Toyota is recalling more than a quarter of a million late-model year trucks and SUVs due to a transmission issue. The problem involves power potentially being transmitted to the wheels when the vehicle is shifted to neutral. According to the automaker, a simple software update is expected to resolve the problem that poses a safety risk.
The recall includes the 2022-2024 Toyota Tundra and Tundra Hybrid, the 2023-2024 Sequoia, and the 2022-2024 Lexus LX 600. These vehicles all use a 10-speed automatic gearbox built by Aisin AW and could have a flaw where the forward gear doesn’t disengage immediately when the driver places the vehicle in neutral. In instances where that happens, Toyota says it could “allow the vehicle to inadvertently creep forward at a low speed”.
Toyota is quick to point out that it should only happen when the affected models are “on a flat surface and no brakes are applied.” Nevertheless, the risk of a crash is increased and as such, it’s issuing this recall to remedy the situation. It says that dealers will provide a software update to fix the problem where necessary.
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As Toyota issued a statement about the recall before the NHTSA released official documents, there are still many unknowns. For instance, it’s unclear whether the issue impacts the entire recall population or only a portion of it. Additionally, while approximately 280,000 models are affected, the specific breakdown of each model included in the recall has not been disclosed. Toyota has also not provided details regarding any injuries or damages resulting from the issue.
Typically, we’d also learn about the chronology of events that led Toyota to issue the recall. Once the NHTSA releases the associated documentation regarding this recall it should be easy to glean all of that information. Until then, owners are encouraged to contact their dealer or the NHTSA to determine if their own vehicle is included in the recall.
The automaker says that it’ll inform owners by April of this year. It also says that owners can call the Toyota or Lexus customer helpline for additional information.