2009 Toyota Highlander Technical Service Bulletins

292 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2009 Toyota Highlander. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.

• 10133779Mar 31, 2014Equipment. On July 24, 2013, the settlement of claims for Economic Loss arising from allegations of unintended acceleration was approved. As part of the settlement Toyota will be launching the third phase of a Limited Service Campaign to install Smart Stop technology on March 31, 2014., for the following models:
• 10133773Mar 31, 2014Transmission and drivetrain. As part of the settlement described above, Toyota will install Smart Stop Technology on the above listed model and model year vehicles. This feature will cut engine power in case of simultaneous application of both the accelerator and brake pedal at certain speeds and in certain driving conditions.
• 10133722Mar 31, 2014Vehicle speed control. On July 24, 2013, the settlement of claims for Economic Loss arising from allegations of unintended acceleration was approved. As part of the settlement Toyota will be launching the third phase of a Limited Service Campaign to install Smart Stop technology on March 31, 2014., for the following models:
• 10133716Mar 31, 2014Brakes, Vehicle speed control. As part of the settlement described above, Toyota will install Smart Stop Technology on the above listed model and model year vehicles. This feature will cut engine power in case of simultaneous application of both the accelerator and brake pedal at certain speeds and in certain driving conditions.
• 10133741Mar 26, 2014Engine cooling. Prior to installing remanufactured U660 and U760 transaxles, it is necessary to remove the lower oil cooler tube union from the original transaxle case and install it into the reman unit. A NEW O-ring and printed installation instructions are supplied in separate bag with the reman unit. An instruction tag is also affixed to the unit.
• 10133740Mar 26, 2014Electrical system. The vehicle will not start or ready0on and the steering wheel lock is engaged so that the steering wheel may only be turned very little from side-to-side. If the operator attempts to ready-on or start the vehicle while there is tension on the steering lock actuator, it will not be able to fully disengage when the "ENGINE START STOP" or "POWER" switch is depressed.
• 10060799Mar 26, 2014Transmission and drivetrain. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10131933Feb 28, 2014Equipment. Customer complains of Bluetooth connectivity concerns such as: Difficulty to pair phone, Intermittent Bluetooth failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. These concerns can be caused by changes made on the customer's phone. Make sure to inquire with the customer if the connectivity concerns occurred after receiving an operating system update on their phone or they have restored their…
• 10131931Feb 24, 2014Engine. Engine No Start and/or Poor Engine Power DTCs set immediately after performing service on the Inverter such as SSC D0M for IPM replacement or Inverter Assembly installation.
• 10131951Jan 23, 2014Tires. Toyota vehicles are equipped with either conventional or run-flat tires. Sometimes punctures may occur as a result of contact with road debris or other hazards. If a puncture occurs, it may be possible to repair the tire and return it to service. With a conventional tire it is not possible to drive for an extended amount of time with the tire at low pressures as damage to the tire may occur.
• 10131961Jan 14, 2014Air bags. Toyota vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pre-tensioner devices did not perform as expected (including an unintended deployment event), please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
• 10131993Dec 19, 2013Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
• 10131988Dec 19, 2013Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
• 10132017Dec 11, 2013Vehicle speed control. On July 24, 2013 the settlement of claims for Economic Loss arising from allegations of unintended acceleration was approved. As part of the settlement Toyota will be launching the second phase of a Limited Service Campaign to install Smart Stop Technology on December 11, 2013 for the following models
• 10132015Dec 11, 2013Vehicle speed control. On July 24, 2013 the settlement of claims for Economic Loss arising from allegations of unintended acceleration was approved. As part of the settlement Toyota will be launching the second phase of a Limited Service Campaign to install Smart Stop Technology on December 11, 2013 for the following models:
• 10132055Nov 4, 2013Seats, Air bags, Equipment. Beginning in 1998, Toyota introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Toyota does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Toyota leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Toyota may affect side airbag performance, in general or in part, during an accident. Modifications that negatively affect side airbag performance can result in…
• 10132135Oct 24, 2013Equipment, Electrical system. These concerns can be caused by changes made on the customer?s phone. Make sure to inquire with the customer if the connectivity concerns occurred after receiving an operating system update on their phone or they have restored their phone data/settings recently.
• 10132100Oct 24, 2013Engine. Immediately following a cold soak startup, some 2009 ? 2013 model year vehicles equipped with 1AR-FE or 2AR-FE engines may exhibit a brief knock/rattle noise from the engine compartment for approximately one second. Follow the repair procedure below to address this condition.
• 10062070Oct 24, 2013Equipment. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10132136Oct 23, 2013Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). The appearance of spots in tempered glass (when viewed at certain angles) is the result of the heat treating and quick quenching process during manufacturing.
• 10132084Oct 1, 2013Transmission and drivetrain. The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly
• 10132156Sep 13, 2013Equipment. If a customer states there is an unpleasant odor in the vehicle from the HVAC system, there are various factors that may be involved.
• 10062013Sep 13, 2013Equipment. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10131985Sep 12, 2013Equipment. Some 2004 ? 2014 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit odors naturally occurring from the HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. Although there is no way to eliminate these odors, follow the General Procedure in this bulletin to minimize the odors experienced.
• 10131984Sep 9, 2013Equipment, Brakes. A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. Refer to the appropriate Repair Manual for parking brake pedal travel inspection and adjustment specification.
• 10061620Sep 9, 2013Brakes. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10131983Sep 6, 2013Seat belts. The customer (individual requiring the extender) must visit a Toyota dealership to have the required measurements made and to complete the Seat Belt Extender Worksheet. The worksheet will allow the proper fitting and selection of a Seat Belt Extender for the customer. The dealership personnel should then determine the applicable part number and place an order through Dealer Daily
• 10132203Aug 9, 2013Transmission and drivetrain, Back-over prevention (rear camera). Some 2008 ? 2013 model year Highlander vehicles equipped with the 5-speed automatic transaxle may exhibit a whine noise from the final drive gear assembly. This noise is noticeable above 35 mph. Please refer to the repair procedure to address this condition.
• 10054855Aug 9, 2013Transmission and drivetrain, Steering. Toyota: there is a whining noise when vehicle is driven above 35 mph, from final drive gear assembly and a repair procedure has available to address this issue. Model 2008-2013 highlander.
• 10132202Aug 8, 2013Back-over prevention (rear camera). Some vehicles may exhibit a MIL ?ON? Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0138 and/or P0158 (Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 or 2). In some instances a P2195 or P2197 (A/F Sensor Signal Stuck Lean) DTC may also be present. This condition may be caused by incorrect Air Fuel Ratio Sensor response. Additionally, a P0606 (ECM/PCM Processor) DTC may be present due to incorrect Oxygen Sensor operation. The following…
• 10054869Aug 8, 2013Engine. Toyota: updated information regarding the response of the air fuel ratio sensor, that is incorrect and also, an incorrect oxygen sensor operation may be present, due to ecm/pcm processor p0606 dtc.
• 10062051Aug 1, 2013Equipment. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10132269Jul 25, 2013Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Tips for writing a DPR (Dealer Product Report) on manufacturing issues for windows and windshields.
• 10062053Jul 25, 2013Body and structure. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10132279Jul 18, 2013Vehicle speed control. As communicated in mid-June 2013, the Federal Court in Orange County, California continued the Fairness Hearing regarding the proposed settlement of the consolidated Economic Loss Class Actions related to claims of unintended acceleration until July 19, 2013.
• 10132242Jul 18, 2013Latches, locks and linkages, Electrical system. Some 2008-2012 model year Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles may exhibit a condition where the Power Back Door does not close properly. The Back Door may get to the fully closed position and then reverse to the open position. In cases where the Power Back Door does close, a pop or clunk noise may also be heard when the back door latch reaches the striker during the power close function.
• 10133694Jun 14, 2013Vehicle speed control. The Federal Court in Orange County, CA today continued a Fairness Hearing regarding the proposed settlement of the consolidated Economic L:oss Class Actions relating to claims of unintended acceleration. The new (continued) date for Fairness Hearing is July 19,2013. After the hearing TMS will provide further updates on the status and timing of the settlement.
• 10133693Jun 12, 2013Vehicle speed control. On June 14, 2013 the Federal Court in Orange County, California will conduct a Fairness Hearing regarding the proposed settlement of the consolidated Economic Loss Class Actions. Dealerships may notice media coverage of this Fairness Hearing.
• 10132048May 22, 2013Tires. Please refer to the following recommendations for the best practices for vehicle tire rotations.
• 10062016May 22, 2013Tires. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10132045May 3, 2013Electrical system. Some customers may complain that the Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system is inoperative if the have misplaced the parental passcode for the system.
• 10132320Apr 23, 2013Seats, Electrical system. Some customers may complain that the Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system is inoperative if they have misplaced the parental passcode for the system.
• 10132295Apr 23, 2013Equipment. This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0054-13.
• 10132287Apr 23, 2013Equipment. California (CA), Federal (FED), and 50 State Certified emission control underhood labels (emission labels) may be obtained through your dealership?s Parts Department utilizing standard replacement parts ordering procedures. Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to ensure proper label application.
• 10132319Apr 15, 2013Electrical system. Technicians should confirm the following key points to minimize the potential for future MIL "ON" concerns after HV battery replacement.
• 10132281Apr 4, 2013Body and structure, Back-over prevention (rear camera). If a creak, tick, or rattle noise is heard at the top or bottom of the windshield, or at the top of the rear glass, the source of the noise may be the two stoppers bonded to the top of the windshield/rear glass, or the windshield retainers bonded to the lower edge of the windshield. This bulletin provides the recommended repair procedure to eliminate these types of noises from the windshield/rear glass area.
• 10132327Apr 3, 2013Equipment. In mid-April 2013 Toyota will be mailing an update to the Owner's Manual for 2008 through 2012 Model Year Highlander and Highlander HV. Sample Owner labels are provided below for your reference.
• 10052590Apr 3, 2013Equipment. Toyota: see document search button for owner letter. Information provided regarding the updated owner's manual for certain vehicles. Models 2008-2012 highlander.
• 10133796Mar 15, 2013Equipment. This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0041-13 .
• 10133786Mar 15, 2013Engine. Immediately following a cold soak startup, some 2009 ? 2013 model year vehicles equipped with 1AR-FE or 2AR-FE engines may exhibit a brief knock/rattle noise from the engine compartment for approximately one second. Follow the repair procedure below to address this condition.

← All problems reported for the 2009 Toyota Highlander