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.
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
Steering, Mar 9, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 (STEERING) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Jan 31, 2015
MASSIVE OIL LEAK FROM OIL COOLER LINE OF 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WITH TOW PACKAGE AT ~78,000 MILES. RUBBER HOSES BURST AND OIL LEAKED OUT FROM ENGINE.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 21, 2015
THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR DROOPS DOWN. TOYOTA IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE. IT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING ALOT. IT FALLS WHILE I'M DRIVING, AND I'M AFRAID IT WILL CAUSE ME TO GET IN A WRECK. TOYOTA NEEDS TO RECALL THIS VISOR. POOR DESIGN. *TR
Air bags, Nov 13, 2014
I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH THIS VEHICLE, HOWEVER I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA TO CHECK THIS WEBSITE TO SEE IF MY PARTICULAR YEAR AND MODEL IS ONE OF THE ONES AFFECTED BY THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. IF SO, I WANT TO GET IT IN TO BE REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN CASE THERE IS AN ACCIDENT AND SOMEONE IN MY VEHICLE IS KILLED OR INJURED. I AM A SPORTS MOM SO AT TIMES I HAVE 6 CHILDREN IN MY VEHICLE AND 2 ARE MY GRANDCHILDREN. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 25, 2014
DOOR LOCK ON FRONT DRIVER DOOR DOES NOT LOCK WHEN REMOTE OR DOOR BUTTON INSIDE CAR PRESSED. GIVES IMPRESSION DOOR IS LOCKING WHEN IT IS NOT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 18, 2014
THE RUBBER HOSE BETWEEN THE OIL PUMP AND THE VVT KEEPS BREAKING. I WAS DOING SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THE RUBBER HOSE HAS BEEN REPLACE WITH A METAL ONE. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME? IS THIS SOMETHING THAT IS POSSIBLY STILL UNDER WARRANT AND CAN BE FIXED? THANK YOU FOR HELP IN ADVANCE. *TR
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
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 8, 2014
LEFT DRIVER'S DOOR ACTUATOR WORKS SOMETIMES WHEN PRESSING REMOTE CONTROL TO UNLOCK DOOR. LEFT REAR DOOR WORKS SOMETIMES WHEN PRESSING REMOTE CONTROL TO UNLOCK DOOR. *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.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 8, 2014
THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR NO LONGER STAYS UP, SO IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY DROPPED DOWN TO ABOUT A 30-45 DEGREE ANGLE TOWARD THE DRIVER'S HEAD. THIS IS A LARGE SAFETY HAZARD BOTH FOR GENERAL VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING AND POTENTIAL CAUSE OF INJURY TO THE HEAD IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED CERTIFIED USED FROM A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. SUCH A PART SHOULD NOT BECOME FAULTY JUST OVER 3 YEARS FROM THE TIME IT WAS ORIGINALLY PUT ON THE MARKET. THE VISOR IS NOT USED AGGRESSIVELY OR EXCESSIVELY. BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND TOYOTA MOTORS WERE CONTACTED REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. TOYOTA ADVISED THIS PART WAS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY TYPE OF STANDARD WARRANTY, DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT IS A SAFETY AND VISIBILITY ISSUE. BOTH PARTIES WERE OF NO ASSISTANCE AND REQUIRED OWNER OF VEHICLE TO PAY FOR COST OF PARTS AND LABOR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION TO THIS MATTER. *TR
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
Steering, Sep 5, 2013
ABOUT EIGHTY MILES/TWO DAYS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, AN INTERMITTENT WHINE/HUMMING NOISE WAS HEARD IN THE VICINITY OF THE DRIVER SIDE DASH AREA WHILE TURNING AT SLOW SPEEDS. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS NOT UNUSUAL AS THE POWER STEERING IS ELECTRICALLY ASSISTED AND THE ELECTRIC MOTOR WAS LIKELY MAKING THE NOISE. TWO DAYS AFTER THE FIRST SOUNDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED UPON ENGINE START. THE STEERING WHEEL IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN NOW. *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
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Engine, Aug 3, 2013
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE EXPRESSWAY WITH THE FAMILY (50MPH), CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL SUDDENLY TURN ON AND FLICKER ON AND OFF RANDOMLY. ENGINE POWER HESITATES. AT THE STOPLIGHT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO TURN ON, AND OFF RANDOMLY, AS WELL AS TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT. ENGINE APPEARS TO BE STALLING AT TIMES, AND RPM BOUNCES BETWEEN 500-900. ACCELERATION WHEN PRESSING AGAINST GAS PEDAL RESULTS IN UNEVEN ACCELERATION. PULLED VEHICLE OFF TO THE SIDE, TURNED ENGINE OFF, AND EXAMINED VEHICLE. EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DO NOT SEE ANYTHING SUSPICIOUS. TURNED VEHICLE BACK ON, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH TRACTION CONTROL OFF. MOMENTS LATER, LIGHTS TURN BACK ON. LIMPED VEHICLE BACK TO RESIDENCE VIA LOCAL ROADS. CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT ON/OFF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL. AFTER ARRIVING AT RESIDENCE, PARKED VEHICLE AND PERFORMED ADDITIONAL EXAMINATION. NOTICED BURNING SMELL AT REAR BRAKE SHOES, POSSIBLY FROM TRACTION CONTROL HOLDING ON TO BRAKES. WILL BRING CAR TO DEALERSHIP ON 08/05/13 FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. *TR
Visibility, Aug 1, 2013
I PURCHASED A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IN OCTOBER 29, 2013. EVERYTHING WAS FINE,THEN STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, IT KEPT GOING OFF LINE, SO I ROLLED UP THE WINDOW AND DIDN'T USE IT UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO GO FOR SERVICE. I TOOK IT IN TO BE SERVICE IN APRIL /MAY 2013 FOR A OIL CHANGE AND ETC. I TOLD THE GUY IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHAT WAS WRONG AND HE SAID HE WOULD CHECK IT FOR ME. AFTER SERVICING THE SUV, HE TOLD ME IT WOULD COST $ 400.00 PLUS DOLLARS TO FIX. I HAD THE CAR LESS THAN 6MONTHS. HE TOLD ME THERE WAS A PIECE THAT WAS BROKEN DUE TO RESTING THE ARM ON THE GLASS AND HE HAD TO REPLACE THE PIECE AND THE GLASS. IT'S FINE ONE MINUTE AND THEN THE NEXT IT'S OFF THE TRACT. SO I TOLD THE SERVICE GUY TO UNPLUG IT. I 'M NOT TALL ENOUGH TO REST MY ARM ON THE GLASS TO BREAK ANYTHING. I'M THE ONLY ONE THAT DRIVES THIS CAR. I TRULY BELIEVE THIS PART/PIECE WAS ALREADY BROKEN WHEN I PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE, BUT I CAN'T PROVE IT. I DON'T HAVE $ 400. 00 DOLLARS IN MY BUDGET PLUS MONTHLY BILL. HELP! *TR
Engine, Jun 25, 2013
I'M CONTACTING YOU ABOUT AN ISSUE RECENTLY ENCOUNTERED ON MY 2009 HIGHLANDER. THE OIL HOSE ATTACHMENT LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR HAD PIN SIZE HOLE THAT PUSHED ALL THE OIL OUT OF MY CAR. THE OIL HOSE IS IN A LOCATION THAT WOULD NOT BE EXPOSED TO ANY ELEMENT. I TRULY FEEL THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT BUT CAN'T FIND RECALL INFORMATION ON THE SITE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT SAID THIS PART WILL TAKE UP TO 3 WEEKS TO RECEIVE. THEY ALSO HAD A FEW OTHER TOYOTA CARS IN REPAIR FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS ALARMING SINCE IT LOOKS LIKE A KNOWN ISSUE AND THE HOSE LOCATION IS NOT EXPOSED. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO TOLD ME ONCE REPAIRED THEY DON''T KNOW THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE SINCE THE OIL WAS DRAINED OUT AT FAST PACE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AND HELP PROTECT OTHERS THAT MIGHT NOT BE AWARE OF THIS DEFECT. *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
Power train, Engine, Apr 4, 2013
T-SB-0201-11 FROM TOYOTA STATES "SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2GR-FE/FXE TOWING PACKAGE ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT AN OIL SEEP FROM THE ENGINE OIL COOLER PIPES." THIS TSB AFFECTS TOYOTA AND LEXUS VEHICLES GOING BACK TO AT LEAST 2008-PRESENT. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE, AND I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE HANDLED AS A RECALL INSTEAD OF A TSB DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE ISSUE IF/WHEN THE PIPE BREAKS. I RECENTLY ELECTED TO HAVE MY VEHICLE REPAIRED ON MY OWN JUST SO I WOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THIS ISSUE HAPPENING TO ME OR MY WIFE, AND THUS BLOWING UP MY HIGHLANDER'S ENGINE CAUSING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN DAMAGES. SEEMS PRETTY BAD THAT A RECALL CAN BE ISSUED FOR FLOOR MATS AND ACCELERATOR ISSUES, BUT NO RECALL IS ISSUED FOR THIS ISSUE WHICH CAN DRAIN THE OIL FROM YOUR ENGINE IN A MINUTE, BLOW UP YOUR ENGINE, AND THEN POSSIBLY WRECK YOUR VEHICLE. CONSUMER'S ENGINES ARE NOW BEING DESTROYED, AND THIS IS SHOWING UP IN DIFFERENT ONLINE FORUMS. I FEEL THAT THE NHTSA NEEDS TO FORCE TOYOTA TO REPLACE ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE OIL COOLER PIPES WITH THE NEWER METAL ONES THAT THE TSB ADDRESSES. THEY SHOULD ALSO BE FORCED TO REIMBURSE ALL COSTS TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT EITHER NEEDED TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE, OR DECIDED TO PREVENTATIVELY HAVE THE REPAIR DONE ON THEIR OWN BEFORE THOSE PIPES BURST ON THEIR OWN. *TR
Power train, Engine, Mar 28, 2013
TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A T-SB-0201-11 WHICH STATES "SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2GR-FE/FXE TOWING PACKAGE ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT AN OIL SEEP FROM THE ENGINE OIL COOLER PIPES." THIS AFFECTS TOYOTA AND LEXUS VEHICLES GOING BACK TO AT LEAST 2008-PRESENT. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN HANDLED AS A RECALL VS. A T-SB WITH A DEFINED EXPIRATION DATE BECAUSE CONSUMERS ENGINES ARE BEING DESTROYED WHEN THIS 'SEEP' OCCURS. THIS HAPPENS WITH A MINUTE AND ALL OF THE ENGINE OIL IS LEFT ON THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE IS DESTROYED. IMAGINE A FAMILY WHO'S DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY, THEIR ENGINE STOPS WORKING AND AN 18-WHEELER REAR ENDS THEM. THAT IS WHY THE NHTSA NEEDS TO FORCE TOYOTA TO REPLACE ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE OIL COOLER PIPES WITH THE METAL ONES THAT THE T-SB ADDRESSEE. *TR
Seat belts, Mar 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT AND BECAME JAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE RETRACTION MECHANISM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,520. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,674. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TR
Suspension, Jan 28, 2013
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, A SNAP WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR. UPON INSPECTION, THE REAR PASSENGER SWAY BAR LINK (JOINING THE SWAY BAR TO THE STRUT) WAS SNAPPED AT THE LOWER END. THIS LINK IS APPROXIMATELY 10 MM IN DIAMETER, NECKING DOWN TO 8 MM WITH A 1 MM RADIUS AT TRANSITION OF THE DIAMETERS. IT WAS OBSERVED THE FAILURE WAS NOT COMPLETELY IMMEDIATE AS APPROXIMATELY HALF THE DIAMETER WAS RUSTED. THE RUST HAD TWO DISTINCT ZONES; AN APPROXIMATE 3 MM LIGHTER YELLOW-BROWN REGION AT THE OUTER SIDE, AND A 1 MM DARK BROWN ZONE ON THE INNER SIDE SUGGESTING THE OUTER HAD BEEN FAILING FOR SOME TIME, THE INNER PROPAGATING MORE RECENTLY. FINAL FAILURE OF THE REMAINING PORTION WAS SUDDEN. UPON INSPECTION UNDER MAGNIFICATION, THE FAILURE BEGAN WITH SOME TYPE OF CRACK INITIATING AT THE ROOT OF THE FILLET, PROPAGATING DOWNWARDS AT AN APPROXIMATE 30 DEGREE ANGLE. BENDING OF THE 8 MM SECTION APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE SUDDEN FINAL FAILURE OF THE SECTION. NO OTHER DAMAGE UNDER THE VEHICLE WAS FOUND RULING OUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CAUSED BY ANY DRIVER. TOYOTA CORPORATE IN CALIFORNIA WAS CONTACTED (CASE # 1301222906) BUT THEY CLAIMED NO RECALL ON THIS PART OR ISSUES. THE PART APPEARS TO HAVE INSUFFICIENT FATIGUE STRENGTH OR THIS SPECIFIC LINK HAD A QUALITY ISSUE. THE PART IS IN MY POSSESSION AND AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST SHOULD FURTHER INVESTIGATION VIA SEM/EDX, OR OTHER IS HELPFUL. I ALSO CAN PROVIDE PICTURES UPON REQUEST. THIS FAILURE CONCERNS ME AS THE PART LINKS REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL AND IT FAILED SHORTLY PAST WARRANTY. *TR