Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners have reported 5 traction control system related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common traction control system problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's traction control system (5 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Traction Control System problems |
2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Consumer states that vehicle is suppose to be all wheel drive, however the hybrid system is not compatible with the all wheel drive system the consumer stated when the vehicle would slide, the hybrid system shut down the all-wheel drive system because the computer was trying to prevent damage to the generator which is a part of the hybrid system.
Slippery condition caused traction control in vehicle to deactivate complete 4wd drive train, preventing me from being able to avoid from sliding down directly onto a post. If it didn't completely disable the vehicle, I would have been able to continue to maneuver away from the obstacle.
In early February 2010 during heavy snowfall, I lost partial traction in my all-wheel-drive (awd), 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid while driving up the steep street to my home. When the traction loss occurred, all power from the gas engine and the front and rear wheel electric motors was cut off by the computerized vehicle stability control (vsc)/traction control (trac) system. The loss of power to all four wheels resulted in the vehicle skidding perpendicular to the street and then sliding sideways down the mountain about 200 feet. That situation happened twice. By having no power to any of the four wheels, I was unable to steer the vehicle into the skid and had absolutely no control of it. This meant that when the awl was needed most, the vehicle became no wheel drive. There is a serious flaw in the engineering design. Regardless of the reason behind the phenomenon, it constitutes a serious safety defect that could cause people to be seriously injured or killed. I have contacted Toyota motor sales (tms) in CA and my local Toyota dealer. Both told me that the problem would have to be duplicated by a dealer tech before any resolution could be initiated. So, the next and last time it snowed here I contacted the service mgr who told his shop was closed because of the snow and no one was available to test drive my vehicle. Basically, I have been ignored by tms and the dealer in hopes that I will drop my complaint. I previously reported the complaint as odi #10314563 via a telephone call. The lady who took my call entered it with incorrect information. Nhtsa has not contacted me regarding an investigation of the incident, and I am hereby requesting such contact and follow-up. Updated ivoq 08/04/10.
This input will show the commonality between complaints #10139802, 10194711, 10256617, 10259470, 10280157, & 10289084 which are for multiple Toyota/Lexus models. All these complaints say same thing in different words. Problem is a vsc alarm which sets off indicators for skid, abs, and other systems with the ecu computer causing an audible alarm and message to check vsc system. Alarm seems to partially disable braking system. Brakes become mushy and I believe front brakes are disabled. I know rear brakes still operate mechanically, and because abs is disabled, rear brakes can lock up and skid if brake pedal is pushed hard enough. Standard response from Toyota/Lexus is to replace ecu computer. However, as you can see from above complaints, this does not always solve the problem. My own complaint is for my 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4wd-I with approximately 54,000 miles. I experienced a one time vsc alarm over 1 year ago when the engine start battery was dying. Toyota dealer told me to replace battery and see if problem continued. I replaced battery and also had all four tires rotated. Immediately after I started experiencing more vsc alarms at a higher rate. This has occurred while driving on highway as well as at low speed. It has also occurred both with and without applying the brake. 2 different Toyota dealers have attempted to "adjust" system to stop alarms without success. I have gone as long as 4 months without an alarm and then for no reason (no skid event) alarm recurs. Solution both dealers have now given is to replace ecu. Due to finances, I can not afford new computer, so I had a Toyota mechanic with 25 years experience install two different used computers with neither one solving problem. After examining the internet and your complaint board I now realize that this problem occurs across Toyota's product line and that there is no clear solution. I believe Toyota is aware of the problem and is not acknowledging that they have an ecu computer problem.
I have a 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid with front wheel drive which is equipped with traction control. On two occasions I have been in situations where the traction control has engaged due to an unstable travel surface. In both instances, the vehicle has "shut down" and would not accelerate forward due to the traction control not allowing the vehicle to do so. I contacted my local Toyota dealer. They indicated that this was normal to "protect" the cvt from damage on unstable surfaces. They could not provide a remedy for this situation. Living in the chicago area, my fear is that we may come across an icy winter roadway that will cause the traction control to initiate the "loss of power" to the drive train. Having no acceleration capability, the possibility exists that an approaching vehicle from the rear will strike our "disabled" vehicle. This poses a tremendous safety risk. Please help me with this situation as Toyota has no solution. Thank you for your time.