2011 Toyota Highlander Complaints

2011 Toyota Highlander Complaints posted on the NHTSA web site by owners are posted below. Please remember that only 13% of people file complaints so what you see may not be fully representative of existing problems.

Complaints may be found here: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchComplaints

Date Complaint Filed: 04/16/2013
Component(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Date of Incident: 01/01/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10508381

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDBK3EH9BS...

SUMMARY:

EXTERIOR LIGHTING POOR LIGHTING FROM HEADLIGHT LOW BEAMS. DESIGN OF CAR SEEMS TO GET IN THE WAY OF THE BEAM CAUSING LOW TO NO VISABILITY. IT IS ESPECIALLY HARD TO SEE THE EDGE OF THE ROAD WITH THE LOW BEAMS AND THIS HAS CAUSED A PROBLEM WITH BEING ABLE TO SEE DEER AND AVOID HITTING THEM/BEING HIT. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCATIONS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE CHECKED ALIGNMENT, BULBS, POSITIONING, ETC. BUT THEY TELL ME IT IS A DESIGN FAULT OF THE CAR AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. LUCKILY MY MODEL HAS WHITE FOG LIGHT. USING THEM AT ALL TIMES WHEN I DRIVE AT NIGHT HAS HELPED ME TO SEE. I NEED TO DRIVE WITH BRIGHTS ON WHENEVER POSSIBLE TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE ROAD.THE BIGGEST PROBLEM COMES DURING RAIN OR FOG BECAUSE ONE CAN NOT USE HIGH BEAMS BECAUSE OF THE REFLECTION SO IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THE ROAD AT NIGHT DURING THESE CONDITIONS. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION OF MY REPAIR REQUESTS AND ACCIDENT REPORT FROM DEER STRIKE IF NEEDED.

Date Complaint Filed: 03/17/2013
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Date of Incident: 03/16/2013
NHTSA ID Number: 10503327

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDZA3EH6BS...

SUMMARY:

WHILE ACCELERATING ONTO THE ON-RAMP OF THE OF THE HIGHWAY, THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON,THE REAR DOOR/WINDOW WARNING CAME ON AND THEN THE DOME LIGHTS CAME ON. IT CONTINUED GOING ON AND OFF FOR ABOUT 15-20 MINUTES. VERY CONCERNING WHEN YOU ARE IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AND CAN'T GET OFF! PREVIOUS TIMES THAT THIS OCCURRED, THE SEAT BELT WARNING WOULD DING, THE "BACK DOOR OPEN" WARNING WOULD FLASH, THE DOME LIGHTS WOULD TURN ON, AND THEN IT WOULD STOP. YESTERDAY, THAT CYCLE CONTINUED. MY HUSBAND BELIEVES YESTERDAY'S INCIDENT BEGAN DUE TO A BUMP IN THE ROAD. ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS, THERE WAS NO BUMP. *TR

Date Complaint Filed: 02/07/2013
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Date of Incident: 02/06/2013
NHTSA ID Number: 10496770

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Not Available

SUMMARY:

THE WARNING LIGHTS AND DISPLAY INDICATE THAT THE REAR GLASS DOOR IS OPEN WHEN IT IS NOT. THE WARNING LIGHT AND DISPLAYS GOES ON AND OFF REPEATEDLY. *TR

Date Complaint Filed: 01/16/2013
Component(s): VISIBILITY/WIPER

Date of Incident: 10/01/2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10493192

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Not Available

SUMMARY:

SUN VISOR DOES NOT RETURN TO UPRIGHT POSITION. IT HANGS AND OBSTRUCTS DRIVER'S VISION. I HAVE READ ONLINE THE EXCESSIVELY HIGH NUMBER OF TOYOTA OWNERS WHO EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM. IT IS SO DANGEROUS AND A FIX IS COST PROHIBITIVE. TOYOTA SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR MANUFACTURING A DEFECTIVE PART. VISION IS PROBABLY THE MOST CRITICAL COMPONENT FOR A DRIVER AND WHEN IT IS OBSTRUCTED BY A PART OF THE MANUFACTURER'S NEGLECT, THEN IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. *TR

Date Complaint Filed: 12/16/2012
Component(s): VISIBILITY/WIPER

Date of Incident: 12/04/2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10488927

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDDK3EH5BS...

SUMMARY:

LEFT SIDE SUN VISOR FAILED, VISOR DROPS DOWN IN FRONT OF DRIVER. *TR

 

Date Complaint Filed: 12/04/2012
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Date of Incident: 12/03/2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10487347

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDBK3EHXBS...

SUMMARY:

2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4WD: SYSTEM CHECK PANEL INDICATING THE REAR GLASS DOOR IS OPEN, WHEN IT'S NOT. CONTINUAL CHIME INDICATING DOOR IS OPEN IN CONJUNCTION WITH TURNING DOME LIGHT OFF AND ON. BAD DOOR SENSOR FAULTY ELECTRICAL DOOR SWITCH. *TR

Date Complaint Filed: 09/18/2012
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , POWER TRAIN

Date of Incident: 09/23/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10475808

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDBK3EH8BS...

SUMMARY:

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY AND THE ENGINE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL ROARING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE AND THE NOISE THE ENGINE WAS EXHIBITING WAS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN AUGUST 2012 WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUCKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE GEAR INTO REVERSE AND INTO A PARKING AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO LOCATED THE FAILURE AS THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID CLUTCH ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND THE ABNORMAL NOISE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,467 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,896. UPDATED 10/03/12*LJ UPDATED 10/3/2012*JS

Date Complaint Filed: 09/04/2012
Component(s): STRUCTURE

Date of Incident: 04/11/2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10474621

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDDK3EH8BS...

SUMMARY:

I PURCHASE MY CAR FROM CARMAX ON NOVEMBER 20, 2010. APPROXIMATELY FOURTEEN MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE, I BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE REAR LIFTGATE DOOR NOT COMPLETELY CLOSING PROPERLY. I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER ON TO HAVE THIS CORRECTED BUT TO DATE, THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DO SO. THUS FAR, MY TRUCKS? AUTOMATIC LIFTGATE DOOR HAS BEEN INOPERABLE FOR OVER 120 DAYS AND THE DEALER SHIP HAS REVIEWED THE ISSUE, TOOK PICTURES OF THE AFFECTED AREA AND FILED A REPORT TO TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP ALSO ADVISED ME TO CONTACT A CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AND FILE A COMPLAINT. ON JUNE 15, 2012, I CALLED YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND SPOKE WITH A TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE. THE REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT HE SUBMITTED MY COMPLAINT (CASE # 1206150405) AND THAT TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND IS WORKING ON A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM AND AS SOON AS THEY WERE ABLE TO DETERMINE THE FIX, THEY WOULD CONTACT ME. IT HAS BEEN OVER 2 MONTHS SINCE I LAST SPOKE WITH SOMEONE FROM YOUR COMPANY AND I HAVEN?T RECEIVED ANY RESOLUTION. ATTACHED ARE COPIES OF THE REPAIR ORDER THAT DOCUMENT THE DEALERSHIP?S ATTEMPT TO REPAIR MY CAR. ...UPDATED 09/12/12 *BF UPDATED 09/19/2012 *JS

Date Complaint Filed: 09/04/2012
Component(s): STEERING

Date of Incident: 02/22/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10473746

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDZA3EH5BS...

SUMMARY:

AT APPROXIMATELY 40-42 MPH ON A SLIGHT CURVE TO THE RIGHT, THE STEERING WOULD GET VERY TIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN THE DIRECTION OF THE ROAD.( IT IS AS IF THE CAR WAS TURNING TO THE LEFT ON ITS OWN) THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE DEALER AND TOYOTA INSPECTED THE CAR. THE CAR WAS UNDER CASE MANAGEMENT WITH TOYOTA THREE TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. CASE #'S [XXX], [XXX], AND CASE [XXX]. EACH TIME TOYOTA WOULD STATE THERE IS NO PROBLEM AND THE CAR WAS "FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. " TOYOTA'S EXCESSIVE USE OF ELECTRONICS IN AREAS SUCH AS STEERING HAVE CREATED UNSAFE VEHICLES. EVEN WORSE, MY OPINION IS TOYOTA KNOWS THEY HAVE ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE AND ONCE AGAIN IS DENYING AND COVERING IT UP. TOYOTA CAN NO LONGER BE TRUSTED! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Date Complaint Filed: 08/31/2012
Component(s): STRUCTURE

Date of Incident: 08/10/2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10473216

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDDK3EH9BS...

SUMMARY:

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HINGES ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF HIS HATCHBACK WAS BENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS INFORMED OF TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN UNDER NHTSA ITEM NUMBER : 10041651 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

 

Date Complaint Filed: 08/01/2012
Component(s): POWER TRAIN , VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Date of Incident: 08/10/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10468875

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDDK3EH3BS...

SUMMARY:

AT LOW SPEED, THE AUTO HAS A SERIOUS DELAY WHEN YOU PRESS DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL TO ENTER A LANE OF TRAFFIC SUCH AS ENTERING AN INTERSTATE FROM AN ENTRANCE RAMP. AFTER THE DELAY THE AUTO THEN SURGES INTO THE TRAFFIC LANE. TOYOTA OFFICIALS CLAIM IT IS CAUSED BY A COMMUNICATION PROBLEM BETWEEN THE COMPUTER AND THE TRANSMISSION. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT CANNOT BE CORRECTED. I FEEL THAT THE DELAY AND SURGE IS NOT SAFE. *TR

 

Date Complaint Filed: 07/12/2012
Component(s): STRUCTURE

Date of Incident: 07/12/2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10465482

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDDK3EH8BS...

SUMMARY:

TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A TSB FOR WARPING HINGES FOR THE POWER REAR HATCH. THE HATCH EVENTUALLY WILL NOT CLOSE PROPERLY OR AT ALL. THIS IS MAINLY DUE TO THE MOTOR PUTTING TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HINGE. THIS IS HAPPENING TO ALL HIGHLANDER RIGHT NOW WITH POWER OPEN CLOSE FEATURES. EVEN THE ONES WITH THE NEW DESIGN HINGES. TOYOTA IS ALSO SAYING THAT THEY WILL NOT COVER THESE HINGES OUT OF WARRANTY. MINE ARE BEING REPLACED RIGHT NOW. BUT THE 2012 HIGHLANDER RENTAL I HAVE RIGHT NOW HAS THE SAME ISSUE. AND THIS ONE WOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE TSB SINCE IT HAS THE NEW HINGES. I AM WORRIED THAT DOWN THE ROAD THIS HATCH WILL OPEN AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY OR ANYWHERE.. HOW WOULD YOU KNOW SOMETIMES THAT THE HATCH DID NOT CLOSE? I HAD TO PUT A ACCIDENT DATE ABOVE TO FILE. THERE IS NO ACCIDENT, I AM TRYING TO PREVENT ONE. *TR

 

Date Complaint Filed: 06/05/2012
Component(s): POWER TRAIN , STEERING , WHEELS

Date of Incident: 04/18/2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10460640

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Not Available

SUMMARY:

I ONLY HAVE 7K MILES IN MY CAR I OWN THE CAR FOR ONLY 1 YEAR. I NOTICE THAT THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOT BALANCE AT ALL. AT LEAST 5-10 DEGREE TO THE RIGHT. I HAVE MY CAR SERVICE EVERY 6 MONTHS WITH TOYOTA IT SHOULD BE BALANCED AND DONE THE TIRE ROTATION??? ALSO THE TRANSMISSION OCCASIONALLY STALL ABOUT 1-2 SECOND WHEN I ACCELERATE TO 30-40 MPH. I AM AFRAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL HAVE PROBLEM WITHIN THIS 2-3 YEARS. LIKE HONDA TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON ODYSSEY. *TR

 

Date Complaint Filed: 05/03/2012
Component(s): POWER TRAIN , VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Date of Incident: 05/01/2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10457221

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): JTEDC3EH1B2...

SUMMARY:

THE FOLLOWING EMAIL/REPORT WAS SENT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FROM WHOM I HAD PURCHASED THIS NEW VEHICLE: I AM WRITING TO REPORT AN ABNORMAL INCIDENT, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT BE RELATED TO THE STALL PROBLEM I HAD ENCOUNTERED, AND WHICH YOU INSPECTED DURING MY LAST VISIT. IN THIS INCIDENT, I WAS VERY GENTLY TRYING TO MOVE THE CAR INTO MY GARAGE FROM A STATIONARY POSITION (THERE IS A SMALL 10 TO 15 DEGREE GRADE OVER A 3 FT DISTANCE BEFORE THE GARAGE FLOOR BECAME LEVEL AGAIN). AS I SLOWLY PRESSED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR STARTED TO MOVE SLOWLY IN A NORMAL FASHION, BUT AFTER MOVING HALF WAY INTO THE GARAGE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, ALMOST AT FULL THROTTLE... I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD REACT, MISSING A CRASH BY ONLY A FEW INCHES. AS I TRIED TO ANALYZE WHAT HAPPENED, THE ONLY THING THAT I CAN THINK OF IS THAT AS I WAS MOVING SLOWLY ENOUGH WHERE MOST LIKELY ONLY THE ELECTRIC MOTOR WAS MOVING THE CAR, BUT THEN VERY SUDDENLY THAT ELECTRIC MOTOR SOURCED ITS ABSOLUTE FULL POWER TO ACCELERATE THE WHEELS ---ALMOST AS IF THE SW DECIDED TO IGNORE MY VERY SOFT PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL AND SOURCE MAXIMUM POWER. PLEASE ADVISE WHEN YOUR TOYOTA ENGINEERS WILL BE VISITING YOU AGAIN SO THAT THEY MAY REVIEW THIS LATEST ABNORMALITY. I AM ALSO FORWARDING THIS MESSAGE TO THE NATIONAL AUTO SAFETY DEPARTMENT, SINCE I AM NOW QUITE CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY. *TR

Date Complaint Filed: 04/10/2012
Component(s): VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Date of Incident: 04/09/2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10454681

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

 

• Crash:Yes
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDYK3EH4BS...

SUMMARY:

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK WITH THE BRAKE DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CEMENT WALL OF A GARAGE. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK A COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 8,700.

Date Complaint Filed: 04/02/2012
Component(s): VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Date of Incident: 03/25/2008
NHTSA ID Number: 10453857

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:Yes
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDBK3EH2BS...

SUMMARY:

PULLED INTO EMPLOYERS PARKING LOT TO PARK WHEN I PLACED MY VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND BEGAN BACKING UP THE VEHICLE GAINED SPEED, HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH MY PASSENGER SIDE COMING AGAINST HIS DRIVER SIDE, CLIMBED AN APPROXIMATE 10 FOOT STEEP EMBANKMENT, HIT A WAREHOUSE WALL CAUSING A LARGE DENT IN WALL AND BREAKING A 6X6 SUPPORT POST, THEN SLIDING DOWN THE EMBANKMENT INTO SAME PARKED VEHICLE I HAD HIT BEFORE, THEN CAME TO REST. TOTALED THE VEHICLE THAT WAS HIT ADJACENT MINE, $8600.00 DAMAGE TO MY HIGHLANDER, AND NOT SURE YET OF COST OF BUILDING DAMAGE. *TR

Date Complaint Filed: 02/18/2012
Component(s): VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Date of Incident: 02/18/2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10448438

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Not Available

SUMMARY:

OCCASIONALLY, AFTER COMING TO A STOP AND THEN WHEN BEGINNING TO ACCELERATE AGAIN WHILE TURNING EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT, THE ENGINE APPEARS TO STALL FOR 3 OR 4 SECONDS, THEN RESUMES NORMAL ACCELERATION. THE ENGINE DOES NOT QUIT OR DIE, IT JUST GOES BACK DOWN TO A LITTLE ABOVE IDLE SPEED, THEN SPEEDS BACK UP AGAIN AND RESUMES NORMAL ACCELERATION OPERATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO BOTH MY WIFE AND ME ON MORE THAN A FEW OCCASIONS BEGINNING ABOUT 8,000 MILES ON ODOMETER. I ERRONEOUSLY POSTED THIS COMPLAINT EARLIER UNDER THE 2012 HIGHLANDER, HOWEVER, MY VEHICLE IS A 2011. *TR

 

Date Complaint Filed: 02/16/2012
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , STEERING

Date of Incident: 12/12/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10448267

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Not Available

SUMMARY:

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, I WAS UNABLE TO KEEP THE CAR IN THE LANE ON A SLIGHT CURVE TO THE RIGHT IN THE ROAD. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNING, BUT THE WHEELS WERE NOT RESPONDING. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MUCH HARDER TO TURN. SUDDENLY THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY EASY TO TURN AND THE CAR VEERED HEAVILY TO THE RIGHT CAUSING ME TO RUN OFF THE ROAD. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AT OTHER SPEEDS. *TR THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/13/12 THE CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEMS WERE FUNDAMENTALLY FLAWED. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH ELECTRIC STEERING. UPDATED 10/22/12

 

Date Complaint Filed: 02/16/2012
Component(s): TIRES

Date of Incident: 01/03/2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10448145

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

Tire Brand NameTire Line / Tire Size Production Dates

• TOYOOPEN COUNTRY A/T -

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYO TIRES U.S.A. CORP , TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDBK3EHXBS...

SUMMARY:

2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WITH LESS THAN 13K MILES HAS TIRES WITH VERY LITTLE TREAD LEFT ON THEM. WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA TECH THAT IT NEEDS NEW TIRES. LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD AND THE TIRES ARE BALDING. THIS POSES A SAFETY HAZARD AND IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. *TR

Date Complaint Filed: 02/12/2012
Component(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING , POWER TRAIN , SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Date of Incident: 10/01/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10447651

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDBK3EHXBS...

SUMMARY:

VEHICLE MAKES A VERY NOTICEABLE, IRRITATING WHINE OR WHISTLE NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING AT 40MPH. STOPS WHEN GAS PEDAL IS RELEASED. VERY CONSTANT AND ANNOYING. DID NOT HAPPEN WHEN CAR WAS FIRST PURCHASED. HAVE BEEN TOLD BY TOYOTA THAT IT WAS THE TRANSFER CASE, WHICH THEY REPLACED. DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. NOW THEY TELL ME IT IS NORMAL. TEST DROVE ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THEIR LOT OF THE SAME EXACT YEAR, MAKE, MODEL. NO NOISE AT ALL. THIS IS NOT NORMAL. TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY ARE DENYING IT. OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES (I.E. RAV4, TUNDRA) HAD/HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. FORUMS TELL ME IT IS THE TRANSMISSION. WAITING ON APPOINTMENT FOR A FIELD TECH FROM TOYOTA TO EXAMINE IT. *TR

Date Complaint Filed: 01/25/2012
Component(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Date of Incident: 01/11/2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10445246

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Not Available

SUMMARY:

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,000. 

Date Complaint Filed: 12/13/2011
Component(s): VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Date of Incident: 12/10/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10439767

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:Yes
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDZA3EH7BS...

SUMMARY:

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT HER DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BARN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES BUT THE VEHICLE HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGES TO THE FRONT BUMPER AND SIDES. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND CALLED TO THE SCENE TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO CENTER FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO FILED A CLAIM ON BEHALF OF THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000. 

 

Date Complaint Filed: 11/10/2011
Component(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC , STEERING

Date of Incident: 10/27/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10435145

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDZK3EH6BS...

SUMMARY:

PURCHASED MY 2011 HIGHLANDER IN MARCH, & IT HAD 7000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. I STARTED THE VEHICLE IN MY DRIVEWAY, PUT IT IN DRIVE, AND STARTED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY. PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES AND SEEMED NOT TO HAVE POWER STEERING. THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH CAME ON, AND THE SCREEN SAID BRAKE MALFUNCTION CONTACT DEALER IMMEDIATELY. THERE WERE NO BRAKES, I FINALLY CAME TO A STOP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL, PUT THE CAR IN PARK, AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. WHEN I TURNED THE KEY, THE CAR STARTED, THE DASH LIGHTS WERE STILL LIT UP, AND I GUESS THE COMPUTER SEEMED TO "RESET". I PULLED BACK INTO MY DRIVEWAY & HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY. THE DEALER HAS HAD IT FOR OVER TWO WEEKS, AND THE INCIDENT HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN, AND THEY SAID THAT THEY CANNOT FIND A SINGLE THING WRONG WITH IT. THEY CAN, HOWEVER, SEE THAT THERE WAS AN "INCIDENT" WITH THE BRAKES ON THAT DATE BY THE COMPUTER READING. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I AM GOING TO BE GETTING THIS CAR BACK, AND THAT IT IS FINE. EVERYONE SAY A PRAYER FOR MYSELF AND MY 3 KIDS THAT ARE IN IT, & HOPE THAT IT DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN IN THESE MOUNTAINS THAT I LIVE! *TR

Date Complaint Filed: 09/12/2011
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Date of Incident: 08/01/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10424698

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDBK3EH4BS...

SUMMARY:

2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4WD: SYSTEM CHECK PANEL I INDICATING THE REAR DOOR IS OPEN, WHEN IT'S NOT. BEEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES. CAR HAS 10000 MILES ON IT. THE REAR DOOR OPEN INDICATOR EFFECTS DOOR LOCKING ABILITY WITH KEY FOB AS WELL AS CONTINUAL CHIME INDICATING REAR DOOR IS OPEN IN CONJUNCTION WITH TURNING DOME LIGHT OFF AND ON. DEALER THOUGHT IT WAS REAR DOOR STRIKE PLATE. ADJUSTED ACCORDINGLY. THIS WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. 3RD VISIT TO DEALER STILL TRYING TO PINPOINT WHY THIS IS HAPPENING SO FAR NO LUCK. ELECTRICAL BAD DOOR SENSOR FAULTY ELECTRICAL DOOR SWITCH THIS PROBLEM IS VERY ANNOYING AND NOW TIMES CONSUMING 3 VISITS TO THE DEALER AND STILL NO SOLUTION. REAR DOOR OPEN INDICATOR INITIALLY MADE TO STOP BY ROLLING DOWN DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AT HIGHWAY SPEED. INDICATOR ALSO MADE TO GO OFF WHEN ROAD TURNS TO THE LEFT ONLY. IT'S BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP TODAY (9/12/2011). *TR

Date Complaint Filed: 08/05/2011
Component(s): SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC

Date of Incident: 07/28/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10417659

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDBK3EH1BS...

SUMMARY:

I WAS DRIVING MY BRAND NEW (3 WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT IT) TOYOTA HIGHLANDER V6 IN A SECONDARY DOWN HILL ROAD WHEN THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED COMPLETELY AND THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE DOWNHILL. NOT BEING ABLE TO CONTROL IT I IGNORED THE "FULL STOP" SIGN AT THE END OF THE SECONDARY ROAD AND I CONTINUED IN A FLAT MAIN ROAD WHERE CARS NORMALLY SPEED UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE SHIFT INTO PARK AND FINALLY THE CAR STOPPED WITH A LURCH. THE LIFE OF MY SON AND MINE WERE SERIOUSLY ENDANGERED. THE CAR WAS TOWED BY THE DEALER AND IT IS STILL THERE AFTER THEY HAVE REPLACED AT LEAST 2 PARTS SO FAR. WE PAID ALMOST $32 000 FOR A BRAND NEW DEFECT FREE CAR BUT INSETAD THEY ARE GOING TO GIVE US THE SAME CAR WHICH IS NOW UNDERGOING MAJOR REPAIRS. *TT

Date Complaint Filed: 07/12/2011
Component(s): VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Date of Incident: 07/09/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10411952

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:Yes
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDZK3EH7BS...

SUMMARY:

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT WAS SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED. ONCE THE BRAKES WERE RELEASED, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING THAT VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A THIRD VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS BEING INVESTIGATED BY THE CONTACT¿S INSURANCE AGENCY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1500. UPDATED 09/27/11 *BF UPDATED 2/9/12 *CN

 

Date Complaint Filed: 06/10/2011
Component(s): TIRES

Date of Incident: 05/28/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10405907

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

Tire Brand NameTire Line / Tire Size Production Dates

• BRIDGESTONEDUELER H/L 400 -

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE NORTH AMERICA TIRE , TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDDK3EHXBS...

SUMMARY:

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGE STONE DULER H/L 400 225/R75/19. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. A TOWING SERVICE APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO CHANGE THE TIRE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE TIRE MANUFACTURER BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED TO CONTACT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS THEN NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE TIRES WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE BLOW OUT WAS DUE TO CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALL AND DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING WITH THE REMAINING THREE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,400.

 

Date Complaint Filed: 06/08/2011
Component(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Date of Incident: 04/09/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10405678

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDZK3EH6BS...

SUMMARY:

FORD F150 SUPERCREW 4X4 - FUEL TANK STRAP BROKE. TANK JUST HANGING. LUCKILY NOTICED IT AND HAVE ORDERED NEW STRAPS. *TR

Date Complaint Filed: 04/04/2011
Component(s): SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC

Date of Incident: 04/04/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10394243

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDBK3EH7BS...

SUMMARY:

I WAS DRIVING 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, STOPPED THE CAR AT RED LIGHT (INTERSECTION OF CATHARPIN RD AND US 55). DURING THE GREEN LIGHT, I WAS TRYING TO TAKE A RIGHT TURN ON THE LIGHT AND THE CAR DID NOT ALLOW ME TO TURN THE POWER STEERING (STUCK) AND ON THE LCD PANEL IT STARTED BLINKING MESSAGE SAYING BREAK MALFUNCTION, THE CAR WENT ON TO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE AND FINALLY WITH SOME STRUGGLE STOPPED THE CAR ON THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE. LUCKILY, NO ONE WAS COMING ON THAT LANE (MY GOOD FORTUNE). CALLED THE COPS AND THEY HELPED THE CAR TO PULL ON SIDE OF THE ROAD. LOOKS LIKE SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. REQUESTING THE TOYOTA TAKE A LOOK AT THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INTO SERIOUS TROUBLE. *TR

Date Complaint Filed: 03/31/2011
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Date of Incident: 03/31/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10393873

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Not Available

SUMMARY:

CAR HAS BEEN IN USE FOR 3 WEEKS. AFTER NOT BEING DRIVEN FOR 4 DAYS, NO ELECTRICAL POWER IS RECEIVED FROM THE BATTERY. JUMP-STARTING THE CAR WAS ATTEMPTED, BUT THE CAR REMAINED IMMOBILIZED. FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 800. *TR

 

Date Complaint Filed: 02/26/2011
Component(s): STRUCTURE , VISIBILITY

Date of Incident: 02/23/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10384573

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TFPX4EN5BX...

SUMMARY:

FRONT WINDSHIELD SEALER BEAD NOT ADHERED TO THE GLASS. TOYOTA TACOMA. *TR

Date Complaint Filed: 02/10/2011
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , POWER TRAIN

Date of Incident: 01/03/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10381495

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDDK3EH9BS...

SUMMARY:

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT STARTED MOVING ON ITS OWN. THE GEAR SHIFT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE IN PARK IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE ON SINCE IT WAS TURNED OFF BY PRESSING A BUTTON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THERE WERE NO REPAIRS NEEDED AND THAT WAS THE WAY THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED. UPDATED 3/22/11 *CN UPDATED 04/25/11

Name	Description	Size(KB)

Date Complaint Filed: 11/08/2010
Component(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Date of Incident: 11/08/2010
NHTSA ID Number: 10365988

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TOYOTAHIGHLANDER2011

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 5TDBK3EH4BS...

SUMMARY:

WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE NEW HEADLIGHT DESIGN ON THE 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER CAUSES THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS TO APPEAR AS IF THERE IS A VISOR ON THE LIGHTS. WHEN TRAVELING ON LEVEL ROADS OR GOING UP HILL THE HEADLIGHTS BEAM THROW DISTANCE IS EFFICIENT WITH THE VISOR EFFECT. HOWEVER, WHEN GOING DOWN HILL AFTER CRESTING A KNOLL, THE VISOR EFFECT DIMINISHES THE THROW DISTANCE OF THE HEADLIGHT BY AN ESTIMATED 50%. THIS LIGHT THROW REDUCTION TOOK ME BY SURPRISE AND CAUSED ME TO ALMOST HIT A DEER THIS EVENING ON THE FIRST NIGHT OF OWNERSHIP. TOYOTA NEEDS TO MAKE A CHANGE TO GET RID OF THE VISOR EFFECT. REQUEST NHTSA INVESTIGATE THIS NEW DESIGN BEFORE NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS OCCUR. I AM CONTACTING TOYOTA TOMORROW TO SEE WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY