Car Accelerates On Its Own Problems of Toyota Highlander - part 1

As I was pulling into a parking space and applying the brakes, the car unexpectedly accelerated and hit the building wall. Since I was puzzled by what happened, I read several articles about Toyota automobiles doing just this same thing. Most of the articles covered Toyota automobiles older than mine, I did find several recent reports, including two that involved 2015 Highlander models just like mine. I plan to also notify the manufacturer, Toyota.

See all problems of the 2015 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Highlander. While driving various low speeds, the vehicle accelerated rapidly without warning. Upon applying minimal pressure to the accelerator pedal, the accelerator pedal became stuck and the contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle, a dumpster, and almost struck a group of children before coming to a stop. In an attempt to stop the vehicle, pressure was applied to the accelerator pedal and then the brake pedal. The vehicle finally stopped and was turned off. The vehicle was able to be driven to the contact's residence. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The contact sustained severe pain to the neck and back, which required medical attention. A dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the crash. The vehicle was subject to NHTSA campaign number: 11v112000 (vehicle speed control). The failure mileage was 170,000.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

On Sunday oct 21 2018, the driver had just left the olin rest area in north carolina, heading northbound on rt 77. After driving for a little bit the car suddenly acceleration unintentionally by itself. And the car started to zig zag across the highway lanes without the driver turning the steering wheel. The driver tried to press on the brake but it was not effective. The car then grazed an highway guardrail and it partially ripped off the rear left side and rear bumper. The driver kept pressing the brake without effect while swerving across the lanes. Then suddenly the brakes started to work and the driver was able to bring the car to a stop on the right shoulder. The driver put it into park but the engine kept revving at high rpm until the driver turned off the engine. I think the car had a sudden unintended acceleration incident due to the electronic throttle control. In addition, I think the zig zag was due to the electronic traction/ stability control, sending excessive power to a wheel on a particular side of the vehicle when it didn't need it.

See all problems of the 2017 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

While backing out of my driveway, there was a sound, and the car suddenly accelerated and could not stop when pressed the brake and the parking brake. Crashed into the neighbor's yard with such force that the car roll over. It could have caused serious injury to me, a passerby, or neighbor's children.

See all problems of the 2014 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

I was involved in an accident that I believe was caused by sudden unintended acceleration (sua). I was pulling into a diagonal parking space on a city street, proceeding at a very slow speed, when there was a sudden surge in acceleration accompanied by a grinding sound. I hit the brake to no effect, and the vehicle jumped the curb and hit a pole (not connected to anything). The air bags did not deploy, and we were shaken up but not injured. The car was not drivable and was towed to a body shop.

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. While stationary, the vehicle accelerated rapidly without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed into a cabinet in front of her house. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The manufacturer was not made aware of the crash. The failure mileage was 48,000.

See all problems of the 2012 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

January 16, 2017 was slowly pulling into parking space when vehicle suddenly accelerated and jumped concrete stop and slammed into retaining wall. Seat belt held me and airbag did not deploy. Car was driveable and was taken immediately to Toyota dealer to investigate. Vehicle sustained $10,000 in damage and is being repaired and then investigated by Toyota. Vehicle has always been serviced by dealer and had 59,000 miles.

See all problems of the 2011 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

As I slowly pulled into a parking space, the Highlander suddenly accelerated quickly, jumped the concrete parking stop and slammed into a retaining wall. It happened very quickly and unexpected. I am original owner. The vehicle has 56000 miles and has been serviced only by the dealer. The vehicle was drivable and was taken immediately to the dealer for 2 days to inspect the systems. Because of the amount of damage, the repair shop got the vehicle in immediately and estimate repairs at $10,000. I am very frightened of this vehicle right now as another incident like this could produce much worse results.

See all problems of the 2010 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Vehicle was in motion on a city street going straight slightly downhill and then uphill. The weather was clear. Speed was about 15-25 mph. I was braking to slow the car down but the car accelerated on its own ( Toyota calls it "unintended acceleration"). The car continued accelerating even though I was pressing the brakes as hard as I could and it was now going uphill. . To avoid crashing I put the car in neutral, and engaged the emergency brake and hazards. The engine raced in neutral and then stopped racing. . Toyota started a case file and inspected it. They said everything is working properly now, case closed and I can come get the car. I had it towed there and am afraid to drive it until something is fixed. It was a terrifying experience. I am concerned it could happen again or to other cars. I am thoroughly disappointed in Toyota's nonchalant attitude; it was-is a potentially fatal situation, and it seems that according to Toyota if such an accident was investigated nothing would show up.

See all problems of the 2002 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Saturday June 18 2016 at 6:40 a. M. Driving on tully road in my 2003 Toyota Highlander. My speed was 35 miles per hour when the car suddenly accelerated at a high rate of speed. I applied my brakes to slow down the Highlander this had no effect on slowing down the Highlander. The brakes went into anti locking mode the wheels started to pulsate. While this was happening my foot was not on the accelerator , but on the brakes. The Highlander was not slowing down but increasing speed. I down shifted into a lower gear, the engine raced at a high rpms. I then put the car in neutral the rpms still racing at a high rate. I then applied the brakes again to slow down. The Highlander started to slow down I then turned off the engine and then came to a stop. I waited for a minute and started the car the engine raced at a high rpms as if my foot was pushed all the way down on the accelerator, but my foot was not on the gas pedal. I waited again a few minutes to start the Highlander , the same high rpms happening again. A few minutes later I tried again to start the Highlander and this time the Highlander idled normal. I turned the Highlander around and went home which was half a mile away. The total distance of uncontrolled acceleration was in my estimation over 1,000 yards. I had to Highlander towed to stevens creek Toyota where it remains now June 27 2016.

See all problems of the 2003 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Letter from constituent regarding the issue of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles. 2013 Toyota Highlander. The consumer stated as she was about to put the vehicle in reverse to reposition the vehicle, it suddenly lurched forward with the engine racing . It was if the accelerator was floored. Within a couple of seconds the vehicle jumped over the cement parking block and into a pole. The vehicle had significant damage between $13,000 and $15,000. The consumer was informed the carpet floor mat was found to be unattached.

See all problems of the 2013 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Pulling into a parking space at kaiser hospital as I hit the brake the car unexpectedly accelerated. The car sped forward while my foot was still on the brake. I hit a tree causing damage to the left front area of the car (lights, fender, bumper) had car repaired. At the time I thought that I had accidentally hit the gas pedal;however, one month later while approaching an intersection, as I stopped, the same thing happened. Luckily no car or pedestrian was in the intersection. I was able to stop the car by shifting into park. Took the car to my mechanic. He was unable to replicate the problem. Since this unexpected acceleration occurred in the same way (coming to a stop with foot on brake and gear-shift in drive) , in a five week period, it could be a transmission or accelerater problem. I no longer feel confident driving the car and consider it unsafe.

The contact owned a 2003 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle accelerated rapidly without warning causing a crash. The contact sustained injuries to her left foot. Medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,082.

Tl- the contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration while starting the vehicle. The vehicle happened without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure occurred approximately. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure occurred approximately 3 times. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000. The VIN was not provided. Khkh.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while attempting to park, the vehicle suddenly accelerated independently and crashed into a parked vehicle. The contact shifted the vehicle into reverse and crashed into the rear of a second vehicle. The police was contacted, but a report was not filed. The driver sustained whiplash and neck pains that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,980.

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The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander. While driving at 5 mph and parking the vehicle in the garage at home, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The vehicle crashed through the interior wall of the garage, only coming to a stop after damaging the outer brick facade of the building. The air bags did not deploy. There was no police report filed and no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while attempting to park, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into a wall. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver did not sustain any injuries and a police report was not filed. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 14,000.

On December 10th, 2014, around 8:15am, our 2008 Highlander sport awd suddenly accelerated at full throtle when approaching a stop sign, entered the cross section and crashed with incoming SUV on the passenger side. The car kept going at high speed after running a curb and flattened all 4 tires on straight lines and eventually stopped in a neighbor's yard, made deep trench into the lawn. The other parties were taken to hospital for medical exam and their SUV was badly damaged to the engine compartment. We have photos from various angles showing that this car was not stoppable by a human at the moment. We were told our car will be a total loss by the insurance company. Our evidence indicated the car's defects was the primary cause of full throtle acceleration which has been the case for many other Toyota car owners for the last few years. We need to hold Toyota responsible and accountable for this and other accidents and to be investigated thoroughly by the NHTSA. Our loss should be properly compensated by Toyota. Thank you for your attention. Case:Toyota Highlander uncontrolled acceleration accident on 12/10/2014 case number:727368.

On September 12 2014 my wife was pulling into a parking space at her doctor's office. The space include a stop curb and it faced a four lane street. As she pulled into the space, she braked to avoid contacting the curb and was about to shift into park when the car suddenly accelerated. The car jumped the parking curb and then another curb and entered a grassy area (approximately 10 ft wide. The car continued to accelerate and jumped another curb and landed in a 4 lane street. She continued to apply the brakes while the car continued to accelerate across the street. She was headed toward another curb and grassy area and a downhill slope followed by a meineke repair business. Not wanting to go down the hill and into the building, she turned the car to the right but not in time to avoid entering the second grassy area. She was now traveling parallel to the meineke building and side swiped two small trees, and was headed toward a very busy rush hour street. To avoid accelerating into this street, she decided to try shifting the car into neutral. She looked down to find the neutral gear, and just as she looked up, she crashed head-on into another tree. The air bags did not deploy but the seat belts saved her. The car was significantly damaged to the drivers side front where she hit the tree and to the side of the car where she side swiped the two trees. The meineke employees called 911 and a detective took her to her doctor's office for treatment. She injured her ribs and back and continues to receive treatment. I'm convinced this is a software problem and I am attempting to resolve this with Toyota but hold out little hope. It needs to be fixed before there are additional injuries or loss of life. My wife could have died if the car had made it to the very busy street.

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while in reverse the vehicle suddendly accelerated and the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The contact mentioned that in order to stop the vehicle, the engine had to be turned off. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the vehicle erroneously accelerated while the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 5,600. The VIN was unavailable.

Vehicle failed to accelerate from a stop. It just rolled along, accelerator depressed till about halfway, then it accelerated rapidly spinning the tires, this has occured 3 times. It has also hesitated badly while accelerating with no response to pedal position then sudden and unexpected rapid acceleration, this has occured 5 times. This condition has become dramatically worse since it was serviced for unexpected acceleration problems where the dealer claimed they could not reproduce the problem. Headlights are also aimed way too high illuminating the trees instead of the road and blinding oncoming drivers. The dealer claims they cannot duplicate this either and that there is no problem. The vehicle was serviced for these hazards at 6006 miles. We have stopped using the car since we feel it is unsafe.

Tl the contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 55 mph the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The contact was able to engage the brake pedal and the vehicle resumed normal function. The contact also stated that the door hatch motor emitted a loud clicking sound when it was opened and closed. The dealer replaced the motor; however, the failure was not corrected. The failure mileage was 88. The current mileage was 2,500. Rk.

Pulling into parking space - brakes applied - car lurched forward (unintended acceleration) - brakes did not engage - car jumped the curb, crossed the sidewalk and hit a tree - airbag did not deploy.

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 damadged 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 damadge. 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.

See all problems of the 2009 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

On 7-11-13, going at highway speed on route 52 in north carolina, the throttle became stuck “wide open” causing my car to accelerate beyond my control. I slowed down to get off on the side of the highway, but I could not stop the car, only slow it down, to approximately 10-15mph. Got back on the road and took the next exit. Again I could not stop the car, and though I slowed again to about 10-15mph, I drifted through the intersection at the stop sign, with traffic approaching from both left and right! I turned sharply left, got off to the side of the road, and turned the key off to stop the car. God was watching, because no collision occurred. When I started the engine again, it “roared” like I’ve never heard it before. Somehow, I don’t remember how, I got the car about 100 yards down the road to a marathon gas station, to get completely off the road and out of the way. A man stopped and walked over to me, telling me that my throttle was stuck because of a faulty tps (throttle position sensor). He introduced himself as a mechanic, who formerly worked at a Toyota dealership, and said that was a “known” problem with Toyotas. He towed me to his house, replaced the tps, and we tested the car, to the satisfaction of both of us. It ran just fine, so I followed him to the pnc bank to get money to pay him. While there, the lady helping me, in response to my story, told me that her Toyota parked outside had the very same problem! except it cost her a lot more than my tow & repair did. My incident was most definitely a “part failure”, not an “operator error”, or a problem due to floor mats, as is alleged in the pending “unintended acceleration” litigation against Toyota, and my 2003 Highlander is not specifically listed in that litigation information on-line. I am sending a letter to Toyota, the ntsb and our local dealership where we purchased the car.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, the brake pedal was depressed continuously however, the vehicle continued to accelerate rapidly. The contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle, causing a chain reaction crash. The air bags deployed and bruised the contact's left arm, chest and neck. The contact also sustained multiple bruises from the seat belt. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was towed to a collision center for inspection of the massive front end damages. The manufacturer was not notified of the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 2 mph, the vehicle erroneously accelerated and the contact crashed into a pole. The passenger sustained bruising to the chest. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. . . . . . Updated 06-19-13 updated 06/27/2013.

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle exhibited unintended acceleration. Additionally, the vehicle would vibrate excessively when stationary with the engine on. The vibrations would cause ear pain to the contact. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 11,000.

When stopping the auto on 3 occasions the engine began racing very strongly. . . . Updated 02/07/13 however, while the Highlander was being checked, the consumer and her husband experienced sudden acceleration while driving a Toyota camry loaner, causing a crash and personal injury. Updatd 02/11/13.

While parallel parking and slowly backing into the parking space, my vehicle suddenly accelerated backward crashing into the vehicle parked behind me. My vehicle continued accelerating backward into the other vehicle and pushed it back even though I was applying the brakes as hard as I could. I then put my vehicle into drive while applying the brakes, and it immediately lunged forward crashing into the vehicle in front of me. While continuing to accelerate forward, with the brakes applied, my vehicle pushed that vehicle into the vehicle in front of it. I then turned off the ignition and my vehicle stopped moving. All four vehicles sustained damage. There were no occupants in the other parked vehicles. Repairs to my vehicle totaled $4,076, plus $1,444 for a rental car. I also received a summons for careless driving. I believe the accident was the result of sudden unintended acceleration due to a defect in the electronic throttle control system.

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while entering the driveway, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into the house. The vehicle functioned normally while reversing but upon shifting back into drive, the vehicle again accelerated and crashed into the house. The vehicle was then placed into reverse and then came to a stop when it crashed into a curb, causing the axle to fracture. The driver did not suffer any injuries. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was inspected by the manufacturer who stated that there was no evidence of a defect. The failure and current mileage was 8,900. Updated 2/21/13.

Tl-the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander. While driving approximately 5 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly increased acceleration. When the brake pedal was depressed there was no immediate response which resulted to the vehicle crashing into a cement wall. The front passenger sustained bruises to the body and injured the left leg. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was completely destroyed and towed to a collision center. The manufacturer was notified and planned to launch an investigation regarding the unintended acceleration. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000. Kmj.

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while attempting to park with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and went over the curb. The contact applied the brake with both feet and shifted into park in order to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who sent an engineer to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 11,500.

I was pulling into a parking space in a parking lot, going less than 5 miles per hour. As I turned into the spot, the car lurched ahead, so quickly, that slamming on the brakes still caused me to slide a bit. I ended up hitting a car parked in the spot in front of me, and causing $1400 worth of damage (to my front bumper and the other cars rear bumper). I had a friend in the car with me who vouched for this. I have never had an accident before, and was completely baffled by what happened. After googling this, I see that this car has had several similar incidents, and I am now worried about the safety of my car. I am unsure how to proceed, as I have read that mechanics seem unable to duplicate the event that occurs where it seems to accelerate rapidly. Very embarrassing- I have never had a car accident before!.