Toyota Takes Action, Recalling Over 280,000 Vehicles Over Transmission Issue

Feb 22, 2024 04:08 AM EST

WHITE TOYOTA FORTUNER ON THE ROAD — (Photo : PEXELS/mali maeder)

Toyota announced a significant recall on Wednesday. The recall is due to a transmission issue. This affects over 280,000 Tundra, Sequoia, and Lexus LX 600 vehicles. When in neutral, this issue could force the cars to drift forward.

Toyota Takes Action: Recalls 280,000 Vehicles

In the US, SUVs and pickup trucks are included in the recall. The purpose of the recall is to address a transmission issue that could allow the cars to advance when in neutral.

As per Forbes report, the exact issue is spotted when a car is put in neutral, there is a problem with certain parts of the transmission not disengaging right away. This can cause engine power to pass to the wheels, causing the car to creep forward slowly on a level surface.

According to Toyota, the issue results in "an elevated potential for a collision." Dealers for Toyota and Lexus will provide a complimentary software update for the transmission, as stated in an official announcement.

US News & World Report shared Associated Press report, stating that the company declined to disclose if there have been any accidents or injuries. Furthermore, to resolve the issue, dealers will update the transmission software. Toyota stated that owners will receive notifications by late April.

Additional to Recall History

Toyota had a history of significant number vehicles that needed a recall. The reasons vary from one recall to another. The recall also happens not only in US but also in other places, including Canada. As per CBC News dated December 20, 2023, Toyota Motor Co. announced a recall of one million vehicles. This recall affected approximately 10% in Canada and the rest in the U.S., due to a potential defect that may prevent airbags from deploying, consequently elevating the risk of injury.

Still Number 1

The recall issues faced by Toyota were not a hindrance in gaining the number 1 spot as the leading automaker. As per The Strait Times report, last year Toyota Motor outpaced Volkswagen to retain its position as the world's top carmaker for the fourth consecutive year by selling more passenger vehicles. The company reported a 7.2% increase in global sales, including those of its subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor and Hino Motors, reaching a record 11.2 million cars.

Additionally, the production output of cars grew by 8.6% to 11.5 million units. Meanwhile, VW saw a 12% increase in deliveries, reaching 9.24 million units in 2023. These figures were announced by Toyota on January 30th.

abroad. Demand for hybrids at home meanwhile remains high and steady across most of the world.

The Strait Times also reported that Bloomberg Intelligence senior auto analyst Tatsuo Yoshida noted that Toyota has transitioned from grappling with supply chain issues last summer to successfully selling its entire production output.

Although the company has lagged in the global transition to electric vehicles (EVs), its recuperating supply chains and consistent demand in North America and Europe throughout 2023 enabled Toyota to increase production and generate profits from international markets. Furthermore, there continues to be strong and consistent demand for hybrids within Japan and across most regions worldwide.