NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
22 reportsClear category filter90,000 miles · May 13, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering
THE COOLING SYSTEM IN MY CAR IS DEFECTIVE. THE WATER PUMP IS APPARENTLY LEAKING WHEN I HAVE COMMITTED NO PRECURSIVE ACTION TO CAUSE IT. THIS ISSUE IS RELATED TO THE SAME ISSUE IN MY OTHER SIMILAR TOYOTA PRIUSES, WHERE DEFECTIVE ELECTRIC WATER PUMPS UNEXPECTEDLY STOP WORKING. THE OTHER CARS ARE CONSEQUENTLY RECALLED AND I BEL…
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THE COOLING SYSTEM IN MY CAR IS DEFECTIVE. THE WATER PUMP IS APPARENTLY LEAKING WHEN I HAVE COMMITTED NO PRECURSIVE ACTION TO CAUSE IT. THIS ISSUE IS RELATED TO THE SAME ISSUE IN MY OTHER SIMILAR TOYOTA PRIUSES, WHERE DEFECTIVE ELECTRIC WATER PUMPS UNEXPECTEDLY STOP WORKING. THE OTHER CARS ARE CONSEQUENTLY RECALLED AND I BELIEVE MINE SHOULD BE AS WELL. HTTP://NEWS.CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG/SAFETY/2012/11/TOYOTA-PRIUS-AND-OTHER-VEHICLES-RECALLED-DUE-TO-WATER-PUMP-AND-STEERING-ISSUES.HTML THANKS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10511607
Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2013
Steering
2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STEERING RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED AN URGENT RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL. HOWEVER, WHEN SHE CALLED THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, SHE WAS INFORMED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THEY WERE NOT SURE, WHEN IT WOULD ARRIVE.
NHTSA ODI #10494102
77,000 miles · Oct 1, 2012
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING AT 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE MOVED IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE, STEERING SHAFT, THE CONNECTING YOKE, AND THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT EXTE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING AT 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE MOVED IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE, STEERING SHAFT, THE CONNECTING YOKE, AND THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT EXTENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE STEERING FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V188000: (STEERING: ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO FILED A COMPLAINT AND OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. UPDATED 10/19/12 *CN UPDATED 10/23/2012 *JS UPDATED 11/19/12 *BF UPDATED 11/20/2012 *JS *DT *TP
NHTSA ODI #10478053
75,000 miles · Sep 3, 2012
Steering
WHILE MY 16 YEAR OLD SON WAS PRACTICING DRIVING MANEUVERABILITY WITH MY WIFE IN A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING SHAFT COMPLETELY FAILED AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE CONTROLLED OR STEERED. THEY PARKED THE CAR SAFELY AND GOT A RIDE HOME. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SPLINES ON ONE OF THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS COMPLETELY FAILED. THE…
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WHILE MY 16 YEAR OLD SON WAS PRACTICING DRIVING MANEUVERABILITY WITH MY WIFE IN A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING SHAFT COMPLETELY FAILED AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE CONTROLLED OR STEERED. THEY PARKED THE CAR SAFELY AND GOT A RIDE HOME. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SPLINES ON ONE OF THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS COMPLETELY FAILED. THE UPPER PARTS OF THE STEERING MECHANISM COULD TURN WITHOUT TURNING THE LOWER PARTS. TOYOTA HAD A RECALL ON SOME 2004-2006 VEHICLES WITH THIS EXACT DESCRIPTION OF PARTS BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. MY FAILURE IS EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED: LOW SPEED WITH THE STEERING TURNED AT THE END OF TRAVEL. SEARCHING THE PRIUS FORUMS ON LINE, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. EVEN CARS THAT HAVE HAD THEIR STEERING MECHANISMS REPLACED HAVE FAILED A SECOND TIME. THE ISSUE IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN OF THE STEERING SHAFT. FIRST, THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING PLACES FORCES ON THE STEERING SHAFT THAT WOULD NOT EXIST IN HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING. THE SPLINE NOW HAS THE FORCE OF THE DRIVER PLUS THE BOOST OF THE POWER STEERING. AT THE END OF TRAVEL, THE POWER STEERING IS FORCING THE LINKAGE TO TURN EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVER IS JUST SLIGHTLY TURNING THE WHEEL. THE RACK AND PINION AND THE ASSOCIATED SHAFT AND LINK WERE DESIGNED FOR NON BOOSTED FORCES. THE SECOND DESIGN DEFECT IS THE FACT THAT THIS SAFETY CRITICAL PART DOESN'T INCLUDE SOME TYPE OF REDUNDANCY FOR FAILED SPLINES. IN STATE OF THE ART DESIGNS AVAILABLE SINCE THE 1970S, THE CLAMPING BOLT PROVIDES A SECONDARY FAIL- SAFE FOR LOOSING THE SPLINE INTERFACE. IF THE SPLINES FAIL, THE BOLT INTERFERES WITH THE SHAFT AFTER A FEW DEGREES OF MOVEMENT. THIS GIVES THE DRIVER A SLOPPY BUT SAFE WAY TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. UNLIKE THE PRIUS FAILURE, THIS SYSTEM CAN KEEP THE DRIVER IN CONTROL. MY TOYOTA DEALER DID NOTHING FOR ME BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY. TOYOTA CUSTOMER LINE DID NOTHING. *TR..UPDATED 06/28/13 *BF UPDATED 07/1/2013 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10473654
119,730 miles · Feb 25, 2011
Steering
SERVICE VISIT FOR OUR 2006 PRIUS WAS COMPLETED ON FEB 5, 2011 AND UPON DRIVING HOME THE CAR STEERED DIFFERENTLY. A SECOND SERVICE VISIT WAS INITIATED AT OUR REQUEST AND THE DEALER INSPECTED THE CAR AND FOUND NO PROBLEM. ON FEBRUARY 25, 2011 A THIRD SERVICE VISIT WAS INITIATED AT OUR REQUEST AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT PROVIDED A …
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SERVICE VISIT FOR OUR 2006 PRIUS WAS COMPLETED ON FEB 5, 2011 AND UPON DRIVING HOME THE CAR STEERED DIFFERENTLY. A SECOND SERVICE VISIT WAS INITIATED AT OUR REQUEST AND THE DEALER INSPECTED THE CAR AND FOUND NO PROBLEM. ON FEBRUARY 25, 2011 A THIRD SERVICE VISIT WAS INITIATED AT OUR REQUEST AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT PROVIDED A WRITTEN ESTIMATE FOR REPLACING A "FAILING STEERING MOTOR ASSEMBLY" FOR AN OUT OF WARRANTY COST OF $1950.00 PLUS TAX AND INSTALLATION. I ASKED IF THIS WAS A RECALL ITEM AND THEY INDICATED NO AND A CALL TO TOYOTA ON CASE NUMBER 1102251605 ARRIVED AT THE SAME CONCLUSION. OUT OF WARRANTY AND NO RECALL AT THIS TIME. THE RESPONSE TO A QUESTION "IS THIS CAR SAFE TO DRIVE" TO THE DEALER SERVICE EMPLOYEES WAS RESPONDED TO WITH YES THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET THAT IF THIS UNIT FAILS OR PARTIALLY FAILS, EVEN WORSE, AN UN-COMMANDED VEER OR TURN COULD OCCUR. AN OUT OF LANE EVENT IS LIKELY WITH A CORRECTION FORCE TO OVERCOME THE SERVO TURN, AND ADDITIONAL CORRECTING FORCE TO RETURN CORRECT DIRECTION WILL NEED TO BE APPLIED. NOW I UNDERSTAND THIS, WELL ENOUGH TO KNOW THAT I WILL NOT LET MY WIFE DRIVE THE CAR AND SHE WILL DRIVE MINE NOW. IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS AND I AM UNABLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE USE THIS INFORMATION TO HOLD TOYOTA ACCOUNTABLE AND RESPONSIBLE. I DROVE THE PRIUS YESTERDAY SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES AND THE STEERING PROBLEM MADE ME A NERVOUS PERSON BY THE TIME I HAD RETURNED HOME. CLEARLY THIS IS NOT A WEAR AND TEAR ITEM. STEERING IS A LIFETIME CRITICAL ITEM AND COMPUTER CONTROLLED SYSTEMS LIKE THIS ARE NORMALLY DESIGNED WITH THE INTENT TO LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE UNLESS PHYSICAL DAMAGE HAS ALTERED THE SYSTEM. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED QUICKLY AND OPENLY BEFORE LIVES ARE LOST. THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO PREVENT LOSS, I CALL IT MITIGATION BECAUSE YOU NOW KNOW OF THE HAZARD AND SOME OF THE RISKS. ACTION IS REQUIRED. I CURRENTLY HAVE VERY LIMITED RESOURCES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10384505
45,000 miles · May 3, 2010
Air BagsSteeringCrashInjury
DRIVING IN GOOD WEATHER ON A LOCAL ROAD AND CAR SKID LIGHT WENT ON AND WHEELS LOCKED TO THE RIGHT. STEERING WAS NOT RESPONSIVE. THE LACK OF STEERING CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. HOWEVER, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI #10328483
8,035 miles · Feb 18, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteering
1) STEERING WHEEL/SHAFT APPEARS TO BE IMPROPERLY SUPPORTED; FEELS LOOSE WHEN TURNING LOCK TO LOCK SINCE NEW. HAVE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF FOUR (4) TOYOTA DEALERS WHEN SERVICE PERFORMED (HAVE TAKEN TO TOYOTA FOR ALL SERVICE WORK SINCE NEW), ALL HAVE ADVISED THAT THERE IS "NOTHING WRONG" WITH THE VEHICLE. IT IS THE ONLY VEHICL…
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1) STEERING WHEEL/SHAFT APPEARS TO BE IMPROPERLY SUPPORTED; FEELS LOOSE WHEN TURNING LOCK TO LOCK SINCE NEW. HAVE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF FOUR (4) TOYOTA DEALERS WHEN SERVICE PERFORMED (HAVE TAKEN TO TOYOTA FOR ALL SERVICE WORK SINCE NEW), ALL HAVE ADVISED THAT THERE IS "NOTHING WRONG" WITH THE VEHICLE. IT IS THE ONLY VEHICLE WE HAVE EVER OWNED THAT HAS THIS SENSE OF DISCONNECT AND POTENTIAL FOR A MUCH MORE SERIOUS ISSUE WERE THERE EVER A STEERING FAILURE. 2) OVER ROUGH ROADS (WHEN VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN IN SEATTLE AND BELLEVUE, WA) WHEN STOPPING, THE ABS SYSTEM SEEMS TO ACTIVATE PREMATURELY AND INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES. WE HAVE OTHER VEHICLES WITH ABS BRAKES WHICH DO NOT ACTIVATE SO READILY AND STOP SO SLOWLY. AS IT RELATES TO INCIDENT DATE(S): SINCE NEW, VEHICLE PURCHASED NOVEMBER 2005. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10311820
55,000 miles · Feb 17, 2010
SteeringSuspension
I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 65 M/HR ON I-95 AND NOTICED MY CAR VEERING FIRST TO THE LEFT THEN TO THE RIGHT. I WAS PUZZLED BY THIS AND LOOKED OVER TO NOTICE THAT TREES WERE NOT MOVING, I.E., IT DID NOT FEEL WINDY OUTSIDE. THIS WAS A VERY PECULIAR INCIDENT THAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY CAR ABOUT 3-4 TIMES IN THE PAST 3 YEARS. I LATER HEARD O…
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I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 65 M/HR ON I-95 AND NOTICED MY CAR VEERING FIRST TO THE LEFT THEN TO THE RIGHT. I WAS PUZZLED BY THIS AND LOOKED OVER TO NOTICE THAT TREES WERE NOT MOVING, I.E., IT DID NOT FEEL WINDY OUTSIDE. THIS WAS A VERY PECULIAR INCIDENT THAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY CAR ABOUT 3-4 TIMES IN THE PAST 3 YEARS. I LATER HEARD ON THE NEWS THE RECALL OF COROLLAS FOR THE SAME TYPE OF ISSUE. THEY ACTUALLY SHOWED A TEST MODEL SIMULATION AND IT LOOKED EXACTLY LIKE WHAT I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS MY IMAGINATION BUT IT CERTAINLY DID NOT FEEL THAT WAY WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10311584
40,200 miles · Feb 5, 2010
Service Brakes, ElectricSteeringTraction Control System
MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS SEVERAL ISSUES WITH ACCELERATION, BRAKING, TURNING CAR OFF AND ON ALARM GOES OFF CONSTANTLY AND TERRIBLE GAS MILEAGE AROUND 30 MILES PER GALLON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10306520
4,860 miles · Feb 4, 2010
Service Brakes, ElectricSteering
IN 10/06, I HAD AN INCIDENT WHERE THE BRAKES AND STEERING OF MY 2006 PRIUS CEASED TO FUNCTION BRIEFLY, AS I TRIED TO BRAKE AT AN INTERSECTION. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO MY TOYOTA DEALER SHORTLY AFTER -- THEY CHECKED IT BUT FOUND NOTHING WRONG, SO NOTHING WAS DONE. THE DAY IN QUESTION WAS DRIZZLY AND THE ROADS WET. IT WAS DAYTIME, AND…
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IN 10/06, I HAD AN INCIDENT WHERE THE BRAKES AND STEERING OF MY 2006 PRIUS CEASED TO FUNCTION BRIEFLY, AS I TRIED TO BRAKE AT AN INTERSECTION. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO MY TOYOTA DEALER SHORTLY AFTER -- THEY CHECKED IT BUT FOUND NOTHING WRONG, SO NOTHING WAS DONE. THE DAY IN QUESTION WAS DRIZZLY AND THE ROADS WET. IT WAS DAYTIME, AND I WAS DRIVING WITH MY CHILDREN IN BOSTON, APPROACHING THE FOREST HILLS INTERSECTION. THERE WERE TROLLEY TRACKS IN THE ROAD (SINCE REMOVED), WHICH I TRY TO AVOID, SINCE I KNOW THEY CAN BE SLIPPERY. AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION, GOING ABOUT 20 MPH, I PUT MY FOOT TO THE BRAKE. AT THAT POINT, IT SEEMED TO ME THAT BOTH THE BRAKES AND THE STEERING CEASED TO FUNCTION OR FROZE UP, SO THAT I COULDN'T STOP THE CAR OR KEEP IT GOING STRAIGHT. THUS THE CAR KEPT GOING, VEERING TO THE RIGHT, WITH ONE WHEEL BANGING INTO AND UP ONTO A CURB, BEFORE THE CAR STOPPED. THE WHOLE THING TOOK ONLY A FEW SECONDS. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND SAT THERE IN DISBELIEF, SINCE I'D EXPERIENCED NOTHING LIKE THIS IN 30 YEARS OF DRIVING. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS CLOSE BY, SO I DIDN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, AND I HAD BEEN GOING SLOW ENOUGH SO THAT NEITHER I NOR MY TWO BOYS WERE HURT. I HAVE COME TO KNOW THE CAR BETTER, AND HAVE LEARNED THAT OFTEN WHEN THE ROAD IS SLIPPERY OR ROUGH, YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS WILL FLASH, AND THE BRAKES WILL SEEM BRIEFLY LESS CRISP. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE WET CONDITIONS AND THE TROLLEY TRACKS ON THE DAY OF THE INCIDENT CONTRIBUTED TO WHAT HAPPENED. HOWEVER, I WANT TO EMPHASIZE THE QUALITATIVE DIFFERENCE OF THE 2006 INCIDENT. I'M NOT A CAR EXPERT, BUT IT FELT TO ME LIKE THE CAR'S ELECTRONIC SYSTEM HAD SEIZED UP, NOT LIKE THERE WAS SOME MECHANICAL PROBLEM. IT FELT AS THOUGH THERE WAS A BRIEF BUT COMPLETE SEVERING OF THE CONNECTION BETWEEN MY ACTIONS WITH MY FEET AND HANDS AND HOW THE CAR BEHAVED. IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10305933
Official recalls
6Nov 14, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.
Consequence: The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.
Consequence: The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Nov 14, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:gear Box:shaft Sector
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.
Consequence: Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Steering
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.
Consequence: Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Feb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Oct 5, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
May 31, 2006
THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND SLIDING YOKE IN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM CAN CRACK WHEN LARGE FORCES ARE APPLIED AND THE CONNECTION MAY SEPARATE OR THE SLEEVE MAY FRACTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND INSPECT THE SLIDING YOKE AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Apr 3, 2006
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
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
3DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP13001 · Intermediate Steering Shaft Separation
Opened Feb 21, 2013 · Closed Apr 8, 2020
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:column; Steering:linkages
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a January 2013 defect petition requesting that it open an investigation on Model Year (MY) 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles to address a possible manufacturing safety defect related to the steering column intermediate shaft.During the defect petition evaluation, ODI: 1.Reviewed the petition and its enclosures; 2.Reviewed the subject steering system layout; 3.Examined the Petition Vehicle?s history, including its repair history; 4.Reviewed and followed-up potentially related consumer complaints; 5.Assessed Safety Recalls 06V-188 and 12V-537; and, 6.Requested and examined complaint, claim, field report, service history, and warranty information from Toyota.ODI's review revealed that the petition vehicle had been recalled (Recall 06V188) to remedy a defect in the system identified in the petition with the remedy taking place prior to the failure that prompted the petition. Circumstances point to incorrect reassembly of the petitioner's vehicle by those who performed the recall remedy.ODI examined the issues raised by this petition to identify any related safety defect trend in the general subject vehicle population.That review identified a low rate of related consumer complaints (twenty-five over a eight year period from a population of over 600,000 vehicles) and no pattern that would identify either a safety defect not already covered by the two existing steering safety recalls by Toyota or a systematic problem with either recall remedy.Based on this evaluation, ODI does not believe that additional investigation will lead to a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in the subject vehicles. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is denied. The denial of this petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For more information, see the Federal Register notice in the public file for this action (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle, select NHTSA ID, enter: DP13001)The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed on-line (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle) under the following NHTSA ID numbers:10407520, 10418710, 10429551, 10473654, 10478195, 10478053, 10437229, 10489425, 10510722, 10639984, 10648277, 10499778, 10712626, 10723196, 10787530, 10808124, 10838803, 11071646, 11098144, 11099507, 11102659, 11160767, 11192607, 11287550, 11287606
Additional source detail variants (3)
Steering:column
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a January 2013 defect petition requesting that it open an investigation on Model Year (MY) 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles to address a possible manufacturing safety defect related to the steering column intermediate shaft.During the defect petition evaluation, ODI: 1.Reviewed the petition and its enclosures; 2.Reviewed the subject steering system layout; 3.Examined the Petition Vehicle?s history, including its repair history; 4.Reviewed and followed-up potentially related consumer complaints; 5.Assessed Safety Recalls 06V-188 and 12V-537; and, 6.Requested and examined complaint, claim, field report, service history, and warranty information from Toyota.ODI's review revealed that the petition vehicle had been recalled (Recall 06V188) to remedy a defect in the system identified in the petition with the remedy taking place prior to the failure that prompted the petition. Circumstances point to incorrect reassembly of the petitioner's vehicle by those who performed the recall remedy.ODI examined the issues raised by this petition to identify any related safety defect trend in the general subject vehicle population.That review identified a low rate of related consumer complaints (twenty-five over a eight year period from a population of over 600,000 vehicles) and no pattern that would identify either a safety defect not already covered by the two existing steering safety recalls by Toyota or a systematic problem with either recall remedy.Based on this evaluation, ODI does not believe that additional investigation will lead to a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in the subject vehicles. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is denied. The denial of this petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For more information, see the Federal Register notice in the public file for this action (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle, select NHTSA ID, enter: DP13001)The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed on-line (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle) under the following NHTSA ID numbers:10407520, 10418710, 10429551, 10473654, 10478195, 10478053, 10437229, 10489425, 10510722, 10639984, 10648277, 10499778, 10712626, 10723196, 10787530, 10808124, 10838803, 11071646, 11098144, 11099507, 11102659, 11160767, 11192607, 11287550, 11287606
Steering:linkages
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a January 2013 defect petition requesting that it open an investigation on Model Year (MY) 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles to address a possible manufacturing safety defect related to the steering column intermediate shaft.During the defect petition evaluation, ODI: 1.Reviewed the petition and its enclosures; 2.Reviewed the subject steering system layout; 3.Examined the Petition Vehicle?s history, including its repair history; 4.Reviewed and followed-up potentially related consumer complaints; 5.Assessed Safety Recalls 06V-188 and 12V-537; and, 6.Requested and examined complaint, claim, field report, service history, and warranty information from Toyota.ODI's review revealed that the petition vehicle had been recalled (Recall 06V188) to remedy a defect in the system identified in the petition with the remedy taking place prior to the failure that prompted the petition. Circumstances point to incorrect reassembly of the petitioner's vehicle by those who performed the recall remedy.ODI examined the issues raised by this petition to identify any related safety defect trend in the general subject vehicle population.That review identified a low rate of related consumer complaints (twenty-five over a eight year period from a population of over 600,000 vehicles) and no pattern that would identify either a safety defect not already covered by the two existing steering safety recalls by Toyota or a systematic problem with either recall remedy.Based on this evaluation, ODI does not believe that additional investigation will lead to a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in the subject vehicles. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is denied. The denial of this petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For more information, see the Federal Register notice in the public file for this action (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle, select NHTSA ID, enter: DP13001)The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed on-line (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle) under the following NHTSA ID numbers:10407520, 10418710, 10429551, 10473654, 10478195, 10478053, 10437229, 10489425, 10510722, 10639984, 10648277, 10499778, 10712626, 10723196, 10787530, 10808124, 10838803, 11071646, 11098144, 11099507, 11102659, 11160767, 11192607, 11287550, 11287606
Steering
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a January 2013 defect petition requesting that it open an investigation on Model Year (MY) 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles to address a possible manufacturing safety defect related to the steering column intermediate shaft.During the defect petition evaluation, ODI: 1.Reviewed the petition and its enclosures; 2.Reviewed the subject steering system layout; 3.Examined the Petition Vehicle?s history, including its repair history; 4.Reviewed and followed-up potentially related consumer complaints; 5.Assessed Safety Recalls 06V-188 and 12V-537; and, 6.Requested and examined complaint, claim, field report, service history, and warranty information from Toyota.ODI's review revealed that the petition vehicle had been recalled (Recall 06V188) to remedy a defect in the system identified in the petition with the remedy taking place prior to the failure that prompted the petition. Circumstances point to incorrect reassembly of the petitioner's vehicle by those who performed the recall remedy.ODI examined the issues raised by this petition to identify any related safety defect trend in the general subject vehicle population.That review identified a low rate of related consumer complaints (twenty-five over a eight year period from a population of over 600,000 vehicles) and no pattern that would identify either a safety defect not already covered by the two existing steering safety recalls by Toyota or a systematic problem with either recall remedy.Based on this evaluation, ODI does not believe that additional investigation will lead to a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in the subject vehicles. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is denied. The denial of this petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For more information, see the Federal Register notice in the public file for this action (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle, select NHTSA ID, enter: DP13001)The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed on-line (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle) under the following NHTSA ID numbers:10407520, 10418710, 10429551, 10473654, 10478195, 10478053, 10437229, 10489425, 10510722, 10639984, 10648277, 10499778, 10712626, 10723196, 10787530, 10808124, 10838803, 11071646, 11098144, 11099507, 11102659, 11160767, 11192607, 11287550, 11287606
PE09019 · Headlight Failure
Opened Apr 17, 2009 · Closed Aug 27, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:headlights
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT, OR EXTINGUISH WHILE DRIVING.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE (HID) HEADLAMPS THAT OPERATE ON INDEPENDENT LAMPS AND ECU'S (ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS) FOR EACH HEADLIGHT, MEANING THAT EACH HEADLIGHT RUNS INDEPENDENTLY OF THE OTHER, AND A FAILURE IN ONE LAMP OR ECU DOES NOT NECESSARILY RESULT IN A FAILURE OF THE OTHER.DURING THE INVESTIGATION, A RANDOM SAMPLE OF FORTY CONSUMERS WAS CONTACTED BY ODI IN A TELEPHONE SURVEY TO VERIFY THEIR EXPERIENCES.THE CONSUMERS STATED IN COMPLAINTS TO TOYOTA THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED AT THE SAME TIME.ODI DISCOVERED THROUGH TALKING WITH THESE COMPLAINANTS THAT IN FACT ONE HEADLIGHT WOULD BEGIN TO FLICKER AND THEN CUT OFF.THE OTHER HEADLIGHT WOULD STILL BE OPERATIONAL.IN A FEW CASES WHERE NO ACTION WAS TAKEN, SOME COMPLAINANTS STATED THAT AFTER A FEW MONTHS BOTH HEADLAMPS WOULD BEGIN TO FAIL RESULTING IN NO HEADLIGHTS; HOWEVER NONE REPORTED THAT BOTH LAMPS FAILED SIMULTANEOUSLY.COMPLAINANTS ALSO STATED THAT THEY COULD TOGGLE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH ON AND OFF TO TEMPORARILY RESTORE LIGHTING WHEN THIS CONDITION OCCURRED, EVEN IN CASES WERE BOTH HEADLAMPS WERE EXTINGUISHED.THE RESULTS OF THIS SURVEY ARE LARGELY CONSISTENT WITH ODI'S ASSESSMENT OF THE REPORTS AND WARRANTY DATA.TOYOTA SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER THAT, GENERALLY SPEAKING, ONLY ONE LAMP FAILED AT A TIME, AND THAT TOGGLING THE SWITCH RESTORED THE LAMP.TOYOTA REQUESTED A MEETING WITH ODI AND ON AUGUST 6, 2009, PRESENTED THEIR ASSESSMENT OF HEADLAMP FAILURE.TOYOTA CONFIRMED THAT A HEADLAMP COULD EXTINGUISH WHILE DRIVING DUE TO A BULB FAILURE, AND THAT IT COULD BE TEMPORARILY RESTORED BY TURNING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON AND OFF, AND THAT SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF BOTH HEADLAMPS WAS RARE AND UNLIKELY.TOYOTA ALSO BRIEFLY DISCUSSED THEIR INTENTION TO CONDUCT A CUSTOMER SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS CONSUMER DISSATISFACTION WITH HID BULB FAILURES.SINCE THERE IS STILL ONE HEADLIGHT OPERATING WHEN THE OTHER ONE CUTS OFF, THERE IS STILL LIGHTING AVAILABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR FACILITY.THUS, A SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:headlights
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT, OR EXTINGUISH WHILE DRIVING.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE (HID) HEADLAMPS THAT OPERATE ON INDEPENDENT LAMPS AND ECU'S (ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS) FOR EACH HEADLIGHT, MEANING THAT EACH HEADLIGHT RUNS INDEPENDENTLY OF THE OTHER, AND A FAILURE IN ONE LAMP OR ECU DOES NOT NECESSARILY RESULT IN A FAILURE OF THE OTHER.DURING THE INVESTIGATION, A RANDOM SAMPLE OF FORTY CONSUMERS WAS CONTACTED BY ODI IN A TELEPHONE SURVEY TO VERIFY THEIR EXPERIENCES.THE CONSUMERS STATED IN COMPLAINTS TO TOYOTA THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED AT THE SAME TIME.ODI DISCOVERED THROUGH TALKING WITH THESE COMPLAINANTS THAT IN FACT ONE HEADLIGHT WOULD BEGIN TO FLICKER AND THEN CUT OFF.THE OTHER HEADLIGHT WOULD STILL BE OPERATIONAL.IN A FEW CASES WHERE NO ACTION WAS TAKEN, SOME COMPLAINANTS STATED THAT AFTER A FEW MONTHS BOTH HEADLAMPS WOULD BEGIN TO FAIL RESULTING IN NO HEADLIGHTS; HOWEVER NONE REPORTED THAT BOTH LAMPS FAILED SIMULTANEOUSLY.COMPLAINANTS ALSO STATED THAT THEY COULD TOGGLE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH ON AND OFF TO TEMPORARILY RESTORE LIGHTING WHEN THIS CONDITION OCCURRED, EVEN IN CASES WERE BOTH HEADLAMPS WERE EXTINGUISHED.THE RESULTS OF THIS SURVEY ARE LARGELY CONSISTENT WITH ODI'S ASSESSMENT OF THE REPORTS AND WARRANTY DATA.TOYOTA SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER THAT, GENERALLY SPEAKING, ONLY ONE LAMP FAILED AT A TIME, AND THAT TOGGLING THE SWITCH RESTORED THE LAMP.TOYOTA REQUESTED A MEETING WITH ODI AND ON AUGUST 6, 2009, PRESENTED THEIR ASSESSMENT OF HEADLAMP FAILURE.TOYOTA CONFIRMED THAT A HEADLAMP COULD EXTINGUISH WHILE DRIVING DUE TO A BULB FAILURE, AND THAT IT COULD BE TEMPORARILY RESTORED BY TURNING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON AND OFF, AND THAT SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF BOTH HEADLAMPS WAS RARE AND UNLIKELY.TOYOTA ALSO BRIEFLY DISCUSSED THEIR INTENTION TO CONDUCT A CUSTOMER SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS CONSUMER DISSATISFACTION WITH HID BULB FAILURES.SINCE THERE IS STILL ONE HEADLIGHT OPERATING WHEN THE OTHER ONE CUTS OFF, THERE IS STILL LIGHTING AVAILABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR FACILITY.THUS, A SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Exterior Lighting
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT, OR EXTINGUISH WHILE DRIVING.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE (HID) HEADLAMPS THAT OPERATE ON INDEPENDENT LAMPS AND ECU'S (ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS) FOR EACH HEADLIGHT, MEANING THAT EACH HEADLIGHT RUNS INDEPENDENTLY OF THE OTHER, AND A FAILURE IN ONE LAMP OR ECU DOES NOT NECESSARILY RESULT IN A FAILURE OF THE OTHER.DURING THE INVESTIGATION, A RANDOM SAMPLE OF FORTY CONSUMERS WAS CONTACTED BY ODI IN A TELEPHONE SURVEY TO VERIFY THEIR EXPERIENCES.THE CONSUMERS STATED IN COMPLAINTS TO TOYOTA THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED AT THE SAME TIME.ODI DISCOVERED THROUGH TALKING WITH THESE COMPLAINANTS THAT IN FACT ONE HEADLIGHT WOULD BEGIN TO FLICKER AND THEN CUT OFF.THE OTHER HEADLIGHT WOULD STILL BE OPERATIONAL.IN A FEW CASES WHERE NO ACTION WAS TAKEN, SOME COMPLAINANTS STATED THAT AFTER A FEW MONTHS BOTH HEADLAMPS WOULD BEGIN TO FAIL RESULTING IN NO HEADLIGHTS; HOWEVER NONE REPORTED THAT BOTH LAMPS FAILED SIMULTANEOUSLY.COMPLAINANTS ALSO STATED THAT THEY COULD TOGGLE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH ON AND OFF TO TEMPORARILY RESTORE LIGHTING WHEN THIS CONDITION OCCURRED, EVEN IN CASES WERE BOTH HEADLAMPS WERE EXTINGUISHED.THE RESULTS OF THIS SURVEY ARE LARGELY CONSISTENT WITH ODI'S ASSESSMENT OF THE REPORTS AND WARRANTY DATA.TOYOTA SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER THAT, GENERALLY SPEAKING, ONLY ONE LAMP FAILED AT A TIME, AND THAT TOGGLING THE SWITCH RESTORED THE LAMP.TOYOTA REQUESTED A MEETING WITH ODI AND ON AUGUST 6, 2009, PRESENTED THEIR ASSESSMENT OF HEADLAMP FAILURE.TOYOTA CONFIRMED THAT A HEADLAMP COULD EXTINGUISH WHILE DRIVING DUE TO A BULB FAILURE, AND THAT IT COULD BE TEMPORARILY RESTORED BY TURNING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON AND OFF, AND THAT SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF BOTH HEADLAMPS WAS RARE AND UNLIKELY.TOYOTA ALSO BRIEFLY DISCUSSED THEIR INTENTION TO CONDUCT A CUSTOMER SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS CONSUMER DISSATISFACTION WITH HID BULB FAILURES.SINCE THERE IS STILL ONE HEADLIGHT OPERATING WHEN THE OTHER ONE CUTS OFF, THERE IS STILL LIGHTING AVAILABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR FACILITY.THUS, A SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
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