Toyota Recalling 380K Vehicles for Corrosion, Unintended Deceleration
In two separation actions, the automaker is recalling 2004-2011 model-year Sienna minivans and 2013 model-year Lexus GS 350 sedans.
Photo of Toyota Sienna courtesy of Toyota.
Photo of Toyota Sienna courtesy of Toyota.
Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. is recalling about 370,000 2004-2011 model-year Sienna minivans because of potential corrosion damage to the spare tire carrier assembly cable, the automaker said.
In a separate action, Toyota is also recalling approximately 10,500 2013 model-year Lexus GS 350 sedans because of a faulty brake pedal load-sensing switch that can cause unintended deceleration.
The Sienna recall covers minivans originally sold or registered in certain states that use high concentrations of road salt during snow removal operations.
Sienna minivans have a spare tire carrier stowed under the vehicle, with a lightweight foam water-splash protector in front of the spare tire carrier. In some cases, however, water splashed rearward with high concentrations of road salt can reach the spare tire carrier and corrode its assembly cable, Toyota said.
Some of these Sienna vehicles were involved in a previous recall announced in April 2010. The remedy for that recall included installation of a water splash protector and application of an anti-rust agent to mitigate corrosion. But if the splash protector is misplaced or falls from the vehicle, the spare tire carrier assembly cable may still not have enough anti-rust protection.
If one of these minivans is driven in a region where road salts are frequently used, the cable may be at risk of breaking because of excessive corrosion. As a result, the spare tire could separate from the vehicle.
The Lexus GS 350 recall involves the brake assembly’s brake pedal load-sensing switch. This switch allows the brake system to detect the driver’s application of brake pedal force. Because of a manufacturing error, the switch might improperly cause the brake system to activate unexpectedly and without illuminating the rear brake lights. This could result in unexpected moderate deceleration, Toyota said.
Lexus dealers will replace the brake pedal support assembly to fix the problem. Toyota said it is not aware of any accidents, injuries or fatalities caused by this condition.
Vehicle owners can reach Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
More Safety
NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.
Read More →
The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle
Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.
Read More →
FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting
FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.
Read More →
How Coca-Cola United Protects Its Fleet from Growing Legal Risk
As litigation risk rises, vehicles are increasingly targeted. This Coca-Cola bottler shares how it’s reducing exposure through driver training, technology, and a proactive risk management approach.
Read More →
How to Speak the Same Language on Fleet Safety
Drivers, supervisors, and data often speak different safety “languages.” Getting on the same page will drive better results.
Read More →
Fleet Cybersecurity 101: What You Need from Your Technology Vendors
From identity management to third-party certifications, the right technology partner should make security easier to manage. Here are the three building blocks that fleet managers need to stay in control as connected systems scale.
Read More →
Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 2
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
Data Rights, Risks, and Responsibilities After a Crash
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
From Distraction to Detection: Strengthening Awareness in Fleet Drivers
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →