2016 Toyota Highlander: Air Bags complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints for the 2016 Toyota Highlander that list the air bags component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11695898 (filed 10/27/2025): “I was traveling on an interstate going home from work. my speed was approximately 65mph. i noticed traffic slowing up ahead. i began to drop my speed (cost down), as i was approaching the traffic the car in front of me was applying their brakes; i had already began to apply mine. i was applying more…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11540443 (filed 08/23/2023): “I have had problems with the brakes since i bought the vehicle new in 2016. i have the brakes checked every year and when i had problems but they never found the problem why the brakes do not work. the worse accident was on november 19, 2022 when my wife was using the car. she was in the car alon…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11526729 (filed 06/13/2023): “Brakes did not work in january 13, 2023 when backing out of driveway. have had numerous dealership look at it multiple times in last 4 years.…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Airbag and seat-belt restraint systems are safety-critical and need a scan tool and manufacturer procedures; do not DIY. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .