Toyota Issues Recall for 280,000 Vehicles Over Neutral Gear Safety Concerns
Toyota has announced a recall affecting approximately 280,000 pickups and SUVs in the United States due to potential safety issues related to the vehicles’ neutral gear function.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Japanese automaker revealed that certain components of the transmission may not fully disengage when the vehicle is shifted into neutral. This flaw could result in the engine continuing to transmit power to the wheels, causing the vehicle to unintentionally move forward at low speeds when parked on level ground without the brakes engaged, thereby increasing the risk of a collision.
The recall encompasses specific models, including Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, as well as Lexus LX 600 vehicles manufactured between 2022 and 2024. Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, is also included in the recall.
Affected vehicle owners will be notified by late April, and Toyota plans to address the issue by updating the transmission software.
This recall is part of a series of safety actions announced by Toyota on Wednesday. Another recall involves approximately 19,000 vehicles due to a software malfunction affecting the rearview camera display, potentially hindering visibility while reversing. The models affected by this issue include certain Mirai, Lexus LS, LC, and ES vehicles produced between 2023 and 2024.
Additionally, around 4,000 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles are being recalled over concerns regarding the safety of the head restraints on rear fold-down seats, which may pose an increased risk of injury in certain collision scenarios.
Despite being the world’s largest automaker by sales, Toyota has faced recent challenges related to vehicle safety. In December, the company recalled over 1 million cars and SUVs in the United States due to potential defects affecting passenger airbag deployment during crashes. Moreover, Toyota’s reputation suffered a setback late last year when its subsidiary, Daihatsu, admitted to falsifying safety test results for more than three decades, prompting a halt in domestic production.
