2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal, loud clunking sound. The ABS, the parking brake, and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal, loud clunking sound. The ABS, the parking brake, and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

1. Component/System that Failed: The component that has malfunctioned is the ABS actuator, which affects the vehicle’s anti-lock braking system. The issue has been diagnosed and confirmed by two independent repair shops. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk: This issue has placed my safety—and the safety of others—at serious risk. There have been multiple situations where I feared I would be unable to stop in time, especially during sudden stops at red lights, heavy traffic braking, and even a brake check from an aggressive driver. The brakes feel inconsistent and make loud noises during hard braking. I transport my child in this vehicle regularly, and the fear of losing braking ability in an emergency is deeply unsettling. 3. Confirmation of Problem: Yes, the problem has been confirmed by two independent service centers, both of which diagnosed the issue as a known ABS actuator failure. They informed me that this is tied to a Toyota Customer Service Bulletin and recommended I contact the manufacturer for further assistance. 4. Inspection by Others: I contacted Toyota directly through their national customer service line and also visited a Toyota dealership in Dover, Delaware. Both confirmed that my vehicle was outside the coverage range of the CSP due to the 10-year limitation and refused assistance. I do not believe this is fair since the extension was granted right before Covid, which shut down the ability to get vehicles serviced for almost 2 years! This is unfair and needs to become a full recall. 5. Warning Signs and Timing: The warning indicators for the issue—the ABS light and VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) light—first appeared approximately two months after I purchased the vehicle in August 2024. Along with the warning lights, though my braking ability has severely declined recently. I would like Toyota to either help me get my vehicle safe or make this a real recall so that you don't risk loss of life over brakes.

My airbag light came on and I don't understand why the airbag light came on. I took it to a auto shop and they said I would have to take it to a Toyato dealer. Also, my emergency brake is all the way to the floor and it has never released. It will not release at all. It has been that way ever since I bought the vehicle.

My airbag light came on and I don't understand why the airbag light came on. I took it to a auto shop and they said I would have to take it to a Toyato dealer. Also, my emergency brake is all the way to the floor and it has never released. It will not release at all. It has been that way ever since I bought the vehicle.

the ABS pump and actuator on this vehicle have failed. The warning lights on dash indicate ABS, BRAKE, TRACTION CONTROL, and (!). Toyota knows that the actuator on over one hundred thousand vehicles has an internal leakage (which can not be seen on visual inspection). I have requested Toyota to repair and replace this manufacturing malady and Toyota has declined any assistance.

245/55R19 is the tire size. I went to have my tires balanced and aligned on [XXX] at a local shop, Arrow. Alignment here in Eau Claire, WI. They advised me that the ply in all 4 tires was separating and that is why the ride was so rough. Presently I’m scheduled to have them all replaced to the tune of $1,034 and change this Friday, [XXX] at arrow alignment because although the tread - confirmed at a dealership to still be good - the tires themselves seem to have some sort of defect in them causing them all to have the ply separating. I’ll have them check the spare this Friday as well to ensure that is not also experiencing ply separation and if it is have that replaced as well. Fortunately this didn’t cause a horrid accident, but I’ve been driving on these at high speeds assuming I just had to get them aligned and balanced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Brakes failed at a low rate of speed despite pumping them and pushing the petal all the way to the floor. Several witnesses in the car support this narrative. Vehicle ended up slowly rolling into the car in front of us. Minimal damage to both. Took it in to the dealership and they said the brakes appear fine.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the power window master switch inoperable. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V689000 (Visibility). There were no warnings lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to dealer. The dealer stated that the power window master switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 127,000.

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid; mileage 97,849. While driving a red BRAKE alert showed up along with an ABS light, traction symbol and an encircled exclamation mark. This malfunction (which I now see is a known safety issue) shut down my regular braking system and I had to use the emergency brake to stop. A message appeared telling me to pull over to a safe spot and contact my dealer. A shrill high pitched sound also went off. How can a faulty designed ABS module that blocks the braking system from working when it fails not be under a safety recall - just an expired Safety Bulletin? I was fortunate to think to use my emergency brake to stop to avoid an accident and injury to myself and/or others. Vehicle was towed to Gates Toyota, South Bend, IN. if you wish to contact them regarding codes & costly repair bill expenses. I have a call in to the Toyota Headquarters Resolution Team and am waiting for them to contact me back on my case.

Similar to what many other complainants have stated, the ABS has apparently failed. There are clunking noises and warning messages to pull over and not drive the vehicle. This is a known issue on these vehicles and Toyota did a very short recall that expired in 2020. The recall required that your vehicle was experiencing the problem at that moment, so everyone who has this issue after 2020 gets a $3k repair bill or an unsafe vehicle.

Going down a hill with my family the suv was traveling at a speed of 65mph when suddenly another vehicle jump into my lane so i tried to brake with a fast push on the brake pedal but not too hard so i would stop the suv completely for the cars that were traveling behind so the suv made a weird noise and the lights on dash from the abs,service brake and other warning lights went on and the most scary thing is that from that moment the suv didnt respond safely to the road it was really hard for me to control it and there times that it didnt braked safely when it required to do so..i havent take the truck to a dealer but am about to do so i have the appointment for 05/06/2023 btw my suv is a 2009 toyota highlander hybrid and the suv hasnt being driven by anybody since then so i hope the authorities take matter on this situations thanks

The brake warning light has come on, including the abs, anti skid , and the triangle warning light. The OBD 2 scanner is indicating code C1253. This indicates brake actuator, & or brake booster. This a known problem for Toyota hybrid highlanders from 2008 to 2011. Toyota knows there is a problem, has a posted a customer service bulletin (CZN), but expired 2020. (This doesn't mean the part still can't fail.)The local dealer, and the Toyota home office refuses to step in with any help. If this was a known problem by Toyota, why isn't there a recall? If I'm driving the car and have an accident, from this part failure, is Toyota liable, since this is a known problem? Would appreciate any help, or you could direct me to who could help. Thanks, [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

When starting it would make grinding noise,sounds like metallic noise until the engine oil starts circulating.Dealer said that its normal due to cold starts but this can happen even when the engine is up to temperature.Toyota refuse to remedy the issue.

2008-2010 Toyota Highlander vehicles are at risk for a brake malfunction caused by the ABS system. Toyota issued a TSB in May 2019 but that was only covered IF you had the issue during that specific time period of the issued TSB. The ABS issue seems to be malfunction around 135000-150000 miles and cause a brake failure or lockup. Since the TSB was issued, it voids 3rd party warranty coverage and Toyota will not assist with cost at almost $3000 even though they are aware of the issue.

While driving I heard a clunking noise and warning lights for ABS, slip indicator, brake warning system instructing me to pull over and service vehicle as it was unsafe to drive I took the vehicle to local dealership and they found that the ABS Actuator and Brake pump had failed and needed to be replaced. While researching the issue I found that the manufacturer had issued an extended warranty service bulletin but did not issue a recall. I have included the service bulletin below.

Why is there no recall for all these hybrid Highlanders with Brake Actuator failures? My 2009 Highlander has just over 70,000 miles. I was driving and this warning showed up on the screen: “BRAKE (in red) Brake Malfunction” and underneath “Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately, and contact a dealer.” “ABS Check ABS” and “Check Brake System” both of which say “Have your vehicle checked by a Dealer“. The dashboard also shows warning lights -warning light in yellow with an !), BRAKE in red, and ABS (!), and the anti-skid brake symbol is on - yellow with a car symbol and skid marks. I took it to the dealer in Tucson (Desert Toyota - where I purchased it in 2018) and they diagnosed it: "DTC C1391 FOUND BRAKE ACTUATOR TO LEAK INTERNALLY. RECOMMEND REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BOOSTER PUMP (BOOSTER PUMP DUE TO POSSIBLE WEAKENED BY RUNNING MORE SINCE ACUTATOR IS LEAKING INTERNALLY)" The cost for repairing this is $2,945.96. I now see that this is far from unique - and it is a serious safety issue. Why is this not a recall? I see that there have been earlier service programs to deal with this in earlier models and then a couple of years ago, Toyota acknowledged it in later hybrid Highlanders like 2008 and 2009 and periodically addressed it, but this should be a recall issue that has affected thousands of vehicles and persists. Toyota needs to deal with this now. Look at https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/customer-support-program-notification-zkc.1658588/page-2 - Customer Support Program Notification - ZKC and you will see just how common this serious safety problem is.

Braking system warning lights came on. Prior to that the vehicle was making several clunking noises from the front and rear mostly when braking. The stopping distance while braking has been reduced to nearly double the distance while much more force is needed to be applied to the brake pedal to get the vehicle to come to a stop.

on 26/Jan/2022 i driving on highway suddendly the front wheel passanger side lock, luckily i quickly get off drive land to emergency land. The Brake Malfuntion light come up, i so scare, do not what happen. But i should do complaint about brake system on this vehicle. Thanks. Vu Dam.

on 26/Jan/2022 i driving on highway suddendly the front wheel passanger side lock, luckily i quickly get off drive land to emergency land. The Brake Malfuntion light come up, i so scare, do not what happen. But i should do complaint about brake system on this vehicle. Thanks. Vu Dam.

Brake Actuator and Pump Assembly. If I drive the car Toyota has told me it could be catastrophic when the brakes stop while I’m driving. Yes, Toyota inspected and gave the quote to me. This vehicle had 446,000 others fixed (2008-2010) under a “warranty” instead of a “recall”! The car has not stopped yet working, it’s parked because I don’t want to die or kill anyone. I can still drive it maybe 20 mph without using any brakes. The closest store to buy food is 16 miles one way! Yes I have on the middle console screen: “BRAKE (in red) Brake Malfunction” which then says underneath that “Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately, and contact a dealer.” “ABS Check ABS” and “Check Brake System” both of which say “Have your vehicle checked by a Dealer“. And on the dashboard it shows Lights (warning light in yellow with a !,) BRAKE in red, ABS (!), there’s actually a circle around the ! between the two ( ). Than the anti-brake symbol is on which is yellow with a car symbol and skidmarks behind it. I have attached the photo of the inspection bill and the text from the Toyota rep of how much it’s going to cost to repair. I did speak with the service manager, Steve, who told me that the NTSB is who decides if there should be a recall on this type of thing or not. I feel like if there were 446,000 cars fixed this is a huge issue! Mine should be included! I cannot drive the car so therefore I am stranded!

Engine oil filler cap had interior motor part , melt through while driving , almost hurling all the way through , 2 inch cylindrical part viewed when opening hood to inspect damage . Braking , trac and vsc engaged and motor failed almost dieing , abs allowed brake pedal to go to floor with vehicle just stopping enough to move from traffic . No injuries and No collisions happened due to violent engine combusting or braking disabled , incident happened at 10 mph entering a parking lot .

I HAVE OWNED MY 2009 HIGHLANDER HYBRID SINCE I PURCHASED NEW FROM DEALER IN JULY 2009. IN MID DECEMBER 2020 I NOTICED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THAT WITH MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE WOULD STILL BE MOVING A FEW FEET BEFORE STOPPING. NO WARNING LIGHTS SO I FIGURED NO BIG PROBLEM. IN JANUARY 2021 A WARNING LIGHT FLASHED ON FOR MAYBE 5 SECONDS REGARDING BRAKE PROBLEM. ON FEBRUARY 2ND I BROUGHT IT TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER TO ASSESS. THEY SCANNED IT AND DIDN'T RECEIVE ANY DTC CODES. I WAS ADVISED THAT MY FRONT BRAKE PADS WERE AT 4MM AND SHOULD BE REPLACED SOON. I DID THAT. VEHICLE DROVE WITHOUT INCIDENT UNTIL JUNE 20TH WHEN SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS LIT UP. ABS, TIRE PRESSURE, BRAKES AND TRACTION. THE WARNING LIGHTS STAYED ON SO I BROUGHT MY HIGHLANDER BACK TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. THIS TIME I WAS TOLD THAT DTC C1391 CAME UP. ABNORMAL LEAK IN ACCUMULATOR, REPLACE BRAKE ACTUATOR AND PUMP ASSEMBLY. THAT WOULD COME OUT TO $2901.24. TOYOTA HAD ISSUED A CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM BULLETIN REGARDING THE BRAKE ACTUATOR AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY. BUT FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON, GIVEN THE DANGEROUS CONDITION A FAILURE WOULD PRESENT, THAT 100% COVERAGE OF REPLACEMENT EXPIRED ON DECEMBER 31, 2020. TOYOTA IS NOT MAKING ANY EXCEPTIONS ON THIS MATTER. IT APPEARS THAT TOYOTA IS PUTTING THEIR REPUTATION AS WELL AS DOLLARS AND CENTS AHEAD OF THEIR CUSTOMERS.

SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, TIRE PRESSURE, BRAKES, ABS, TRACTION, THEY ALL STAYED ON FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN WENT OFF. THE CAR SEEMED TO BE DRIVING NORMALLY. THIS HAPPENED A COUPLE TIMES, IT WAS NOT ALARMING, THE FIRST TIME THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WAS APPROXIMATELY NOVEMBER 12TH, THE LIGHTS STAYED OFF FOR WEEKS AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN AROUND DECEMBER 11TH, THE THIRD TIME, JAN 14TH, I GOT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. IT TURNED OUT TO BE THAT THE BRAKE ACTUATOR WAS LEAKING AND THE WHOLE BRAKE SYSTEM COULD FAIL. IT SEEMS HAZARDOUS AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS THAT THE LIGHTS DID NOT STAY ILLUMINATED TO REFLECT THE SEVERITY OF THE SITUATION AND NOT A LOOSE FUSE OR TIRE PRESSURE ISSUE. I ASSUMED THAT SINCE THE LIGHTS WENT OFF, THERE WAS NO ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. IT IS A VERY COSTLY PART AND REPAIR AND TOYOTA IS AWARE THAT THE PART HAS BEEN PROBLEMATIC. THEY HAVE NOT NOTIFIED CUSTOMERS OF THE ISSUE SO TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE. THEY HAD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE PART YET GAVE NO NOTICE THAT THE PART WAS PROBLEMATIC AND TO BE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND TAKE IT IN AT ONCE IF THE LIGHT EVER COMES ON. IT IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND IT SEEMS THAT MORE SHOULD BE DONE ON TOYOTA'S PART TO ENSURE DRIVERS SAFETY. TO TOP IT ALL OFF THE WARRANTY EXPIRED DECEMBER 31ST, 2020. I GOT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP JAN 14TH 2021. TOYOTA IS MAKING NO EXCEPTIONS TO DELAYS WARRANTY COVERAGE CAUSED BY THE PANDEMIC. IT SEEMS LIKE THEY ARE PUTTING MONEY AHEAD OF SAFETY ON MORE THAN ONE LEVEL AND AHEAD OF CUSTOMERS.

3 TIMES OVER THE LAST MONTH, WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLASHED ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT WORKING, AND I WAS JUST BARELY ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CAR TURNED OFF AND WAS ABLE TO TURN BACK ON, NOW WITH ILLUMINATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE AS THE CAR IS LOSING POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE MY FOOT IS ON THE ACCELERATOR. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I WAS ABLE TO PULL A COUPLE CODES FROM THE CODE READER. CODES WERE: U0001 & U0100 THE SECOND AND 3RD TIME THIS HAPPENED THERE WERE NO CODES COMING UP ON THE CODE READER.

3 TIMES OVER THE LAST MONTH, WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLASHED ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT WORKING, AND I WAS JUST BARELY ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CAR TURNED OFF AND WAS ABLE TO TURN BACK ON, NOW WITH ILLUMINATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE AS THE CAR IS LOSING POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE MY FOOT IS ON THE ACCELERATOR. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I WAS ABLE TO PULL A COUPLE CODES FROM THE CODE READER. CODES WERE: U0001 & U0100 THE SECOND AND 3RD TIME THIS HAPPENED THERE WERE NO CODES COMING UP ON THE CODE READER.

3 TIMES OVER THE LAST MONTH, WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLASHED ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT WORKING, AND I WAS JUST BARELY ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CAR TURNED OFF AND WAS ABLE TO TURN BACK ON, NOW WITH ILLUMINATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE AS THE CAR IS LOSING POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE MY FOOT IS ON THE ACCELERATOR. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I WAS ABLE TO PULL A COUPLE CODES FROM THE CODE READER. CODES WERE: U0001 & U0100 THE SECOND AND 3RD TIME THIS HAPPENED THERE WERE NO CODES COMING UP ON THE CODE READER.

BRIEF ENGINE KNOCK/RATTLE NOISE AT COLD STARTUP (1AR2AR) VDS(S):DA41A,ZA3EH WM(S)5TD

OIL COOLER CONNECTED TO ENGINE BLOCK WITH A RUBBER HOSE. HOSE FAILED WITH OIL LEAK WHICH CAUSED LOSS OF ENGINE OIL. CAR TOWED AND REPAIRED BEFORE ENGINE SEIZED. IT APPEARS RUBBER HOSE WAS NOT PROTECTED FROM HEAT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND RUBBER DEGRADED. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN FIRST NOTICED LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE. ADDED OIL BUT OIL LOSS CONTINUED. WHEN WARNING LIGHT WENT ON SECOND TIME STOPPED VEHICLE AND TOWED TO SERVICE. EVENT OCCURRED ON MAY 15, 2020.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING CEASED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ADDED EFFORT WAS NEEDED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK. TOYOTA OF ASHLAND (3503 WINCHESTER AVE, ASHLAND, KY 41101 606-744-2727) WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS AND STEERING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000. *BF*TP

FAULTY BRAKE ACTUATOR. THIS IS CAUSING THE VEHICLE CALIBERS TO ENGAGE WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BRAKE PEDAL..THE BRAKE STAYS STUCK CAUSING ONE OF THE FOUR TIRES TO DRAG.THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION AND COULD CAUSE DEATH OR BODILY INJURY.

ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE MALFUNCTION LIGHT ON IN DASH DUE TO THE ABS BRAKE PUMP AND ACTUATOR NOT HAVING ENOUGH POWER AND A ABNORMAL LEAK. THE LIGHTS STAY ON FOR A DAY OR 2 AND GO OFF FOR ABOUT THE SAME TIME FIRST TIME LIGHTS CAME ON I HIT POUNDING WATER ON INTERSTATE ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AT AROUND 7PM AN LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY I DIDNT HIT ANYTHING. THE TRACTION CONTROL, ABS IS NOT WORKING. I HAVE SEEN WHERE THE 2008 MODELS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE.

ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE MALFUNCTION LIGHT ON IN DASH DUE TO THE ABS BRAKE PUMP AND ACTUATOR NOT HAVING ENOUGH POWER AND A ABNORMAL LEAK. THE LIGHTS STAY ON FOR A DAY OR 2 AND GO OFF FOR ABOUT THE SAME TIME FIRST TIME LIGHTS CAME ON I HIT POUNDING WATER ON INTERSTATE ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AT AROUND 7PM AN LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY I DIDNT HIT ANYTHING. THE TRACTION CONTROL, ABS IS NOT WORKING. I HAVE SEEN WHERE THE 2008 MODELS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE.

I KEEP MY CAR VERY GOOD IN MY LIFE . RECENTLY MY LIMITED HIGHLANDER 09 WITH 42.000 MILES START CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I MAKE A SLOW TURNING RIGHT , LEFT TO PARKING LOT AND EVERY WHERE WHEN I MAKE A TURN SLOWLY IT HAVE A CLUNKING SOUND. I THINK THAT I CAN PAY THE PART AND TOYOTA HAVE TO HAVE RECALL AND HELP ME TO FIX IT . IT IS DEFECT FROM TOYOTA.

I KEEP MY CAR VERY GOOD IN MY LIFE . RECENTLY MY LIMITED HIGHLANDER 09 WITH 42.000 MILES START CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I MAKE A SLOW TURNING RIGHT , LEFT TO PARKING LOT AND EVERY WHERE WHEN I MAKE A TURN SLOWLY IT HAVE A CLUNKING SOUND. I THINK THAT I CAN PAY THE PART AND TOYOTA HAVE TO HAVE RECALL AND HELP ME TO FIX IT . IT IS DEFECT FROM TOYOTA.

THE LIFE SPAN OF MY HEADLIGHTS AND HIGH BEAM IS VERY SHORT. I CHANGE THE BULBS AND AFTER 2-3 WEEKS, THEY STOP WORKING.

VVTI CAM GEAR ISSUE, MAKING GRINDING NOISE.VEHICLE JUST HIT 60,000 AND OUT OF WARRANTY. EARLIER TSB FROM TOYOTA DIDN'T COVER THIS SINCE THE VEHICLE DIDN'T SHOW ANY SIGNS.

THIS IS FOR A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID LIMITED WITH ABOUT 142000 MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS AND IS NOT ABUSED IN ANY WAY. ALL MAINTENANCE ARE UP TO DATE WITH THE MAJOR TIMING KIT REPLACED MOST RECENTLY AT ABOUT 140000. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON NORMAL ROADS (SOMETIMES HIGHWAY, SOMETIME CITY ROADS), I GET THREE WARNINGS THAT POP UP AT THE CENTER SCREEN BETWEEN THE AIR VENTS; 1) CHECK ABS, 2) CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM, AND 3) BRAKE MALFUNCTION. FOR THE FIRST TWO WARNINGS, IT IS FOLLOWED BY "HAVE YOUR VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALER." BUT, FOR THE THIRD WARNING, IT IS ACCOMPANIED BY "STOP THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY AND CONTACT DEALER." THESE WARNINGS ALSO CORRESPOND TO THREE LIGHTS THAT POP UP BY THE SPEEDOMETER; 1) VSC, 2) ABS, AND 3) BRAKE. THE LIGHTS STAY ON FOR TWO TO THREE DAYS AT A TIME AND THEN WILL GO AWAY WITHOUT ANY REASONABLE EXPLAINATION. THIS HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY OTHER WEEK. I WAS UNABLE TO BRING IT TO A DEALERSHIP WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON AS I LIVE VERY FAR AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP. WHEN I CALL AND DESCRIBE THE WARNINGS, I AM TOLD THAT THIS MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE ACTUATOR AND IT IS COMMON. THE DEALER ESTIMATED THE COST TO BE AROUND $3500. I DID A QUICK SEARCH ONLINE AND FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG SAME GENERATION HIGHLANDERS. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS AND THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO GET THE VEHICLE RIGHT. I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH THE UNCERTAINTY OF BEING ABLE TO STOP SAFELY WHEN NECESSARY. I UNDERSTAND THAT TOYOTA HAD A RECALL ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM FOR THE PRIUS AND CAMRY, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THE HIGHLANDER. THEY SHOULD HAVE SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM THAT IS COMMON WITH THE FIRST AND SECOND GENERATION HIGHLANDERS. PLEASE GET TOYOTA TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY BEFORE AN ACCIDENTS OCCURS. BRAKES ARE AN IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE THAT SHOULD NOT BE COMPROMISED.

THIS IS FOR A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID LIMITED WITH ABOUT 142000 MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS AND IS NOT ABUSED IN ANY WAY. ALL MAINTENANCE ARE UP TO DATE WITH THE MAJOR TIMING KIT REPLACED MOST RECENTLY AT ABOUT 140000. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON NORMAL ROADS (SOMETIMES HIGHWAY, SOMETIME CITY ROADS), I GET THREE WARNINGS THAT POP UP AT THE CENTER SCREEN BETWEEN THE AIR VENTS; 1) CHECK ABS, 2) CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM, AND 3) BRAKE MALFUNCTION. FOR THE FIRST TWO WARNINGS, IT IS FOLLOWED BY "HAVE YOUR VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALER." BUT, FOR THE THIRD WARNING, IT IS ACCOMPANIED BY "STOP THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY AND CONTACT DEALER." THESE WARNINGS ALSO CORRESPOND TO THREE LIGHTS THAT POP UP BY THE SPEEDOMETER; 1) VSC, 2) ABS, AND 3) BRAKE. THE LIGHTS STAY ON FOR TWO TO THREE DAYS AT A TIME AND THEN WILL GO AWAY WITHOUT ANY REASONABLE EXPLAINATION. THIS HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY OTHER WEEK. I WAS UNABLE TO BRING IT TO A DEALERSHIP WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON AS I LIVE VERY FAR AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP. WHEN I CALL AND DESCRIBE THE WARNINGS, I AM TOLD THAT THIS MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE ACTUATOR AND IT IS COMMON. THE DEALER ESTIMATED THE COST TO BE AROUND $3500. I DID A QUICK SEARCH ONLINE AND FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG SAME GENERATION HIGHLANDERS. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS AND THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO GET THE VEHICLE RIGHT. I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH THE UNCERTAINTY OF BEING ABLE TO STOP SAFELY WHEN NECESSARY. I UNDERSTAND THAT TOYOTA HAD A RECALL ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM FOR THE PRIUS AND CAMRY, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THE HIGHLANDER. THEY SHOULD HAVE SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM THAT IS COMMON WITH THE FIRST AND SECOND GENERATION HIGHLANDERS. PLEASE GET TOYOTA TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY BEFORE AN ACCIDENTS OCCURS. BRAKES ARE AN IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE THAT SHOULD NOT BE COMPROMISED.

A CLUNKING OR THUMPING NOISE COMES FROM THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN AS YOU MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT HAND TURN. THE THUMPING NOISE HAS BEEN STEADILY INCREASING OVER THE PAST WEEKS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE IN A PARKING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, WENT OVER A CEMENT BARRIER, AND CONTINUED ACCELERATING WITH SPEED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN ENTERED ANOTHER PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, AS A RESULT THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CORNER DUNKIN DONUT STORE. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR FACE INJURIES DUE TO THE GLASS, NECK INJURED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION; THE CONTACT WAS HOSPITALIZED FOR TWO DAYS. THE FRONT PASSENGER, SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT MENTION THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN FOR SERVICE AT MILLENNIUM TOYOTA DEALER (267 N FRANKLIN ST, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550, (516) 874-2581) AND WAS INFORMED THE SERVICE WAS COMPLETED AND ALL WAS GOOD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,784. *TR CONSUMER STATED BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB

STEERING WHEEL IS CLICKING VERY BAD WHEN MAKING TURNS. CAR SHOP CHECKED EVERYTHING OUT AND DECIDED IT WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. CAR WAS IN A PRIOR CAR ACCIDENT IN 2012 WITH NO REPORTED FRAME DAMAGE. TAKING CAR TO LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, AS RECOMMENDED FROM REGULAR CAR SHOP.

OIL COOLANT LINE BURSTS WHICH CAUSES IMMEDIATE LOSS OF ALL OIL. PROBLEM HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, AND IN THIS CASE WHILE IN MOTION ON A HIGH TRAFFICKED FREEWAY. FIX COST ABOUT $1,000 OUT OF POCKET. THIS IS A VERY LARGE LEAK WHICH COVERS THE GROUND, ENGINE, AND UNDERCARRIAGE. IF THE OIL LINE RUPTURES WHILE DRIVING, THE LOW ENGINE OIL MESSAGE AND ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WARNINGS WILL ILLUMINATE. CONTINUED USE AFTER THESE WARNINGS WILL RESULT IN COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO OIL STARVATION. THE LINE IS KNOWN TO BE DEFECTIVE, AND A REVISED PART HAS BEEN ISSUED BY TOYOTA BUT RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED. COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY ISSUED BY TOYOTA BUT COVERS UNDER A SHORT TIME FRAME.

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE IN WISCONSIN DURING RUSH HOUR WHEN I TOOK OFF MY CRUISE CONTROL TO SLOW DOWN TO TAKE THE NEXT EXIT. I NOTICED AN ABNORMAL DOWN SHIFT WHEN I TOOK OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY THE OIL AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON. AS I SLOWED TO THE STOP SIGN AT THE END OF THE EXIT THE DISPLAY SCREEN BEGAN DINGING AND READ LOW OIL PRESSURE AND IMMEDIATELY STOP THE CAR AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER ONCE OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC AND SHUT DOWN THE CAR. UPON CHECKING THE OIL THERE WAS NONE ON THE DIPSTICK. THERE WAS OIL DRIPPING DOWN FROM THE GRILL ALL UNDERNEATH THE CAR INCLUDING IN THE FRONT TIRE WHEEL WELLS. I ALSO HEARD KNOCKING FROM THE ENGINE, SO I AM CONCERNED THAT THE LIFTERS AND THE TOP END OF THE ENGINE MAY BE COMPROMISED. THIS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH TOYOTA, WHO HAS REFUSED TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR FAULTY OIL LINES AND SEALS. LUCKILY, I WAS AT AN EXIT WHERE I COULD SAFELY PULL OVER BEFORE MORE MAJOR DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE. MY PERSONAL SAFETY, THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AS WELL AS OTHER DRIVERS COULD HAVE COMPROMISED BY THE NEGLECT THAT TOYOTA HAS SHOWN BY CONTINUING TO IGNORE THIS ISSUE.

WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, ENGINE ALWAYS MAKES STRANGE NOISE UPON INITIAL START.

I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT AND I STARTED GETTING "LOW OIL PRESSURE" ALERTS ON MY DASHBOARD. I WAS WORRIED IF IT WAS A SENSOR ISSUE AND KEPT MOVING TILL I PARKED MY VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I SAW THAT OIL HAD STARTED TO DRIP FROM WHERE I HAD TURNED, AND WHEN I PARKED THE CAR THE OIL DRIP GOT BIGGER AND HAD POOLED UNDER THE VEHICLE. BASED ON THE INFORMATION I GOT FROM THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WHICH STARTS AS A SMALL LEAK BUT DUE TO PRESSURE, THE OIL COOLER PIPE BURSTS OPEN. THIS KNOWN PROBLEM IS DOCUMENTED HERE: HTTPS://WWW.TOYOHEADQUARTERS.COM/THREADS/2007-2011-TOYOTA-SIENNA-HIGHLANDER-AND-VENZA-ENGINE-OIL-COOLER-PIPE-LEAK-LSC-ZE2.358/ TOYOTA REFUSED TO PAY MY REPAIR BILL AS I WAS OVER THE MILEAGE REQUIREMENT BY 2700 MILES. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY TOYOTA DID NOT CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE/RECALL. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY ENGINE COULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND THE HEAVILY LEAKING OIL COULD HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO AN ACCIDENT(S). THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ALSO AGREED WITH ME THAT THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A SAFETY RECALL. TOYOTA CLAIMS THEY SENT OUT A LETTER FOR THIS WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT (ZE2) WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED. TOYOTA HAS REFUSED TO ESCALATE THIS ISSUE WITHIN THE COMPANY.

THERE HAS BEEN A LATCHING ISSUE WITH THE REAR POWER HATCH SINCE WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR. TOYOTA ISSUED A REPAIR RECALL IN 2017 TO FIX THE ISSUE BUT IT IS BROKEN ONCE AGAIN. EITHER THEY ARE USING DEFECTIVE PARTS OR A DESIGN FLAW, BUT IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AS WE HAVE HAD THE REAR DOOR OPEN WHILE DRIVING SEVERAL TIMES. THEY DO NOT WANT TO REPAIR BECAUSE THEY DO NOT THINK IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE.

LOCK ACTUATORS MAL-FUNCTION WHEN USING THE REMOTE OR WHEN USING THE POWER LOCKS. UNABLE TO LOCK DOORS EXCEPT MANUALLY WITH KEY OR BY HAND. AT TIMES, CERTAIN LOCKS WILL WORK AND SEEM IMPACTED BY WEATHER CONDITIONS, I.E. HUMIDITY OR RAINY DAY VS. FAIR WEATHER DAY. THIS CAUSES THE OWNER TO BELIEVE THE DOORS ARE LOCKED WHEN THEY ARE NOT AND THE INCONVENIENCE THEY ARE UNLOCKED WHEN LEAVING YOUR CAR PARKED IN A PUBLIC LOT.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED BETWEEN A BUILDING AND PYLON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE WINCHED OUT OF WHERE IT WAS LODGED. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE BUILDING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRUISE TO THE RIGHT ARM HOWEVER, MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT SOUGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. GEICO INSURANCE COMPANY AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THOMPSON TOYOTA (1101 BUSINESS CENTER WAY, EDGEWOOD, MD 21040, (410) 679-1500) WAS SCHEDULED TO INSPECT AND INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V023000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED OR NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED ACCELERATOR PEDAL MALFUNCTIONED OR GOT STUCK AND THERE WAS NO BRKAE OVERRIDE.*JB

WHILE DRIVING, THE BATTERY LIGHT ON THE DASH ILLUMINATED, WHILE THE POWER ASSIST STEERING NO LONGER WORKED. THE CAR COULD STILL DRIVE AND STEER, BUT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD INTERMITTENTLY COME BACK ON, AND THEN GO OFF AGAIN, MAKING IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO OPERATE THE CAR SAFELY. IN THIS CONDITION, IF THERE WERE A NEED TO TUNER THE CAR SUDDENLY, IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.