Anybody else have issues with the automatic running boards failing to retract? It started on the driver's side in the last month and now the passenger side is doing it. The running board will begin to retract then immediately shoot back out. Sometimes they will retract all the way to their driving position before coming back out. The warning light in the cluster turns on for the running boards and once you drive away, the running boards retract and the light goes away.

Still have 1,000 miles left on the factory warranty so I will be calling the local dealer tomorrow but they are such a pain to deal with. I am hoping this is a known issue with an easy resolution that can be done without having to involve the dealership.

I searched this forum, as well as Google, and did not find much info on this issue.

Edit to add that I have already put the truck on a lift to confirm there are no obstructions in the way of the running boards that would impede operation.

The same thing with my 2013 Limited a couple weeks back. The RB would retract once I was in gear and began to drive about 5MPH. The dealer (warranty) ordered new motors. They said nothing was obstructing the boards and that the sensors inside the motor sensed weight on the boards. So they replaced motors on both driver and passenger side. However, while installing, they over torqued some bolts and busted up some of the framing that supports RB motors.

Luckily, this is a fine Toyota dealership (unlike most GM dealers i have dealt with in the past). They gave me a new Highlander (11 miles on odometer) to drive while they waited for parts to come in (2 days).

I personally would never do the automatic running boards.

I test drove a 2015 LE with them and I thought "Those are really cool. I'll give them a year here in Colorado before something breaks and I bet they are not cheap to fix".

I look at them sort of like hideaway headlights. Cool, but usually one of the first things that breaks.

Good luck to you though. :-)

could have been slush/ice build up under there?

Yeah... that's my reaction too... It'd be cool if they could be made into like super heavy duty sliders when folded and then they unfold for stepping on (with a manual override switch if you're on the trail.)

The passenger side boards have been staying open when closing the door until I drive away for awhile. All of a sudden they will start operating properly again. Recently the drivers side boards will open then immediately close while you're stepping on. This is a safety hazzard both getting in or out of the vehicle. i just shut the switch off unless I have passengers. Any ideas would be appreciated. The vehicle is out of warranty. Thank you, Tom

As soon as you close the door the RBs take a few seconds to retract. If you start the car WHILE the boards retract it will fail to retract... Not enough power to drive the motors. Do yourself a favor and wait until the boards fully retract before starting the car. Or, drive off and they will retract automatically anyway.

Thanks Formidable, I am aware of what you mentioned. The board comes out and goes right back when you open the door-this is a hazzard!

That's definitely not normal. I would take it to the dealer and have them trouble shoot it under warranty.

I look at the Amp Research page from time to time and think "these would be cool to have" then threads like this damage my calm and I realize it's a terrible idea...

I have the same issue on the Driver Side. Has anyone been able to figure out what the issue is?

I am circling on a new Limited for my next vehicle... has anyone who bought the automatic running boards regretted it?

I think I do need running boards of some kind since I'm not tall (5'-8") and getting stuff up onto the roof is going to be quite a challenge without them. But I don't really like the look of the fixed boards. I just can't decide if the automatic ones are worth ~$1500.

They strike me as a problem waiting to happen - much, much more so if you have winter/ice/slush/salt/sand/cinders. I couldn't be without RBs as my wife is short, plus we haul around some seniors, both of which would have difficulty w/o them. I'm 5'9" and I use them too.

I had the auto running boards and they did fail to retract sometimes. Especially with snow/ice. Finally removed them and put on sliders.

im 5'8 and my 4runner is lifted and I have no issues getting in without running boards. save the auto boards for the Escalades yo