Laguna Hills, CA – October 15, 2018 – Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles due to excessive voltage in the inverter which may cause the hybrid system to shut down and the vehicle to stall while being driven. This recall affected more than 80,000 vehicles, including ones subject to prior recalls.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, the vehicles subject to this recall contain software used to control the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter assembly. This module is part of the vehicle’s hybrid system. Certain characteristics of the software used to control the boost converter in the IPM could cause higher thermal stress than normal to occur in specific transistors in the IPM, specifically during high-load driving activities, such as accelerating during highway driving. Over time, stress could damage certain transistors.

In limited instances, the motor/generator ECU could reset, or – if a specific transistor within the IPM fails in a certain way during a high-load driving condition – an abnormally high voltage could be generated. In either case, there is the possibility that the hybrid system could shut down instead of entering a failsafe driving mode, which could cause the vehicle to lose motive power while driving at higher speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. Drivers may be warned of transistor damage via the illumination of various warning lights and the display of a warning message on the instrument panel.

Timeline of Events

Between the month of January and March 2018, based on VOQs and other available information, NHTSA contacted Toyota about allegations of potential incidents where vehicles experienced a loss of motive power while driving at some time after having received the software updates from prior, related recalls (14V-053 and 15V-449.) Toyota began reviewing the information and recovering parts from the field.

Toyota conducted a search of available data for vehicles involved in 14V-053 and 15V-449 and identified a limited number of instances where the data in connection with certain inverter-related trouble codes suggested a possible “ready off.” Based on an initial analysis of recovered failed parts, damage was observed in certain transistors. Toyota surveyed vehicles to identify the software version present in field vehicles, and, in those cases where an inverter failure occurred. Continued analysis of the recovered failed inverters and freeze frame data in a limited number of cases did identify an unexpected, abnormally high voltage value related to the hybrid boost converter.

In September 2018, a design review of the software used to control the hybrid system components in addition to a review of the inverter circuit design identified a potential mechanism for the hybrid system to shutdown instead of entering a failsafe mode based on the observation of an abnormally high voltage in extremely rare cases. Toyota could not exclude the possibility that a limited population of vehicles did not successfully receive a software update in one or both of the ECUs, and the company decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall campaign.

The Solution

According to the Toyota Defect Information Report, Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk began October 22, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available.

Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota’s number for this recall is J0V. Owners may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-684. The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.

Laguna Hills, CA – October 12, 2018 – Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles due to a programming error that could affect air bag deployment.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, Toyota has determined that due to inappropriate programming of the air bag electronic control unit (ECU), a fault may be erroneously detected and disable a front or side supplemental restraint system (SRS) sensor.

If this were to occur, the air bag ECU may not appropriately identify a crash condition, the air bags may not deploy as intended, and as a result, this could lead to an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Timeline of Events

Toyota received reports describing illumination of the SRS warning light accompanied by a warning buzzer, master warning light illumination, and a message on the multi-information display, and began an investigation in June 2018.

A review of the Airbag ECU software identified that parameters for a routine self-check were not correct for the type of satellite sensors used in this system. This can result in a failure of the self-check, which will disable only the sensor which failed for that key cycle. Factors such as heat can affect whether the sensor will pass this check using the incorrect parameters.

Based on the results of the investigation, Toyota decided that the subject vehicles may not meet certain mandated requirements and issued a recall.

The Solution

All known owners of the subject vehicles will be notified by first class mail to return their vehicles to a Toyota dealer. The dealers will update the software of the Airbag ECU at no cost to owners. As the owner notification letters will be mailed out well within the active period of the Toyota New Vehicle Limited Warranty, all involved vehicles are assumed to be covered for this repair under Toyota’s Warranty.

The recall is expected to begin October 22, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota’s number for this recall is J0X. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA number for this recall is 18V-685.

Lilburn, Georgia – Sept. 15, 2018 – Toyota is recalling 192,000 of its 2016 to 2018 Prius hybrids that were sold in the U.S. due to a fire risk. According to a company press release, wiring in the front of the vehicle may wear over time, potentially resulting in a short circuit, which could cause a fire.

Affected vehicles include certain 2016 to 2018 Toyota Prius cars manufactured between June 2015 and May 2018. These vehicles are part of a larger 1 million vehicle worldwide recall, with the majority of the remaining vehicles sold in Japan, as well as some located in Canada, the U.K., Europe and Australia.

The Defect

These vehicles have an engine wire harness consisting of a bundle of wires wrapped in a protective sleeve. The wire harness is connected to the hybrid vehicle Power Control Unit, which controls electricity within the hybrid drivetrain. A portion of the wire harness can potentially contact the cover at this connection and wear over time. The resulting friction can cause an electrical short circuit, which can generate heat, leading to a vehicle fire.

Timeline of Events

As noted by Consumer Reports in early September, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has stated that Toyota discovered the defect after a dealer in Japan reported “abnormal odor, smoke, and flames” from a customer’s vehicle. To date, Toyota says that a single warranty claim in the U.S. may be related to the issue, but this has not been confirmed.

The recall covers all Toyota Prius and Prius Plug-in models built between June 2015 and May 2018, and also affects Toyota C-HR plug-in hybrid models sold in Europe, Japan, and Australia, but not in the U.S. Former Toyota recalls for Prius models over the past few years have included brake issues and software failures.

The Solution

According to Toyota, all repairs will be provided at no cost to customers. All known owners will receive a notification by first class mail starting in late October.

For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers have been instructed to check the engine wire harness assembly to see if a wire core is exposed. If there is visible exposure, the engine wire harness assembly will be replaced with a new one that includes a stronger protective sleeve. If a wire core is not currently exposed, specialized protective tape will be installed on the engine wire harness assembly to prevent wear at the point of contact.

Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Customers can also access current information on open safety recalls by Toyota by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at: www.toyota.com/recall. or nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Owners may also connect with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration through the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 18V579, or get more current information on current or potential recalls by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

The recall is expected to begin in early October 2018. Toyota had no additional comment beyond their press release.

Plano, Texas – June 29, 2018 – Toyota Motor North America has recalled more than 115,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective engine parts, according to a company press release. The campaign affects multiple vehicles across the Lexus brand, including:

• 2007-2011 Lexus GS 350 sedans.
• 2006-2013 Lexus IS 350 sedans.
• 2010-2014 Lexus IS 350C sedans.
• 2007-2011 Lexus GS 450H sedans.

The Defect

Affected models contain six-valve engines with fuel pulsation dampers whose diaphragms were constructed with faulty material and are therefore prone to cracking. Should diaphragm deterioration occur, a fuel leak may materialize, increasing the likelihood of engine fire. As a result, this defect poses a serious safety hazard to occupants. However, the Japanese automaker has yet to receive field reports that connect the defective engine components to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Toyota has yet to release information about the internal investigation that uncovered the defect.

The Solution

The car manufacturer has directed dealers to replace engine fuel delivery pipes in affected vehicles free of charge. The company intends to notify owners via first-class mail sometime in August 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can speak with Toyota customer service representatives by calling (800) 331-4331. They can also connect with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration through the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Plano, Texas – March 7, 2018 – Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing has recalled almost 12,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel lines, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The action affects 2018 Toyota Camry sedans produced between June 22, 2017, and Nov. 29, 2017. The automaker is unsure what percentage of the recalled vehicles contain the defective parts.

The Defect

The models involved in the campaign contain V-6 engines, which feature two fuel delivery lines connected to two fuel hoses. The fuel delivery lines were not properly connected to the hoses during assembly, increasing the likelihood of fuel leakage and engine fires. This defect obviously poses a serious threat to occupants. However, Toyota has not received reports connecting the defective fuel lines to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Toyota in November 2017 received a field report from the U.S. market outlining an instance in which sales staff cleaning a new 2018 Camry pre-delivery noticed a fuel odor coming from the engine compartment, according to chronology document the automaker submitted to the NHTSA. Engineers inspected the vehicle and found that fuel lines had detached from the fuel hoses, leaking gasoline into the engine compartment. The automaker launched an investigation immediately.

Quality assurance staff first reviewed the established fuel line assembly standards, which direct line workers to ensure the fuel lines and hoses are properly connected. After looking over these procedures and comparing them to the actions taken by assembly personnel at the plant from which the vehicle originated, Toyota decided that defect was not the result of flawed processes or execution.

Toyota then reached out to the vendor that supplied the parts and collaborated with the organization to review its internal production processes. This evaluation failed to yield a root cause. Soon after, the car manufacturer analyzed additional 2018 Camry sedans and found that a significant number exhibited the same defective fuel line assemblies.

However, Toyota did not discover an underlying reason for the detachment issue but put new assembly measures into place to more effective ensure engagement between fuel lines and hoses. The organization implemented additional sensor checks on its lines and updated its standard working procedures to place more emphasis on fuel line assembly functionality. It also launched two field studies to collect additional data on the phenomenon.

On Feb. 6, 2018, Toyota quality assurance and safety personnel reviewed the matter and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The automaker notified dealers Feb. 14, 2018.

The Solution

Toyota has directed dealers to inspect the fuel line assemblies in affected vehicles and correct them if necessary, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. These repairs will be done at no charge to the customer. Toyota intends to reach out to owners March 30, 2018, via first-class mail. Those in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can contact Toyota customer service staff at (888) 270-9371. The internal recall identification code for the recall is J0G. Owners can also contact the NHTSA using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Plano, Texas – March 7, 2018 – Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing has recalled almost 12,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel lines, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The action affects 2018 Toyota Camry sedans produced between June 22, 2017, and Nov. 29, 2017. The automaker is unsure what percentage of the recalled vehicles contain the defective parts.

The Defect

The models involved in the campaign contain V-6 engines, which feature two fuel delivery lines connected to two fuel hoses. The fuel delivery lines were not properly connected to the hoses during assembly, increasing the likelihood of fuel leakage and engine fires. This defect obviously poses a serious threat to occupants. However, Toyota has not received reports connecting the defective fuel lines to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Toyota in November 2017 received a field report from the U.S. market outlining an instance in which sales staff cleaning a new 2018 Camry pre-delivery noticed a fuel odor coming from the engine compartment, according to chronology document the automaker submitted to the NHTSA. Engineers inspected the vehicle and found that fuel lines had detached from the fuel hoses, leaking gasoline into the engine compartment. The automaker launched an investigation immediately.

Quality assurance staff first reviewed the established fuel line assembly standards, which direct line workers to ensure the fuel lines and hoses are properly connected. After looking over these procedures and comparing them to the actions taken by assembly personnel at the plant from which the vehicle originated, Toyota decided that defect was not the result of flawed processes or execution.

Toyota then reached out to the vendor that supplied the parts and collaborated with the organization to review its internal production processes. This evaluation failed to yield a root cause. Soon after, the car manufacturer analyzed additional 2018 Camry sedans and found that a significant number exhibited the same defective fuel line assemblies.

However, Toyota did not discover an underlying reason for the detachment issue but put new assembly measures into place to more effective ensure engagement between fuel lines and hoses. The organization implemented additional sensor checks on its lines and updated its standard working procedures to place more emphasis on fuel line assembly functionality. It also launched two field studies to collect additional data on the phenomenon.

On Feb. 6, 2018, Toyota quality assurance and safety personnel reviewed the matter and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The automaker notified dealers Feb. 14, 2018.

The Solution

Toyota has directed dealers to inspect the fuel line assemblies in affected vehicles and correct them if necessary, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. These repairs will be done at no charge to the customer. Toyota intends to reach out to owners March 30, 2018, via first-class mail. Those in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can contact Toyota customer service staff at (888) 270-9371. The internal recall identification code for the recall is J0G. Owners can also contact the NHTSA using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Plano, TX – March 1, 2018 – Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing has recalled more than 48,000 vehicles potentially equipped defective air bag sensors, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

• 2016 Toyota Prius hybrid sedans produced between June 9, 2015 and Dec. 25, 2015.
• 2015-2016 Lexus NX hybrid luxury crossovers produced between May 25, 2015 and Oct. 16, 2015.
• 2016 Lexus RX luxury sport utility vehicles produced between May 7, 2015 and Jan. 13, 2016.

Toyota is unsure what percentage of the vehicles actually contain the defective equipment.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain air bag assemblies featuring acceleration and pressure sensors with defective integrated circuit chips. These electronic components are coated in insulation prone to peeling. In the event that this does occur, an open circuit may materialize within the IC chip, causing the associated acceleration and pressure sensors to fail. Should this occur, front, side and curtain air bags may not deploy properly in the event of an accident. This poses a serious safety hazard to occupants. However, Toyota has yet to receive reports connecting the defective parts to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In October 2015, Toyota received reports from the American and Asian markets outlining instances in which drivers observed their air bag warning lights illuminating, indicating that the safety features in their respective vehicles were not functioning properly, according to a chronology document submitted to the NHTSA. Toyota recovered parts from the vehicles referenced in the reports and conducted tests. These analyses showed that the pressure and acceleration sensors were not functioning due to an open circuit, a product of widespread IC chip insulation peeling. The vehicles involved in the reports were all produced in June and July 2015, and most originated from the Asian market.

Toyota continued to conduct tests throughout the fall of 2015 and winter, spring and summer of 2016. Eventually, these evaluations revealed that the Desno Corporation, the automaker’s air bag sensor supplier, had in November 2014 amended its gas flow control methodology for acceleration and pressure sensor insulation installation. This production change led to the release of high quantities of phosphorus gas. Denso eventually returned to its previous gas flow control strategy Dec. 13.

In June 2016, Toyota received another report centered on the nonworking pressure and acceleration sensors, this time from a dealer in the U.S. market. The automaker decided to consider regional environmental variability in its ongoing investigation in the defective parts, as it suspected humidity levels and temperature could play a role in the degradation of the IC chip insulation. Engineers involved in the inquiry also returned to the high phosphorus that resulted from Desno’s production adjustment. Toyota ultimately exposed the phosphorus-laden IC chips to high humidity and temperatures for extended periods of time in an effort to replicate the sensor dysfunction detailed in the original field report received in October 2015.

As these tests got off the ground, Toyota received additional reports outlining instances in which drivers had encountered air bag warning lights. The car company retrieved the parts installed in the vehicles mentioned in the report and found that their IC chips did not function. Engineers eventually found that another production malfunction at the Desno plant – this time the breakage of device meant to measure boron concentration levels within IC chip insulation – and laid the groundwork for failure. The devices shipped to Toyota featured insulation with overly high concentrations of boron and, as investigators eventually learned, facilitated the development of open circuits. Desno amended its production processes immediately to ensure such an error did not reoccur.

In April 2017, Toyota concluded the IC chip exposure tests and found that the phosphorus-filled insulation did indeed lead to the creation of open circuits, which could cause acceleration and pressure sensors to fail. The automaker also confirmed that high temperatures and humidity levels exacerbated the degradation of the insulation. The organization continued to explore this issue throughout the rest of 2017 and ultimately ended its investigation in January 2018.

On Jan. 25 Toyota quality assurance personnel reviewed the matter and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. Toyota informed dealers Jan. 31, at which point it had collected seven field technical reports and 110 warranty claims related to the defective acceleration and pressure sensors.

The Solution

The automaker has directed dealers to replace the air bag sensors in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Toyota intends to notify owners via first-class mail between March 12 and April 1. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Toyota customer service personnel by calling (800) 331-4331 and using the internal recall identification codes JLA or J0F. They can also reach out the the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.