Toyota's Fuel Pump Recall Reaches 3.3 Million Vehicles in U.S.

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

Toyota has added another 1.5 million vehicles to the fuel pump recall instituted at the start of 2020, bringing the grand total to 3.34 million units. While the original recall accounts for models stretching all the way back to 2013, the manufacturer announced on Wednesday that the newest additions encompass Toyota and Lexus products assembled between July 2017 and September 2020.

Considering a portion of the vehicles were manufactured months after the firm had already announced there was a safety issue with the pump, it’s a little odd to see them being added to the list at all. Supplier Denso Corp. is responsible for the components in both instances and suggested we reach out to Toyota for information. But the Japanese automaker essentially reiterated what it said in the previous safety announcement, adding that it was working with Denso to make sure replacement parts were made promptly available.

“The subject vehicles are equipped with a fuel pump which may stop operating,” the company explained. “If this were to occur, warning lights and messages may be displayed on the instrument panel, and the engine may run rough. This can result in a vehicle stall, and the vehicle may be unable to be restarted. If a vehicle stall occurs while driving at higher speeds, this could increase the risk of a crash.”

Toyota did not say if there were any crashes known to be the fault of an ailing fuel pump but is encouraging drivers to exercise caution. It also recommended customers use their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to search the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s safety recall website. Considering the long list of models (everything from the 2013 Lexus GS 350 to the 2020 Toyota RAV4) affected, that’s probably not a terrible idea if you’ve purchased any Toyota/Lexus vehicle within the last decade. However, a comprehensive model list can be found in the recall announcement on the manufacturer’s website.

Toyota said owners of the vehicles now included in the recall, that were not included in the recall population as of April 9th, 2020, will be notified by late December. Customer support is likewise available by calling the Toyota Brand Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

[Image: Toyota Motor Corp]

Matt Posky
Matt Posky

A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.

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  • Pwrwrench Pwrwrench on Oct 30, 2020

    Did that 2009 Highlander get fixed? Or go back for the same problem again and again?

    • Slavuta Slavuta on Oct 30, 2020

      Mine? No, there were different issues, most - total BS. Recalls like - wrong label on the door - floor mats - gas pedal - window switch - software upgrade It also had failed water pump @13K miles. But @131K it was running but too many issues due to design of the engine. + leaking main seal + leaking struts.

  • Pwrwrench Pwrwrench on Oct 30, 2020

    EEK! Seems like you got a citrus version leaving a sour taste.

  • MaintenanceCosts It's not a Benz or a Jag / it's a 5-0 with a rag /And I don't wanna brag / but I could never be stag
  • 3-On-The-Tree Son has a 2016 Mustang GT 5.0 and I have a 2009 C6 Corvette LS3 6spd. And on paper they are pretty close.
  • 3-On-The-Tree Same as the Land Cruiser, emissions. I have a 1985 FJ60 Land Cruiser and it’s a beast off-roading.
  • CanadaCraig I would like for this anniversary special to be a bare-bones Plain-Jane model offered in Dynasty Green and Vintage Burgundy.
  • ToolGuy Ford is good at drifting all right... 😉
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