Toyota Highlanders Called Back for Faulty Bumper Covers

Toyota is recalling more than 800,000 Highlander sport utility vehicles over a bumper issue that could pose a safety risk.

Front bumper covers on the SUVs could fall off, creating a road hazard, the automaker recently told federal regulators. Mounting clips may come loose from the vehicle in the event of a “minor impact,” leading to additional parts falling off, Toyota said.

“If there is minor impact to the lower front bumper cover during normal vehicle operation, some of the mounting tabs could detach, and the retention force of the remaining attachment points may become compromised,” the company said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“In this condition, the lower bumper cover, the engine under cover, and the fender liners may detach from the vehicle while driving, which could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury for other road users,” Toyota continued.

The recall covers certain 2020-2023 Highlander SUVs produced between June 2019 and August 2023, Toyota said. 

The company plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles by the end of December, it told NHTSA. Toyota will ask owners to bring their SUVs to authorized local dealers for inspection and repair.

“Toyota dealers will inspect the upper to lower front bumper cover mounting tabs and slots for damage,” the company said. “If no damage is found, dealers will install retention hardware with an improved design. If damage is found, dealers will replace the upper and/or lower front bumper cover and install retention hardware with an improved design free of charge.”

How the California Lemon Law Works

Sadly, these kinds of recalls are all too common for Toyota and other major auto manufacturers. They call back millions of vehicles every year, citing serious defects that can put everyone on the road in harm’s way. The recalls often come long after malfunctioning cars have been sold to unsuspecting buyers.

California car owners and lessors have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. You do not need to wait for a recall to get a defective vehicle fixed.

The lemon law, officially known as the Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, forces automakers to perform a full range of repairs on cars while they are under warranty. It also requires the companies to buy back (or replace, in some cases) vehicles that they are unable to or simply decline to fix. 

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.