Toyota Recalls Thousands of Vehicles as Issue Puts Drivers at Risk
Toyota is recalling over 43,000 Sequoia Hybrid SUVs due to a potential defect in the tow hitch cover that can detach from the vehicle while driving, posing a road hazard and increasing the risk of crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified that approximately 1% of the affected models, from the years 2023 and 2024, may experience this issue. Toyota is reaching out to owners so they can have the cover replaced at no cost, and dealers will modify the rear bumper to fit the new part.
This recall follows several others from Toyota in recent months. In February, the company recalled over 380,000 Tacoma trucks related to welding debris affecting vehicle stability, and in May, more than 100,000 Tundra trucks and Lexus cars were recalled due to possible engine assembly defects that could lead to engine stalls while driving, again raising crash risks.
Additionally, the NHTSA issued a warning in August regarding over 450,000 Ford and Mazda vehicles with defective Takata airbags, which have been linked to fatalities and serious injuries.
Toyota is recalling more than 43,000 Sequoia Hybrid SUVs due a potentially faulty tow hitch cover that could create a road hazard.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a safety recall report about 1 percent of the 43,395 vehicles being recalled, from the years 2023 and 2024, likely have the defect.
“The subject vehicles are equipped with a resin tow hitch cover held in place by molded clips to the rear bumper. Due to the design of the attachment structure between the tow hitch cover and bumper, there may be insufficient retention of the cover,” NHTSA said.
“Thus, the hitch cover may separate from the vehicle while driving, and be perceived as a road hazard, potentially increasing the risk of a crash,” the agency added.
The NHTSA said that Toyota is contacting all the known owners, so they can bring the SUVs to dealers to have the cover replaced free of charge.
The dealer will also modify the rear bumper to be able to accept the new part.
Toyota recalls more than 43K vehicles over defects https://t.co/RJ4NGwTAio pic.twitter.com/KeHNSRpmQc
— New York Post (@nypost) September 3, 2024
Toyota has had multiple recalls in the the last several months.
In February, the manufacturer recalled more than 380,000 Tacoma trucks due to concerns about welding debris being left in rear axle assembly that could affect vehicle stability and brake performance over time.
Then in May, Toyota recalled more than 100,000 Tundra trucks and Lexus cars, model years 2022-23, because of a faulty engine assembly process, debris may have remained.
“During a specific production period, there is a possibility that engine machining debris of a particular size and amount may not have been cleared from the engine during manufacturing,” the company explained.
“This can lead to potential engine knocking, engine rough running, engine no start and/or an engine stall,” Toyota said.
“In the subject vehicles, an engine stall while driving leads to a loss of motive power. A vehicle loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash,” the company added.
Toyota’s not alone in recent recalls.
In August, NHTSA issued a “Do Not Drive” warning for over 450,000 Ford and Mazda cars and SUVs dating from 2003-2015 concerning air bags manufactured by Takata.
“To date, NHTSA has confirmed 27 people in the U.S. have been killed by defective Takata air bags that exploded,” the report said.
“Even minor crashes can result in exploding Takata air bags that can kill or produce life-altering, gruesome injuries. Older model year vehicles put their occupants at higher risk, as the age of the air bag is one of the contributing factors.”
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