Abnormal Whistle Noise From Vehicle Front (T-SB-0048-22)

WARNING: This page is about the Highlander Hybrid LE, 2.5L Eng VIN A, which is a different variant/trim than selected.

Publication date: 2022-05-16
Reference number: T-SB-0048-22

ABNORMAL WHISTLE NOISE FROM VEHICLE FRONT

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): T-SB-0048-22, Date of Issue: May 16, 2022

TOYOTA:	2020-2022 Highlander, Highlander HV
SERVICE CATEGORY:	Vehicle Exterior
SECTION:	Door/Hatch
MARKET:	USA
COPYRIGHT:	© 2018 Toyota, USA License Agreement TMS1002

APPLICABILITY

YEAR(S)	MODEL(S)	ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
2020 - 2022	Highlander, Highlander HV

INTRODUCTION

Some 2020 - 2022 model year Highlander (except XSE models) and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit an abnormal whistle noise from the front when driving over 35 mph. This may be caused by the radiator grille bracket. A new radiator grille bracket has been developed to address this condition. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.

NOTE: This Service Bulletin does NOT apply to XSE Highlander vehicles.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

OP CODE

DESCRIPTION

TIME

OFP

BD2010

R & R Radiator Grille Assembly

1.8

53115-#####⁽¹⁾

Combo A

Adjust Front Television Camera Assembly (with Panoramic View Monitor System)

0.8

Combo B

Perform Calibration (with Parking Support Brake system)

0.2

⁽¹⁾	Warranty claim MUST be submitted with the correct 10-digit OFP. Choose the correct OFP for the vehicle being repaired by searching for the parts in the Electronic Parts Catalog using the VIN filter.

APPLICABLE WARRANTY

This repair is covered under the Toyota Basic Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date.
Warranty application is limited to occurrence of the specified condition described in this bulletin.

PARTS INFORMATION

PART NUMBER	PART NAME	QTY
53115-0E010	Bracket, Radiator Grille	1

REPAIR PROCEDURE

Does the vehicle exhibit an abnormal whistle noise from the front when driving over 35 mph?
Refer to the video link for an example of the whistle noise:

Whistle Noise Video
- YES - Continue to step 2.
- NO - This bulletin does NOT apply. Continue diagnosis using the applicable Repair Manual.
Ensure the NEW radiator grille bracket received is the correct part.
The OLD and the NEW parts differ in the shape of the ribs directly above the emblem cut out. The OLD grille bracket has closed ribs in the center, while the NEW part has open ribs in the center. Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 below for reference.
Remove and replace the radiator grille bracket.
NOTE: Be careful NOT to break ANY clips/tabs when transferring the hood to radiator grille seal from the OLD radiator grille bracket to the NEW radiator grille bracket.

Refer to TIS, applicable model and model year Repair Manual:
- 2020 Highlander and Highlander HV:
  Vehicle Exterior - Exterior Panels/Trim - "Exterior Panels/Trim: Front Bumper (except Sport Package): Removal/Disassembly/Reassembly/Installation "
- 2021 - 2022 Highlander and Highlander HV:
  Vehicle Exterior - Exterior Panels/Trim - "Exterior Panels/Trim: Front Bumper (except Sport Package): Removal/Disassembly/Reassembly/Installation "
Confirm the installed NEW radiator grille bracket includes the open ribs in the center directly above the emblem as shown in Figure 4.
Test-drive the vehicle and confirm the condition no longer exists.