Toyota is recalling 751,000 Highlanders for bumper repairs.
Toyota is issuing a recall for approximately 751,000 Highlander SUVs to address an issue with the tabs that secure the front bumper covers.
The recall applies to select Highlander models from 2020 through 2023, including gas-electric hybrids, according to a news release from Toyota on Oct. 26.
These vehicles have front lower covers made of resin that are connected with mounting tabs, the company explained.
A minor impact to the lower front bumper cover can cause the mounting tabs to detach while the vehicle is in motion, Toyota warned. This could result in parts falling onto the road, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
To address the issue, dealers will inspect the upper to lower front bumper cover mounting tabs and slots for any damage. If no damage is found, improved hardware will be installed to secure the covers, Toyota stated.
If damage is discovered, dealers will replace the upper and/or lower bumper covers and install the improved hardware at no cost to the owners.
Toyota plans to notify affected owners by late December.
Owners can check if their Highlander is affected by entering their Vehicle Identification Number or license plate information at toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls. Alternatively, they can contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet assigned a campaign number for this recall.
Highlanders were previously included in a recall earlier this year due to faulty wiring in the steering columns. If the wiring disconnects from the airbag, it may fail to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of driver injury. Other Recalls
In September, Hyundai and Kia recalled nearly 3.4 million vehicles due to the potential for engine compartment fires.
Affected Kia models include the 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, and Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid and Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo.
Hyundai models covered by the recall include the 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, and Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, and Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe and Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport.
The issue involves an anti-lock brake control module that can leak fluid and cause an electrical short, potentially leading to a fire while the vehicles are parked or in motion, according to documents from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The automakers have advised owners to park their vehicles outdoors and away from structures until repairs are completed. Dealers will replace the anti-lock brake fuse free of charge.
Kia will begin sending notification letters to owners on Nov. 14, while Hyundai will start on Nov. 21.
According to the documents, Hyundai reported 21 fires and 22 “thermal incidents” (including smoke, burning, and melting of parts) in the affected vehicles in the United States. Kia reported 10 fires and melting incidents.
Hyundai stated that owners can continue to drive their vehicles, as no crashes or injuries have been reported. The recall is being conducted to ensure customer safety, the automaker added.
The company explained that an O-ring in the antilock brake motor shaft can lose sealing strength over time due to moisture, dirt, and dissolved metals in the brake fluid, resulting in leaks. The new fuse limits the operating current of the brake module, Hyundai said.
Kia stated that an engine compartment fire could occur in the area of the brake control unit due to an electrical short causing excessive current. The exact cause of the short circuit is unknown, and no crashes or injuries have been reported, according to the statement.
Under the federal motor vehicle safety act, automakers have the option to choose the remedy for fixing a defect. NHTSA will monitor the effectiveness of the repairs and initiate an investigation if necessary.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
How will Toyota dealers resolve the issue with the front bumper covers?
Toyota Issues Recall for Approximately 751,000 Highlander SUVs
Toyota has announced a recall for around 751,000 Highlander SUVs to address an issue with the tabs that secure the front bumper covers. The recall applies to select Highlander models from 2020 through 2023, including gas-electric hybrids.
According to Toyota, these vehicles have front lower covers made of resin that are connected with mounting tabs. Any minor impact to the lower front bumper cover can cause the mounting tabs to detach while the vehicle is in motion. This poses a risk as parts could fall onto the road, increasing the chance of a crash or injury.
To resolve the issue, Toyota dealers will inspect the upper to lower front bumper cover mounting tabs and slots for any damage. If no damage is found, improved hardware will be installed to secure the covers. However, if damage is discovered, dealers will replace the upper and/or lower bumper covers and install the improved hardware at no cost to the owners. Toyota plans to notify affected owners by late December.
To determine if their Highlander is affected, owners can enter their Vehicle Identification Number or license plate information at toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls. Alternatively, they can contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331.
It is important to note that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet assigned a campaign number for this recall.
This is not the first recall for Toyota Highlander SUVs this year. Earlier, the vehicles were included in a recall due to faulty wiring in the steering columns. If the wiring disconnects from the airbag, it may fail to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of driver injury.
In addition to Toyota, other automakers have also faced significant recalls recently. In September, Hyundai and Kia recalled nearly 3.4 million vehicles due to the potential for engine compartment fires. The affected Kia models include the 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, and Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid and Soul, 201
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