Toyota recalls close to million cars over airbag defect

Toyota recalls close to million cars over airbag defect

January 22, 2024 Joseph Estabillo ,

Plano, TX  – January 22, 2024 – Toyota (NYSE:TM), which also owns the Lexus brand,  is recalling 999,901 vehicles over a problem with a passenger airbag that could prevent it from being deployed in the event of a collision. This ups the risk of an injury.

The recall comes on the heels of over 1,000 warranty claims and includes some of the following vehicles:

  • 2020 – 2021 Toyota Avalon 
  • 2020 – 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  • 2020 – 2022 Toyota Camry
  • 2020 – 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  • 2020 – 2021 Toyota Corolla
  • 2020 – 2022 Toyota Highlander
  • 2020 – 2022 Lexus ES Hybrid
  • 2020 – 2021 Lexus RX Hybrid

Recall summary  

The airbags in Toyota and Lexus vehicles use the so-called Occupant Classification System (OCS), which is an array of sensors designed to classify the weight of the front seat passenger. The OCS information determines whether the airbag should be deployed.

In the affected vehicles, the circuit board where the OCS sits was cracked during production. This may result in the short circuit and prevent the deployment of the front passenger airbag.

The full list of the affected vehicles is available here.

Recall risks

All risks caused by non-inflating airbags are explained in this article about a similar recall by Ford.   

Warning signs

In the event of the airbag failure, the driver should see the “the SRS warning lamp” and “Passenger Airbag OFF” lamp illuminate, among other warnings.

Background of the recall

The recall is a result of 1,194 warranty claims and 27 field reports. It is not clear if any injuries or crashes have been reported because of the defect.

Other Toyota recalls

In August 2023, Toyota and Lexus hybrid SUVs were recalled over the risk of fire from damage caused by “supplier issues.” 

In November 2023, Toyota recalled over three quarters of a million of SUVs over the risk of the front bumpers falling off “during normal operation.”

The repair

Dealers will replace the OCS sensors in the affected units free of charge. Owners will receive letters with more information by February 18, 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 1 million vehicles are affected by this Toyota front passenger airbag recall. To do a Toyota recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloToyota recalls close to million cars over airbag defect
Toyota recalls RAV4 SUVs over risk of fire

Toyota recalls RAV4 SUVs over risk of fire

November 27, 2023 Aleksandra Snesareva

Plano, TX  – November 27, 2023 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 1.85 million 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 SUVs over the risk of an electrical short which may lead to a fire.

The recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation and multiple fires.

Recall summary  

The affected vehicles received aftermarket batteries with incorrect dimensions.  This may allow them to move and contact the bracket they are in, causing an electrical short.

Recall risks

An electrical short may generate excessive heat, which may cause the components around the battery – and the car – to catch fire. 

Investigation

The recall comes on the back of an investigation launched in February 2021 by the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The investigation was launched after the agency received almost a dozen complaints about fires and smoke. At least four of the fires occurred when the ignition was off. 

Other Toyota recalls

The risk of a vehicle fire was also the cause of a Toyota recall from August 2023, which affected RAV4 and Lexus SUV Hybrids. 

Earlier this month, the manufacturer recalled approximately 250,000 Highlander SUVs because their front bumper could detach.

The repair

Dealers will replace the battery tray and the retaining bracket with upgraded versions free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information between December 17, 2023 and December 31, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Toyota battery fire recall affects almost 2 million SUVs. To do a Toyota recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Aleksandra SnesarevaToyota recalls RAV4 SUVs over risk of fire
Toyota recalls Highlander SUVs whose front bumpers may fall off

Toyota recalls Highlander SUVs whose front bumpers may fall off   

November 9, 2023 Bojan Popic

Plano, TX – November 9, 2023 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 750,795 SUVs whose front bumpers and surrounding plastic trims may fall off and create an obstacle for other motorists, upping the risk of a crash and injury.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2020 – 2023 Toyota Highlander 
  • 2020 – 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 

Recall summary  

The front bumper covers on affected SUVs have upper and lower sections which are held together with a series of retaining tabs. Some of these tabs may break “during normal operation.”

If this happens, the lower bumper section may separate and cause other pieces of plastic trim fastened to the bumper’s lower section to fly off as well. 

Recall risks

For the risks of this recall, please see this article about a similar Mercedes-Benz recall.

Other Toyota recalls

Some of these SUVs may have been affected by a recall from May 2023 caused by an inoperable stability control system, as reported.

On a separate note, in August 2023, Toyota recalled over 43,000 luxury Toyota and Lexus hybrid SUVs because of the risk fire, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the bumper section and install upgraded retaining hardware if there is damage. If no damage is noticeable, the existing retaining tabs will be replaced with a sturdier version. 

All repairs will be conducted free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information between December 11, 2023  and December 25, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Toyota fly-away bumper recall affects approximately three-quarters of a million SUVs. To do a Toyota recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicToyota recalls Highlander SUVs whose front bumpers may fall off   
Subaru recalls cars over faulty rear turn signals

Subaru recalls cars over faulty rear turn signals    

September 17, 2023 Joseph Estabillo ,

Camden, NJ  – September 17, 2023 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling 8,915 sports cars – including the 2022 Subaru BRZ and the 2022 Toyota GR8 – because of a problem with the rear turn signals which may result in a higher risk of an accident. 

Both models were made in partnership with Toyota, which owns a 20% stake in Subaru.

Recall summary  

In the affected vehicles, exposure to strong sunlight could cause less voltage to flow through the car, resulting in the rear turn signal being temporarily disabled.

Recall risks

The risks caused by a faulty turn signal are covered in this report about a similar recall by Toyota.  

Warning signs

If there is an issue with the signal, “the driver will notice rapid flashing of the dashboard turn signal indicator lamp,” according to the information provided by the manufacturer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Other Subaru recalls

In December 2022, Subaru recalled a number of 2019-2022 Ascent SUVs due to overheating electrical systems that led to a higher risk of fire. 

In March 2023, Subaru issued a recall for some 2019-2022 Crosstrek Hybrid units over a charging problem with the cars’ 12-volt battery. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the rear lamp assemblies with ones containing an improved circuit. This will be done free of charge, and Subaru will reimburse owners who paid for repairs before the recall order was issued.

Owners will be notified by October 29, 2023.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Close to 9,000 vehicles are affected by this Subaru rear turn signal recall. To do a Subaru recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloSubaru recalls cars over faulty rear turn signals    
Toyota recalls hybrid SUVs over fire risk

Toyota recalls hybrid SUVs over fire risk   

August 5, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Plano, TX – August 5, 2023 – Toyota (NYSE:TM), which also owns the Lexus brand, has recalled 43,442 SUVs because their charging system may short circuit and overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.  

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2021 – 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime 
  • 2022 Lexus NX450H+ 

Recall summary  

Plug-in hybrids have two electrical systems – a high-current one to drive the wheels and a 12-volt system to power other components, such as lights or power windows. In between, there is a converter, which negotiates this voltage difference and ensures the 12-volt battery is being recharged.  

In affected vehicles, the converter may develop an electrical short due to damage “during production by the supplier.” This may cause it to overheat, augmenting the risk of fire. 

Recall risks

You can find out all about fire-related risks in this Hyundai recall from July 2022. 

Other Toyota recalls

Some of these SUVs may have been affected by a Toyota recall caused by a potential loss of stability, which took place in May 2022, as reported

More recently, in October 2022, more than 83,000 Lexus SUVs and Toyota trucks were recalled because their parking brakes would stop working, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the faulty converters with improved ones free of charge. 

In the meantime, Toyota advises owners “not to charge their vehicles when the ambient air temperature is below or expected to drop below 41 degrees Fahrenheit”. 

Owners should be notified between August 7, 2023, and September 10, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 40,000 SUVs are affected by this Toyota hybrid fire recall. To do a Toyota recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicToyota recalls hybrid SUVs over fire risk   
Toyota recalls trucks and SUVs with inoperable parking brakes

Toyota recalls trucks and SUVs with inoperable parking brakes

October 23, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Plano, TX – October 23, 2022 – Toyota (NYSE:TM), which owns the Lexus brand, has recalled 83,725 pickup trucks and SUVs whose electronic parking brakes may stop working. This increases the risk that a vehicle parked on an incline could roll away and crash.

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2022 Lexus NX250
  • 2022 Lexus NX350
  • 2022 Toyota Tundra

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles have an electronic parking brake (EPB), which is activated by pushing a button instead of pulling a lever. This device’s operation is controlled by a computer which ensures the parking brake is activated in a safe way. 

In the affected vehicles, as a result of a programming error, the parking brake system may falsely detect an electrical problem, causing it to deactivate and display a warning light and message. When this happens, the driver will be unable to engage or disengage the parking brake.

Recall risks

If the parking brake is not activated when intended, a vehicle parked on an incline may roll away, increasing the risk of crash and injury.

Warning signs

When the driver attempts to set the parking brake, the vehicle will display a message: “Parking Brake Malfunction, Visit Your Dealer.” If the parking brake is already on, the driver will be unable to release it; if it is off, they will be unable to set it.

Other Toyota and Lexus recalls

One of the most recent Toyota truck recalls was in July 2022, when the manufacturer recalled more than 40,000 vehicles whose drivetrain axles may detach while driving.

Some Lexus SUVs were affected by a large-scale recall in May 2022, which was caused by the stability control not turning back on automatically after it is turned off.

Repair

Dealers will update the vehicle’s software with a new version. This repair is free of charge.

Vehicle owners will receive notifications about this recall between October 17, 2022, and October 30, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Toyota parking brake recall affects more than 80,000 vehicles. To do a Toyota recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can use the same tool to do a Lexus recall check. 

Bojan PopicToyota recalls trucks and SUVs with inoperable parking brakes
Toyota recalls Tacoma vehicles with faulty child restraint systems

Toyota recalls Tacoma vehicles with faulty child restraint systems

August 3, 2022 Senamile Nkosi

Plano, TX – August 3, 2022 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 75,316 2022 – 2023 Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks with faulty child restraint systems, which increase the risk of an injury to the child in the event of a crash.

Recall summary

Almost all vehicles manufactured since 2022 are equipped with the LATCH system for securing car seats. The system includes lower anchors and upper anchors.

The lower anchors are the primary attachment points for a child’s car seat. The upper anchors, which are located behind the seat, attach to a tether on a front-facing car seat. The tether keeps the car seat from tipping forward in the event of a collision or sudden braking. 

In the subject vehicles, due a change in the welding process, the upper child seat anchor was not sufficiently welded to the vehicle’s frame. This means that the child seat could tip forward in the event of a collision. 

Recall risks

The defect increases the risk of injury to the seat’s occupant.

Safety tips

While the manufacturer does not explicitly state it, parents should be able to still secure their children using the retractor system.

Other recent Toyota recalls

There are no other major Toyota Tacoma recalls for the 2022-2023 model-years. However, in November 2020, there was a Toyota truck recall because of faulty fuel pumps, according to the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall included the 2017-2020 Tacoma trucks, as well as Lexus, Camry and Corolla vehicles.

As of July 14 this year, over 200,000 of these cars were still in the need of repair. Use our free vehicle lookup tool to see if yours is one of them.

While Toyota does not appear to have any other outstanding child seat anchor recalls, there was a recall in September of last year caused by faulty retractors. Read more here.

Repair

Toyota has yet to finalize the remedy program. Owners will receive letters with more information between September 2, 2022 and September 15, 2022.  All repairs will be free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 70,000 vehicles are included in this Toyota recall. To perform a Toyota recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiToyota recalls Tacoma vehicles with faulty child restraint systems
Toyota recalls Tundra vehicles with defective rearview systems

Toyota recalls Tundra vehicles with defective rearview systems

July 30, 2022 Senamile Nkosi

Plano, TX – July 30, 2022 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 31,428 vehicles with a defective rear camera system. The monitor may show the front view instead of the rear view when the vehicle is in reverse. This increases the risk of a crash.

The vehicles included in this Toyota rearview camera recall include:

  • 2022 Toyota Tundra
  • 2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid

Recall summary

The subject vehicles are equipped with a Panoramic View Monitoring (PVM) system, which is made up of cameras located around the vehicle. The PVM works in conjunction with the parking assist electronic control unit (ECU), which is a computer that tells the monitor which view to display. 

Due to a programming error, under certain circumstances the monitor may display the front camera image instead of the rear camera image when the car is in reverse.

The component in question is the parking assist ECU, with part numbers 86792-0C051 and 86792-0C052.

Recall risks

Failure of the monitor to display the correct rearview camera image can prevent the driver from seeing obstacles behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other recent Toyota recalls

The current recall is one of several Toyota Tundra recalls this year, and the second involving the rearview camera.

In May, nearly 20,000 Tundra pickup trucks were recalled over failure to show the video feed on the dashboard monitor. This problem was attributed to a Toyota software issue.

In early July, the 2022 Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tundra Hybrid vehicles were recalled over stability concerns caused by the powertrain detaching from its housing.

Other Toyota models have also been subject to recent recalls. Earlier in May, Toyota issued a recall over reduced stability affecting 17 models. Nearly half a million vehicles were included in the recall due to stability control that could fail to automatically turn back on when the vehicle is restarted.

Repair

To address the issue, owners can take their vehicles to a Toyota dealer for a free reprogramming of the parking assist ECU. 

Owners will be notified about the repair program between July 27, 2022 and August 17, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 30,000 vehicles are included in this recall. To perform a Toyota recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiToyota recalls Tundra vehicles with defective rearview systems
Toyota recalls Tundra vehicles over stability concerns

Toyota recalls Tundra vehicles over stability concerns

July 10, 2022 Senamile Nkosi

Plano, TX – July 10, 2022 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 46,176 trucks over part of the vehicles’ powertrain detaching from its housing, making the vehicles harder to handle and increasing the risk of a crash.

This recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2022 Toyota Tundra
  • 2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid

Recall summary

A vehicle’s powertrain propels it forward and consists of axles – which are shafts that transfer rotational power from the vehicle’s transmission to its wheels – as well as the engine and the transmission.

The nuts holding together parts of the Toyota Tundra axle shaft assembly may have been improperly tightened during assembly and may loosen further over time. When this happens, parts of the axle shaft may detach from their housing. 

The components in question are the left and right axle shaft subassemblies, with part numbers 47870-0C020 and 47880-0C020.

Recall risks

Detached axle shaft components can cause the loss of vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

If your vehicle is faulty, you may “experience vibration, hear an abnormal noise, and/or observe leaking of differential oil,” according to Toyota. 

Other recent Toyota recalls

One of the most recent Toyota truck recalls was in May. The manufacturer recalled nearly 20,000 2022 Tundra pickup trucks over a problem with the rearview camera that was attributed to a software error.

Earlier in May, Toyota issued another stability-related recall, which affected 17 models. Nearly half a million vehicles’ stability control could fail to automatically turn back on after the vehicle was restarted.

One of the more recent Toyota Tundra recalls included the 2021 Toyota Tundra. The vehicles were recalled in December 2021 over a leak in the steering wheel, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Repair

Owners can take their vehicles to a Toyota dealer for a rear axle inspection and retightening of the axle nuts. Any axle-related components that may have been damaged because of this recall issue will be replaced. There will be no cost to the owner.

Owners should expect to receive information regarding the repair program between July 15, 2022 and July 29, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 40,000 vehicles are included in this Toyota recall. To perform a check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiToyota recalls Tundra vehicles over stability concerns
Toyota recalls Tundra pickups over defective rearview camera

Toyota recalls Tundra pickups over defective rearview camera

May 22, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Plano , TX – May 22, 2022 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) has issued a recall for 18,101 2022 Toyota Tundra pickup trucks over a problem with the rearview camera. The camera might be unable to show the video feed on the dashboard monitor, which can affect the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. 

Recall summary

A parking assist electronic control unit (ECU) controls the signal sent to the panoramic view monitor (PVM) that uses multiple cameras to provide the driver with a 360-degree external view of the vehicle. One of these is the rearview camera that lets the driver see behind the vehicle.

Due to a software error the rear camera may fail to transmit an image during “certain weather conditions,” such as “cold temperatures.“

Recall risks

For more on risks of this recall, please visit our recent article on a Daimler truck recall because of the same issue.

Other Toyota recalls 

Toyota electrical issues include a previous recall in October 2021 due to an issue with the headlights.

Among other Toyota Tundra recalls is a recall from November 2021 over an issue with the power steering.

The repair

Dealers will reprogram the parking assist ECU on the affected models at no charge to the owner. Affected owners will be notified by June 27, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 18,000 vehicles are included in this Toyota rearview camera recall for the Tundra. To see if your car is affected by this Toyota recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloToyota recalls Tundra pickups over defective rearview camera
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