As of October 10th, 2022, Toyota is recalling more than 100,000 Highlanders due to a short circuit that may cause a fire. The affected model years are 2007-2009, 2010-2013, and 2014-2018.
According to documents the automaker submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem stems from a manufacturing defect involving the PCV valve heater, which helps recirculate waste gases within the engine. The heater could short-circuit, overheat, and catch fire. Drivers may first notice smoke coming from the area near the engine compartment, the smell of burning plastic, and an illuminated check engine light.
Toyota told NHTSA that there have been at least six field reports of fires but no crashes or injuries related to the problem. The automaker is still working on a solution.
The fix: Toyota has not yet developed a solution for this problem. Even vehicles that have already had their PCV valve heater replaced in prior recalls will need to be brought back to a dealer for another repair.
How to contact the manufacturer: Toyota will contact owners by mail twice. The first letter will be sent around October 10th, 2022, and will alert them that their vehicle has been recalled. The second letter will be sent after a repair has been developed and will instruct them on how to get it done free of charge.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.