T-SB-0048-22

May 16, 2022

Abnormal Whistle Noise From Vehicle Front
Service
Category

Vehicle Exterior

Section

Door/Hatch

Market USA

Applicability
YEAR(S)

MODEL(S)

2020 - 2022

Highlander, Highlander HV

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

BD2010

R & R Radiator Grille Assembly

1.8

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

OFP

T1

T2

53115-#####*

59

50

*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.

© 2022 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

Page 1 of 3

T-SB-0048-22

May 16, 2022

Page 2 of 3

Abnormal Whistle Noise From Vehicle Front
Parts Information
PART NUMBER

PART NAME

QTY

53115-0E010

Bracket, Radiator Grille

1

Repair Procedure

1. 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.

2. 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.
Figure 1. Radiator Grille Bracket Before 11/5/2021

Figure 2. New Radiator Grille Bracket

1
1

1

Ribs With Closed Shape

1

© 2022 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

Ribs With Open Shape

T-SB-0048-22

May 16, 2022

Page 3 of 3

Abnormal Whistle Noise From Vehicle Front
Repair Procedure (continued)

3. Remove and replace the radiator grille bracket.
NOTICE
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”

4. Confirm the installed NEW radiator grille bracket includes the open ribs in the center directly
above the emblem as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 3. Radiator Grille Bracket Before 11/5/2021

Figure 4. New Radiator Grille Bracket

1
1

1

Does Not Contain Ribs in the Center Section
Directly Above the Emblem

1

Contains Ribs in the Center Section Directly
Above the Emblem

5. Test-drive the vehicle and confirm the condition no longer exists.

© 2022 Toyota Motor Sales, USA