The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation has launched an investigation into 2019 Toyota Yaris models after a petition was filed alleging a host of electrical issues.
NHTSA says it received a petition on June 7, 2023, that asserts the Yaris has a CAN Bus that is vulnerable to external attack. It is claimed that 2019 Yaris models may also display multiple electrical instrument panel warning lights, have an inaccurate fuel gauge, were sold with an inoperative key fob, and have issues starting.
A filing made by the Office of Defects Investigation notes that the investigation was opened on August 30 and is ongoing. An estimated 27,232 vehicles are subject to the investigation.
As per usual, the fact that the ODI has opened an investigation doesn’t necessarily mean that a recall will be issued for certain 2019 Toyota Yaris models. In fact, the ODI notes that the “defect petition has been opened to evaluate the allegation and determine whether to grant or deny the petitioner’s request.”
Read: Toyota Just Built The 10 Millionth Yaris After 25 Years Of Production
A browse through the NHTSA website reveals that the 2019 Toyota Yaris has been recalled three times since its introduction. The first recall was issued in March 2019 after it was discovered that the text on the load capacity label of select Toyota models, including the Yaris, could become illegible. A second and equally-as-minor recall was issued in July 2019 because the load-carrying capacity label may have been incorrect.
A more significant recall for the 2019 Yaris was announced in August 2021. In this case, vehicles were equipped with an impeller within the low-pressure fuel pump that could crack or deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail. This recall impacted both the Yaris Hatchback and Mazda-based Yaris Sedan models.
