2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005).  The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism. Given the separation occurring when operating the tilt and/or telescoping function and failure of both shear capsules to maintain the lower steering column mounting position, potential for shear capsule damage in the known failures due to collisions, the overall low rate of occurrence, and the updated manufacturer documentation, this investigation is closed.  The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.  The agency reserves right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. A detailed summary of the investigation is attached to this closing resume. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Since opening PE18-005, one (1) additional VOQ involving steering column separation has been received. This incident occurred while the vehicle was stationary.As part of PE18-005, ODI examined the field data, warranty data, and relevant technical information submitted by Toyota in response to the PE18-005 information request letter. Ten (10) additional incidents of steering column separation were identified. Four (4) of these instances occurred while driving. During PE18-005, ODI confirmed that the steering columns in the subject vehicles are equipped with breakaway capsules that are designed to collapse/shear during certain types of vehicle collisions. This design feature aims to reduce driver injury severity from impact with the steering wheel in frontal vehicle collisions. There is no direct method for detecting when the capsules in the subject vehicles have sheared. If the driver operates the tilt/telescoping feature after the breakaway capsules have separated, the steering column may drop out of position and could subsequently detach entirely from the rest of the steering assembly. Loss of steering while driving may cause a loss of vehicle control, which could lead to a vehicle crash.To date, ODI has identified 14 incidents involving complete steering column separation, 6 of which occurred while driving. One of these incidents involved a minor crash. Additionally, there have been 16 events where the steering column dropped from the dashboard mounting brackets, but column separation did not occur. Four of these incidents happened while driving. Of these 30 total separation/drop incidents, 5 of the vehicles have evidence of minor collision repairs months or years prior to the steering column failure.This investigation has been upgraded an to Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) in order to 1) conduct a more detailed analysis of the conditions that may cause the steering column breakaway capsules to separate and 2) assess factors that may contribute to the problem of failing to detect and repair breakaway capsules after they have separated. Toyota has recently revised their repair manual and issued a Collision Repair Information Bulletin to help address the second concern.The VOQs associated with this investigation can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI complaint numbers: 11141761, 11083623, 11083280, 10888043.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, STEERING SYSTEM, AND BATTERY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, "STOP VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD IT TOWED HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROYAL SOUTH TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 3115 S WALNUT ST, BLOOMINGTON, IN 47401, (812) 331-1100) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE CODE WAS FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,842.

NHTSA ID

11220968

Incident

Apr 12, 2019

Mileage

124,842 mi

BRAKES FAILED SHORTLY AFTER THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WENT OFF. DEALER DIAGNOSED THIS AS A BREAK ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY FAILURE. IT LOOKS LIKE TOYOTA HAD A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FOR VEHICLE YEARS 2006-2007. HOWEVER, MY 2009 APPEARS TO BE HAVING EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE, YET IT'S NOT COVERED BY THE PROGRAM. GIVEN THE SEVERITY OF THE PART FAILURE, IT'S NOT CLEAR WHY THIS IS NOT A RECALL... WE WERE LUCKY THAT NO ACCIDENT RESULTED FROM THIS FAILURE.

NHTSA ID

11184733

Incident

Mar 6, 2019

Mileage

215,000 mi

ONCE CAR WAS SITTING IN A LOT AND ANOTHER TIME, RUNNING ON HIGHWAY. ABS, BRAKE,TRACTION CONTROL, VSC LIGHTS CAME ON ALSO MESSAGE DISPLAY SAID ABS MESSAGE AND BRAKE MESSAGE. CODES FROM ABS DTC,S ARE ALL A C-0371, 1271 THROUGH 1278, 1281, 1346, & 1391. SEEMS TO BE SAME ISSUE AS THE '06-'07 HIGHLANDER HYBRIDS AND THE '04-'09 PRIUS. THERE WAS AN EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ON THOSE VEHICLES. I HAVE BEEN READING MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS, SAME THINGS, WITH THE '09 HIGHLANDERS. LOOKS LIKE REPAIRS RANGE FROM $2500-$5000,WHICH IS RIDICULOUS.

NHTSA ID

11170887

Incident

Jan 14, 2019

Mileage

168,200 mi

TAKATA RECALL- WHEN FUILING FROM THE PUMP, NUZZLES KEEP SHUTING OFF ITSELF LIKE THE TANK IS ALREADY FULL. ITS BEEN HAPPENING RECENTLY. AT THE SAME TIME, CHECK BREAK SYSTEM BY DELER START APPERING. IT TAKES 3 TO 4 PUSH TO START THE CAR AFTER THIS ERROR MESSAGE. SOMETIMES IT TAKES LONGER AND ESPECIALLY IT HAPPENS IN THE MORNING. TOOK TO DELER BUT THEY DID NOT FIND A CODE TO CHECK BUT THIS IS STILL HAPPENING.

NHTSA ID

11166620

Incident

Dec 10, 2018

Mileage

66,000 mi

THE BRAKE SYSTEM COMPLETELY WENT OUT OF ORDER SUDDENLY, DURING THE MOTION IN THE STREET. ALTHOUGH THE BRAKE SYSTEM LIQUID WAS RENEWED IN TOYOTA CENTER JUST FEW DAYS AGO, FEW DAYS PRIOR TO REQUIRED SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE DATE. NOW THE PRICE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM REPAIR IS CATASTROPHIC. AS I AM ASKING FOR ADVICE, ALL THE OTHER HIGHLANDER OWNERS COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SAME. THIS IS A BIG SHAME FOR TOYOTA

NHTSA ID

11141975

Incident

Oct 22, 2018

Mileage

127,000 mi

ABS VSC AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON - AS PER HARTFORD DEALER NEED TO REPLACE THESE PARTS 44050-48320 AND 47070-48020

NHTSA ID

11088868

Incident

Oct 6, 2017

Mileage

280,000 mi

ABS AND BRAKE MALFUNCTION LIGHT COMES ON. AUTO REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME THE ABS ACTUATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $3,500

NHTSA ID

11079765

Incident

Mar 2, 2018

Mileage

121,593 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROBBINS TOYOTA OF TEXARKANA (6233 MALL DR, NASH, TX 75569 (903) 794-5121) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCUMULATOR PART FAILED AND THE ACCUMULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED AN INDEPENDENT DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOUND THE ACTUATOR TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. *JS 5 WARNING LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED ON MY VEHICLE. 1) MASTER WARNING LIGHT 2) BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT IN RED 3) BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING IN YELLOW 4) ABS WARNING LIGHT 5) LIGHT ABOVE ABS IN YELLOW, I CAN BE CONTACTED AT 903-280-0111 UPDATED 9/12/18*JB

NHTSA ID

11033815

Incident

Aug 16, 2017

Mileage

146,000 mi

OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26.

This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge. The GRX-5100 should be used wherever the Repair Manual references the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) charger.

Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting.