Toyota recalls trucks and SUVs with inoperable parking brakes

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 hybrid, conventional and FCEV cars over reduced stability

Plano, TX – May 14, 2022 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 458,054 vehicles whose stability control may fail to turn back on automatically after it is turned off. This makes the vehicle less stable during sudden maneuvers, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

A total of 17 different models are affected by this recall, including the following:  

  • 2020 – 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 
  • 2021 – 2022 Toyota Mirai 
  • 2021 – 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime
  • 2021 – 2022 Toyota Sienna 
  • 2021 – 2022 Toyota Venza
  • 2021 – 2022 Lexus LS500H 
  • 2022 Lexus LX600
  • 2022 Lexus NX350H
  • 2022 Lexus NX450H+
  • 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 

Recall summary  

All cars on this list are equipped with a Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system. Its job is to prevent the vehicle from skidding during fast maneuvers or when the road is slippery. The drivers may disengage this system, but it is supposed to resume automatically every time the car is restarted. 

As a result of a programming error, the VSC system in affected vehicles may remain disengaged even after the restart. This happens only when the driver keeps her foot on the brake while shutting off the car and turning it back on

As a result, drivers are more likely to lose control of a vehicle, especially when driving fast or on slippery roads.

The component behind this recall is the brake actuator assembly, with multiple part numbers including 44510-48090 or 44540-50231. 

Recall risks

The defect increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs

If the VSC is off, a warning light will illuminate on the dashboard.

Other Toyota recalls

There was a Toyota Sienna recall in November 2021, caused by seatbelts that were prone to tearing. In February, the manufacturer recalled 41,544 Toyota Venzas hybrid SUVs because of faulty turn signals, as reported.

The repair

To fix the issue, Toyota and Lexus authorized dealers will reprogram the Vehicle Stability Control ECU (electronic control unit) and install an updated software version. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between May 16, 2022 and June 24, 2022.   

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Toyota electrical issues have caused a recall that affects almost half a million vehicles. To do a Toyota recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicToyota recalls hybrid, conventional and FCEV cars over reduced stability

Toyota recalls certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles due to faulty fuel pump

Laguna Hills, Calif. – January 16, 2020 – Toyota is recalling certain 2018 and 2019 Toyota and Lexus model year vehicles that may be installed with a faulty fuel pump. Hybrid vehicles are exempt from this recall.

The estimated total of affected vehicles is more than 1,830,000

The Defect

Toyota has not released specifics on the defect in the faulty fuel pumps. Affected drivers should expect to notice that the vehicle’s engine will start to run rough and a series of warning lights may appear on the dashboard or car monitor. Affected vehicles engines may stall and not restart if installed with the recalled fuel pump. 

Affected vehicles include

• 2018 and 2019 Toyota 4Runner, Highlander, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia SUVs; Toyota Camry sedans; Toyota Sienna minivans; and Toyota Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks

• 2018 and 2019 Lexus ES 350, GS 350, IS 300, LS 500 and sedans; Lexus LC 500, RC 350, and RC 300 coupes; and Lexus GX 460, LX 570, and RX 350 SUVs

• 2019 Lexus NX 300 and RX 350 L SUVs and GS 300 and GS200t sedans

• 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla sedans

Toyota cannot confirm or deny the number of injuries related to this specific recall.

Solution

According to a statement released by Toyota there is no current solution for this specific recall as the company is still “investigating the issue.” If vehicle owners suspect that their specific vehicle is affected, they are advised to stop operation of the vehicle and call Toyota customer service at 800-331-4331 or Lexus customer service at 800-255-3987 immediately. The specific recall numbers for Toyota vehicles are 20TB02 and 20TA02. The specific recall numbers for Lexus vehicles are 20LB01 and 20LA01. 

Affected vehicle owners should expect a formal notification from Toyota by mid-March, with specific instructions as the cause and solution of the faulty fuel pump issue. 

For more information on this and other recalls, visit www.motorsafety.org.

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About MotorSafety.org

MotorSafety.org is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to vehicle safety and assisting consumers with the identification and resolution of vehicle manufacturing recalls and defects. Through education, awareness, government relations, repair facility referrals and strategic partnerships, MotorSafety.org hopes to remove every unsafe vehicle from the road, facilitate its proper repair, and ensure its prompt return to the owner once the vehicle has met the required safety and performance standards. For more information about MotorSafety.org, please email support@motorsafety.org.

Marshall EarleyToyota recalls certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles due to faulty fuel pump

Toyota yanks over 928,200 cars with faulty Takata airbags

Laguna Hills, CA – October 24, 2019 – Toyota is recalling more than 928,200 models of various types due to concerns that the air bags installed in these vehicles’ dashboards and steering wheels could explode upon deployment in a crash and hurl deadly shrapnel at the driver or passengers.

A total of 17 different model types are included in this recall action, several of which are under Toyota’s luxury brand. Here’s a partial list:

  • 2007-2012 Lexus ES350
  • 2010-2017 Lexus GX460
  • 2006-2012 Lexus IS 250
  • 2010-2015 Lexus IS 250c
  • 2006-2012 Lexus IS 350
  • 2010-2016 Toyota 4Runner
  • 2003-2013 Toyota Corolla
  • 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla Matrix
  • 2004-2005 Toyota RAV4
  • 2002-2007 Toyota Sequoia

The defect

Toyota has announced the recall of 928,203 models because the air bag inflators may be faulty. The propellant used to inflate the air bags once triggered may degrade in high-humidity environments, which could lead to an explosion of the air bag itself. Sharp objects within the unit could cause serious injury or death should they strike the passenger or driver.

Timeline of events

As previously noted, Toyota is one of several automakers impacted by air bag recalls, as millions of automobiles have returned to dealerships so their original bags can be swapped out for fully operating ones. In fact, all of the listed vehicles were a part of a separate air bag recall for the same problem. This is the second and final phase of the original recall. The errant air bags in question were developed by Takata, which filed for bankruptcy in 2017. According to Reuters, at least 24 people have been killed worldwide as a result of rupturing air bags. Of these deaths, 16 took place in the U.S.

Just because there are recall notices out on numerous makes and models doesn’t mean that they’re all attended to, despite owners’ receipt of notifications. In 2018, however, repair rates improved rather sharply among several models. These included the 2006 Ford Ranger (82% in October 2018 from 6% in January 2018), and multiple 2001-2003 Honda models, with an overall 96% repair rate by the end of 2018, according to NHTSA data.

Several of the automobiles subject to this latest air bag recall were also involved in a previous one that was announced in February. That one affected 1.2 million vehicles, among them 2010-2016 4Runner, 2011-2013 Corolla and 2011-2013 Corolla Matrix vehicles.

The solution

Starting November 15, Toyota will begin distributing notifications via first-class mail informing owners of this most recent air bag recall. Before this, however, each car will be inspected to determine the nature of the problem and the appropriate corrective action. For example, the driver and/or passenger air bags may be defective. Whatever the case may be, the inflator, air bag assembly or both will be swapped out. This repair is free, and the fix should take approximately one hour to complete.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 928,000 cars were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, 545,271 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Note: June 8, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we have added the last section to allow the driver to check if his or her car is part of the recall and reflect the most up-to-date information on the recall’s completion rates. The article has also been updated to reflect the latest editorial standards.

Sean ReyesToyota yanks over 928,200 cars with faulty Takata airbags

Toyota recalls vehicles with defective brakes

December 16, 2021 Update — Toyota Motor North America has remedied issues presented on 6,753 (97% of total) of their vehicles including the 2020 Toyota Prius and the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid with brake failures. Other data provided by Toyota are that 39 of these models have been categorized as unreachable and 18 have been removed from the recall. Two groups of these models were remedied in 2019 and four groups in 2020 for improperly manufactured booster pumps.

This may increase the stopping distance and by consequence the risk of a crash and injury, just like was reported on a similar recall for the 2018-2019 Toyota Camry with brake failure issues.

Laguna Hills, Calif. — July 31, 2019 — Toyota Motor North America has recalled almost 7,000 vehicles including the 2020 Toyota Prius and the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid equipped with defective brakes, according to an organizational press release. The safety action affects multiple models across the Toyota and Lexus brands, including:

  • 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid sport utility vehicles
  • 2019-2020 Toyota Prius Prime sedans
  • 2020 Toyota Prius sedans
  • 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid sedans
  • 2019 Lexus UX 250h crossovers
  • 2019 Lexus ES 300h sedans
  • 2019 Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h coupes

Similar to what happened in the past with brake issues on some 2017-2018 Toyota and Lexus models, the Japanese automaker has yet to speculate just how many of the recalled vehicles could actually contain the defective components.

The Defect

The affected vehicles could come equipped with brake assemblies that have improperly manufactured and failure-prone booster pumps. Should these features falter, both the brake assist and Vehicle Stability Control modules may also stop functioning, drastically reducing vehicle drivability and increasing the risk of an accident. And in addition to posing an immense danger to owners, occupants and pedestrians, the defect creates a condition that violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 126, which requires “electronic stability control systems on passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses with a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 Kg (10,000 pounds) or less,” according to the NHTSA.

Timeline of Events

Toyota has yet to release more specific details on the investigation that lead to this recall.

The Solution

The automaker has directed dealers to assess all recalled vehicles and, if necessary, replace their brake booster pumps at no cost to customers. Toyota intends to notify owners throughout the month of September 2019 via first-class mail. Those in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Toyota customer service personnel by calling (800) 331-4331, or reach out to Lexus staff at (800) 255-3987. Owners can always contact the NHTSA directly by using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Almost 7,000 vehicles are included in this GM recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesToyota recalls vehicles with defective brakes

Toyota Adds Nearly 1.3 Million Vehicles to Takata Air Bag Recall

Toyota, Japan – Feb. 27, 2019 – Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain vehicles equipped with Takata air bags containing inflators that can become hazardous over time. Affected vehicles cover units in a range manufactured between 2010 and 2017, from areas determined to be most at risk for propellant degradation. This includes most Southern, Mideastern and Midwestern states (classed as Zones A, B, and C) as well as U.S. territories including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The potential number of units affected is 1,299,448. Vehicles affected may include:

• 2010-2016 Toyota 4Runner vehicles
• 2011-2015 Scion xB vehicles
• 2011-2015 Toyota Sienna vehicles
• 2010-2014 Lexus IS350C and IS250C vehicles
• 2011-2015 Lexus IS-F vehicles
• 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles
• 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla vehicles
• 2011-2013 Corolla Matrix vehicles

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safety Report filed Jan. 9, the subject vehicles all are equipped with front passenger air bag inflators of the Takata PSPI-6 designation. These airbags contain a non-desiccated, phase stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant. It has been determined that propellant degradation is certain to occur at some point in time after prolonged exposure to high absolute humidity or temperature.

If a non-desiccated ammonium nitrate inflator with degraded propellant is activated during a collision, it may result in a rupture of the inflator, which can subsequently cause metal fragments to pass through the air bag and into the vehicle interior. The high speed deployment of the fragments can cause severe injury or death to vehicle occupants.

Timeline of Events

On Jan. 2, Takata filed Part 573 reports in accordance with terms specified in the May 4, 2016 Amendment to the Nov. 3, 2015 Consent Order between Takata and the NHTSA. Based on Takata’s Part 573 reports, Toyota decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall about a week later to identify the subject vehicles and replace the air bag inflator or assembly. Toyota has, however, stated that it does not, by this action, fully endorse the content of Takata’s Part 573 reports.

Based on Toyota’s defect information report, the automaker is unable to provide an estimate of the percentage of vehicles that are an immediate danger. As noted in the May 2016 Amendment to the Takata Consent Order, the length of time that a non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflator will have reached the point where they pose an unreasonable risk to safety could be quite long and is dependent on the age of the inflator and environmental exposure, among other factors. The recall is being deployed in phases with vehicles deemed most at risk – as well as those located in hot and humid regions – being prioritized.

The Solution

The recall began Feb. 15. By March 10, all known owners of the affected Toyota and Lexus vehicles will have been notified of the recall by first class mail, and instructed to return their vehicles to a Toyota or Lexus dealer, as applicable. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will either replace the front passenger airbag inflator only, or replace the entire airbag assembly, free of charge. Any vehicle owners who have already paid to fix this condition prior to this campaign may seek reimbursement for their costs.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Nearly 1.3 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 1,060,060 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesToyota Adds Nearly 1.3 Million Vehicles to Takata Air Bag Recall

Toyota, Lexus, Scion Recall 1.3 Million Vehicles for Takata Airbags

Toyota is adding 1.3 million vehicles in the U.S. to its list of those that should have their Takata airbags inflators replaced. Lexus and Scion vehicles are also included in the recall.

This latest announcement from Toyota covers passenger-side front airbag inflators, and is part of the effort by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and automakers to space out the replacement of Takata airbag inflators based on the risk to drivers and passengers.

The goal has been to get replacement inflators to vehicle owners in the highest-risk regions first, and then to the rest of the country later, as the supply of replacement inflators grew. The last wave of recalls is scheduled for early in 2020…Read more on ConsumerReports.org

Sean ReyesToyota, Lexus, Scion Recall 1.3 Million Vehicles for Takata Airbags

Toyota recalls more Takata airbag inflators – 1.3 million vehicles involved

Plano, Texas, Jan. 9, 2019 – Toyota has announced a planned expansion of recalls affecting vehicles with Takata air bag inflators that may rupture, hurling potentially deadly shrapnel at vehicle occupants. This recall has already involved millions of cars and trucks worldwide, across a broad spectrum of manufacturers and brands.

This new round of affected vehicles includes both Toyota and Lexus models. The latest recall involves the following cars and trucks:

  • 2010-2016 Toyota 4Runner
  • 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla
  • 2010-2013 Toyota Matrix
  • 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna
  • 2010-2015 Scion XB
  • 2010-2012 Lexus ES 350
  • 2010-2017 Lexus GX 460
  • 2010-2015 Lexus IS 250C
  • 2010-2015 Lexus IS 350C
  • 2010-2013 Lexus IS 250
  • 2010-2013 Lexus IS 350
  • 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F

The Defect

The problem with the Takata inflators is one of the most serious defects to be revealed in recent years. When the propellants used in the parts degrade in high heat, humidity and temperature cycling, activation may result in a rupture in the air bag inflator. Ruptured air bags can throw sharp metal fragments at the occupants of vehicles, injuring or even killing them.

The danger from these potentially deadly air bags increases over time, which is why the Takata recall began with earlier cars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association has been coordinating the cycles of recalls. In total, the department is targeting 37 million vehicles. The most dangerous type of Takata air bag, designated “alpha,” is found in vehicles older than those recently recalled by Toyota – owners of those cars were notified during the beginning of the recall.

Timeline of Events

The waves of the Takata recall have been ongoing since 2015. Unlike other recalls that are determined based on laboratory testing or safety inspections, the air bag inflator fault was discovered after several deadly accidents involving the compromised parts. The recall began with the vehicles most likely to contain high-risk inflators, with waves of new announcements following every few months.

According to Toyota, owners of the mentioned in the latest stage of the recall will receive letters in late January alerting them to the need to receive service for their vehicles.

The Solution

As with other stages of the Takata recall, the solution for the current round of air bag repairs involves replacing either the inflator or the whole airbag assembly, depending on the model of car in question. The modification will be carried out by Toyota and Lexus dealerships and repair work will be offered at no charge to drivers.

The automaker noted that it has been working on outreach efforts to ensure as many motorists as possible realize they need to have their vehicles repaired. Through practices such as holding events and working with third-party organizations, Toyota and the other carmakers using Takata air bag inflators have been publicizing the recall for the past few years.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Nearly 1.3 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 1,060,060 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesToyota recalls more Takata airbag inflators – 1.3 million vehicles involved

Toyota Recalls Nearly 170,000 More Vehicles Due to Takata Airbag Issues

Laguna Hills, CA – December 31, 2018 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 169,481 vehicles with faulty Takata airbag inflators that may explode and injure vehicle occupants. The recall includes the following models:

  • 2002-2005 Lexus SC
  • 2002-2005 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla
  • 2003-2005 Tundra
  • 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe

Recall summary

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, these vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

On December 7, 2018, in consideration of a sufficient supply of final remedy inflators and upon discussion with the Agency, Toyota decided to conduct a campaign to replace the air bag inflator or the air bag assembly on certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Additionally, Toyota is also recalling certain Pontiac Vibe vehicles based on General Motors’ request, and in consideration of a sufficient supply of final remedy inflators by them.

Not all vehicles in the affected range were sold in the U.S. The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger air bag inflators (Takata-designated SPI, PSPI or PSPI-L) which contain a non-desiccated phase stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant and that were replaced as a “like-for-like” inflator under a prior recall by Takata, although Takata’s official DIRs that affect the subject vehicles will not occur until late 2019. Toyota is accelerating the launch of the remedy for these vehicles in advance of the Takata decisions.

The repair

Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator or replace the air bag assembly that includes an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 14, 2019.

This recall includes vehicles that have had their air bag previously replaced under an earlier air bag campaign. General Motors will notify NHTSA separately of its repair and notification schedule and its campaign number concerning the Pontiac Vibe, and will provide reimbursement to owners for repairs according to the plan submitted by GM on May 19, 2017.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 160,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 104,197 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesToyota Recalls Nearly 170,000 More Vehicles Due to Takata Airbag Issues

Toyota recalls vehicles with defective engine components

Plano, Texas – July 25, 2018 – Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing has recalled more than 114,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective engine components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models across the Lexus brand, including:

  • 2007-2011 Lexus GS 350 sedans produced between June 19, 2006, and Aug. 28, 2011.
  • 2007-2011 Lexus GS 450h sedans produced between Sept. 26, 2005, and Aug. 23, 2011.
  • 2006-2013 Lexus IS 350 sedans produced between May 27, 2005, and March 19, 2013.
  • 2010-2014 Lexus IS 350c sedans produced between Nov. 25, 2008, and Aug. 5, 2014.

The Japanese automaker is unsure how many of the recalled models actually contain defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain 3.5-liter engines with intake port fuel injection systems featuring gasoline delivery pipes and pulsation dampers. The material used for the diaphragms in the pulsation dampers can thicken after coming into contact with fuel containing high concentrations of ethanol. Over time, hardening may give way to cracking, which, in turn, could lead to fuel leakage and engine fire. The defect therefore poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Toyota has yet to receive field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The car manufacturer has yet to release details into the investigation that uncovered the defect. That said, the company has confirmed that it notified dealers of the impending recall campaign June 26, 2018.

The Solution

Toyota has directed dealers to replace the fuel delivery pipes and pulsation dampers in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automaker intends to reach out to owners via first-class mail on or around Aug. 9, 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can speak with Toyota customer service personnel by calling (800) 255-3987. Callers should use the internal recall identification code JLF. Of course, owners can also contact the NHTSA directly by using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesToyota recalls vehicles with defective engine components