Toyota Recalls Over 900,000 Vehicles for Stall Risk, Airbags That Don't Deploy
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.
Toyota says it is recalling approximately 807,000 of its Prius and Prius V hybrids in the U.S. because they could stall while driving. The automaker is also recalling 168,000 additional vehicles, including 2018 and 2019 Sequoia SUVs and Tundra pickup trucks, and 2019 Avalon sedans, because of an airbag problem.
A Toyota spokeswoman declined to comment when Consumer Reports asked whether there had been any crashes, injuries, or deaths related to either recall.
In the first recall, some Priuses are stalling when a key hybrid component overheats. Power steering and brakes would not be affected by the stall, but the sudden loss of power could lead to a crash, the automaker says.
This Prius problem is part of a global recall of 2.4 million Toyota hybrids worldwide, and is also related to recalls from 2014 and 2015. That means some of the vehicles recalled today may have already had a similar problem repaired as part of a prior recall.
Separately, Toyota is recalling cars, SUVs, and trucks because a software problem may prevent the side, curtain, front, or knee airbags from deploying in a crash.
Stay informed about recalls that might affect your vehicle using our Car Recall Tracker. Create a free account now to become a CR member.
Prius Recall Details
Vehicles recalled: This recall affects 807,000 Toyota Prius hatchbacks from 2010 to 2014 model years and 2012 to 2014 Prius V vehicles.
The problem: A Toyota spokeswoman told CR that a software issue could cause an electrical component to overheat, which may cause the vehicle to stall. This sudden loss of power could lead to a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide a free software update for affected vehicles.
How to contact the manufacturer: Toyota said it will contact owners of affected vehicles when the software update is ready. Owners can also contact the automaker directly at 800-331-4331. This recall has not yet been added to the database for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Airbag Recall Details
Vehicles Recalled: The airbag recall affects 168,000 certain 2018 and 2019 Toyota Tundra trucks, 2018 and 2019 Sequoia SUVs, and 2019 Avalon sedans.
The problem: Because of a software issue in the airbag control unit, the vehicle may detect an erroneous fault and shut down one or more of the sensors used to detect crashes.
The fix: Dealers will provide a free software update for affected vehicles.
How to contact the manufacturer: Toyota said it will contact owners of affected vehicles by mail in late October. Owners can also contact the automaker directly at 800-331-4331. This recall has yet to be added to NHTSA’s database.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often—and for many older vehicles—we recommend checking back regularly.
More from Consumer Reports:
Top pick tires for 2016
Best used cars for $25,000 and less
7 best mattresses for couples
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2018, Consumer Reports, Inc.
