Recall 11V245 covers 307,848 2007-2008 Toyota Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, and RAV4 vehicles for airbag roll-sensor failure. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 307,848 2007-2008 Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, and RAV4 vehicles because roll-angle sensors in the curtain shield airbag system can fail. If both sensors fail after the initial system check, the curtain shield airbags or seat belt pretensioners can inadvertently activate and injure an occupant; the Toyota dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The curtain shield airbag system in 2007-2008 Toyota Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, and RAV4 vehicles uses an airbag sensor assembly to read vehicle roll angle. That assembly has two sensors that help the system decide when the roof-side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners should activate in a rollover event.
In this recall, the problem is inside that sensing path. If one sensor malfunctions, the airbag warning light turns on and the roll detection system is suspended, while the curtain shield airbag remains available for a side crash. If both sensors fail nearly simultaneously after the initial airbag system check, the system can activate the curtain shield airbags and seat belt pretensioners when they are not needed.
There is no warning sign before the dual-sensor failure described in this recall. A warning light tells you one sensor has failed, but the nearly simultaneous failure after the initial check is the condition tied to unintended activation.
Who's affected?
Includes 2008 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid SUVs and 2007-2008 RAV4 SUVs, with side air bag and broader air bag system listings.
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | side air bag |
|---|---|
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | air bag system |
| 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | side air bag |
| 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | air bag system |
| 2007 Toyota RAV4 | side air bag |
| 2007 Toyota RAV4 | air bag system |
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | side air bag |
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | air bag system |
| Units affected | 307,848 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Inadvertent activation of the curtain shield airbag or seat belt pretensioner can injure a vehicle occupant. If the airbag deploys unexpectedly or the belt tightens without a crash, stop driving safely and contact a Toyota dealer for guidance. Repair will be free at any franchised Toyota dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2008 Toyota Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, or RAV4 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer to ask whether the free airbag sensor assembly replacement is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the airbag sensor assembly replacement that fixes the roll-rate sensor fault tied to unintended curtain shield air bag or seat belt pretensioner activation.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota mailed one. If not, reference recall number 11V245 when you call.
- Call Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 with questions about parts, scheduling, or dealer handling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician replaces the airbag sensor assembly with a new assembly that contains improved roll rate sensors. The affected system uses roll sensing for the curtain shield airbags and seat belt pretensioners, so the repair is focused on restoring proper sensor operation. Toyota's remedy states that the replacement is free of charge. The final dealer repair is free once available, so confirm your VIN first and ask the Toyota dealer whether parts and scheduling are open before arranging service.
Timeline
| April 21, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 9, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V245?
Recall 11V245 covers 307,848 Toyota Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, and RAV4 vehicles with curtain shield airbag roll-rate sensors that can malfunction. If both sensors fail nearly at the same time after the airbag system check, the curtain shield airbag or seat belt pretensioner can activate unintentionally and injure an occupant.
What should I do if my 2007-2008 Toyota Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, or RAV4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 11V245. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer and ask for the airbag sensor assembly replacement. Reference recall number 11V245 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Toyota to repair the defect at no cost, and Toyota's remedy for recall 11V245 is replacement of the airbag sensor assembly with a new one containing improved roll-rate sensors. Any franchised Toyota dealer can handle the recall repair for free.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended activation of the curtain shield airbag or seat belt pretensioner, which can injure a vehicle occupant. Toyota says one failed sensor turns on the airbag warning light and suspends roll detection, while side-crash airbag protection remains available.
What if I bought this Toyota used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner, selling dealer, or warranty status. Check your VIN to see whether your Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, or RAV4 is included, then call a franchised Toyota dealer with recall number 11V245.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V245000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V245 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V245000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →