Toyota Recalls 44,000 Cars Over Engine Failure

Toyota has announced a recall of 44,000 vehicles over an alleged engine defect that can cause the engines to stall, overheat and ignite.

Consumer Reports explains the vehicles affected were made between 2019 and 2020, and include both cars and SUVs. Reportedly, the recalled vehicles include the 2019 – 2020 Toyota RAV2 and RAV4 Hybrid SUVs, as well as the 2020 Toyota Camry, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and the Lexus ES300h sedans.

Allegedly, the engine is defective because of a manufacturing problem that causes problems in the engine block. This defect reportedly results in the vehicles leaking coolant or oil that can start a fire or cause the engine to stall.

This can pose a risk for drivers and those around them. Reportedly, the engines of cars that run on gas could stall on roadways, possibly causing a dangerous crash. In the case of hybrids, a fire can occur due to a leak.

Consumer Report says the first signs of the engine defect includes warning lights, warning chimes, engine noise, and smoke emanating from the engine. Road Show explains that some customers may see puddles of engine oil under their vehicles. However, some customers with affected vehicles may not see any puddles, because coolant leaks internally.

Not all of the affected vehicles may need a total engine replacement, but Toyota announced that around 250 of the recalled vehicles will need replaced engines. Around 44,191 vehicles are part of the recall. All vehicles will reportedly need their serial numbers checked to see if their engine blocks are part of the manufactured batch possessing the problem.

Consumer Reports goes on to say the problem started in Tennessee in September 2019, in a factory that manufactures the engine blocks. Reportedly, the factory makes engine blocks for both Toyota and Lexus vehicles. 

Allegedly, a water flow meter failed during the casting of certain engine blocks, which caused it to not cool properly. This reportedly created cracks in the engine blocks, which can allow coolant and oil to leak.

Most of the affected vehicles reportedly have already been sold to consumers, but some are still on dealer lots. The unsold vehicles cannot be sold until the engine defect has been repaired, states Consumer Reports.

Road Show notes that drivers whose vehicles have been recalled should take their vehicles to their dealer, where the car will be inspected. If the driver has one of the approximately 250 affected vehicles, their vehicle will need to go under major repair to replace the engine. The recall covers the cost for the repairs. Drivers with affected vehicles will receive a notice regarding the recall in the mail around April 6, says Road Show. 

The Car Connection states that drivers with questions can contact Toyota’s customer service by phone at 1-888-270-9371, or visit safercar.gov.

Do you own one of the recalled vehicles? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More Lawsuit & Settlement News:

Grove Square Coffee Class Action Settlement

Birth Injury Lawsuit Awards to Help Finance Injured Children’s Care

What are Common Car Accident Injury Symptoms?

Whole Foods Class Action Says Graham Crackers Need More Honey