOR AS CHILD SAFETY LOCKS ARE INOPERATIVE) AND POTENTIAL UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS OR THEFT OF THE VEHICLE. I OPENED A CASE WITH TOYOTA #1701210527. TOYOTA REFUSE TO CONTINUE TO ASSIST WITH THIS OR DETERMINE WHY MY VEHICLE REPEATEDLY HAS DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS FAIL.
Engine, Nov 6, 2016
2009 HIGHLANDER, PURCHASED NEW, HAD 105000 MILES ON 3.5L V6 ENGINE. OIL CHANGED EVERY 7000 MILES, FULLY SYNTHETIC. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ENGINE NOISES PRIOR TO INCIDENT. CAR STARTED AFTER WORK, DROVE .6 MILE. STARTED RUNNING VERY ROUGH, PULLED OVER TO SHOULDER THINKING I HAD A FLAT TIRE. CAR DIED BEFORE FINISHING MANEUVER, COASTED TO SHOULDER. ENGINE WOULD NOT START. TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP, THEY DIAGNOSED "ENGINE FULLY SEIZED UP". CONTACTED TOYOTA, THEY OFFERED NO SATISFACTION AS " CAR NOT BEING REPAIRED BY DEALER, NOT UNDER WARRANTY". I FIND THIS ANSWER TO BE WRONG, DUE TO LOW MILEAGE, HISTORY OF MAINTENANCE, NO REASON FOR CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF ENGINE. MECHANIC STATED THEORY OF "OIL PORTS CLOGGING UP", SINCE HEARD THEORY OF "OIL PUMP FAILURE".
Engine, Jul 25, 2016
MARCH 10, 2016 VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR OIL CHANGE. PARKED VEHICLE AFTER RETURN HOME (10 MILES DRIVE BETWEEN DEALERSHIP AND HOME) SAME DAY AND AFTER A FEW HOURS, NOTICED ALL OIL HAD LEAKED FROM VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO DEALER THAT DAY. UPON INVESTIGATION DEALER SAID THE PROBLEM WAS THE OIL COOLER PIPE. DEALER SAID TOYOTA ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN T-SB-0201-11 OVER 5 YEARS PRIOR THAT ISSUED A REPAIR PROCEDURE TO REPLACE THIS OIL COOLER PIPE. DEALER REPLACED OIL COOLER PIPE UNDER WARRANTY PER TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN AND ASSURED ME THAT NO DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE WAS "APPARENT" AFTER THE REPAIR. JULY 18, 2016 RETURNED TO SAME DEALER FOR A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND UPON FAST ACCELERATION. DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS A ROD KNOCK AND CONFIRMED IT WAS DUE TO THE OIL COOLER PIPE LEAK FROM MARCH. THE REPAIR INVOLVES REPLACING THE ENGINE AN EXTENSIVE AND VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. TOYOTA NEEDS TO MAKE THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN PROBLEM A RECALL TO AVOID UNNECESSARY ENGINE DAMAGE AND POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD TO THE 533500 ESTIMATED VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE BULLETIN.
Other or unspecified, Mar 25, 2016
THE CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM KOOL TOYOTA, GRAND RAPIDS, MI BACK 19 NOV 2009. THEN IT WAS GIVEN BACK TO DEALER IN MARCH 2010. MOTION SICKNESS / MIND NUMBNESS, THOUGHT IMPAIRMENTS, SPEECH IMPAIRMENTS, ETC.. CAR WAS CHECKED BY LOCAL DEALER AS WELL SHOWING NO SIGNS OF ANY ISSUES. LOST I THINK AROUND $10,000 DOLLARS TO RETURN THE CAR BACK TO DEALER. DRIVER AND PASSENGERS THROUGH THE CAR WERE AFFECTED. THE CAR WAS SET IN THE GARAGE UNUSED MOST OF THE TIME BETWEEN PURCHASE AND RETURN TO DEALER. WENT THROUGH TOYOTA DEALER DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS. I STILL HAVE RECORDS. DID NOT HAVE TIME AND/OR UNDERSTANDING WHO ELSE TO CONTACT BACK IN 2010.
Engine, Mar 8, 2016
THE WATER PUMP WENT ON MY TOYOTA HIGHLAND. I LOOKED IT UP ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THE WATER PUMPS ARE FAULTY AND WILL MAKE A SOUND LIKE THERE IS GRAVEL IN THE MOTOR. I HAD TOYOTA FIX THE PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO DUE TO BEING BAD PUMPS.
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, Other or unspecified, Dec 23, 2015
REAR DOOR MOTOR LIFT NOT WORKING
Engine, Dec 22, 2015
NOTICED LARGE OIL PUDDLE IN DRIVEWAY. HAD CAR TOWED AS OIL LOSS COULD HAVE CAUSED FATAL DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THE OIL LINE WAS DIAGNOSED AS DRY ROTTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT OIL LINE WAS VASTLY DIFFERENT THAN THAT OF THE ORIGINAL LINE INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH THE PREVIOUS DESIGN. THE LEAK BEGAN WHILE DRIVING AND WE WERE ABLE TO TRACE THE OIL FOR MILES LEADING HOME. THE OIL INDICATOR LIGHT DID NOT COME ON TO WARN OF LOW OIL. TOYOTA DID RECALL OTHER VEHICLES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM HOWEVER NOT THIS PARTICULAR MAKE AND MODEL. AFTER TALKING TO TOYOTA'S RECALL DEPARTMENT I WAS TOLD IF I HAD HAD THE REPAIRS TAKEN CARE OF AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP I MAY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BE REIMBURSED SLIGHTLY (A PERCENTAGE OF THE BILL) HOWEVER SINCE I USED THE SHOP OF MY CHOICE THERE IS NO OPTION FOR ANY REIMBURSEMENT.
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 28, 2015, fire
AUGUST 6, 2015 I WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON HWY 45. AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES ON THE ROAD MY 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER BEGAN TO SMOKE, THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES, BLACK SMOKE WAS POURING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. WITHIN ANOTHER MINUTE OR TWO THE SUV WAS ON FIRE AND SOON THE FRONT HALF WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I THOUGHT IT WOULD EXPLODE. TWO MILWAUKEE FIRE DEPARTMENT TEAMS ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THANK GOD NO ONE WAS HURT AND MY CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE CAR. ACCIDENT REPORT BMZ14XN WAS FILED WITH MILWAUKEE COUNTY. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THAT TOTALED THE HIGHLANDER, AN EMERGENCY REPAIR WAS MADE TO THE HIGHLANDER ON NOVEMBER 3, 2014. THAT NIGHT THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A STRANGE NOISE AND THE OIL WARNING LIGHT WENT ON. I PULLED INTO THE NEAREST AUTO REPAIR SHOP; THE TECH SAID IF I DROVE ANY FURTHER THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY DAMAGED BECAUSE THERE WAS NO OIL LEFT. THE ENGINE COOLANT PIPE SPRUNG A LEAK AND ALL OF THE OIL POURED OUT OF MY CAR. THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME MY HIGHLANDER LOST ALL OF ITS OIL BECAUSE OF A FAULTY OIL COOLANT PIPE- THE SECOND TIME IT RESULTED IN AN ENGINE FIRE. IN DECEMBER 2014 I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM TOYOTA STATING THEY REIMBURSE FOR REPAIRS RELATED TO LEAKING OIL OR ENGINE DAMAGE. TOYOTA DEALERS RECEIVED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) #TSB-020-11 INDICATING THE REPLACEMENT PART SHOULD BE METAL; NOT RUBBER WHICH IS WHAT I HAD. I MENTIONED THE EMERGENCY REPAIR TWICE WHEN I WENT IN FOR SERVICE TO JACK SAFRO TOYOTA. NEITHER TIME DID A SERVICE TECH SUGGEST THAT THE OIL COOLANT PIPE BE CHECKED TO MAKE SURE IT WAS CORRECTLY REPAIRED. I BELIEVE THIS WAS A MAJOR OVERSIGHT ON THE PART OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THAT TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL THE OIL COOLANT PIPE. THE FAULTY PART IS ON 2007-2010 HIGHLANDERS AND OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES.
Electrical system, Air bags, Sep 10, 2015
$7155 QUOTE TO REPLACE 2 ELECTRICAL HARNESSES. REASON: "WARNING: SRS AIRBAG CHECK. TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALER". THE JUNCTION BOX IS HIDDEN BEHIND THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT PANEL. THE PINS IN THE JUNCTION BOX BELONGING TO THE AIRBAG WIRING HARNESS (PART # 82141-48R51) THAT RUNS UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD WERE FRIED DUE TO ELECTRICAL SHORT (UNEXPLAINED). BECAUSE THE JUNCTION BOX ALSO BRINGS THE REAR WIRING HARNESS (PART # 82162-48D40 ) TO TAIL, HEADLINER, AND BACK OF THE VEHICLE, THIS MUST BE REPLACED AS WELL. I FEAR THAT THERE IS A MAJOR FLAW IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / SRS AIRBAGS OF THIS VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS EXPERIENCED PREMATURE FAILURE.
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
Engine, Jul 25, 2015
WE WERE TRAVELING DOWN A STATE ROUTE HIGHWAY AT 50 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY WE LOST POWER TO THE CAR, WE WERE BETWEEN TWO MAC TRUCKS, AND THE OIL LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. WE HAD TO QUICKLY GET OFF THE ROADWAY (NO BREAKDOWN LANES) AND FIND A SAFE SPOT TO STOP ON SOME GRASS. THE RUBBER OIL LINE HAD CRACKED/RUPTURED AND DRAINED THE OIL FROM THE CAR RAPIDLY CAUSING THE ENGINE TO LOSE POWER AND MAKE NOISE. I FOUND OUT ONLINE THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN DONE AS TOYOTA CLAIMS THIS IS NOT SAFETY ISSUE. HOWEVER, IN MY CASE IT WAS VERY MUCH A SAFETY ISSUE AS THIS HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY IN RAPID SUCCESSION WITH NO SAFE PLACE TO LEAVE THE ROADWAY.
Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2015
WHEN I LOCK THE CAR THE ALARM WILL GO OFF FOR NO REASON AT ALL. IT DOES THIS ALL THE TIME. IT IS VERY IRRITATING.
Electrical system, Jun 2, 2015
RECENT TROUBLE WITH ELECTRICAL REAR DOOR HATCH CLOSING PROPERLY. MY ONGOING PROBLEM IS AT LEAST 4+ YEARS THAT NOBODY HEARS ME. IT'S ELECTRICAL, AUTO LOCK DOORS, AC OR HEAT SHUTS OFF AND ON AD IT WANTS, TOTALLY WENT TO HI HEAT WHEN I WAS DRIVING, BUTTONS DO WHATEVER THEY WANT TO DO NO MATTER WHAT IS TURNED OFF OR ON.
Electrical system, Wheels, Other or unspecified, May 24, 2015
THIS VEHICLE HAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, MOST MECHANIC SHOPS I TOOK IT WERE NOT ABLE TO FIND OUT THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM. I'VE CHANGED THE BATTERY TWICE AND STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. AT THE HIGH WAY I NOTICED THE THAT THE TEMPERATURE OF THE ENGINE GETS HIGH, WHICH OBLIGED TO DRIVE IN A MUCH LOWER SPEED WITH THE FLASHERS ON WHICH ALWAYS INCREASES THE TRAFFIC SAFETY RISKS.
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, Apr 9, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V743000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.