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2011 Toyota Corolla

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Corolla years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Toyota Corolla are substantially higher than the model-year median of 129.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

194 reports with mileage · 390 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 418 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

44 crash reports2 fire reports23 injury reports

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

46 reports
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200 miles · Dec 14, 2012
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrash

APPROX. A WEEK AFTER THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH ON 08/29/2011. THIS VEHICLE WAS CRASHED DUE TO AN HIGHER THAN USUAL REV WHICH DELAYS THE TIME FOR A VEHICLE TO COME TO A STOP. THE REV ON THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT DECLINE SOMETIMES WHEN RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR. THE VEHICLE CAME WITH TOYOTA CAR SO I HA…

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APPROX. A WEEK AFTER THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH ON 08/29/2011. THIS VEHICLE WAS CRASHED DUE TO AN HIGHER THAN USUAL REV WHICH DELAYS THE TIME FOR A VEHICLE TO COME TO A STOP. THE REV ON THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT DECLINE SOMETIMES WHEN RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR. THE VEHICLE CAME WITH TOYOTA CAR SO I HAVE WENT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES TO HAVE A MULTI POINT INSPECTION AND THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS PERFECTLY FINE. THEY WERE UNABLE TO "DUPLICATE" THE ISSUE. FEELING LIKE THERE IS NOTHING I COULD DO I GAVE UP AND JUST CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT WITH EXTRA CAUTION AND MAKE PAYMENTS ON MY LEASE TILL THE TERM WAS OVER. ABOUT A YEAR LATER AT 11,000 ON MY RECENT SERVICE VISIT THE TOYOTA MECHANIC TOLD ME I NEEDED NEW BRAKES. HE STATED THAT THIS WAS UNUSUAL AT THIS MILEAGE AND BRAKES SHOULD BE FINE, BUT ON MY CAR THE BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY GONE. NOW I HAVE ABOUT 12,800 MILES, AND THE ENGINE REVVING IS STARTING TO INTERFERE WITH MY ABILITY TO CONTROL THE SPEED OF MY VEHICLE. THE EXCESSIVE ENGINE REV IS THE CULPRIT THAT CAUSES MY BRAKES BEING USED HEAVILY. AFTER I RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE AND THE BRAKE HAS TO WORK EXTRA HARD TO STOP THE CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED SOUTH EAST TOYOTA FINANCE AND THEY JUST EMPATHIZED WITH MY SITUATION. WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE MECHANIC TOOK THREE HOURS TO LOOK AT THE CAR AND REFERRED ME TO A SALES REPRESENTATIVE WHO TRIED TO SELL ME A NEW 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. I REFUSED TO BUY A NEW CAR AND LEFT THE DEALERSHIP. I AM NOT AN MECHANIC BUT I SUSPECT IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE COMPUTER THAT CONTROLLING THE SPEED, WHICH IS CAUSING MY SPEED TO NOT DECREASE. THIS CAUSES THE BRAKES TO TAKE AN EXTRA LOAD AND CAUSES FIRST AND SECOND GEAR TO CONFLICT AT TIMES. THIS ISSUE IS GETTING WORSE AS TIMES GOES BY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10488825

16 miles · Aug 14, 2012
EngineVehicle Speed ControlCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE AFTER RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE HAD TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS AND SPEED SENSORS NEEDED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE AFTER RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE HAD TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS AND SPEED SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO SENT AN ENGINEER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINEER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,000. UPDATED 01/02/2013*LJ UPDATED1/9/2013 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10470536

28 miles · Jul 30, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 15 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND THE KEY WAS HOT WHILE IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEAL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 15 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND THE KEY WAS HOT WHILE IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

NHTSA ODI #10468246

Mileage unknown · Dec 23, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control

MORE NOTICEABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. TAKE FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAR MAINTAINS CONSTANT SPEED AS IF CRUISE CONTROL IN ENGAGED (CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ACTIVATED). UNABLE TO COAST TO REDUCE SPEED. HAVE TO FIRMLY PRESS BRAKE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE. TAKEN TO DEALER FOR SERVICE. TOYOTA SERVICING DEALER ADVISED ME THAT THE CARE WA…

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MORE NOTICEABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. TAKE FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAR MAINTAINS CONSTANT SPEED AS IF CRUISE CONTROL IN ENGAGED (CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ACTIVATED). UNABLE TO COAST TO REDUCE SPEED. HAVE TO FIRMLY PRESS BRAKE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE. TAKEN TO DEALER FOR SERVICE. TOYOTA SERVICING DEALER ADVISED ME THAT THE CARE WAS OPERATING PROPERLY AND THAT THIS WAS A DESIGNED SAFETY FEATURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10441117

200 miles · Dec 7, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40-60 MPH AND RELEASING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASE BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECREASE IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING IN THAT MANNER FOR ECONOMICAL REASONS. THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40-60 MPH AND RELEASING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASE BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECREASE IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING IN THAT MANNER FOR ECONOMICAL REASONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200.

NHTSA ODI #10438856

200 miles · Nov 25, 2011
SteeringVehicle Speed Control

THIS IS A NEW CAR PURCHASE (W/200 MI). AT 60-75 MPH (AND NOTICEABLE ALSO AT SLOWER SPEEDS ON OTHER ROADS) ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR'S STEERING WANDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD, IT CANNOT STAY ON A STRAIGHT LINE EVEN IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOT MOVED. TRUCKS PASSING BY DO NOT APPEAR TO GREATLY EFFECT STEERING. WIND WAS NOT AN ISSUE. TH…

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THIS IS A NEW CAR PURCHASE (W/200 MI). AT 60-75 MPH (AND NOTICEABLE ALSO AT SLOWER SPEEDS ON OTHER ROADS) ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR'S STEERING WANDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD, IT CANNOT STAY ON A STRAIGHT LINE EVEN IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOT MOVED. TRUCKS PASSING BY DO NOT APPEAR TO GREATLY EFFECT STEERING. WIND WAS NOT AN ISSUE. THIS, NOT A LOOSENESS BUT RATHER INACCURATE STEERING, CAUSES A WANDERING WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS AS THE CAR WILL WANDER INTO ANOTHER LANE OR OFF THE ROAD INTO A POTENTIAL CRASH. THE DRIVER IS 57, WITH 200-300K MILES DRIVING EXPERIENCE IN MERCEDES TO BMW TO VOLVOS TO GM TO OTHER TOYOTAS TO FORD CARS - W/O AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A REAL AND SERIOUS PROBLEM WHICH MAY CAUSE DEATHS. THERE APPEARS TO BE LITTLE CONTROL BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE STEERING. THE TIRES HAVE THE PROPER AIR PRESSURE (GOODYEAR). I REPEAT, THIS IS THE MOST DANGEROUS NEW CAR I HAVE DRIVEN SINCE 1968. THAT'S PROBLEM #1. PROBLEM #2, A LESSER PROBLEM BUT ALSO RIDICULOUS.. IS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. YOU CANNOT KEEP THE SPEED CONSTANT AT 45-50 MPH. HOLDING THE ACCELERATOR STEADY THE ENGINE SPEED, AS SHOWN IN THE TACHOMETER ,WILDLY JUMPS UP AND DOWN AT WILL, INTERMITTENTLY, RPM GOING FROM 1600 TO 2200. IF YOU HOLD STEADY IT DROPS TO 1600, IF YOU THEN DEPRESS THE PEDAL THE SMALLEST POSSINE ABOUT, IT JUMPS TO 2200, THEN BACK TO 1600. OTHER TIMES THE SAME ACTION WORKS AS YOU WOULD EXPECT A LINEAR PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR WOULD COMMAND A LINEAR INCREASE IN SPEED. THE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION SPEED CONTROL IS ALL OVER THE PLACE WITH NO FEEDBACK TO THE DRIVER. LOOK... I HAVE EXAMINED THIS ON EMPTY ROADS. IT'S THE MOST RIDICULOUS CONTROL SYSTEM I HAVE EVER USED. IT'S NOT ACCEPTABLE AND IT'S POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. I CANNOT BELIEVE IT WOULD PASS SAFETY STANDARDS> PLEASE CORRECT THESE 2 ISSUES BEFORE DEATHS OCCUR. I WILL SWEAR TO THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10437290

10 miles · Oct 22, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control

JUST LEASED A 2011 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHEN AT A STEADY CRUISING SPEED, ANYWHERE ABOVE 35, THERE IS A SCARY INTERMITTENT DRAGGING OR RESISTANCE, AND THEN SURGE IN SPEED, ALONG WITH CRAZY FLUCTUATION IN RPMS, THAT IS UNCONTROLLABLE. IN ADDITION, WHEN LETTING UP ON THE ACCELERATOR TO PREPARE TO STOP, THE CAR LOCKS IN ON THE CURRENT …

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JUST LEASED A 2011 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHEN AT A STEADY CRUISING SPEED, ANYWHERE ABOVE 35, THERE IS A SCARY INTERMITTENT DRAGGING OR RESISTANCE, AND THEN SURGE IN SPEED, ALONG WITH CRAZY FLUCTUATION IN RPMS, THAT IS UNCONTROLLABLE. IN ADDITION, WHEN LETTING UP ON THE ACCELERATOR TO PREPARE TO STOP, THE CAR LOCKS IN ON THE CURRENT SPEED, EVEN AT HIGH SPEED AND GOING UPHILL, AND DOES NOT SLOW UNTIL THE BRAKE IS FIRMLY APPLIED. IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS BEING CONTROLLED BY A MALFUNCTIONING CRUISE CONTROL, EXCEPT THE CRUISE CONTROL IS TURNED OFF. I A''M SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10432452

Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2011
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

I PURCHASED MY 2011 TOYOTA S MODEL ON JULY 4TH 2011. ON THE DRIVE HOME I NOTICED A DRAGGING FEELING BUT THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS ME AT FIRST GETTING USED TO THE CAR. BUT ON A DAILY BASIS THE CAR WOULD RANDOMLY PULL BACK, SO I STARTED TO PAY ATTENTION AND NOTICED THAT PRETTY RANDOMLY BUT MOSTLY BETWEEN 40 -60 MPH THE CAR RPM'S WOUL…

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I PURCHASED MY 2011 TOYOTA S MODEL ON JULY 4TH 2011. ON THE DRIVE HOME I NOTICED A DRAGGING FEELING BUT THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS ME AT FIRST GETTING USED TO THE CAR. BUT ON A DAILY BASIS THE CAR WOULD RANDOMLY PULL BACK, SO I STARTED TO PAY ATTENTION AND NOTICED THAT PRETTY RANDOMLY BUT MOSTLY BETWEEN 40 -60 MPH THE CAR RPM'S WOULD DROP ANYWHERE BETWEEN 200-600 RPM'S (QUICK JUMP DOWN) AND THEN BACK UP CAUSING THE CAR TO DRAG AS IF THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THIS IS GOING ON A LEVEL ROAD AT A CONSTANT SPEED - THIS IS NOT NORMAL AN DOESN'T FEEL SAFE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM (SURPRISE, SURPRISE)! I TOLD THEM THERE WAS DEFINITELY A PROBLEM AND I DIDN'T FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING MY KIDS AROUND IN IT. THEY ASKED ME TO COME BACK AND TEST DRIVE WITH THE TECHNICIAN WHICH I DID. THE TECH NOTICED AND FELT THE PROBLEM- THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR ABOUT 1 WEEK AND CALLED ME BACK AND SAID TOYOTA KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND IS DILIGENTLY WORKING ON IT THAT IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH A FLASH DRIVE BUT THAT TOYOTA WAS BEING EVASIVE ON THEIR ANSWERS. I CALLED THE DEALER BACK ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER AND THEY DID NOT RESPOND TO ME. THIS CAR IS SO ANNOYING TO DRIVE AND DOESN'T FEEL SAFE AT ALL. I CALLED TOYOTA CORPORATE AND FILED ANOTHER CLAIM AND WAS TOLD I WOULD BE CONTACTED IN 48 HOURS- THIS DID NOT HAPPEN. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED, THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM HERE AND I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN A CAR THAT DOES THIS. I OWNED A COROLLA DX BEFORE AND I LOVED THAT CAR BUT I BOUGHT IT IN 1993. THIS PROBLEM HAS TO GET FIXED, IF THEY KNOW ABOUT IT WHAT COULD BE TAKING SO LONG TO COME UP WITH SOLUTION. ARE THEY GOING TO WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE IS KILLED (I.E.THE PRIUS SITUATION SURGING FORWARD)? NOT ACCEPTABLE! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10425328

50 miles · Sep 11, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control

I PICKED UP THIS NEW LEASE CAR MARCH 8, 2011 & NOTICED THIS ISSUE AT THE END OF MARCH WITH ABOUT 50 MILES ON THE ODOMETER; CAR NOW HAS 1000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER.. I NOTICED THAT ALWAYS AROUND 40 MPH THE ENGINE ALMOST STOPS AS IF I WERE DRIVING STANDARD SHIFT (WHICH I AM NOT) & SOMEONE DOWNSHIFTED INTO ANOTHER GEAR, OR IF THE SP…

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I PICKED UP THIS NEW LEASE CAR MARCH 8, 2011 & NOTICED THIS ISSUE AT THE END OF MARCH WITH ABOUT 50 MILES ON THE ODOMETER; CAR NOW HAS 1000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER.. I NOTICED THAT ALWAYS AROUND 40 MPH THE ENGINE ALMOST STOPS AS IF I WERE DRIVING STANDARD SHIFT (WHICH I AM NOT) & SOMEONE DOWNSHIFTED INTO ANOTHER GEAR, OR IF THE SPEED CONTROL WAS ON (NEVER USE IT) & IT CAME OUT OF THE SET SPEED.. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I KIND OF IGNORED IT BUT THEN WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I STOPPED AT THE DEALER GETTEL TOYOTA WHERE I PICKED UP THIS LEASE CAR & THE PERSON IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME "NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS GETTING USED TO MY DRIVING HABITS & THAT IF SOMETHING WERE WRONG ENGINE/DASH LIGHTS WOULD GO ON" (PP).. SO I WENT MY WAY KEEPING HIS WORDS IN MIND.. THIS PROBLEM STILL EXISTS WITH 1000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER & WHILE I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT IT I DIDN'T RAISE ANY RED FLAGS UNTIL NOW I SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY TOYOTA COROLLA OWNER HAVING THIS ISSUE WHICH LEADS ME TO THINK ITS ANOTHER "TOYOTA DESIGN FLAW".. I LEARNED THAT TERM "DESIGN FLAW" FROM TOYOTA WHEN I HAD MY 2007 COROLLA & FILED MANY LEMON LAW COMPLAINTS ON IT & TOYOTA WOULD REPEAT THOSE WORDS IN THEIR RESPONSES SINCE TOYOTA DOESN'T PARTICIPATE IN LEMON LAW NEGOTIATIONS THEY TOLD ME.. I HAVE BEEN LEASING CARS SINCE 2002 & THIS IS MY SECOND TOYOTA LEASE WHICH I WASN'T GOING TO DO AGAIN SINCE I HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY 2007 COROLLA BUT I LIKED THE DESIGN OF THE NEWER MODEL & COULDN'T BEAT THE DEAL TOYOTA KEPT GIVING ME TO TAKE ANOTHER CAR FROM THEM.. NOW THAT I AM READING ABOUT OTHER OWNERS HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE OF THE SPEED DECELERATION I AM CONCERNED THAT THERE MAY BE A "DESIGN FLAW" WITH THE TRANSMISSION OR ENGINE MECHANICS.. ALTHOUGH THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL OF THE TIME IT DOES CONSISTENTLY HAPPEN AT 40 MPH & IS QUITE NOTICEABLE SINCE THE CAR ALMOST JERKS FORWARD WHEN IT OCCURS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. UPDATED 10/18/11 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10424649

100 miles · Sep 5, 2011
SeatsService Brakes, HydraulicStructure

WHEN CAR HITS BUMPS FRAME ON CAR MAKES A NOISE . ALSO YOU CAN SEE IT GIVE OR MOVE. CAR HAS A TOUGH RIDE TO IT FOR A LE MODEL. BOTTOM OF SEAT ON CAR IS TO SHORT. BRAKE PEDAL AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS TO FAR TO THE RIGHT IT NEEDS TO BE ALITTLE MORE TO LEFT ALSO THEIR TO CLOSE TOGETHER. MAKES SEAT BOTTOM TO THE RIGHT (NEEDS TO BE ST…

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WHEN CAR HITS BUMPS FRAME ON CAR MAKES A NOISE . ALSO YOU CAN SEE IT GIVE OR MOVE. CAR HAS A TOUGH RIDE TO IT FOR A LE MODEL. BOTTOM OF SEAT ON CAR IS TO SHORT. BRAKE PEDAL AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS TO FAR TO THE RIGHT IT NEEDS TO BE ALITTLE MORE TO LEFT ALSO THEIR TO CLOSE TOGETHER. MAKES SEAT BOTTOM TO THE RIGHT (NEEDS TO BE STRAIGHTER)TO MATCH PEDALS. I THINK DASHBOARD IS TO LOW. THE BODY NOISES HAPPEN MORE WITH ONE PERSON IN THE CAR. ALSO ON HOT DAYS AND VERY COLD DAYS DASH HAS A CRACK SOUND TO IT. THE CAR IS QUIETER ON RAINY DAYS LIKE A NORMAL CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10423812

Official recalls

9

20V024000 · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

Jan 17, 2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.

19V741000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Oct 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.

19V005000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2019

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of 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." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of 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." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of 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 or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that 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 passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. 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.

16V340000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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).

15V689000 · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

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.

14V743000 · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler

Nov 19, 2014

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

13V123000 · Equipment:other:labels

Apr 9, 2013

Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

13V014000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Seats

Jan 16, 2013

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

11V566000 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars

Nov 22, 2011

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 COROLLA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A NON-TOYOTA, BLUE TOOTH HANDS FREE DEVICE OR NAVIGATION UNIT AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 TOYOTA SIENNA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A NON-TOYOTA, OVERHEAD ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM AND/OR BLUETOOTH HANDS FREE DEVICE. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE FRONT A-PILLAR TRIM PANEL RETENTION CLIP MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE AFTERMARKET ACCESSORY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A DAMAGED A-PILLAR TRIM PANEL RETENTION CLIP MAY ALLOW THE TRIM PANEL TO COME LOOSE AND INJURE AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE A-PILLAR TRIM PANEL RETENTION CLIP AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 30, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

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

2

EA21002 · 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.

EA19001 · Electrical Overstress

Opened Apr 19, 2019 · Closed Sep 19, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment.  FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW.  These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes.  An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.   In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU.  This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation.  The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage.  There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation.  The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU.  If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC.  Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC.  All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled.  In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024.  With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

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