2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

The vehicle has experienced intermittent loss of power/acceleration when taking off from a stop. When the accelerator pedal is pressed, the vehicle sometimes does not accelerate normally or has substantially reduced power. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle may not accelerate as expected when entering or crossing traffic or in other situations where predictable acceleration is necessary. This has been happening off and on for several month. Around the same time, the vehicle's fuel economy decreased significantly. The vehicle had previously averaged approximately 37 MPG and is now averaging approximately 22–25 MPG under generally similar driving conditions. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Toyota dealership for inspection. The dealership was unable to identify a mechanical problem and reset the vehicle's computers. I was told the reduced fuel economy could be related to the computers relearning my driving habits. After the vehicle was returned to me, the loss-of-power/acceleration condition occurred again, so the issue remains unresolved. There have been no warning lights or dashboard messages associated with the loss of power. The specific component or cause of the malfunction is UNKNOWN. The vehicle is available for further inspection. Toyota corporate has also been notified and has opened a case regarding the unresolved condition.

The component that has malfunctioned is the hybrid inverter assembly, a loose internal bolt within the hybrid propulsion system. This vehicle is currently held at Fred Haas Toyota Country (Houston, TX) and is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of the public are at risk because, as stated by the recall notice given on December 16 2025, this defect involves a bolt in the hybrid powertrain that "can become loose and could lead to a loss of motive power or could lead to a fire when the vehicle is on." The safety risk was confirmed by Fred Haas Toyota on March 6, 2026 and while there is no formal "Stop Drive" order, the dealership agreed to ground the vehicle and lend me a rental. As of today, March 28, 2026 there is still no remedy despite Toyota saying they "estimate the remedy can be available in the 1st quarter of 2026." Since my vehicle is currently in possession of the dealership, I am not sure if they have inspected it. Before I gave my car to Fred Haas Toyota Country I did not see any warning lights or messages, but the risk was still there (NHTSA 25V869000). My vehicle has been out of service for 22 days with no estimate repair date or remedy announced and the manufacturer has failed to provide a comparable loaner and has been unresponsive to my calls and messages. I am reporting a failure to remedy a known safety defect in a reasonable timeframe and am requesting an investigation into this delay and assistance with an appropriate rental or vehicle repurchase.

The fuel gage does not update to reflect a full tank. The check engine light has turned on twice along with a notification of a system malfunction. When the car was taken to the dealership the fuel level sender had to be replaced. The check engine light turned on again after having the fuel sender replace. After taking the vehicle to the dealership an additional time it was identified that the fuel tank was defective.