Japanese car manufacturer Toyota has well and truly earned its position as one of the more popular car brands across the world. The brand has been manufacturing vehicles since the 1930s and over the years, have graced the industry with a range of different models and designs that have truly held their own against other manufacturers globally. However, despite their success, Toyota vehicles aren’t perfect and aren’t exempt from experiencing issues from time to time. From issues with the fuel pumps to engine failures and wiper issues, here are some of the most common problems reported by Toyota owners.

Failed Fuel Pump

While most commonly found in the Sienna, fuel pump failures are an issue that can and are found across a number of Toyota vehicles. According to CaliLemonLawyers, failure of the fuel pump can lead to “engine stalls and the car stops moving” which can be dangerous not only to occupants but to other road users. (https://www.calilemonlawyers.com/dangerous-problems-in-toyota/, 2023) A recall has been issued, affecting nearly 2 million cars within the 2019 Toyota Sienna production line. This is an issue that should be repaired quickly, so you should check for any recalls as soon as possible.

Melting Dashboard

An issue raised with a few of Toyota’s cars seems to revolve around the dashboard melting – yes, you read that right! HotCars.com reported that “owners of the 2003-2005 Toyota 4Runner, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2011 Camry and 2004-2010 Sienna [are experiencing] dashboard melting. If left in the heat of the sun, these dashboards could reach a point of melting, becoming sticky, cracking or even warping as a result. The reflection alone could pose a risk to drivers and so as part of a 2011 technical service bulletin, Toyota offered repairs to vehicles still under warranty. (https://www.hotcars.com/toyota-glaring-problems/#melting-dashboard-ndash-2003-2005-toyota-4runner-2004-ndash-2010-sienna)

Engine Failures

Manufacturing errors do occur from time to time, but when it comes to issues with manufacturing the engine, these can be dangerous. For Toyota, one of these errors caused potential cracks in the engine that would lead to coolant or oil leaks. CaliLemonLawyers reported that “a small manufacturing error leading to a potential crack forming in the engine led to reportedly 40,000 recalls by Toyota.” The issue “could potentially lead to the engine stalling, overheating or possibly catching fire.” (https://www.calilemonlawyers.com/dangerous-problems-in-toyota/, 2023) This is a relatively recent issue, with models such as the 2020 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon Hybrid, 2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid and the 2020 Lexus all having been subject to this issue. It’s not a hugely common problem, but has been enough of a problem to raise general concern amongst owners and required engine repairs as a result.

Airbag Problems

Airbags are a common issue for a number of manufacturers, and Toyota are no exception. Another victim of the Takata airbag recall, some of Toyota’s vehicles may have defective airbags. According to ToyotaProblems, the airbags can deploy and explode with “such force that it’s ripping the inflators into tiny metal fragments and shooting them in the direction of vehicle occupants.” There is also a concern about inflators “exploding in low-speed accidents with very little impact.” (http://www.toyotaproblems.com/takata/, 2016) The Corolla, Matrix and Yaris in particular were recalled due to these airbag concerns, but it also affected the 4Runner, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna and Tundra.

For more information about Toyota vehicles and any issues you may be facing with your car, feel free to get in touch with our team, today.