Highlander Active Hood Airbag Fault

That's an unusual combination of warnings. The active hood system is designed to pop up the hood in a pedestrian collision. The airbag light suggests a potential issue with the crash detection system itself. Are you certain the spring actuators have actually deployed, or is the system just reporting a fault? It's possible a defective acceleration sensor is the culprit. Do you have the specific error code that's being stored?

Thanks! Not entirely sure if the actuators have fully deployed, but it seems that way based on the error messages and system status. I'll check the error code again. Could a defective acceleration sensor really cause both the active hood fault and the airbag warning? How would I confirm that diagnosis before taking it to a mechanic?

Yes, a faulty acceleration sensor can absolutely trigger both warnings. The active hood system and airbags are often linked through a central collision detection system. If the sensor is sending erroneous data, it could falsely indicate a collision event. Without the specific error code, it's difficult to be certain. However, given your symptoms, a malfunctioning sensor is a strong possibility. Unfortunately, confirming the diagnosis typically requires specialized diagnostic equipment. You could try inspecting the sensor and its wiring for any obvious damage, but honestly, this sounds like something best left to a qualified technician. I would advise against attempting any repairs yourself, as you could inadvertently trigger the airbag system.

Appreciate the expertise and candid assessment. I heeded the advice and consulted a qualified technician. You were spot on! The mechanic confirmed it was indeed a defective acceleration sensor, which apparently caused all the havoc with the active hood and airbag systems. The total repair cost came to 315€, including the sensor replacement and recalibration of the system. Thanks again for the assistance and pointing me in the right direction!