Toyota Recalls Certain Sienna, Camry Models

Two different recall campaigns were announced yesterday by Toyota. One affects the Camry, while the other is for a deficiency with some new Sienna models. Both are related to safety equipment (as most recalls usually are) with the sedan and minivan being recalled for brake and seat belt issues, respectively.

First up is a safety recall involving certain 2018 – 2019 model year Camry vehicles in America. Approximately 227,400 vehicles are involved in this recall. At issue is the system which provides power brake assist, with Toyota stating that components in a part of this system can prematurely wear. This could lead to a sudden loss of power assist to the car’s brakes but non-power assisted braking will remain functional. However, as anyone who’s ever tried to stand on a stiff brake pedal knows significantly more pressure is needed to whoa up a car without power-assisted brakes.

Given the vast majority of today’s drivers have never experienced such a system, and even those of us who have wouldn’t expect this type of behavior from a late-model Camry, the increased risk of a crash is certainly present. For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will inspect the vacuum pump and repair or replace the thing. Owners of involved vehicles will be notified by mid-January 2022.

The other recall affects a small percentage of 2022 Sienna minivans. Approximately 2,300 vehicles are involved in this action. According to the company, the subject vehicles are 8-passenger Sienna vans that were equipped with second-row outboard seat belts which were manufactured with an incorrect component. There is apparently the potential for these belts to “bunch” in the shoulder anchor during certain types of crashes, potentially causing the seat belt webbing to tear. This can increase the risk of injury in those incidents. For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will replace the outboard second-row seat belt assemblies with ones that have been manufactured correctly. The notification timeframe is similar to the Camry recall above.

For readers who’ve made it this far into the story without falling asleep, congratulations. You may have noticed a 2022 Camry TRD was used as the lead shot for this post, not because it is necessarily one of the affected models but simply because your author enjoys the absurdity of that particular model. It’s as if your normally staid math teacher suddenly started showing up for class wearing a backward baseball cap and RIPNDIP hoodie. Taking a spin in one about a month ago revealed little in the way of extra power but the platform spoiler and interior red accents were amusing. And, yes, the exhaust is different and does indeed bark slightly on startup.

For more information about the recalls, customer support is available by calling the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331.

[Image: Toyota]