5 Toyota Models With Most Recalls (Helpful Checklist)

It is common knowledge Toyota has been producing some of the most reliable vehicles in the world for decades. Their cars have roamed the streets for so long, you’d expect that they’ve become perfect with time.

While they’re impressive cars, they still have a massive number of recalls. In fact, Toyota recalls comprise 5.6% of all NHTSA recalls.

In this article, we highlight the five most recalled Toyota models.

Table of Contents

1. Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra debuted in 1999 for the 2000 model year. It then won Motor Trend’s “truck of the year” award in 2000. Even though the Tundra hasn’t been around for long relative to other models, it has earned quite the reputation.

It’s ironic that the Tundra is the most recalled Toyota vehicle on the market. This is because it’s known for its dependability.

However, the number of recalls for any vehicle isn’t always the best yardstick to measure its reliability.

Number of Recalls

The Toyota Tundra has 482 recalls. This takes up 16.8% of all Toyota recalls. That’s a huge percentage for any one model, even for the most recalled Toyota model.

Most Tundra recalls fall within 3 consecutive model years. The 2018, 2019 and 2020 models have 76, 78 and 70 recalls, respectively. These 3 model years alone take up 46.47% of Toyota Tundra recalls.

With that in mind, the Tundra was probably not the most recalled Toyota a few years ago.

Next on the list are the 2021 model with 34 recalls and the 2010 model with 23 recalls. The 2021 model further proves the fact that a great percentage of Tundra recalls occurred in recent years.

The 2009, ‘08 and ‘07 models all have 19 recalls, while the ‘11 model has 18 recalls. The 2017, ‘13 and ‘05 models all have 13 recalls.

There are 2 consecutive model years with 12 recalls. They’re the ‘15 and ‘16 model years. 2014, ‘12 and ‘06 models have 11 recalls. The 2004, 2003 and 2000 models have 9, 8 and 5 recalls, respectively.

For 3 recalls: 2002 and 2001 models.

For 2 recalls: 1999 model.

We’ve explained some of the most common problems that lead to Tundra recalls below.

Electrical system: In the headlight assembly, the electrical conductor could overheat because of a faulty power supply. Some models have a wiring error that reduces the headlight brightness.
Power assist system: The Hydraulic power assist system could be susceptible to oil leaks. This may be because of a production error.
Rack and pinion: The steering assembly could also be vulnerable to oil leaks. This is also because of a production error.

2. Toyota Sequoia

The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV. It has been in production for almost as long as the Tundra, but it isn’t as popular as its sibling.

Perhaps its under-popularity is because of its dimensions, which make it unsuitable for drivers looking for an average sized SUVs.

However, even though it isn’t among the most popular Toyotas, it has an above average performance. Still, it is more known for its gigantic size and spacious cabin than for its exquisite design.

Number of Recalls

The company has recalled the Toyota Sequoia 215 times. This number makes up 7.51% of all Toyota recalls and it is the 2^nd most recalled Toyota model.

The 2010 model has 17 recalls and is the most recalled model year. Next is the 2019 model with 16 recalls. Together, they make up 15.35% of all Toyota Sequoia recalls. The 2009 and 2008 models are next in line with 15 recalls each.

Toyota has recalled the 2018 and 2011 models 14 times each, while the 2012 model has 11 recalls. The above model years, along with the 2005 model, which has 10 recalls, are the years to avoid. The remaining models have fewer recalls.

From the 2013 to 2017 models, the Sequoia recorded 9 recalls from each year along with the 2006 model. It is, however possible, that these models have recurring problems that cause such consistency in numbers.

As at the time of writing, the 2022, ‘21, ‘07 and ‘03 model years all have 8 recalls. The ‘04 and ‘02 models both have 7 recalls.

For 2 recalls: 2020 model.

For 1 recall: 2001 model.

Below are some of the major reasons for recalls.

Airbag: The airbags may not deploy if a crash occurs.
Seats: The seat cushion may compress and this can cause damage to the electrical wiring.
Steering

3. Toyota Venza

The Toyota Venza is an astonishing SUV with a unique design. Its signature sloping rear makes it easily recognizable anytime. It is often mistaken for a Lexus because they have similar designs.

For a midsize SUV, the Venza has excellent fuel economy and a comfortable interior. Its fuel economy is so impressive, one can get as much as 40 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on highways.

The Venza also has the standard modern technological features a tech savvy driver would expect.

Number of Recalls

The Toyota Venza has 214 recalls to its name. This number amounts to 7.48% of all Toyota recalls. The 2021 hybrid Toyota Venza has 4 recalls, which is the minimum for any model year.

Although the Venza hasn’t been in production as long as other models on this list, it gathers an enormous figure. This means its model years have more individual recalls than the average Toyota model.

If the Venza had been in production for decades, it’d probably be the most recalled model on the list. Judging from its recall density, it’s more of a concern than the Tundra and the Sequoia.

The 2009 and 2010 model years have 33 and 34 recalls, respectively. The 2010 model is the model year with the highest number of recalls. These two models were the pioneering years for the Venza and alone they make up 31.31% of Venza recalls.

The 2011, 2012 and 2013 models all have 31 recalls each. While this is still a huge number for any model year, it is still progress compared to previous years.

Further progress accompanied the 2014 and 2015 model years, which have 25 recalls each.

One would think Toyota struggled to get it right with the Venza over the years. This is because the number of recalls seems to reduce as the years go by.

The following are the common culprits for the Venza’s recalls:

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS): The wiring may get damaged after frequent use of the driver-side door.
Equipment: The air conditioner drain hose can get blocked. This can cause water to accumulate and eventually leak.
Exterior lighting: Water can penetrate the rear lights.

4. Toyota Corolla

This is one vehicle that needs no introduction. It is not only the most popular Toyota vehicle but also among the most sought after vehicles in the world.

It has earned quite the reputation for reliability and dependability. Its other advantages are endless, including fuel efficiency, comfort and longevity.

However, the Corolla, despite these accolades, still earns the 4^th place on our list.

Number of Recalls

Toyota has recalled the Corolla 206 times, including the Corolla Matrix recalls. This accounts for 7.2% of all Toyota recalls.

The 2010 model has the highest number of recalls for any model year, which stands at 27. The 2009 model comes 2^nd with 23 recalls. The 2008- 2009 are some of the Toyota Corolla years to avoid.

The 2009 and 2010 models alone comprise 24.27% of all Corolla recalls

The 2004 and 2003 models both have 15 recalls, while the 2011 model has 13 recalls. The 2006 model has 12 recalls, while the 2008, 2007 and 2005 models each have 11 recalls. For the 2020 model year, the Corolla packs 10 recalls.

For 9 recalls: 2019, 2013 and 2012 models

For 5 recalls: 2018 model.

For 4 recalls: 2017 model.

For 2 recalls: 2014, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1984 models.

For 1 recall: 2016, 2015, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1992, 1989, 1980, 1979, 1978 and 1977 models.

These are the most regular reasons for recall.

Inflator module: In certain Corollas, the airbag inflators may explode rather than cause the airbag to deploy.
Equipment: The labels may be incorrect or unreadable.
Power windows: The lubrication on the windows may be insufficient and would affect operation.

5. Toyota Prius

This is another car with a unique design. The Toyota Prius is often considered one of the most reliable Toyota models. Perhaps for that reason, it is far down this list.

It is also Toyota’s most prominent hybrid vehicle with amazing efficiency, safety and comfort. However, its most defining feature is its fuel efficiency. This makes car buyers on a budget prefer it to other Toyota models.

Number of Recalls

The Prius has 190 recalls, accounting for 6.64% of all Toyota recalls. Among all its model years across all its configurations, the 2014 Prius has the most recalls, which stands at 21.

Next to it are the 2015 and 2022 models, which have 17 and 16 recalls, respectively. The 2016 and 2012 models both have 14 recalls each. Next to them, the 2013 and 2010 models gather 13 recalls, while they have recalled the 2017 model 11 times.

Further down, the 2009 model has 9 recalls, while the 2011, 2006, 2005 and 2004 models each have 8 recalls. The 2007 and 2008 model years both have 6 recalls.

For 3 recalls: 2018 and 2001 models.

For 2 recalls: 2020 and 2002 models.

For 1 recall: 2003 model.

These are the most recalled components.

Engine: The engine may experience a decline in power. This is usually related to a software problem.
Hybrid propulsion system: High voltages could also cause the vehicle to lose power while in motion.
Steering: The torque sensor can send wrong signals to the power steering.

Additional Information

There are other models with a significantly high number of recalls. The Toyota Rav4 has 182 recalls, the Toyota Camry has 174 recalls, and the Toyota Sienna has 173 recalls.

Even though they aren’t among the top five most recalled models, together they make up for 18.48% of Toyota recalls.

The Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota 4Runner have 156 and 148 recalls, respectively.

The top five most recalled Toyota models alone take up 45.67% of the 2,862 Toyota recalls. This is noteworthy because Toyota has over 30 entirely different models.

Final Thoughts

Models such as the Venza, Corolla and the Prius have different configurations. These configurations are sometimes classified as separate models on their own. They include hybrids, hatchbacks, etc.

However, for the sake of this article, these are all merged.

Toyota is among the most recalled car brands in the world today. However, this does not mean it is a terrible choice.

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