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2011 Toyota Corolla

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Corolla years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Toyota Corolla are substantially higher than the model-year median of 129.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

194 reports with mileage · 390 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 418 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

44 crash reports2 fire reports23 injury reports

Steering complaints

43 reports
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20,000 miles · Nov 30, 2012
SteeringWheels

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT AIR NEEDED TO BE ADDED TO THE TIRES. THE CONTACT ADDED AIR TO THE TIRES HO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT AIR NEEDED TO BE ADDED TO THE TIRES. THE CONTACT ADDED AIR TO THE TIRES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. UPDATED 1/24/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING ALSO HAD A DEFECT. STEERING WAS DIFFICULT AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED ABRUPTLY. UPDATED 2/6/2013*JS

NHTSA ODI #10486609

23,000 miles · Sep 18, 2012
Steering

9/15/12 COMPLETE VEHICLE FAILURE DUE TO POWER STEERING AXLE AND SEALS FAILURE DURING 45 MPH TEST MODE BY A SHERIFF'S DEPUTY...VEHICLE INOPERABLE HAD TO BE TOWED...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING FOR FUTURE TOYOTA COROLLA OWNERS IN ANY EMERGENCY SITUATION ...CALL [XXX](SARASOTA SHERIFF'S DRIVING SCHOOL PROGRAM...ASK FOR…

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9/15/12 COMPLETE VEHICLE FAILURE DUE TO POWER STEERING AXLE AND SEALS FAILURE DURING 45 MPH TEST MODE BY A SHERIFF'S DEPUTY...VEHICLE INOPERABLE HAD TO BE TOWED...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING FOR FUTURE TOYOTA COROLLA OWNERS IN ANY EMERGENCY SITUATION ...CALL [XXX](SARASOTA SHERIFF'S DRIVING SCHOOL PROGRAM...ASK FOR [XXX] FOR MORE DETAILS AND OFFICER [XXX]TESTIMONY.) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10475764

7,000 miles · Sep 12, 2012
SteeringSuspension

THE CAR IS WANDERING SIDEWAYS AND YOU HAVE TO REALLY CONTROL AND FOCUS ON KEEPING THE WHEEL STRAIGHT TO STAY ON LANE. THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE IT IS LIKE YOU ARE ALWAYS DRIVING ON WINDY WEATHER WITH SEVERE WIND GUSTS. THIS HAPPENS ON HIGHWAY, WITH A SPEED OF 60 MPH OR HIGHER. THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT COULD BE THE…

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THE CAR IS WANDERING SIDEWAYS AND YOU HAVE TO REALLY CONTROL AND FOCUS ON KEEPING THE WHEEL STRAIGHT TO STAY ON LANE. THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE IT IS LIKE YOU ARE ALWAYS DRIVING ON WINDY WEATHER WITH SEVERE WIND GUSTS. THIS HAPPENS ON HIGHWAY, WITH A SPEED OF 60 MPH OR HIGHER. THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT COULD BE THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT BUT AFTER THEY ALIGNED IT AND CHECKED IT, THE PROBLEM REMAINS. I LIVE IN AN AREA WHERE WE GET SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SNOW DURING WINTER AND I AM AFRAID OF MY SAFETY BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10475237

15,000 miles · Jul 21, 2012
Steering

I RECENTLY TOOK A TRIP FROM THE SOUTH TO THE MID WEST. THE ROADS ARE MUCH STRAIGHTER AND THE SPEED LIMIT IS HIGHER. I HAD BEEN NOTICING THAT THE CAR DRIFTS BACK AND FORTH ON THE HIGHWAY BUT HADN'T PAID IT MUCH ATTENTION UNTIL WE WENT NORTH. WHILE DOING 70-75MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAYS THAT ARE STRAIGHT FOREVER THE CAR WAS INCREDIBLY H…

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I RECENTLY TOOK A TRIP FROM THE SOUTH TO THE MID WEST. THE ROADS ARE MUCH STRAIGHTER AND THE SPEED LIMIT IS HIGHER. I HAD BEEN NOTICING THAT THE CAR DRIFTS BACK AND FORTH ON THE HIGHWAY BUT HADN'T PAID IT MUCH ATTENTION UNTIL WE WENT NORTH. WHILE DOING 70-75MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAYS THAT ARE STRAIGHT FOREVER THE CAR WAS INCREDIBLY HARD TO KEEP STRAIGHT. WHEN I GOT HOME IT WAS DUE FOR REGULAR SERVICE AND I ADDRESSED MY CONCERN WITH THE STEERING. THEY "DID" AN ALIGNMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP, AFTER I PICKED UP MY CAR AND TOOK IT ON THE HIGHWAY 24 HRS LATER I NOTICED MY STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT STRAIGHT. THE "T" TOYOTA SYMBOL ON THE WHEEL HAD TO BE SLANTED TO THE LEFT IN ORDER FOR THE CAR TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. IF YOU HELD THE WHEEL STRAIGHT THE CAR WAS DRIVING OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT! THE DRIFTING SIDE TO SIDE WAS WORSE THAN EVER!!!!! I HAVE SINCE TAKEN MY COROLLA TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP ABOUT 5 TIMES NOW (ALTHOUGH THEY HAVEN'T PROPERLY RECORDED THAT IN THE COMPUTER, THEY SHOW ITS ONLY BEEN ABOUT 3), TAKEN THE LEAD SERVICE TECH AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP FOR A RIDE IN MY CAR AND THEY COMPLETELY AGREED WITH ME THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS OFF, NOTICEABLY! THEY HELD MY CAR FOR A WEEK AND REPLACED THE "STEERING COMPUTER" AND SAID THAT SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY DROVE IT AFTER IT WAS "FIXED" AND RETURNED THE CAR TO ME. I THEN DROVE IT DOWN THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 30 MIN LATER AND IT IS STILL FREAKING CROOKED!!!!!! TOYOTA CORP AND THE PEOPLE AT THE DEALERSHIP ARE MAKING ME FEEL LIKE I'M CRAZY AND THAT ITS NORMAL! THIS IS NOT NORMAL! IT WAS NOT CROOKED BEFORE I TOOK IT IN AND IT IS NOT FIXED!! THERE IS A LEMON LAW IN THIS STATE! THIS IS MY FIRST BRAND NEW CAR AND FIRST TOYOTA AND THIS IS THE WORST EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER HAD WITH A CAR AND WILL NOT BUY ONE AGAIN! UNBELIEVABLE! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10466864

100 miles · Jul 7, 2012
Steering

AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FROM 65-80 MPH THIS VEHICLE TAKES CONSTANT EFFORT TO KEEP IN A STRAIGHT LINE, IT FEELS AS IF YOU ARE ALWAYS DRIVING ON A WINDY DAY EVEN WHEN IT IS NOT. THE STEERING IN TOO SENSITIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND EVEN THE SMALLEST MOVEMENTS CAUSE THE CAR TO MOVE ALOT. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER OF THIS WITHIN A WEEK OF PUR…

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AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FROM 65-80 MPH THIS VEHICLE TAKES CONSTANT EFFORT TO KEEP IN A STRAIGHT LINE, IT FEELS AS IF YOU ARE ALWAYS DRIVING ON A WINDY DAY EVEN WHEN IT IS NOT. THE STEERING IN TOO SENSITIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND EVEN THE SMALLEST MOVEMENTS CAUSE THE CAR TO MOVE ALOT. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER OF THIS WITHIN A WEEK OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL AND WOULD NOT EVEN TAKE A LOOK AT IT. I NOTIFIED TOYOTA WITH WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE AND GOT NOT ANSWER FROM THEM EITHER, VERY FRUSTRATING ON A BRAND NEW CAR. I WISH I WOULD HAVE TEST DROVE IT ON THE INTERSTATE BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. IF THEY COULD FIX THE STEERING THIS WOULD BE AN ENJOYABLE VEHICLE, BUT ON THIS CAR WEARS YOU OUT ON INTERSTATE DRIVES. PLEASE COME OUT WITH SOME KIND OF UPDATE ON THE STEERING FOR THIS VEHICLE! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10464536

1,000 miles · Mar 4, 2012
Steering

UPDATE!. ON 11/25/11 I WROTE: NOV 25, 2011 - THE VILLAGES, FL - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL THIS IS A NEW CAR PURCHASE (W/200 MI). AT 60-75 MPH (AND NOTICEABLE ALSO AT SLOWER SPEEDS ON OTHER ROADS) ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR'S STEERING WANDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD, IT CANNOT STAY ON A STRAIGHT LINE EVEN IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOT MOVED.…

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UPDATE!. ON 11/25/11 I WROTE: NOV 25, 2011 - THE VILLAGES, FL - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL THIS IS A NEW CAR PURCHASE (W/200 MI). AT 60-75 MPH (AND NOTICEABLE ALSO AT SLOWER SPEEDS ON OTHER ROADS) ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR'S STEERING WANDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD, IT CANNOT STAY ON A STRAIGHT LINE EVEN IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOT MOVED. T ---------------------------------------------------- UPDATE 3/2/12 - I HAVE AN UPDATE ON THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM FOR ME IS NOT LOOSENESS OR WANDERING FROM LOOSENESS IT'S AN OVERLY TIGHT STEERING SITUATION CAUSING TRACKING FLUCTUATIONS... MOST CARS HAVE SOME SLACK OR 'LOOSENESS' WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT AT HIGHER SPEEDS... FOR SAFETY. HUMANS BREATHE AND MOVE THEIR BODIES AND HEADS ALL THE TIME. THIS ALL TRANSLATES TO SMALL NATURAL MOVEMENTS IN THE ARMS AND HANDS. IF THE STEERING AT HIGHER SPEEDS IS SO TIGHT THAT THE LEAST MOVEMENT ON THE STEERING TRANSLATES TO WHEEL MOVEMENT (IMAGINE A GO CART AT 75 MPH) , THEN WHILE IT'S GREAT AT 30-45MPH (FOR TIGHT RESPONSIVE STEERING) - IT MAKES FOR AN UNMANAGEABLE STRUGGLE AT HIGHER SPEEDS TO CONTROL THE STEERING. THE CAR STEERING IS REACTING TO THE SMALLEST MOVEMENTS... THINK... FLYING A SLOWER CESSNA 172 WHERE LARGE STEERING MOVEMENTS CAUSE SLOW TURNS, YET IN A MILITARY JET A MINUTE MOVEMENT OF THE STICK CAUSES TIGHT RADICAL CHANGES. MOST HUMANS ARE NOT JET PILOTS AND WE NEED SOME 'SLACK' AT HIGH SPEEDS...OTHERWISE OVER-CORRECTIONS COULD CAUSE STEERING OSCILLATION AND LOSS OF CONTROL (CRASH). PERHAPS TOYOTA COUNTERED THE 'LOOSENESS' COMPLAINTS OF 2009/2010 WITH OVERLY TIGHT STEERING IN 2011. BUT TOYOTA GUYS, DO YOU ACTUALLY DRIVE YOUR CARS? NO REAL ENGINEER WOULD CALL THE STEERING ACCEPTABLE. IT'S REALLY A SERIOUS PROBLEM. JUST COPY WHAT BMW DOES. THEIR STEERING IS TIGHT, NATURAL AND YET TOTALLY CONTROLLABLE. CAN I PLEASE HAVE A NEW STEERING? PLEASE? FOR MY WIFE'S SAFETY? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10450193

800 miles · Feb 13, 2012
SteeringSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VEERED TOWARDS THE LEFT AND RIGHT WHILE DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS INTENDED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO BECOME MORE ACC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VEERED TOWARDS THE LEFT AND RIGHT WHILE DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS INTENDED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO BECOME MORE ACCUSTOMED TO THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800. UPDATED 02/27/12 *BF

NHTSA ODI #10447717

250 miles · Feb 10, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering

ENGINE TRIES TO STALL AT SPEEDS OF 50 TO 40, MORE AT 40.WHEN THIS OCCURS THE RPM NEEDLE JUMPS UP PAST 3 THEN DROPS TO BELOW ONE COMES UP AND JUMPS. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAD JUST RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM TOYOTA,IT RECOMMENDED IT BE FLASHED TO STOP WHAT THEY SAID WAS A MISS FIRE, THIS WAS DONE ON 12/05/11. I DR…

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ENGINE TRIES TO STALL AT SPEEDS OF 50 TO 40, MORE AT 40.WHEN THIS OCCURS THE RPM NEEDLE JUMPS UP PAST 3 THEN DROPS TO BELOW ONE COMES UP AND JUMPS. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAD JUST RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM TOYOTA,IT RECOMMENDED IT BE FLASHED TO STOP WHAT THEY SAID WAS A MISS FIRE, THIS WAS DONE ON 12/05/11. I DROVE IT HOME IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN,SO I TOOK IT BACK IN THEY REFLASHED IT SAID THAT IT WOULD BE ALRIGHT. NOT SO IT CONTINUES TO MISFIRE AND ACT LIKE IS FIXING TO STALL.I TOOK IT BACK AGAIN THE HEAD OF SERVICE DROVE IT SAID IT WAS JUMPING IN AND OUT OF OVERDRIVE JUST DRIVE IT DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT .WELL IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE SO I TOOK IT BACK IN THE SERVICE GUY SAID AFTER DRIVING IT WAS THE BEST DRIVING COROLLA HE HAD BEEN IN ,COURSE I KNEW THAT WAS NOT SO CAUSE TO THIS DAY IT KEEPS TRYING TO STALL IN TRAFFIC.THE STEERING SEEMS TO BE GETTING HARD TO CONTROL IT WEAVES MORE THAN IT SHOULD LIKE THE FRONT END IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT BUT IF YOU LET GO IT TRACKS STRAIGHT. I AM REALLY AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR IF IT DOES STALL IN TRAFFIC THERE IS GOING TO BE A SERIOUS WRECK.I CONTACTED TOYOTA THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALLS ON THE COROLLA NOT TRUE MY PAPER WORK SHOWS THEY DID A SERVICE RECALL TO THE DEALERS. WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT? I USE THIS CAR TO DRIVE MY 87 YEAR OLD MOTHER TO THE STORE AND DOCTOR GOD FORBID IT STALLS WITH ME DRIVING HER SOMEWHERE.I AM PAYING GOOD MONEY FOR SOMETHING I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE,IT'S JUST NOT RIGHT I BOUGHT THIS THINKING IT WAS A RELIABLE SOURCE OF TRANSPORTATION AND IT'S NOT IT'S SCARY. I FEEL THIS CAR HAS A MAJOR COMPUTER ISSUE, IT'S GOING TO TURN OUT TO BE SERIOUS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10447394

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2012
Steering

WHEN I TEST DROVE THIS COROLLA, TOOK IT ON THE HIGHWAY BUT ONLY GOT TO A SPEED OF ABOUT 65 MPH BECAUSE WE GOT ON ONE ENTRANCE AND OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT. SHORT HIGHWAY DRIVE. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, I TOOK AT 150 MILE TRIP TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN FROM WHERE I LIVE. THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS FIGHTING THROUGH…

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WHEN I TEST DROVE THIS COROLLA, TOOK IT ON THE HIGHWAY BUT ONLY GOT TO A SPEED OF ABOUT 65 MPH BECAUSE WE GOT ON ONE ENTRANCE AND OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT. SHORT HIGHWAY DRIVE. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, I TOOK AT 150 MILE TRIP TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN FROM WHERE I LIVE. THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS FIGHTING THROUGH A WINDY DAY (THERE WAS NO WIND) AND THE CAR WAS ALL OVER THE ROAD. I WAS SO TIRED BY THE TIME I GOT TO MY DESTINATION! I TOOK THE CAR TO MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WERE NO BULLETINS ARE RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO GET USED TO IT. THEY RESET THE "FLASH" OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT AND IT HELPED FIX THE FEELING THAT I WAS DRIVING ON ICE. BUT THE STEERING IS NOT BETTER. I SAW ON SEVERAL FORUMS THERE ARE OTHER 2011 COROLLA'S WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. IT IS SCARY, I AM A FEMALE, AND I HATE THIS CAR! I CAN'T SELL IT BECAUSE I OWE TOO MUCH ON IT. WHAT IS MY NEXT STEP??? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10446833

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2012
Steering

PURCHASED MY 3RD COROLLA ON 01/14/2011. IT IS A 2011 LE. I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS VERY INDEPENDENT FROM THE ROAD, IT FEELS LIKE I AM DRIVING IN SERIOUS WIND, WHEN THERE IS NO WIND. I DO NOT LIKE THE FEEL AND IT FEELS VERY UNSAFE. I AM NOT DRIVING A VIDEO ARCADE GAME, I AM ACTUALLY BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A MOVING …

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PURCHASED MY 3RD COROLLA ON 01/14/2011. IT IS A 2011 LE. I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS VERY INDEPENDENT FROM THE ROAD, IT FEELS LIKE I AM DRIVING IN SERIOUS WIND, WHEN THERE IS NO WIND. I DO NOT LIKE THE FEEL AND IT FEELS VERY UNSAFE. I AM NOT DRIVING A VIDEO ARCADE GAME, I AM ACTUALLY BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A MOVING AUTOMOBILE, BUT, HAVE THE FEEL OF DRIVING THE VIDEO ARCADE GAME WITH A VERY SLOPPY AND UNRESPONSIVE FEEL. THIS IS NOT A GOOD EXPERIENCE. MY PREVIOUS COROLLA MODELS WERE A 1986 LE, WHICH I DROVE UNTIL PURCHASING THE 2005 CE MODEL. I DROVE A 2007 RAV4 FOR 10 MOS BEFORE PURCHASING THE 2011 LE. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED AND WILL FIGHT TO HAVE THIS FIXED IMMEDIATELY AND WOULD NEVER ALLOW ANYONE ELSE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY AN INEXPERIENCED DRIVER. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10446598

Official recalls

9

20V024000 · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

Jan 17, 2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.

19V741000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Oct 17, 2019

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

19V005000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2019

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.

16V340000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 23, 2016

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).

15V689000 · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

Oct 22, 2015

Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.

14V743000 · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler

Nov 19, 2014

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

13V123000 · Equipment:other:labels

Apr 9, 2013

Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

13V014000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Seats

Jan 16, 2013

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

11V566000 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars

Nov 22, 2011

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 COROLLA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A NON-TOYOTA, BLUE TOOTH HANDS FREE DEVICE OR NAVIGATION UNIT AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 TOYOTA SIENNA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A NON-TOYOTA, OVERHEAD ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM AND/OR BLUETOOTH HANDS FREE DEVICE. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE FRONT A-PILLAR TRIM PANEL RETENTION CLIP MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE AFTERMARKET ACCESSORY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A DAMAGED A-PILLAR TRIM PANEL RETENTION CLIP MAY ALLOW THE TRIM PANEL TO COME LOOSE AND INJURE AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE A-PILLAR TRIM PANEL RETENTION CLIP AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 30, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA19001 · Electrical Overstress

Opened Apr 19, 2019 · Closed Sep 19, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment.  FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW.  These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes.  An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.   In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU.  This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation.  The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage.  There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation.  The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU.  If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC.  Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC.  All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled.  In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024.  With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

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