Toyota Auto Recalls and Defects
Toyota Motor Co. is a Japanese automaker and one of the biggest automobile manufacturers in the world. In fact, for the past few years, Toyota has cemented itself as the world’s largest carmaker, just ahead of Germany’s Volkswagen AG. Toyota reported sales of 10.5 million vehicles in 2021 alone, including sales from affiliates Daihatsu Motors and Hino Motors. Toyota sells vehicles worldwide and is one of the largest distributors of automobiles to the United States.
Although Toyota touts its safety and reliability, the automaker has had to issue a number of high-profile recalls in recent years. Millions of Americans and others around the globe have discovered that they are driving hazardous, dangerously defective vehicles, with issues ranging from steering failure to stalling engines, oil leaks, and brake failures.
Our California Lemon Law Firm has compiled a list of notable recent Toyota recalls and defects. Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) on Toyota’s website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database to determine if your vehicle is or was subject to a recall. If you bought or leased a Toyota and discovered a serious defect, or if your Toyota auto is subject to a recall, you have important legal rights. The Lemon Law attorney at Nita Lemon Law Firm is here to help.
2020-2022 Toyota and Lexus Brands: Electronic Brake Control Malfunction
As recently as April 2022, Toyota issued a recall of 460,000 vehicles sold across the United States. The recall pertained to a software error that carried the risk of disabling the vehicle’s electronic “stability control system.” Because of the software defect, the control system might not be initiated when the car is restarted, which can result in the system remaining disabled even while the vehicle is in use. The electronic stability control system is a system that uses a computer to individually brake wheels in order to help drivers maintain control.
The recent recall affects model years 2020 to 2022 for the Toyota Venza, Mirai, RAV4 Hybrid, RAV4 Prime, Sienna HV, and Highlander HV, as well as the Lexus LS500h, LX600, NX350h, and NX450h-plus. Owners of affected Toyota and Lexus vehicles can obtain a software update from dealerships to correct the issue.
2022 Tundra: Rearview Camera Malfunction
Toyota is recalling over 18,000 model year 2022 Tundra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. The recall is based on a faulty parking assist electronic control unit which may prevent transmission of the rearview camera signal during cold weather. A rearview camera that does not display an image increases the risk of a crash, especially during parking.
2021 Venva: Turn Signal Malfunction
Toyota issued a recall covering more than 41,500 model year 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid vehicles in connection with a turn signal issue. The vehicles were built such that water can enter the rear turn signal LED lights, leading to condensation forming on the circuit board. A wet circuit board can short circuit, which may cause dimming or failure of the turn signals and hazard lights. Malfunctioning turn signals significantly increase the risk of an accident by depriving the driver of the ability to signal a turn or lane charge to other drivers.
2018-2021 Tundra: Fire Risk
Toyota recalled over 158,000 Toyota Tundras with model years 2018-2021 based on an unreasonable risk of spontaneous combustion. The vehicles are equipped with faulty headlight electrical circuits that may power the high beams and low beams simultaneously, which can overheat the electrical connector. When the electrical connector overheats, it carries the risk of a sudden fire. Whether at home or on the road, a sudden fire can be devastating.
2018-2019 Camry: Brake Failure
Over 227,000 2018-2019 Toyota Camrys were recalled after it was discovered that the vane cap inside the vacuum cup was prone to breakage. A failed vacuum pump can cause a sudden loss of braking assist, which significantly increases the risk of an accident.
If Your Toyota Is a Lemon, We’re Ready to Help
If you bought or leased a defective Toyota RAV4, Highlander, Camry, Tundra, or any other faulty car in California, you have the right to get the product you paid for or get your money back. If you or someone you love was hurt because of a dangerously defective vehicle, you have the right to seek compensation, and the right to seek justice. The California Lemon Law team at Nita Lemon Law Firm is ready to help.
