Toyota Common Recalls

Founded in 1937, Toyota Motor Corporation is now one of the world’s best-known automakers. Toyota produces about 10 million vehicles annually, making it the largest auto manufacturer worldwide. 

Today, Toyota produces vehicles under multiple brand names, including both Toyota and Lexus in the United States. Many Toyota vehicles are assembled in the United States; parts for many vehicles are manufactured in the US as well. 

Toyota has a reputation for consistent quality in its vehicles. Yet Toyota is not immune to vehicle defects. Toyota drivers may face vehicle recalls, which must be addressed to protect drivers and passengers from potentially dangerous defects. 

Recent Toyota Recalls

Toyota lists 25 open recalls on its website. Many of these recalls focus on technology issues.

Damaged Air Bag Wiring in Toyota Venza

Toyota recalled nearly 280,000 Toyota Venza vehicles in model years 2009-2015 for issues with wiring in the airbag system. The wiring can become damaged with regular use of the driver’s side door. Damaged wiring can cause the airbags to fail in a crash. 

Toyota issued the recall in 2021 with plans to notify drivers and replace any damaged wiring. Vehicle owners are instructed to bring their vehicles to a Toyota dealership for repairs. 

Fuel Pump Issues in Toyota and Lexus Vehicles

Over 1.5 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles are included in a December 2020 recall for issues with the fuel pump. The low-pressure pump inside the fuel tank can fail, causing the engine to stall – a situation that may lead to a crash if the vehicle is driving in traffic at the time. 

The recall states that Toyota will replace the fuel pump assembly. Owners can contact Toyota or Lexus customer service for more information. 

Power Module Problems in Toyota Prius and Prius V

In August 2020, Toyota issued a recall of 266,638 Prius and Prius V vehicles in model years 2013-2017. In these vehicles, high voltage in the car’s Intelligent Power Module can cause the hybrid system to shut down. If this happens, the vehicle may stall in traffic, increasing the risk of a crash. 

Toyota’s planned solution is a software update for the system. In vehicles where the inverter has failed, the inverter assembly will be replaced as well. 

Fuel Supply Errors in Toyota Highlander

A 2020 Toyota Highlander recall affects 38,810 vehicles in model year 2020. The recall focuses on Highlanders with a 3.5 L, V6 gas engine. 

A programming error in the engine control unit can cause the vehicle to supply fuel to the engine incorrectly, especially if the vehicle is stopped and restarted. When fuel is supplied incorrectly, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. 

Common Factors in Toyota Recalls

Technology issues have become a common sight in Toyota recall notices, as well as in notices from other automakers. As electric vehicles become more common and computerized vehicle components become routine, more tech-related issues are likely to appear in vehicles. These problems are especially common with new technologies. 

Other safety issues that appear in recent Toyota recall notices include:

• Head restraints may be removed or come loose, increasing the risk to occupants in a crash. 
• Airbags may fail to deploy if the side windows are rolled down.
• Rearview cameras may short-circuit because the camera housing is not watertight. 
• Engine knocking, rough running, failures to start, or loss of power can occur in engines that weren’t properly cleaned when the engine was built.
• Occupant sensors may fail, causing airbags to deactivate in a crash. 
• Rear door latches may fail, putting occupants of the rear seat at risk of the doors flying open while the vehicle is moving or during a collision. 
• Retaining nuts on the vehicle’s axles can loosen or fall off, greatly increasing the risk that the vehicle will separate from its axle.
• Lag in the backup camera image can cause the camera to display the view behind the vehicle incorrectly, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. 

Not all these issues affect every Toyota model or model year. Check for recall updates to see which issues may affect your vehicle. 

Is My Toyota a Lemon?

Many vehicle issues are identified in recalls. Some are not. You may have a lemon vehicle if you’ve attempted to have your Toyota or Lexus dealership repair the issue several times, yet the problem persists. 

If you suspect you have a lemon, talk to an experienced California lemon law attorney. A lawyer can help you understand and protect your rights under lemon law.

If your vehicle is a lemon, we will take your case on a contingency fee basis at no charge to you. Wirtz Law APC provides one of the best Lemon Law attorney services in California, including Southern California, Northern California, Central California, and Eastern California.

If your car, truck, hybrid, SUV, or EV is experiencing substantial or repeated issues, speak to one of our expert lemon law attorneys at the Wirtz Law APC. We take pride in serving our clients and have obtained over $70 Million in settlements. Call us at (858) 259-5009 for a free, no-obligation evaluation.