Toyota has had to recall more than 43,000 trucks due to defects that could pose a significant crash risk.
The automaker has recalled 43,395 2023-2024 Sequoia Hybrids after a potential issue was identified with the vehicles’ tow hooks.
A tow bar is a device on the rear of a car that allows a trailer to be attached to the car for towing.
‘The vehicles in question are equipped with a synthetic resin tow bar cover that is held to the rear bumper with molded clips,’ Toyota explained.
‘Due to the design of the mounting structure between the tow bar cover and the bumper, the cover may not be sufficiently secured.’
The tow bar covers may become loose and pose a hazard while driving, increasing the risk of an accident. according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Toyota recalls 43,395 of its 2023-2024 Sequoia Hybrids
Owners of the affected vehicles are urged to take their cars to a dealer to have the tow bar cover replaced free of charge and the rear bumper adjusted.
According to Toyota, letters will be sent in early October to inform owners of the recalled vehicles.
Owners can also contact Toyota Customer Service at 1-800-331-4331 and quote recall numbers 24TB10 and 24TA10 to find out if their vehicle is included in the recall.
Toyota does not know how many of the recalled vehicles actually have the defect.
Not all recalled Sequoia vehicles were sold in the U.S.
It is Toyota’s latest recall this summer, after the automaker recalled more than 100,000 pickup trucks and Lexus cars in June.
The Japanese automaker has recalled 102,000 2022-2023 Tundra and LX vehicles in the U.S. over concerns that hazardous machine debris may have been left in the engines during production.
The production error occurred during the assembly process of the V35A-FTS engine, where possible dirt was not removed.
“During a specific production run, there is a possibility that engine machining residues of a certain size and quantity may not have been removed from the engine during production,” the company said.
The problem can cause the engine to knock, run erratically, fail to start or lose power, the statement said.
The Japanese automaker also recalled 102,000 model year 2022-2023 Tundra and LX vehicles in June
“A loss of traction when driving at higher speeds could increase the risk of an accident,” Toyota warned in the recall notice.
Other automakers have also recently had to recall cars due to serious safety problems.
In August, Ford and Mazda warned owners of 477,000 older cars in the U.S. to stop driving them because they have dangerous airbags.
According to safety authorities, the Takata bags explode with excessive force, throwing metal fragments at drivers and passengers.
The warning affected 374,000 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles from model years 2004 through 2014 and nearly 83,000 Mazdas from model years 2003 through 2015.
The cars are part of the largest recall ever in the U.S. More than 400 Americans have been injured and 27 have died from airbag deployment, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said.
