I imagine you could fix this easily yourself by taping a paper clip to the front of the sensor, some clear silicone sealant around the sides of the sensor, then pull the sensor snug into the hole...let cure and it would probably be fine. But I would try the dealer first and let them fix it.

 

That's an interesting idea...problem is getting the paper clip/tape to hold the sensor enough...these clip in a bit so there would be resistance. You would think these companies would have some sort of tool to make these fixes easy OR design the sensors into something that could be opened. I really think they do this on purpose...easy $500 to fix...except when in warranty. I will be watching my sensors closely once the car is out of warranty...if the sensor is loose I will catch it and secure.

 

I think you may have a legitimate warranty issue. Yours is the first I've heard with this issue.

 

They had to pull off front bumper...all fixed!

 

Those 2 middle sensors in the front bumper are attached to the bracket that is attached to the bumper with double-sided tape. I had my front bumper replaced under warranty and the body shop screwed up the sensors causing one to fall in just like yours and the other being flimsy. I did some research and found out how they are attached. They did fix it but had to remove the bumper to do it. So, anyway, don't press on those too hard or they will easily detach from the bumper and fall in.

 

So sad...so dumb. Design is big time flawed. I thought they clicked in too? Thanks for the information.

 

Yes, I agree but I believe many manufacturers are doing the same for those 2 front middle sensors because the bumper is too thin in that area, and adding clips like the side ones would not look as good. I guess just don't press on them and you should be fine.

 

I can see it now.....in a few years the big complaint will the systems that depend on them generating errors. Wonderful. Well I have eight years of bumper to bumper warranty....

 

Hopefully not since that system (I believe) is code not hardware. The code lives inside the hardware but....then again monitors do die...hmmm

Hey...how did you get a bumper to bumper warranty for 8 years? 3 years or 36k and then 5 years or 100K? Will a warranty go over 100K somehow?

 

I don't think there is a right answer regarding warranty. Piece of mind is important and saving money going without a warranty is good. Depends on the individual

 

Wow...this seems like a rare problem for most of the forum members but guess what? My other parking sensor is now pushed in...bringing up to the dealer next week. Why this is happening to me is a good question...must be some careless worker on the assembly line.

 

Someone forgot or the machine was empty or who knows.

This time ask them to be sure all are solid.......

 

Good idea...I will ask them to check. Thanks!

 

Again! The parking sensor is pushed in once more. My car is garaged so not malicious...just horrible techs. Wow...

I went to the dealer today (Sunday) and looked at a new Highlander to check how the parking sensors are supposed to look. They are supposed to be pushed out enough so the seal/gasket bump can be felt. Both times 2 different dealers fixed the sensors they were flush...I will be talking with a manager this time...

 

Is it garaged 24/7? I'm thinking a child in a parking lot.
Things that look like "buttons" are intended to be pushed in their minds.

 

I think that theory can be ruled out since I am the only one complaining about these senors on this board. I have owned the car for 7K miles and already pushed in three times.

 

I am mainly adding this post to help future Highlander 4th generation owners. I have not yet found a suitable video for our generation so I am including this one. In addition, this is "not" for the parking sensors but at least it will give some help.

Also, this thread for Tacoma owners seems good for more discussion:

Broke one rear parking sensor, any ideas?

Hey guys. So I went light off-roading....well more like light mudding this afternoon for about 5 minutes after a shooting trip and upon getting back on...

www.tacomaworld.com

Anyway, it may be the retaining clip holding the sensor that is broken...one of the tabs could have broken off most likely on the assembly line itself...then the techs just glued back in place because they don't have a new part available. I am sort of looking forward to warranty running out so I can put the car on jack stands and fix stuff myself. Sensors, brakes, etc. are easy...timing belt, etc. then that is a different story. Of course, there is software recalibration stuff so hopefully the "right to repair" changes that the government is now pushing will be helpful to us DIY people

Here's a bonus (unrelated) video for removing the interior door panels:

 

Here's a bonus (unrelated) video for removing the interior door panels:

While I appreciate his insight and knowledge, no way he's touching my vehicle. Too rough for my taste and I cringe while he waves that pick around.

 

 

You aren't the only one with this problem. I bought my wife a 2021 Platinum AWD (Blizzard Pearl) and within the first few thousand miles both of the front-most sensors receded into the bumper cover...one almost all the way. The parking system starts screaming that there is something there...which there is, a bumper cover. Took it to our local stealership (not my purchase dealership), under warranty, who tried to glue them in place and did a very bad job. They left obvious space where it should be completely flush and even rolled the weather seal ring on one. I wasn't shocked that they tried to pass it off as a successful repair...I disagreed. They ended up having to order all new sensors and will be installing them tomorrow. More to come...


2021 Highlander Platinum V6 AWD Blizzard Pearl
2015 Tundra Limited CrewMax TRD 5.7L 4x4 Midnight Black Metallic

 

WOW!

Amazing you have to be their QC and you are compensated with a crappy job and have to waste more time coming back twice. Nobody pays for your inconvenience.

I hope you get a free loaner or something.

 

How did the fix go Navpunk? I contacted the service manager and he seems like a nice guy trying to fix my problem. There is some sort of delay...with ordering new sensors and he assures me will not just glue on. It has been almost 2 weeks and fix has not yet started. I think I have waited long enough and will call him at the start of the week to put on pressure.

 

What quality control for this "reliable" brand!

 

Read here for my rant. Read below for solution only:

I just noticed I never updated anyone on how to fix a pushed in parking sensor. After wasting time at 2 different dealerships and speaking with the highest levels of Toyota corporate no one helped me. My car was under warranty and still nothing - I sent long formal letters to every level of Toyota corporate that was appropriate. I had regional guy from Toyota not help me after wasting time "looking" at my car. I counted the number of times my bumper was removed and put back on (4 cycles or 8 times). Looking at my past posts they were nice at first. Then they said they could not cover under warranty and I pushed back. This is when they became arrogant and were unresponsive for the most part.

I never took advantage of free Toyota 24 month maintenance and do my own work so stealerships don't mess with my car. There is one section where they damaged near top of engine - the plastic above fan. One area where a screw goes. Luckily there is a pre cut hole that I used a zip tie which looks strange but works fine by me. Too bad...it would be nice to have honest people I could bring my beautiful car to. I could waste my time explaining the hell they put me through.


Solution:

However, I will be positive. I found this video:

and the video changed my life! I researched the part needed and it cost me literally $6.00 for the sensor. and I needed gasket thing for like $2.00. I took off my bumper and replaced EASILY. I paused this video so many times to understand how the sensors worked. Then when I actually took off the bumper I was confident. Those sensors stick on the bumper with adhesive on one side. You peel off the tape and carefully stick...kind of hard to line up just right unfortunately so take your time.

So thank you arrogant service managers and thank you for ineffective Toyota executives for boosting my confidence level. I made sure to save this video in case it ever disappears. I did have parking sensor alert go off when it rained hard on one side due to not being perfectly aligned (see paragraph above) so I took lazy route and glued a bit around with a toothpick so water will not enter.

 

This is for future readers who want to see a bumper removed. Super easy! I just found these pics I took. The duct tape is not from me but rather done by a scam dealer who was too lazy to spend $6.00 for a new sensor lol and not honor my warranty.

 

This is for future readers who want to see a bumper removed. Super easy! I just found these pics I took. The duct tape is not from me but rather done by a scam dealer who was too lazy to spend $6.00 for a new sensor lol and not honor my warranty. View attachment 425098 View attachment 425099

Can you share where you were able to purchase the sensor for $6 and the needed gasket for $2? I can only find the part on Toyota's parts website and it looks like it'll be $227. Would love to save that money and frustration and try doing it ourselves with the helpful information you've shared. Thanks so much!

 

No problem! Anything to keep you away from the dealer. I'm no expert though so perform the repair knowing this Bought here online: Conicelli Toyota Parts Center

89348-0R100​

Parking Aid Sensor Housing (Front, Rear)​

89305-47010​

Park Sensor Cushion​

I wrote out a quick story on my dealings with executives with Toyota but deleted it - I have like 4 certified letters. Perhaps someday I will go into detail but all I can say is they need someone in executive relations who cares and/or can solve problems. I have dealt with at least 20 executive offices over the years with my old businesses or in my personal life. I don't complain unless I am desperate and 19 out of 20 times I have easily resolved my issues dealing the executive directly or their executive customer service team. Toyota is the only company who would not help me. That being said, I like Toyota quality but they need to hire someone to help with "real problems". They truly caused me pain...first World problem pain but still made my life more difficult.

 

I have a 2020 Highlander Limited AWD. I was driving today to my dealership for an oil change when my dashboard went nuts with "parking assist unavailable, clean the sensor". I stopped and looked. The sensor had fallen into the bumper. The dealer told me to schedule 5 hours one day to have it fixed. Even though I have extended warranty, they said it would be $900+. I have had Toyota cars since 1983. This cheaply made car will probably be my last Toyota. They used to care about what they made. I know I can fix it myself but, I am beyond annoyed.

 

Welcome to my World! I'm happy this happened to me because the solution was super easy and my confidence level went up after the repair.