Toyota recalls 500K vehicles over braking software issue – Check your VIN

April 15, 2022

By Kim Komando

The “Fast & Furious” movie franchise is infamous for high-speed racing and anxiety-inducing drifting around corners. But those are professional drivers, and you should never attempt to do that on public roads.

Unfortunately, some everyday Toyota and Lexus drivers could inadvertently lose stability control and skid all over the freeway. A problem with software in 460,000 vehicles could disable the electronic stability control (ESC) system, posing a severe risk. Tap or click here for details on a similar problem with Ford vehicles.

Read on to see what this recall involves and what you should do next.

Here’s the backstory

The ESC kicks in automatically when drivers start losing traction. The software in vehicles can initiate the wheel brakes individually, keeping the car as straight as possible or in the direction the driver steers.

If the ESC malfunctions, it becomes harder to keep the vehicle under control when something goes wrong, leading to severe accidents. Impacted models were manufactured from 2020 to 2022.

The Toyota models included in the recall are:

• Venza
• Mirai
• RAV4 Hybrid
• RAV4 Prime
• Sienna HV
• Highlander HV

The recall also includes four Lexus models:

• LS500h
• LX600
• NX350h
• NX450h-plus

In a recall statement, Toyota explains that due to “incorrect programming” of the skid control software, the ESC might not turn on when starting your vehicle. Instead, the ESC can only engage “when the precise operating input conditions are followed.”

What you can do about it

Toyota will send official recall notices to all impacted owners by the middle of June. Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software of the Skid Control ECU free of charge to customers.

In the meantime, if you have any of the models included in the recall and have brake issues, contact the nearest dealership.

If you have any questions regarding this recall, you can call Toyota’s Brand Engagement Center at 800-331-4331. The Lexus Brand Engagement Center can be reached at 800-255-3987.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Authority (NHTSA) also has a dedicated webpage where you can search for any recalls involving your vehicle. Navigating to the Safety Issues & Recalls page, you simply input your unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if your car has any issues.

There is an app that can help track your VIN for any recalls. Tap or click here for details.

Keep reading

740K SUVs recalled – Check the list for yours

Future tech is here: A look inside Toyota’s smart city