Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
720–25K
4125–50K
4450–75K
5075–100K
74100–150K
49150K+
330 reports with mileage · 188 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.
Service Brakes. Review the 262 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Exterior Lighting. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
37 crash reports7 fire reports16 injury reports
What owners actually said
518 reports
Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2024
Service Brakes
I have been doing some research, and the brake actuator and ABS system failing is a common problem on these cars. Mine recently started acting up and they used to replace it for free. I got my Prius only 6 months ago and have not had any luck getting Toyota to replace it. This needs to be recalled it is a serious safety hazard i…
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I have been doing some research, and the brake actuator and ABS system failing is a common problem on these cars. Mine recently started acting up and they used to replace it for free. I got my Prius only 6 months ago and have not had any luck getting Toyota to replace it. This needs to be recalled it is a serious safety hazard if the brakes suddenly give out. They should be replacing this free on all cars having this issues and they are aware of the issue (Toyota). The brakes suddenly stopped working well and lights came on in this exact instant on the interstate. This first happened about a month ago. Tons of people are making complaints with the NHTSA for the same issue.
NHTSA ODI #11629087
Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 2024
Service Brakes
12 months ago we noticed a vibration while braking at very slow speed/creeping forward that worsened over time. We didn’t understand the significance at the time. In addition, we noticed more recently the brake pump running more and more frequently, even when the brakes weren’t being pressed. We suspect some sort of problem with…
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12 months ago we noticed a vibration while braking at very slow speed/creeping forward that worsened over time. We didn’t understand the significance at the time. In addition, we noticed more recently the brake pump running more and more frequently, even when the brakes weren’t being pressed. We suspect some sort of problem with the brake booster. This has had many claims against Toyota where my break booster is going out, and I have called toyota to assist since they've had a class action lawsuit that caused them to assist with recalls on vehicles; however the year my vehicle does not qualify for a recall. They opened a service case# 241010002348, but told me it would have to be an out of pocket expense since there's nothing they can do. Unfortunately this is a failure defect on the manufacturers production. Please help.
NHTSA ODI #11628464
Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2024
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
The low-beam headlamps on thousands of 2011 Toyota Priuses were burning out very prematurely (a matter of weeks, not months). Toyota Corporate said they created a customer support program to replace the headlight wiring harness free of charge, but this program ended in 2019. I believe that Toyota should be compelled to issue a r…
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The low-beam headlamps on thousands of 2011 Toyota Priuses were burning out very prematurely (a matter of weeks, not months). Toyota Corporate said they created a customer support program to replace the headlight wiring harness free of charge, but this program ended in 2019. I believe that Toyota should be compelled to issue a recall to replace the wiring harnesses on all 2011 Toyota Priuses, because working headlights are a critical component of a safely traveling vehicle. The cost of replacing the wiring harness is more than $700, a real dent in a working family's budget. For now, we are replacing the burned-out bulbs. However, we believe a recall initiated by NHTSA is warranted in this case.
NHTSA ODI #11622018
119,000 miles · Oct 21, 2024
Vehicle Speed Control
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 40-50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the accelerator pedal failed to go back to the normal position and remained stuck. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband depressed the brake pedal, and the e…
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The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 40-50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the accelerator pedal failed to go back to the normal position and remained stuck. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband depressed the brake pedal, and the engine revved significantly. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The driver turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
NHTSA ODI #11621099
Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2024
Service Brakes
What component or system failed: 47070-47060 Pump Assy, Brake Booster w/Accumulator yes 47050-47150 Cylinder Assembly, Brake Master with Fluid yes put at risk: yes - abnormal braking ABS failure-traction control loss Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer: yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the…
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What component or system failed: 47070-47060 Pump Assy, Brake Booster w/Accumulator yes 47050-47150 Cylinder Assembly, Brake Master with Fluid yes put at risk: yes - abnormal braking ABS failure-traction control loss Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer: yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer: Not my specific parts Were there any warning lamps: Yes abs, traction control
NHTSA ODI #11621092
Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2024
Service Brakes
The brake booster has failed. I was driving, and the ABS, Brake, and Traction Control lights suddenly came on. The brakes felt less powerful. I drove the car Broadway Toyota in Portland, Oregon for maintenance. I was told that the system has failed, and while this is a known issue. It is not currently covered. I was also told th…
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The brake booster has failed. I was driving, and the ABS, Brake, and Traction Control lights suddenly came on. The brakes felt less powerful. I drove the car Broadway Toyota in Portland, Oregon for maintenance. I was told that the system has failed, and while this is a known issue. It is not currently covered. I was also told that the car is not safe to drive. Toyota had a "Customer Support Program" to cover this issue. However, the program expired on Oct. 8th, 2021. Had I known, I would have brought it in prior to the expiration date. This seems like a recall issue. In Toyota's paperwork for the Customer Support Program, it states that Toyota is aware of "certain internal malfunctions of the Brake Booster Assembly"!
NHTSA ODI #11619916
120,000 miles · Oct 7, 2024
Hybrid Propulsion System
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds or starting the vehicle, the check hybrid system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle went into a Safe Mode. There was no option to place the vehicle in neutral or drive. The vehicle would start but failed to move. The contact sta…
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The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds or starting the vehicle, the check hybrid system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle went into a Safe Mode. There was no option to place the vehicle in neutral or drive. The vehicle would start but failed to move. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V684000 (Hybrid Population System). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there were error codes related to the battery and hybrid system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #11618545
Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2024
Service Brakes
I was driving on a surface street at about 40 miles an hour and then the brakes suddenly don't work. You have to press on the brakes very hard to make them stop. All the safety warning lights were lit up on the dash. Took the car into the Toyota dealership and they said that there was a brake booster and pump customer support …
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I was driving on a surface street at about 40 miles an hour and then the brakes suddenly don't work. You have to press on the brakes very hard to make them stop. All the safety warning lights were lit up on the dash. Took the car into the Toyota dealership and they said that there was a brake booster and pump customer support program but it's now expired so they won't fix it for free. The brake booster part is about $2000. I contacted Toyota Customer Service and asked them when they sent the notices out for this. They looked up our vin number and said that the notice was sent to the previous owner, since we bought the vehicle used from a Toyota dealer. Spoke to a Toyota supervisor from customer service and told them we never were notified to fix the brake booster. The supervisor said they will not pay for the repair. I think this should be a safety recall and Toyota needs to repair these parts. It's very dangerous to drive the car when the brakes fail to stop.
NHTSA ODI #11617616
Mileage unknown · Sep 30, 2024
Service Brakes
Brake booster has failed. I'm told this is a known issue but no recall has been issued
NHTSA ODI #11617309
Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2024
Service Brakes
To whom it may consern, I avoided a situation that could have been a very serious or deadly accident when my vehicle had unusual issue with the vehicle breaking system while driving on the freeway today [XXX]. The vehicle would not stop while pressing on the break pedal and I was able to quickly maneuver the vehicle on the shou…
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To whom it may consern, I avoided a situation that could have been a very serious or deadly accident when my vehicle had unusual issue with the vehicle breaking system while driving on the freeway today [XXX]. The vehicle would not stop while pressing on the break pedal and I was able to quickly maneuver the vehicle on the shoulder of the freeway and was able to avoid a deadly crash. Looked on the dash and noticed that ABS, Break, and Traction Control lights all lit up. I was scared for my life and the safety of others around me. The vehicle was towed to my residence since it happened around 10:30pm California time. Quickly did some researched online for any recall on nhtsa.gov website but unsuccessful with any recall regarding the breaking system. I also found out that it is a common problem that other owners have been/experienced with the same vehicle year, make and model. I would greatly appreciate for any information I can gather in order to assist me on how I can get Toyota to look into this issue for the safety of myself and others. It was a very scary scenario that could have been a tragic one that I found myself into. Looking for a prompt response to address this issue. Thank you! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Toyota Prius, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and 2011-2012 Lexus CT200h vehicles. A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack causing one or both portions of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Service Department at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is Toyota G0U, and Lexus GLJ.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
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.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
Consequence: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Electrical System:software
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
Consequence: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
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.
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
3
DP23005 · Brake Actuator Valve Wear
Opened Nov 22, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.
DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP19004 · Brake Actuator Valve Wear
Opened Sep 30, 2019 · Closed Jan 21, 2021
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
On September 19, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Roger Hogan requesting that the Agency investigate and recall certain Toyota Prius, Prius PHV, Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid vehicles for a brake actuator valve wear condition covered under Toyota Customer Support Programs ZJB and ZKK (subject CSP?s). In support of his request, the petitioner identified 117 NHTSA complaints allegedly related to the subject CSP condition, including 60 reporting crashes. On September 30, 2019, ODI opened Defect Petition DP19-004 to evaluate the petitioner?s request for an investigation. In August 2020, the petitioner notified the Agency that he was withdrawing his petition. Because the petitioner has withdrawn the petition, we are denying the petition as moot and no further analysis of this petition is necessary.NHTSA is authorized to issue an order requiring notification and remedy of a defect if the Agency?s investigation shows a defect in the design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable risk to safety. 49 U.S.C. ?? 30102(a)(9), 30118. Because the petitioner has with withdrawn the petition, the petition is denied as moot. This action does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency notes that it is not required to receive a defect petition prior to opening a defect investigation and will take further action if warranted by future circumstances.
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