NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
382 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Feb 25, 2011
Steering
THIS IS MY FIRST COMPLAINT I'VE EVER FILED WITH THE NHTSA, AND IT IS BECAUSE I BELIEVE NOW THAT OUR CAR IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE UNLESS SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES ARE MADE TO THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. WE RECENTLY PURCHASED OUR 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA, AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (60-75 MPH) THE CAR IS PUSHED AROUND BY WIND CONSTANTLY…
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THIS IS MY FIRST COMPLAINT I'VE EVER FILED WITH THE NHTSA, AND IT IS BECAUSE I BELIEVE NOW THAT OUR CAR IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE UNLESS SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES ARE MADE TO THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. WE RECENTLY PURCHASED OUR 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA, AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (60-75 MPH) THE CAR IS PUSHED AROUND BY WIND CONSTANTLY. EVEN IF IT ISN'T WINDY THOUGH, THE CAR STILL WILL NOT TRACK STRAIGHT, AND FEELS AS THOUGH WIND IS PUSHING IT FROM SIDE TO SIDE. A FEW DAYS AGO, ON A FAIRLY WINDY DAY, I HAD TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT TO KEEP GOING STRAIGHT AND PREVENT THE CAR FROM BEING PUSHED INTO THE LEFT LANE ON THE HIGHWAY. AS SOON AS A SHORT BREAK IN THE WIND HAPPENED THOUGH THE CAR WOULD THEN SHOOT OVER THE LINE TO THE RIGHT (WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS POINTED TO COUNTERACT THE FORCE OF THE WIND PUSHING THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT). ALTHOUGH ON CALM DAYS IT IS SOMETIMES ONLY AN ANNOYANCE, ON WINDY DAYS (EVEN IN LIGHT WINDS) IT CAN BECOME EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AT 70MPH. I HAVE OWNED MANY DIFFERENT VEHICLES OVER MY YEARS, AND THIS IS BY FAR THE WORST HANDLING CAR ON A HIGHWAY THAT I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10384494
9,364 miles · Feb 22, 2011
Electrical SystemSteeringCrashInjury
THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE AN INTERMITTENT DELAY UPON START UP AND INTERMITTENT POWER STEERING "LOCK UP" WHEN MAKING SHARP TURNS. DURING THE POWER STEERING FAILURE THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO LOSE RADIO AND A/C AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS POWERING DOWN. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE LESS THAN A MONTH BEFOR…
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THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE AN INTERMITTENT DELAY UPON START UP AND INTERMITTENT POWER STEERING "LOCK UP" WHEN MAKING SHARP TURNS. DURING THE POWER STEERING FAILURE THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO LOSE RADIO AND A/C AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS POWERING DOWN. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE LESS THAN A MONTH BEFORE THESE ISSUES. MY FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT IN FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE LUCKILY, THE OTHER DRIVER WAS PAYING ATTENTION AND DID NOT HIT ME. ANOTHER INCIDENT HAPPENED ON AN EXIT OFF RAMP WHICH WAS A VERY SHARP CIRCULAR PORTION OF ROAD, THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY WENT OUT AND I HAD TO "MUSCLE" THROUGH THE TURN, SUDDENLY THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING AGAIN WHICH ALMOST CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO ME GOING FROM USING ALL MY MIGHT TO TURN BACK TO THE VEHICLE WORKING PROPERLY. MY SERVICE DEALERSHIP RECALIBRATED STEERING TORQUE SENSOR AND FOUND TSB 0182-09 FOR HARD START CONDITION, REPROGRAMMED ENGINE COMPUTER AND ADDED FUEL TANK ADDITIVE PER BULLETIN INSTRUCTIONS. I DROVE THE VEHICLE A FEW DAYS UNTIL ONCE AGAIN MY CAR HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK TO MY DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE AGAIN. SERVICE ORDER STATES; INSPECT STEERING OPERATION FOUND EPS WILL CUT OUT AND CAUSE RADIO, HEADLIGHTS TO CUT OUT. SCAN CHECK RECORD AND FLAG EVENTS. TEST AND RECHARGE BATTERY PASS. OPEN TECH LINE CASE REVIEW DATA. ZERO POINT AND MONITOR AGAIN PER TECH ASSIST FAILED AFTER 3 TURN. S/O POWER COLUMN ASSY. REPLACED POWER STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY AND ALSO FOUND LOOSE PWR SUPPLY WIRE NUT CAUSING VOLTAGE DROP TO SYSTEM. TIGHTENED NUT AND TEST DROVE. VEHICLE TOTAL LOSS IN SINGLE DRIVER/VEHICLE ACCIDENT. MY 17 YR OLD SON LOST CONTROL AND HIT A TREE. HE SUFFERED TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND CANNOT TELL ME THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. I WAS DISAPPOINTED TO SEE THE RESULTS OF NHTSA POWER STEERING INVESTIGATION. I KNOW FOR CERTAIN MY STEERING COMPLAINT WAS NOT DUE TO BAD DRIVING, HOW COULD BAD DRIVING POSSIBLY CAUSE POWER STEERING TO LOCK UP AND YOUR CAR TO "POWER DO
NHTSA ODI #10384937
38,000 miles · Feb 21, 2011
Steering
THE STEERING GOES TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT... I HAVE TO REALLY HOLD ON WITH BOTH HAND TO CONTROL THE STEERING. WHEN I GO FAST ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR SEEMS TO LOSE CONTROL.. IT WILL NOT GO STRAIGHT. I GET REAL NERVOUS EVERYTIME I DRIVE ON A HIGHWAY. I JUST DO NOT FEEL SAFE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10383909
50,000 miles · Jan 9, 2011
Electrical SystemSteering
2009 COROLLA SEEMS TO FLOAT ALL OVER THE ROAD AND CAN'T KEEP IT STRAIGHT. JUST TODAY THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON. UNTIL NOW I THOUGHT IT MAY HAVE BEEN THE WIND OR MY TIRES. I PURCHASED NEW TIRES BUT STILL THE SAME PROBLEM OF WONDERING ALL OVER THE ROAD. I EXPERIENCE THIS AT ALL SPEEDS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10375270
29,000 miles · Dec 26, 2010
SteeringCrashInjury
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE FREEWAY AT A NORMAL SPEED OF ABOUT 55-65MPH, WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR START SWERVING RIGHT AND LEFT, AND I HAVE NO WAY OF STOPPING THE CAR BUT TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT SO IT WOULD HIT THE DIVIDING WALL OF THE FREEWAY TO STOP IT MOVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10372412
48,500 miles · Nov 29, 2010
Steering
I DRIVE A 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA S. STARTING TODAY I REFUELED MY CAR AND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN THE STEERING WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO MOVE. I TRIED RESTARTING IT THREE TIMES BEFORE THE STEERING WAS BACK TO THE WAY IT NORMALLY TURNS. LATER THAT DAY I STARTED MY CAR AGAIN AND HEARD A BUZZING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE POWER …
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I DRIVE A 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA S. STARTING TODAY I REFUELED MY CAR AND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN THE STEERING WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO MOVE. I TRIED RESTARTING IT THREE TIMES BEFORE THE STEERING WAS BACK TO THE WAY IT NORMALLY TURNS. LATER THAT DAY I STARTED MY CAR AGAIN AND HEARD A BUZZING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE POWER STEERING WENT AWAY AGAIN. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND POWER STEERING WAS BACK. AGAIN THAT DAY I STARTED MY CAR AND PROCEEDED TO BACK UP WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT AND THE WHEEL LOCKED UP TURNING LEFT AS I WAS BACKING UP. I ALMOST HIT A WALL IN A PARKING GARAGE AND HAD TO RESTART MY CAR UNTIL POWER STEERING WAS REGAINED. I MADE IT BACK TO MY OFFICE AND WILL DRIVE MY CAR STRAIGHT TO THE SELLING DEALERSHIP AFTER WORK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10368197
14,651 miles · Nov 4, 2010
Steering
THE CAR WAS PURCHASED ON 10\19\2010 IN A TOWN ABOUT 3 HOURS FROM WHERE I LIVE. MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR HOME. TIRE PRESSURES WERE CHECKED AND WERE AT 30 PSI PER THE VEHICLE'S MANUFACTURER'S LABEL. I THEN DROVE THE CAR (FOR THE FIRST TIME ON A HIGHWAY) AND NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS INDEED UNSTEADY IN CURVES. IT WONDERED LEFT AND R…
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THE CAR WAS PURCHASED ON 10\19\2010 IN A TOWN ABOUT 3 HOURS FROM WHERE I LIVE. MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR HOME. TIRE PRESSURES WERE CHECKED AND WERE AT 30 PSI PER THE VEHICLE'S MANUFACTURER'S LABEL. I THEN DROVE THE CAR (FOR THE FIRST TIME ON A HIGHWAY) AND NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS INDEED UNSTEADY IN CURVES. IT WONDERED LEFT AND RIGHT AND THE POWER STEERING SEEMED LOOSE OR WAS ADDING POWER STEERING BOOST WHEN NOT NECESSARY. ON 11/01/2010 I BROUGHT THE CAR TO AN ALIGNMENT SHOP THAT BIGHORN TOYOTA USES. THEY SAID THE ALIGNMENT WAS NOT WITHIN SPECS. AFTERWARDS AND ON MY WAY HOME (ABOUT 1 1/2 HOUR DRIVE DOWN INTERSTATE AND TWO LANE ROADS) I NOW NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE, WHEN IN LEFT CURVES, CONTINUED TO HAVE THIS SLACK OR LOOSE FEELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND WOULD NOT CORRECT ITSELF OR STRAIGHTEN OUT COMING OUT OF THE CURVES. ONE WOULD HAVE TO KEEP YOUR HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO COMPENSATE FOR THE LOOSENESS. RIGHT CORNERS OR CURVES WERE NOT LOOSE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD CORRECT ITSELF ONCE YOU CAME OUT OF THE CURVE. THINKING THAT THE ALIGNMENT WAS NOT DONE CORRECTLY I WENT TO ANOTHER SHOP (BIG O) IN CRAIG, CO. THEY SAID THE ALIGNMENT WAS PERFECT (I HAVE BOTH PRINT OUTS TO CONFIRM). AT THIS TIME I DECIDED (AFTER DISCUSSION WITH THE STORE MANAGER) REPLACE THE TIRES WITH A HIGHER QUALITY TIRE. THE SAME PROBLEM STILL EXISTED AFTERWARDS. I CONTACTED A TOYOTA SERVICE MANAGER, THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT HAVE NO FIX FOR THE PROBLEM AS OF THIS DATE. THIS MAY NOT BE A BIG PROBLEM ON DRY ROADS BUT ON ICY, SNOW PACKED OR WET ROADS, THIS CAR WILL BE A HANDFUL TO KEEP IT UNDER CONTROL.
NHTSA ODI #10364762
29,600 miles · Oct 27, 2010
SteeringCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER DRIVER WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE 55 MPH WHEN THE STEERING SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN SWERVING IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC AS THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL AND LANDED SIDEWAYS BEFORE COMING TO A …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER DRIVER WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE 55 MPH WHEN THE STEERING SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN SWERVING IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC AS THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL AND LANDED SIDEWAYS BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE DRIVER WAS UNINJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 29,600.
NHTSA ODI #10362624
5,000 miles · Oct 18, 2010
SteeringSuspension
MY 2009 COROLLA LE HAS BEEN HAVING FRONT END ALIGNMENT / STEERING PROBLEMS SINCE NEW. IT STARTED SHORTLY AFTER BUYING IT, I TOOK IT IN FOR IT'S FIRST OIL CHANGE AND ASKED THE DEALER TO LOOK INTO THE ALIGNMENT SINCE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS OFF CENTER. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN 2-3 TIMES AFTERWARDS, THEN I FINALLY HAD BRAKES SERVICED AND…
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MY 2009 COROLLA LE HAS BEEN HAVING FRONT END ALIGNMENT / STEERING PROBLEMS SINCE NEW. IT STARTED SHORTLY AFTER BUYING IT, I TOOK IT IN FOR IT'S FIRST OIL CHANGE AND ASKED THE DEALER TO LOOK INTO THE ALIGNMENT SINCE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS OFF CENTER. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN 2-3 TIMES AFTERWARDS, THEN I FINALLY HAD BRAKES SERVICED AND HAD IT ALIGNED. 2-3 DAYS LATER AFTER ALIGNMENT I NOTICED THE WHEEL OFF CENTER AGAIN. I AM A BUSY PERSON SO I DECIDED TO TAKE IT FOR DUE OIL CHANGE AND HAVE THEM TAKE A LOOK AT THE STEERING ONCE AGAIN BECAUSE NOW IS GETTING WORSE, IS PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND THE OTHER DAY I OVER COMPENSATED TAKING A LEFT TURN AND HIT THE CURB WHICH CAUSED TO BEND THE LIP OF A WHEEL, LUCKY FOR ME NO AIR GOT OUT OF THE TIRE. NOW I HAVE TO BUY A NEW WHEEL, THAT ONE WOULD NEVER BALANCE. PLEASE HELP, THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE FRONT END OF THIS CAR, MAYBE A RECALL SHOULD BE MADE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10361067
Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2010
Steering
MY 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA CONTINUES TO BE ALL OVER THE ROAD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I HAVE TO MAKE CONSTANT CORRECTIONS IN STEERING TO KEEP IN WITHIN THE LANE. THE EPS IS WAY TOO SENSITIVE. VERY DANGEROUS AND PRODUCES DRIVER FATIGUE AND POTENTIAL FOR OVERCORRECTIONS. I HAVE READ IN CONSUMER REPORTS THAT TOYOTA HAS ADDRESSED THIS AND…
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MY 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA CONTINUES TO BE ALL OVER THE ROAD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I HAVE TO MAKE CONSTANT CORRECTIONS IN STEERING TO KEEP IN WITHIN THE LANE. THE EPS IS WAY TOO SENSITIVE. VERY DANGEROUS AND PRODUCES DRIVER FATIGUE AND POTENTIAL FOR OVERCORRECTIONS. I HAVE READ IN CONSUMER REPORTS THAT TOYOTA HAS ADDRESSED THIS AND IS OFFERING A FIX, ONLY TO THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO COMPLAIN, TO REPLACE THE EPS CONTROL MODULE. I CONTACTED MY DEALER ON 9/24/2010 AND THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED HE KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THIS FIX. THE DEALERS WERE SUPPOSED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS IN JUNE 2010 FROM A SERVICE BULLETIN FROM TOYOTA CORPORATE. PLEASE REQUIRE TOYOTA TO ISSUE A RECALL TO REPLACE THE EPS CONTROL MODULE AS THE DEALERS ARE RELUCTANT TO FIX UPON REQUEST FROM THE CUSTOMER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10357506
Official recalls
13Oct 17, 2019
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Jan 9, 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan), and the U.S. VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2009 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Lexus IS250, IS350, ES350, IS-F, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
Jan 9, 2017
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).
Jun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
May 23, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).
Oct 22, 2015
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Apr 9, 2014
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
Oct 10, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.
Feb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Feb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Jan 27, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, VENZA AND MATRIX PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT. THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A CAMPAIGN OF 3.8 MILLION OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES ANNOUNCED IN 2009 FOR THE SAME ISSUE (SEE 09V-388).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL MODIFY OR REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FLOOR SURFACE MODIFICATIONS ARE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED AND WILL BE INCLUDED FOR ANY MODEL FOR WHICH IT IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE. INITIALLY, DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO RESHAPE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FOR THE REPAIR. AS REPLACEMENT PARTS WITH THE SAME SHAPE AS THE MODIFIED PEDAL BECOME AVAILABLE, THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE DEALERS FOR THE REPAIR. CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD THE PEDAL RESHAPE REMEDY COMPLETED WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A NEW PEDAL IF THEY DESIRE, AFTER REPLACEMENT PEDALS BECOME AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, TOYOTA WILL REPLACE ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT IN A SUBJECT VEHICLE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT BUT DO NOT NEED OR WANT THE NEWLY DESIGNED ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT, TOYOTA WILL RECOVER THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT AND REIMBURSE ITS PRICE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN MARCH 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Jan 21, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 CAMRY, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX, RAV4, MODEL YEAR 2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SEQUOIA, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 TUNDRA VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BAR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PEDAL TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS FOR THE PONTIAC VIBE PLEASE SEE 10V-018. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2010 AND WILL BE COMPLETED ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Aug 27, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 SCION XD AND MY 2009-2010 COROLLA, AND COROLLA MATRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.8L ENGINE AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, IOWA, KANSAS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. WHEN DRIVING UNDER CERTAIN UNIQUE CONDITIONS IN EXTREMELY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD SUCTION PORT FOR THE BRAKE VACUUM CAN BECOME BLOCKED DUE TO THE FREEZING OF CONDENSATION RESULTING FROM POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED INTAKE AIR CONNECTOR WHICH WILL RELOCATE THE BRAKE SYSTEM VACUUM PORT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
DP14003 · Low-speed Surging
Opened Sep 19, 2014 · Closed Apr 29, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control
The Agency received a petition on September 11, 2014 requesting an investigation into, low-speed surging in the 2006-2010 Toyota Corolla [vehicles] with ETCS-i, in which the brakes fail to stop the vehicle in time to prevent a crash.NHTSA conducted a technical review of the material cited and provided by the petitioner, material Toyota submitted in response to a NHTSA formal request, interviews with complainants and manufacturer representatives, as well as the results of testing of the complaint vehicle.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources, agency priorities, and the likelihood that an additional investigation would result in a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists, NHTSA has concluded that further investigation of the issues raised by the petition is not warranted.The agency accordingly has denied the petition.The official petition denial, as published in the Federal Register, is available in the document file for this defect petition, as well as copies of reference material related to the denial.Regarding the VOQs associated with the closing of this investigation, the scope as defined by the petitioner is MY 2006 through 2010 Toyota Corollas.Of the 163 VOQs submitted by the petitioner, 149 are within that specific population (11 of the 163 were outside the model and model year scope of investigation as defined by the petitioner and 3 VOQs were submitted by owners from foreign countries) and 6 of the 163 are duplicate submissions.Therefore, there are 143 unique vehicles vins are within the specific population.Of the 143 only 105 fit the alleged defect category as defined by the petitioner.The single complaint and crash noted in the Failure Report above is the petitioner's VOQ.The 143 VOQs are: 10165337, 10166526, 10209540, 10216514, 10256808 (duplicate with 10266580 and 10335955), 10272505, 10293497, 10293688, 10294727, 10297407, 10298012, 10302217, 10302877, 10303106, 10303469, 10303730, 10304192, 10305748, 10305845, 10306012, 10306480, 10307953, 10310973, 10311137, 10311176, 10311185, 10311756, 10312246, 10312272 (duplicate with 10343088), 10312771, 10313972, 10314880, 10315240, 10315442, 10315836, 10315927, 10316192, 10316627, 10316643, 10316800, 10316952, 10317128, 10317598, 10317725, 10317804, 10317894, 10317972, 10317978, 10318562, 10319589, 10320693, 10320720, 10322163, 10322213, 10322333, 10322415, 10324355, 10325755, 10326481, 10327623, 10328492, 10328519, 10329537, 10330026 (duplicate with 10356866), 10330952, 10332679, 10334005 (duplicate with 10340570 and 10547602), 10334028, 10334628, 10334936, 10336649, 10339772, 10339969, 10341515, 10342670, 10342932, 10343174, 10344874, 10345714, 10348120, 10350342, 10351112, 10352668, 10352691, 10353587, 10358767, 10359645, 10360875, 10360905, 10361254, 10363529, 10363685, 10363866, 10364127, 10366100, 10366413, 10369073, 10369494, 10371991, 10376535, 10376721, 10377193, 10379320, 10380210, 10381365, 10381849, 10382018, 10392618, 10396747, 10402827, 10412382, 10433860, 10437011, 10437801, 10450183, 10461118, 10479582, 10482133, 10489344, 10494568, 10496026, 10499932, 10520195, 10521013, 10523677, 10534094, 10537426, 10543949, 10549101, 10551478, 10552563, 10558153, 10562577, 10564980, 10566370, 10572873, 10578871, 10579722, 10587140, 10597296, 10621449, and 10637908 (which is the petitioner's VOQ and not one of the 163 submitted with the petition).The three VOQs that were submitted from foreign countries: 10303105, 10303749, and 10308974. The eleven VOQs that are out of the specified population by model or model year: 10447756, 10453401, 10490200, 10507434, 10521377, 10563214, 10563585, 10575230, 10583796, 10584534,
PE10008 · Steering Wander Or Drift
Opened Feb 18, 2010 · Closed May 4, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
On February 18, 2010, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE10-008 to investigate complaints of steering wander or drift in model year (MY) 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corolla and Matrix vehicles.The complaint descriptions indicated dissatisfaction with the on-center steering feel in the subject vehicles. Some drivers (~25%) related the feel to driving in a strong crosswind and others indicated that the effort and attention required to maintain heading increased driver fatigue on long trips.These complaints all relate to the system operating as designed and do not involve failure of any steering system components.The subject vehicles are equipped with an electronic power steering system that was introduced in the MY 2009 vehicles.The power assist, including on-center steering feel, is controlled electronically and is part of the system calibration.Toyota responded to steering feel concerns from some customers by issuing a technical service bulletin (TSB-0140-10 STEERING ON-CENTER FEEL) that released an optional EPS electronic control unit that has a re-calibrated on-center feel.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted by the circumstances.For further details see the attached VRTC and ODI Closing Reports.
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