NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
39 reportsClear category filter14,250 miles · Jul 16, 2014
Steering
2013 TOYOTA COROLLA WANDERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE MOVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD. STEERING IS OVERLY SENSITIVE AND ANY CORRECTION IN THE STEERING WHEEL RESULTS IN THE VEHICLE DRIFTING INTO THE ADJACENT LANES. THIS STEERING ISSUE MAKES THE CAR UNSAFE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE ALIGNMENT ON THE VEH…
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2013 TOYOTA COROLLA WANDERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE MOVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD. STEERING IS OVERLY SENSITIVE AND ANY CORRECTION IN THE STEERING WHEEL RESULTS IN THE VEHICLE DRIFTING INTO THE ADJACENT LANES. THIS STEERING ISSUE MAKES THE CAR UNSAFE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE ALIGNMENT ON THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED AND IS ALL WITHIN TOLERANCES. THE TIRES ARE IN GOOD CONDITION AND ARE ALL INFLATED TO THE CORRECT PRESSURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10610914
16,000 miles · Jun 30, 2014
Service BrakesSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER LEFT AND RIGHT. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD DELAYED ACCELERATION AND THE VECHICLE ABNORMALLY VIBRATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE SURFACED. T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER LEFT AND RIGHT. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD DELAYED ACCELERATION AND THE VECHICLE ABNORMALLY VIBRATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE SURFACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
NHTSA ODI #10606968
15,000 miles · May 21, 2014
Steering
AFTER MAKING A RIGHT COMING OFF INTERSTATE 95, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT STRAIGHTEN UP. IT CAUSED THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR; THE CAR THEN WENT OVER THE MEDIAN WHICH CAUSED IT TO BLOW OUT THE TIRE, DESTROY THE RIM AND DAMAGE THE AXLE, AT MINIMUM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10593282
Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2014
Steering
I LEASED MY COROLLA ON 3/2013. I NOTICED THAT I HAD TROUBLE STEERING THE CAR RIGHT AWAY, BUT JUST THOUGHT THAT IT WAS BECAUSE I WASN'T USED TO THE NEW ELECTRIC STEERING. ON THE FIRST 5000 MILE MAINTENANCE I ASKED THE ADVISER TO HAVE THE ALIGNMENT AND TIRES CHECKED. THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. 10,000 MILE MAINTENANCE I R…
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I LEASED MY COROLLA ON 3/2013. I NOTICED THAT I HAD TROUBLE STEERING THE CAR RIGHT AWAY, BUT JUST THOUGHT THAT IT WAS BECAUSE I WASN'T USED TO THE NEW ELECTRIC STEERING. ON THE FIRST 5000 MILE MAINTENANCE I ASKED THE ADVISER TO HAVE THE ALIGNMENT AND TIRES CHECKED. THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. 10,000 MILE MAINTENANCE I REQUESTED THE SAME BECAUSE THE CAR IS A CHORE TO CONTROL ON THE FREEWAY. THE CAR WANDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD, SOMETIMES TO THE LEFT, AND THEN TO THE RIGHT. IT'S NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP THE STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD. THEY SAID THEY CHECKED EVERYTHING, AND THE CAR PERFORMS THE SAME AS ALL THE OTHER COROLLA'S. I CALLED BACK THE NEXT WEEK AND THEY THEY'LL HAVE TO BEGIN CHARGING ME NOW, BECAUSE THE WARRANTY WILL NOT ALLOW FOR ANOTHER ALIGNMENT. I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR OVER 30 YEARS. I'VE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT, AND I'VE ONLY BEEN ISSUED 1 TRAFFIC VIOLATION TICKET SINCE I OBTAINED MY LICENSE IN 1980. THIS CAR HAS CAUSED ME TO HAVE SEVERAL EXTREMELY CLOSE CALLS. THE 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA IS DANGEROUS. I DRIVE ABOUT 15 MILES EACH WAY TO WORK AND BACK. I'VE HAD TO RESORT TO TAKING SIDE STREETS TO AVOID THE FREEWAY. WE HAVE FAMILY IN OTHER STATES BUT WE CAN'T DRIVE THERE IN THE COROLLA BECAUSE THE COROLLA WILL PROBABLY CAUSE US TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT BEFORE WE REACH OUR DESTINATION. MY WIFE AND I HAVE ALWAYS BOUGHT TOYOTA'S, AND THIS IS MY FOURTH COROLLA. I BOUGHT MY FIRST COROLLA IN 1982, BUT I'VE BEGUN THE ARBITRATION PROCESS FOR THEM TO BUY BACK THIS PIECE OF JUNK. IF THAT DOESN'T WORK, I'LL USE THE LEMON LAW. SHAME ON YOU TOYOTA FOR DELIVERING SUCH A DANGEROUS AUTOMOBILE, AND THEN DOING NOTHING TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10567106
700 miles · Mar 4, 2014
Steering
WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROX. 60 MPH THE CAR WANDERS TO THE LEFT. I COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. IT KEPT DRIFTING LEFT. I HELD THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHT ON CENTER AND THE CAR KEPT DRIFTING LEFT. I HAD TO HOLD TIGHT TO THE STEERING AND WHEN I FELT IT DRIFTING LEFT, I HAD TO CONSTANTLY CORRECT THE STEERING …
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WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROX. 60 MPH THE CAR WANDERS TO THE LEFT. I COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. IT KEPT DRIFTING LEFT. I HELD THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHT ON CENTER AND THE CAR KEPT DRIFTING LEFT. I HAD TO HOLD TIGHT TO THE STEERING AND WHEN I FELT IT DRIFTING LEFT, I HAD TO CONSTANTLY CORRECT THE STEERING TO PREVENT FROM GOING INTO THE OTHER LANE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES FOR THE SAME DRIFTING / STEERING / WANDERING PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 2300 MILES ON IT AND STILL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. TOYOTA TELLS ME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FULLY REPAIRED AND WORKING AS DESIGNED. I DON'T TRUST THIS VEHICLE AND I FEEL THAT THIS I AM NOT GOING TO WAIT FOR AN ACCIDENT TO HAPPEN. MY ONLY RECOURSE NOW IS THE LEMON LAW. I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW CAR AND I WANT IT TO DRIVE LIKE A BRAND NEW CAR. I DON'T THINK THAT IS TOO MUCH TO ASK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10567082
23 miles · Feb 28, 2014
SteeringSuspensionTires
SINCE THE DAY WE LEASED 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA JULY 2013, THE CAR IS ALL OVER THE ROAD. CONSTANTLY HAVE TO CORRECT TO KEEP IN LANE, BUZZY, VIBRATION. VERY SCARY IN THE RAIN AND SNOW. CONSTANTLY TCB LOCKS FRONT RIGHT BRAKE AND PULL CAR TOWARDS THE DITCH. HAD TO BACK DOWN A HILL IN THE SNOW SEVERAL TIMES THAT WE HAVE DRIVEN OVER MA…
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SINCE THE DAY WE LEASED 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA JULY 2013, THE CAR IS ALL OVER THE ROAD. CONSTANTLY HAVE TO CORRECT TO KEEP IN LANE, BUZZY, VIBRATION. VERY SCARY IN THE RAIN AND SNOW. CONSTANTLY TCB LOCKS FRONT RIGHT BRAKE AND PULL CAR TOWARDS THE DITCH. HAD TO BACK DOWN A HILL IN THE SNOW SEVERAL TIMES THAT WE HAVE DRIVEN OVER MANY YEARS. WHY WOULD YOU PUT 55 SERIES TIRE ON A SMALL CAR LIKE THIS UNLESS TO COVER UP STEERING ISSUES. WE HAVE 4 BLIZZACK NEW SNOW TIRES AND STILL SCARY TO DRIVE. NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ANY OF OUR OTHER 16 PRIOR TOYOTA'S. COMPLAINED TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD ALL WITHIN SPECS, GET USED TO NEW TECHNOLOGY. SPOKE WITH TOYOTA FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE ON 02/27/2014 AGAIN TOLD THE SAME THING, THEY WOULD LOOK INTO IT, "NEVER HEARD" OF ANY STEERING ISSUES WITH THIS CAR. NO ANTI SWAY BAR ON ANY COROLLA NOW, BUT A $400 OPTION IF YOU WANT TO HAVE THEM UPGRADE IT! WE ORIGINALLY BOUGHT FOR COLLEGE BOUND TEENAGER, NOW SITS IN DRIVEWAY BECAUSE IT IS NOT SAFE. HELP PLEASE! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10566565
32 miles · Sep 22, 2013
Steering
WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SWAYS AND DRIFTS BY ITSELF TO THE RIGHT LANE OR SOMTIMES THE LEFT LANE WITHOUT MUCH DRIVER EFFORT. I FEEL THAT THE CAR IS BEING PUSHED OFF THE ROAD AS IM DRIVING.I HAVE NOTIFIED MY DEALER MILLENNIUM. TOYOTA IN HEMPSTEAD NY BUT THEY CANT SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMS THOUGH ON Y…
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WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SWAYS AND DRIFTS BY ITSELF TO THE RIGHT LANE OR SOMTIMES THE LEFT LANE WITHOUT MUCH DRIVER EFFORT. I FEEL THAT THE CAR IS BEING PUSHED OFF THE ROAD AS IM DRIVING.I HAVE NOTIFIED MY DEALER MILLENNIUM. TOYOTA IN HEMPSTEAD NY BUT THEY CANT SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMS THOUGH ON YOUR WEBSITE THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA AND THIS PARTICULAR. PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM. TOYOTA 2 TIMES SAID THEY CANT FIND THE PROBLEM AND SAID THEY JUST ADJUSTED TIRE INFLATION TO 32 PSI.WHEN I BROUGHT VECHICLE THE FIRST DAY, IT HAD 50 PSI ON EACH TIRE AND THE DEALER ASKED ME IF THE TPMS LIGHT CAME ON AND I SAID NO. IM SURPRISED. THAT THE DEALER HAS NO INFO ON THIS STEERING PROBLEM. IM AFRAID FOR MY LIFE AND MY FAMILY THAT WE MAY DIE IN THIS CAR. THE DEALER IS COMPLETELY IGNORING THE PROBLEM. I EVEN SAW A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ONLINE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. HOW COME TOYOTA IS NOT ADVISING THERE CUSTOMERS OF THIS PROBLEM. WE THE CUSTOMER BUYS TOYOTS FOR RELIABILITY AND SAFETY AND I DONT KNOW IF I WILL EVER BE SAFE IN A TOYOTA COROLLA AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #10544895
80 miles · Sep 9, 2013
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIFT TO THE RIGHT. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ALSO ABNORMALLY LOOSE AND THE CONTACT HAD TO CONSTANTLY CORRECT THE STEERING WHEEL TO AVOID CRASHING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIFT TO THE RIGHT. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ALSO ABNORMALLY LOOSE AND THE CONTACT HAD TO CONSTANTLY CORRECT THE STEERING WHEEL TO AVOID CRASHING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10542568
92,000 miles · Sep 3, 2013
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE EPS, ABS, AND THE VSA WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE EPS, ABS, AND THE VSA WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,163.
NHTSA ODI #10538632
90 miles · Aug 28, 2013
Steering
NEW 2013 COROLLA L. 1ST TIME DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. HAD TO CONSTANTLY CORRECT STEERING, FELT LIKE WIND BUFFETING THE CAR. ANY LIGHT TOUCH ON STEERING WHEEL CAUSED CAR TO SHIFT DIRECTION. AT ONE POINT, THE CAR VEERED INTO ANOTHER LANE WITH JUST A VERY LIGHT TOUCH ON THE STEERING WHEEL. NOW I LEARN ABOUT A 2010 RECALL, & READ MANY CO…
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NEW 2013 COROLLA L. 1ST TIME DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. HAD TO CONSTANTLY CORRECT STEERING, FELT LIKE WIND BUFFETING THE CAR. ANY LIGHT TOUCH ON STEERING WHEEL CAUSED CAR TO SHIFT DIRECTION. AT ONE POINT, THE CAR VEERED INTO ANOTHER LANE WITH JUST A VERY LIGHT TOUCH ON THE STEERING WHEEL. NOW I LEARN ABOUT A 2010 RECALL, & READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT FATIGUE FROM CONSTANTLY HANDLING THE STEERING WHEEL, UNEXPECTED DIRECTION CHANGES, AND EVEN ACCIDENTS. UNIMPRESSIVE! AND DANGEROUS! *TT
NHTSA ODI #10537771
Official recalls
5Jan 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
2EA21002 · 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.