2020-2021 Model Year Highlander Programming Adjustment for Low Fuel Light Special Service Campaign SSC 21TC05

OishiiJPN

Moderator
Staff member
Please see SSC 21TC05

APPLICABLE VEHICLES:
2020-2021 Highlander (Non Hybrid ONLY)

Condition:
In the involved vehicles, the fuel gauge needle and the “distance to empty” estimated in the vehicle display accurately indicate the approximate amount of remaining fuel in the fuel tank. However, some drivers are continuing to drive after the low fuel light illuminates, causing them to potentially run out of fuel and be inconvenienced.

Remedy:
Any authorized Toyota dealer will reprogram the Combination Meter ECU to adjust the timing of when the low fuel light illuminates, FREE OF CHARGE.

Covered Vehicles:
There are approximately 178,400 vehicles covered by this Special Service Campaign. Approximately 2,180 vehicles involved in this Special Service Campaign were distributed to Puerto Rico

Owner Letter Mailing Date:
Toyota will begin to notify owners in mid-August 2021.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the condition?

In the involved vehicles, the fuel gauge needle and the “distance to empty” estimated in the vehicle display accurately indicate the approximate amount of remaining fuel in the fuel tank. However, some drivers are continuing to drive after the low fuel light illuminates, causing them to potentially run out of fuel and be inconvenienced.

What is Toyota going to do?
Toyota will send an owner notification by first class mail starting in mid-August 2021, advising owners to make an appointment with their authorized Toyota dealer to have the Combination Meter ECU reprogrammed to adjust the timing of when the low fuel light illuminates, FREE OF CHARGE

What should I do if the low fuel light is activated?
Always refuel when the fuel gauge indicates fuel is low. If the low fuel light comes ON, refuel promptly.

I ran out of fuel and a malfunction indicator light is illuminated. What do I need to do?
Refuel the vehicle. After driving three consecutive drive cycles with the vehicle properly fueled, the warning light should deactivate

Which and how many vehicles are covered by this Special Service Campaign?
There are approximately 178,400 vehicles covered by this Special Service Campaign.

How long will the repair take?
The repair takes approximately one hour. However, depending upon the dealer’s work schedule, it may be necessary to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time.

How does Toyota obtain my mailing information?
Toyota uses an industry provider who works with each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to receive registration or title information, based upon the DMV records. Please make sure your registration or title information is correct.

What if I have additional questions or concerns?
If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-888-270-9371 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Time.
 
K

Kent Lawrence

Guest
I have a 2020 Highlander XLE. No one is saying what exactly they are doing to the low fuel indicator light. Are they just making it turn on sooner? Why do we care? What matters is that customers know how many miles they can go before the vehicle runs out of gas. Turning the light on sooner just means you can go a little farther without refueling. It's certainly not worth a recall service. Just tell people how many miles they get after it turns on. That's it.
 
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John24

Guest
There needs to be notification sound. That's the problem. It only shows the light and no sound. Every vehicle I have owned makes a chime and my 2020 Highlander XLE doesn't.
 
S

STEFAN

Guest
2020 Highlander XLE after recall repair distance to empty shows 16 miles and "LOW FUEL" light not on yet. I don't it's right.
 
D

Debbie L.

Guest
So once it reprogrammed . My Highlander XLE, will it chime to let me know its low fuel?
 
J

J Lawrence

Guest
There needs to be notification sound. That's the problem. It only shows the light and no sound. Every vehicle I have owned makes a chime and my 2020 Highlander XLE doesn't.
Agree and you have spoken my exact thoughts. I ran out of fuel today primarily because I have been conditioned to expect an audible warning for low fuel however no such alarm in 2022 Highlander. Frustrating.
 
E

Elizabeth

Guest
There needs to be notification sound. That's the problem. It only shows the light and no sound. Every vehicle I have owned makes a chime and my 2020 Highlander XLE doesn't.
AGREED!!!! I had the recall fixed but My gas light won’t even turn on now! I almost ran out of gas the other day because the light/message didn’t come on saying I had low fuel… I’m at the gas station right now with 8 miles left in my tank and there is no gas light illuminating or low fuel message… Bringing it into the dealership tomorrow morning!
 
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Elizabeth

Guest
AlSo wanted to mention that I brought my car in for the recall on the gas light lighting up when it’s not supposed to a few months ago which I never had a problem with… idk How long this has been going on because I usually never let it get much lower than a quarter of a tank… I am Definitely not one of those people who enjoys playing gas roulette way too spooky
 
B

Bina

Guest
There needs to be notification sound. That's the problem. It only shows the light and no sound. Every vehicle I have owned makes a chime and my 2020 Highlander XLE doesn't.
Yes! You can program an audible alert for just about everything in this car except the fuel level! I’m only 2500 miles with this car and already had more fuel related panics than I care to admit. Seems to be a very common complaint on all the forums and fan pages.
 
L

LaurieNuzzolese

Guest
There needs to be notification sound. That's the problem. It only shows the light and no sound. Every vehicle I have owned makes a chime and my 2020 Highlander XLE doesn't.
Yes, I agree. I need a chime notification. My Ford would chime at 50 miles left, and every ten. If you restarted the vehicle in the low fuel period, it would chime again to remind you.
 
L

Liz

Guest
Can we get our highlander programed to make a chime when the light is on. See, my problem is that I knew I would need gas before leaving work to come home yesterday, but I completely forgot and I put my car on cruise control. By the time I remembered, I was stuck on a road without any gas stations. My mind runs in like a million directions and a nice chime for a reminder would help me out a lot! I was able to make it to a gas station with 1 mile to spare on my gas gage, thankfully. But I turned off the cruise control and coasted the whole way there.
 
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