You’re loading groceries or getting ready for a road trip, and suddenly, the liftgate on your Toyota Highlander decides it has a mind of its own—slamming shut or refusing to open. If this sounds too familiar, know that many others share the same experience.
Certain Highlander models have faced recalls and service campaigns related to faulty liftgate struts and software glitches that could lead to uncontrolled movement.
In this breakdown, we’ll explore which model years are affected, the technical reasons behind these liftgate failures, and how Toyota is handling the fixes. Whether you’re a current owner or just curious about the recall, let’s cut through the noise and figure out what’s really going on.
Spotlight on Impact: Which Highlanders Are Affected
If you drive a 2014 or 2015 Toyota Highlander, your liftgate might be part of an official recall. At first, Toyota focused on models equipped with both power and manual liftgates that risked unexpected closure if the gas strut bracket failed.
Over time, the recall and related service bulletins expanded. Older Highlanders from 2008 to 2013 didn’t fall under the exact same recall banner, but they received technical service bulletins (TSBs) instead—still pointing to liftgate issues, though not deemed severe enough for a full recall.
The main issue? Some liftgate gas struts and brackets corrode or weaken with age. When they fail, the door can slam shut without warning, risking injury or damage.
Certain power liftgates also suffer from software glitches in their control modules. That means the motor or ECU might not detect obstacles or changes in force quickly enough, letting the liftgate keep moving even when it should stop. While not every Highlander has this flaw, enough did for Toyota to intervene.
Toyota’s recall aimed to address these safety concerns head-on by replacing faulty hardware and updating the liftgate’s software logic. If your Highlander is within the affected VIN range, you likely received a notice by mail urging you to get repairs done at a dealership.
Ignoring the recall could leave you open to unexpected liftgate malfunctions—never a fun surprise when you’re loading cargo or juggling groceries in the parking lot.
Inside the Liftgate Issues: Mechanical Struts and Software Slip-Ups
The Highlander’s liftgate might look simple—just a hatch that opens and closes on demand. But behind the scenes, gas-charged struts do the heavy lifting, keeping the door safely overhead. When those struts corrode or lose pressure, the entire hatch can slam shut without warning.
Toyota traced many sudden-close complaints to strut bracket failures. Once those brackets start cracking or rusting, they can’t handle the liftgate’s weight, and the door drops in a heartbeat.
It’s not just about hardware, though. Some Highlanders with power liftgates also wrestle with software glitches in the liftgate’s control module. Normally, the motor senses when it’s overworking or hitting an obstacle and stops.
But early software versions didn’t always catch these changes in force quickly enough. That means the liftgate might keep powering up or down—even if it senses resistance—raising the risk of a pinch or collision with cargo, pets, or people.
While 2014–2015 models were singled out for an official recall, older Highlanders from 2008 to 2013 often showed similar behavior. Instead of a recall, Toyota issued technical service bulletins to guide technicians on replacing worn parts and updating software where possible.
It’s all about eliminating that split-second lapse in detection—a moment that can mean the difference between a controlled close and an unexpected whack on your head.
Tracing the Symptoms: How to Spot Liftgate Trouble
If you’re wondering whether your Highlander’s liftgate might be on the verge of failing, there are a few indicative signs to watch for. The biggest red flag is if the door closes on its own—especially in mid-lift—with no warning. You might also notice the liftgate struggling to stay open or moving more slowly than usual.
In some cases, you’ll hear a hissing or grinding noise from the gas struts, hinting at internal leaks or wear. If your model has a power liftgate, keep an ear out for the motor straining or failing to reverse course when it hits an obstacle.
Early warning can come in the form of rust or oil streaks on the struts or their brackets. A quick visual inspection can reveal tiny cracks or patches of corrosion around the liftgate hinge area.
For power models, it’s also worth paying attention to any error messages on the dash or hiccups when you press the liftgate button—like a stall mid-operation or the door jerking in short bursts instead of moving smoothly. These cues suggest either a hardware breakdown or an ECU glitch, and catching them early might spare you from a sudden slam.
Although Toyota’s official recall letters encourage owners to bring their vehicles in if they suspect trouble, it’s easy to miss if your Highlander isn’t within the main recall range.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms, it’s best to schedule an inspection with a dealership or trusted mechanic. Letting a compromised liftgate go unchecked can be dangerous, not to mention inconvenient, when you least expect it.
How Toyota Tackled the Problem: The Recall Fixes Explained
Toyota’s recall solutions revolve around two main fixes: swapping out the failing hardware and updating the power liftgate’s brain. For those 2014–2015 Highlanders singled out by the official recall, dealerships typically replace the liftgate’s gas struts and brackets with sturdier, corrosion-resistant parts.
It’s a straightforward procedure but crucial for preventing sudden or uncontrolled closure. If you’re in the recall range, the dealership handles it at no cost—so there’s no reason to wait.
Power liftgates get an extra layer of care with an ECU update. This fresh software fine-tunes the liftgate’s obstacle detection and torque monitoring.
In other words, the motor now reacts more intelligently when it hits resistance, reversing or stopping before it can injure someone or damage the hatch. Technicians run a quick test afterward to confirm the door moves smoothly up and down without stalling or slamming shut.
If your Highlander is an older 2008–2013 model, you might not qualify for an official recall fix. However, Toyota’s service bulletins give dealerships a roadmap for repairs—usually involving new struts, fresh brackets, or a software calibration if your liftgate is power-operated.
It’s not free like a recall, but these TSB-guided fixes address the same fundamental issues. In some cases, if the problem is severe, Toyota may offer goodwill assistance—so it never hurts to ask.
The Good and the Not-So-Good: Pros and Cons of the Liftgate Recall
One upside to Toyota’s recall is that the fix is free for owners who qualify. If your Highlander falls under the official VIN range, your dealership handles all parts and labor at no cost, giving you renewed confidence every time you pop the liftgate.
For power-liftgate models, the updated software adds an extra layer of safety and convenience by making sure the door stops or reverses more effectively if it detects an obstacle.
On the other hand, not every owner gets a free pass. Older models from 2008 to 2013 only received technical service bulletins, meaning you might pay out of pocket for those replacement struts or bracket fixes unless Toyota offers goodwill coverage.
Some owners also mention lingering quirks even after the recall—like a power liftgate that still feels a bit jerky or noisy. While these cases seem relatively rare, it does underscore that any recall or TSB fix isn’t always perfect.
Ultimately, if your Highlander’s liftgate is showing signs of trouble—whether it’s a slow close, a random slam, or just a nagging squeak—getting it checked is worth the effort.
Even if you’re not in the recall scope, a new set of struts or a quick software calibration can save you a world of hassle, especially if the liftgate decides to fail at the worst possible moment.
Final Thoughts
If your Toyota Highlander’s liftgate has been experiencing issues, the recall could be the fix you need. For those covered, the free repair is a no-brainer—safer operation, fewer headaches, and no unexpected slams.
Even if your vehicle falls outside the recall range, keeping an eye on those struts and considering a software update can help avoid surprises down the road. After all, no one wants a liftgate that decides to drop when you’re loading groceries or packing for a trip.
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