Toyota is recalling about 751,000 of its Highlander SUVs to fix a problem with the tabs that secure the front bumper covers.
The recall applies to certain Highlanders from 2020 through 2023 models, including gas-electric hybrids, the company said in a news release on Oct. 26.
The vehicles have front lower covers made of resin that are connected with mounting tabs, according to Toyota.
The company said a minor impact to the lower front bumper cover can cause the mounting tabs to detach from the vehicle while it’s moving. This could lead to parts falling onto the road, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
To fix the issue, dealers will inspect the upper to lower front bumper cover mounting tabs and slots for damage. If there isn’t any, they will install improved hardware to hold the covers, Toyota said.
If damage is found, dealers will replace the upper and/or lower bumper covers and add the improved hardware for free.
Toyota said it will begin notifying affected owners by late December.
The company said that owners can check to see if their Highlander is affected by entering their Vehicle Identification Number or license plate information at toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls. It said customers can also call the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which publishes details about safety recalls by automakers, has yet to post a campaign number for this recall.
Other Recalls
In September, Hyundai and Kia issued a recall of nearly 3.4 million vehicles due to the risk of engine compartment fires.Affected Kia models include the 2010 through 2019 Borrego, the 2014 to 2016 Cadenza, the 2010 through 2013 Forte, Forte Koup and Sportage, the 2015 to 2018 K900, the 2011 to 2015 Optima, the 2011 to 2013 Optima Hybrid and Soul, the 2012 to 2017 Rio, the 2011 to 2014 Sorento, and the 2010 to 2011 Rondo.
Hyundai models covered by the recall include the 2011 to 2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, and Sonata Hybrid, the 2012 to 2015 Accent, Azera, and Veloster, the 2013 to 2015 Elantra Coupe and Santa Fe, the 2014 to 2015 Equus, the 2010 to 2012 Veracruz, the 2010 to 2013 Tucson, the 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and the 2013 Santa Fe Sport.
The problem involved an anti-lock brake control module that can leak fluid and cause an electrical short, which can touch off a fire while the vehicles are parked or being driven, according to documents posted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The automakers have advised owners to park outdoors and away from structures until repairs are done. Dealers will replace the anti-lock brake fuse at no cost to the owners.
Kia says in documents that it will send notification letters to owners starting Nov. 14. For Hyundai, the date is Nov. 21.
Hyundai reported 21 fires in the affected vehicles in the United States and another 22 “thermal incidents,” including smoke, burning, and melting of parts, the documents say.
Kia reported 10 fires and melting incidents.
Hyundai said in a statement that owners can continue to drive the vehicles and that no crashes or injuries have been reported. The automaker said it was doing the recall to ensure the safety of its customers.
The company said an O-ring in the antilock brake motor shaft can lose sealing strength over time due to the presence of moisture, dirt, and dissolved metals in the brake fluid, causing leaks. The new fuse limits the operating current of the brake module, the statement said.
Kia said an engine compartment fire could happen in the area of the brake control unit due to an electrical short that results in excessive current. The statement says the exact cause of the short circuit is unknown and that there have been no crashes or injuries.
NHTSA said that under the federal motor vehicle safety act, automakers can choose the remedy to fix a defect. The agency said it will monitor the effectiveness of the repairs and open an investigation if warranted.
