Toyota Widens Fuel Pump Recall
» Posted March 27, 2020 • Resources | Share This Post
A fuel pump defect that poses a serious safety hazard for Toyota and Lexus drivers (and anyone on the road with them) is more widespread than initially thought.
The Japanese automaker recently expanded a safety recall related to faulty fuel pumps to include some 1.1 million additional cars. That brings the total number of vehicles – including “popular models like Corolla, Camry, Tundra and Avalon – to 1.8 million.
The subject vehicles are equipped with a low-pressure fuel pump, located in the fuel tank, that supplies fuel pressure to the fuel injection system,” Toyota said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These fuel pumps contain an impeller that could deform due to excessive fuel absorption.”
The company told NHTSA that the biggest risk is that the defect hits while traveling at high speeds.
“Although the cause is unknown, if impeller deformation occurs, the impeller may interfere with the fuel pump body, and this could result in illumination of check engine and master warning indicators, rough engine running, engine no start and/or vehicle stall while driving at low speed. However, in rare instances, vehicle stall could occur while driving at higher speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.”
The recall includes a wide range of 2018-2019 model vehicles, including Sienna, Sequoia, Highlander and Tacoma, as well as 2014-2015 4Runner and Land Cruisers. A variety of 2018-2019 and 2014-2015 Lexus vehicles are also being recalled.
Toyota has told owners of cars covered by the recall that it will replace faulty fuel pumps at no charge.
Legal Rights for California Car Owners
The Toyota fuel pump recall is just one example of safety threats that come when vehicles roll off of factory floors loaded with significant defects that can put everyone at risk. The good news for California car owners is that you have some important protections in the event you get stuck with a “lemon.”
The California lemon law requires car manufacturers to perform certain repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. The law also obligates the manufacturer to buy back the car if it is not able or is unwilling to fix the problem. Although the carmaker can offer to instead replace the vehicle, it is up to the owner to decide whether to take that option.
Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney
If you are a California car owner who has been stuck with a lemon, there are certain steps that you need to take to ensure that you’re covered by the state law. The California lemon law lawyers at the Bickel Law Firm can help.
We have decades of combined legal experience, representing hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases across the state. Our attorneys can help you understand your rights and options under the law.
Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.
