Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

by Staff
May 22, 2014
Toyota Recalling 380K Vehicles for Corrosion, Unintended Deceleration

Photo of Toyota Sienna courtesy of Toyota.

2 min to read


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. 

Ad Loading...

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.

Ad Loading...

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

Chris Brown sits across from safety experft at Lifesaver mobile in an interview about distracted driving and phone use tech.
Safetyby Chris BrownMay 1, 2026

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 →
Safetyby Jeanny RoaApril 15, 2026

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 →
Safetyby Jeanny RoaApril 11, 2026

 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 →
Ad Loading...
Driver holding a phone while steering, illustrating distracted driving and the importance of mental awareness and attention on the road for fleet safety.
Safetyby Judie NuskeyApril 10, 2026

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 →
Safetyby StaffApril 8, 2026

Lytx 2026 Road Safety Report

While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.

Read More →
Driver’s hands on steering wheel in a sunlit vehicle, representing real-world driver behavior and the shift from data monitoring to hands-on training in fleet safety programs.
Safetyby Judie NuskeyApril 7, 2026

Behind-the-Wheel vs. Classroom Training: What Actually Changes Driver Behavior?

Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A person in a car on their phone behind the steering wheel.
Safetyby Jeanny RoaApril 1, 2026

Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 1

A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.

Read More →
Pedestrians crossing a busy street, highlighting the importance of driver awareness and caution to prevent pedestrian accidents.
Safetyby StaffMarch 30, 2026

Pedestrian Safety Starts With the Driver

More people on foot means more risk for drivers. These pedestrian safety tips can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safer on the road.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 30, 2026

Safety by Design: Power and Protection in the Freightliner 114SD Plus

Safer crews. Fewer incidents. Better uptime. Learn how driver-assist technology is changing the way vocational fleets operate.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Safetyby StaffMarch 26, 2026

Pedestrian Deaths Drop in First Half of 2025, Marking Largest Decline in Years

An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.

Read More →