Toyota controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
2026
Al Futtaim Motors recalls 1,983 Toyota Highlander vehicles in UAE over second-row seat defect
Recall announced
Al Futtaim Motors, Toyota's official distributor and local importer in the UAE, announced the recall of 1,983 Toyota Highlander VXR and GXR vehicles manufactured in the United States between 2021 and 2023, in coordination with the Consumer Protection and Commercial Control Department at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The recall concerns second-row seat reclining mechanisms that may not engage fully and fail to lock the seatback securely, following a supplier design modification that may have caused an imbalance between the locking spring and return spring forces, increasing the risk of passenger injury in a collision. Owners will be contacted and the return springs in the reclining mechanisms will be replaced free of charge.
Company response
Recall — Al Futtaim Motors
Al Futtaim Motors, the official Toyota distributor and local importer in the UAE, announced the recall of 1,983 vehicles in coordination with the Consumer Protection and Commercial Control Department at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism
Remediation — Al Futtaim Motors
All repairs will be carried out free of charge, with owners asked to bring their vehicles in for the required work.
Source excerpt
Nearly 2,000 Toyota Highlander vehicles are being recalled in the UAE over a potential safety defect that could prevent second-row seats from locking securely into position, increasing the risk of passenger injuries in a collision.
Al Futtaim Motors, the official Toyota distributor and local importer in the UAE, announced the recall of 1,983 vehicles in coordination with the Consumer Protection and Commercial Control Department at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism
The campaign covers Toyota Highlander VXR and GXR models manufactured in the United States between 2021 and 2023.
2026
Toyota recalls 2024-2025 Tacoma vehicles over shock absorber defect
Recall announced
Toyota is recalling certain 2024 Tacoma Hybrid and 2024-2025 Tacoma vehicles because the metal flange on the front and rear shock absorbers may corrode and fail, causing the external oil reservoir to detach and creating a road hazard. The recall potentially affects 48,280 vehicles; dealers will inspect and replace the front and rear shock absorber assemblies as necessary.
Company response
Recall — Toyota
Source excerpt
This recall potentially affects 48,280 vehicles.
2026
CFAO Mobility Kenya recalls Toyota vehicles over defective Takata airbags
Recall announced
CFAO Mobility Kenya recalled certain Toyota vehicles manufactured between 2001 and 2017 due to defective Takata airbags linked to injuries and fatalities globally. The Association of Kenya Insurers stated that CFAO Mobility engaged with it regarding plans to replace the defective airbags, and the recall campaign remains ongoing.
CFAO Mobility Kenya has recalled some Toyota vehicles manufactured between 2001 and 2017 over defective Takata airbags linked to injuries and fatalities globally. The Association of Kenya Insurers said CFAO Mobility engaged it on plans to replace the defective airbags, and the recall campaign is ongoing.
Company response
Recall — CFAO Mobility Kenya
Source excerpt
The defective airbags have been reported to have detonated on their own causing accidents and fatalities worldwide; giving way to injury and property damage claims
The recall involves airbags manufactured by Japanese car-parts maker Takata
2026
Toyota recalls about 655,000 Camry vehicles worldwide over display failure risk
Recall announced
Toyota announced a global recall of about 655,000 Camry vehicles, including 176 in New Zealand, due to a potential fault that can cause the instrument cluster display to go blank at start-up, which may prevent safety indicators such as turn signals, hazard lights and warning messages from functioning. Affected vehicles were produced between December 2023 and July 2026 at plants in the US, Japan and Thailand, and the fix involves free software reprogramming at dealerships.
Company response
Recall — Toyota
Toyota New Zealand is recalling 176 Camry vehicles after identifying a potential fault that could cause one of its displays to fail during start-up.
Remediation — Toyota
The fix involves reprogramming the display software and will be carried out free of charge at Toyota dealerships.
Source excerpt
Toyota New Zealand is recalling 176 Camry vehicles after identifying a potential fault that could cause one of its displays to fail during start-up.
The New Zealand recall forms part of a much larger global campaign announced by Toyota, which is recalling about 655,000 Camry vehicles worldwide.
The fix involves reprogramming the display software and will be carried out free of charge at Toyota dealerships.
2026
Toyota recalls 508,354 vehicles over instrument panel issue
Recall announced
Toyota issued a recall for 508,354 vehicles, including certain 2025-2026 Camry Hybrid models, because the instrument cluster display could fail during startup. This failure could deactivate hazard lights, turn signals, seat belt warnings and smart key reminders, and the vehicles do not meet federal safety standards. Dealers will update the display software for free, and owner notification letters will be mailed September 21.
Company response
Recall — Toyota
Toyota issued over an instrument panel problem that may raise the risk of a crash or injury. a recall for 508,354 vehicles
Remediation — Toyota
Owners of the impacted Toyota vehicles can take them to their local dealership where technicians will update the display software for free.
Source excerpt
Toyota issued over an instrument panel problem that may raise the risk of a crash or injury. a recall for 508,354 vehicles
In a recall notice, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the "instrument cluster display could fail during startup, "deactivating the hazard lights, turn signals, seat belt warning system, and smart key reminder."
recall affects certain 2025-2026 Camry Hybrid vehicles
2026
Toyota recalls 30,978 2026 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrids over ECU software glitch that can shut the vehicle off
Recall announced
Toyota initiated a safety recall (NHTSA recall 26V659; Toyota recall 26TA22) covering 30,978 2026 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid vehicles built between July 22 and August 19, 2026, because the motor generator ECU may not properly complete the motor initialization process, potentially leaving drivers with warning lights and reduced power or, in the worst case, a complete shutdown that Toyota treats as a safety risk. The remedy is a software update for the motor generator ECU performed at Toyota dealerships; dealer notification began on October 7, 2026, and owner notification is scheduled to run from November 22 to December 6, 2026. Toyota cited 38 field technical reports and 58 warranty claims in the US that could be related, first identified the issue through a field report in Japan in June 2026, and the recall documents make no mention of accidents or injuries.
Company response
Recall — Toyota
This recall (26V659 as listed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) affects 2026 RAV4 PHEVs only.
Remediation — Toyota
the fix is to simply update the software for the motor generator ECU
Source excerpt
All total, 30,978 SUVs are recalled, with production dates ranging from July 22 through August 19 of this year.
the electronic control unit (ECU) for the motor generator may not properly complete the motor initialization process
This recall (26V659 as listed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) affects 2026 RAV4 PHEVs only.
2024
Certification-testing misconduct
Japanese authorities investigated improper or non-compliant certification-test procedures involving Toyota and related manufacturers, including Daihatsu, Hino and Toyota Industries. Affected shipments and production were suspended while the companies reviewed testing and governance processes.
2024
Toyota vehicle certification irregularities
Toyota acknowledged irregularities in certification applications for several models, including testing procedures that did not conform to regulatory requirements. Shipments of affected vehicles were suspended while corrective and governance actions were undertaken.
2022
Daihatsu certification misconduct
Toyota subsidiary Daihatsu disclosed improper certification testing, leading to shipment suspensions and an investigation into certification governance.
2019
Australian watchdog warns owners of vehicles with critical Takata airbags not to drive
Hazard disclosure
Australia's consumer watchdog warned owners of 20,000 vehicles with previously recalled, unreplaced Takata airbags to stop driving immediately because the airbags could cause serious injury or death. The warning identified affected vehicles from BMW, GM Holden, Honda, Mitsubishi and Toyota.
Source excerpt
Australia's consumer watchdog is warning the owners of 20,000 vehicles to immediately stop driving their car because the airbags have a potentially deadly flaw.
The new warning affects BMW, GM Holden, Honda, Mitsubishi and Toyota vehicles that have already been recalled for having defective Takata airbags, but which have not had them replaced.
The airbags are now classified as being "critical", meaning that if they are activated during a crash they could cause serious injuries or death to the driver.
2019
ACCC classifies affected Takata airbag vehicles as critical
Hazard disclosure
In 2019, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission classified the recall of 20,000 vehicles fitted with faulty Takata airbags as "critical." The commission urged motorists not to drive affected cars until the airbags were replaced. The classification and warning were part of the recall process for vehicles equipped with the defective airbags.
Source excerpt
The consumer watchdog has warned that the recall of 20,000 vehicles fitted with faulty Takata airbags is now classified as “critical”.
The vehicles from major carmakers, including BMW, Holden, Honda, Mitsubishi and Toyota, have already been recalled, but the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is warning motorists not to drive the affected cars at all until the airbags have been replaced.
A Takata airbag misdeployment can result in death or serious injury, even in a minor collision,” the ACCC deputy chair, Delia Rickard, said.
2019
Toyota announces recall of 679 Lexus cars in China
Recall announced
Toyota announced that it would begin recalling 679 imported Lexus cars in China from November 16 because defective pneumatic rods might fracture and pose safety risks. The company said it would check the rods' serial numbers and replace defective parts free of charge.
Company response
Recall — Toyota Motor (China) Investment Co.
The company will check the serial number of the pneumatic rods and replace the defective parts free of charge.
Source excerpt
Japanese automaker Toyota will begin recalling 679 imported Lexus cars from November 16, due to defective pneumatic rods, according to China’s market regulator.
Due to defective electroplating process by suppliers, the surface of the pneumatic rods on the vehicles might fracture, which will pose safety risks, said the administration.
The company will check the serial number of the pneumatic rods and replace the defective parts free of charge.
2019
Toyota announces recall plan for certain 2019 Prius hybrids
Recall announced
Toyota announced plans to recall 3,800 certain 2019 Prius hybrids after discovering an electrical glitch that could cause the speedometer and fuel gauge to become inoperative. Dealers would inspect the vehicles and, if necessary, replace a circuit board at no cost.
Company response
Recall — Toyota
Toyota on Wednesday announced plans to recall certain 2019 Prius hybrids after discovering an electrical glitch that could cause the speedometer to malfunction.
Source excerpt
Toyota on Wednesday announced plans to recall certain 2019 Prius hybrids after discovering an electrical glitch that could cause the speedometer to malfunction.
The company is recalling 3,800 units of the 2019 Prius. Dealers will check the vehicles to see if they're affected and, if necessary, replace a circuit board at no cost.
2019
Takata airbag malfunction prompts recall of additional vehicles
Recall announced
A separate Takata airbag malfunction prompted a recall involving an additional 1.4 million vehicles. The article reports that a driver in Australia died as a result of the faulty airbags and another driver in Cyprus was injured.
Source excerpt
Another, separate malfunction of Takata airbags is prompting the recall of an additional 1.4 million vehicles.
The recall also includes vehicles built by Audi, Honda, Toyota and Mitsubishi.
2019
Toyota C-HR and Izoa recall
Recall announced
A report headline states that Toyota C-HR and Izoa vehicles were recalled, involving 11 vehicles, and describes the issue as serious.
Source excerpt
原标题：丰田C-HR/奕泽双双召回，尽管只召回11辆，但问题很严重！ 来源：财经频道
2019
Toyota announces recall of 12,637 Alphard cars in China
Recall announced
Toyota announced a recall of 12,637 imported Alphard cars in China, scheduled to begin on December 29, due to defective charging control programs that could cause abnormal battery deterioration and prevent the engine from restarting in some circumstances. Toyota said it would rectify the programs, inspect affected batteries, and replace defective parts free of charge.
Company response
Remediation — Toyota
The company said it will rectify the programs, check batteries on the affected vehicles and replace the defective parts free of charge.
Source excerpt
Japanese automaker Toyota will begin recalling a total of 12,637 imported Alphard cars from Dec. 29, due to defective charging control programs, according to China's market regulator, Xinhua reports.
Due to defective charging control programs in the engine control computer, the battery might suffer abnormal deterioration and the engine may not be re-started after shutdown in some circumstances, which will pose safety risks, said the administration.
日前，广汽丰田汽车有限公司、天津一汽丰田汽车有限公司根据《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例》和《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例实施办法》的要求，向国家市场监督管理总局备案了召回计划，决定自2019年12月17日起召回以下汽车，共计11辆。
2019
Toyota announces recall of Alphard vehicles in China
Recall announced
Toyota said it would begin recalling 12,637 imported Alphard vehicles in China from December 29 because of defective charging control programs that could cause abnormal battery deterioration and prevent the engine from restarting in some circumstances. The company said it would rectify the programs, check affected vehicles’ batteries and replace defective parts free of charge.
Company response
Remediation — Toyota
The company said it will rectify the programs, check batteries on the affected vehicles and replace the defective parts free of charge.
Source excerpt
Japanese automaker Toyota will begin recalling a total of 12,637 imported Alphard cars from Dec. 29, due to defective charging control programs, according to China's market regulator.
Due to defective charging control programs in the engine control computer, the battery might suffer abnormal deterioration and the engine may not be re-started after shutdown in some circumstances, which will pose safety risks, said the administration.
The company said it will rectify the programs, check batteries on the affected vehicles and replace the defective parts free of charge.
2019
Toyota recall covers 928,203 vehicles over airbag inflator risk
Recall announced
Toyota issued a recall covering 928,203 Toyota and Lexus vehicles because certain airbag inflators may explode and send metal fragments toward occupants. Toyota said dealers would replace the affected inflator or airbag assembly at no charge; owner notifications were to begin November 15.
Company response
Remediation — Toyota
To remedy the airbag issue, Toyota dealers will replace the driver or front passenger airbag inflator or the airbag assembly with an alternate inflator at no charge to the vehicle owner.
Source excerpt
Following the massive recall for Takata airbags that affected the automotive industry, Toyota (TM) has issued a second recall for its frontal airbag inflators that may explode, sending sharp metal fragments that could strike the driver or passengers, causing injury or even death.
The recall also affects Lexus models, including certain 2008 to 2009 IS-F, 2007 to 2012 ES350, 2010 to 2017 GX460, 2002 to 2010 SC430, 2006 to 2012 IS250 and IS350, and 2010 to 2015 IS250C and IS350C vehicles.
2019
Toyota announces recall of 928,000 vehicles for airbag replacement
Recall announced
Toyota announced a recall involving 928,000 Toyota, Scion, and Lexus vehicles to replace Takata airbags with airbags from non-Takata suppliers. The recalled airbags could propel sharp metal fragments when deployed, potentially causing serious injury or death.
Company response
Recall — Toyota
This action calls the more than 900,000 vehicles back to dealerships to be fitted with replacement airbags from non-Takata suppliers.
Source excerpt
Toyota is entering the final phase of its Takata airbag replacement efforts with the announcement of a recall involving 928,000 Toyota, Scion, and Lexus models.
The concern is that the Takata airbag could propel sharp metal fragments on deployment, potentially striking the driver or other occupants and resulting in serious injury or death.
2009
Large-scale unintended-acceleration recalls
Toyota recalled millions of vehicles in several markets amid reports and regulatory investigations concerning accelerator-pedal entrapment and floor-mat interference. The episode led to intense scrutiny of Toyota's quality controls, communications and safety governance.
2009
Unintended-acceleration recall crisis
Toyota recalled millions of vehicles in multiple markets over accelerator-pedal entrapment and floor-mat concerns, followed by investigations and criticism of the company’s quality controls and communication.