Complaint files 3/18/2019 complaint # 11189699 all wheel drive system fails in wet weather. snow or slush or heavy rain. failure 7 times. resets itself when weather dry. sensor is cracked or faulty. dealer says owner cost. it seems a toyota factory defect and severe safety issue. happens when driving in severe weather and mountain passes in colorado. please advise
Twice the awd system has failed. 12/28/2016 and march 17/ 2019. the check engine light comes on the the 4wd shuts down along with the trac and vehicle stability system. under both times the car was being operated in extreme weather conditions of deep heavy snow, slush, ice and mud. the vehicle will not allow the wheels to spins enabling me to keep moving in the hazardous conditions. i needed to shift between 1, 2 and 3 gears to engage the higher revs to spins the tire to keep the car from getting stuck or sliding off the road. in both instances i was in remote, isolated areas with no help and no cell service. the december 2016 instances was repaired by a toyota dealer in omaha. dealer could not readily understand how the problem initiated.
When driving, periodically, under no particular road or weather condition, the "check awd system," "abs," "brake" and "stability control" warning lights light up. when warning lights are on, only the front wheels will drive and stability control is inactive. real wheels are not active. this condition may last five to ten minutes, then return to normal. this has occurred 10 to 15 times in the last six months.
Traction control system activates randomly while driving on smooth roadway, dry roads. driving down road and tcs light flashes in instrument cluster.