Toyota recalls more than 31,000 Yaris sedans and hatchbacks from the 2019 and 2020 model years because their fuel pumps could stop working and cause a sudden stall or hesitation while driving. According to Consumer Reports, the problem is because of a batch of more than 2 million faulty, low-pressure fuel pumps manufactured by Denso, an automotive supplier, which were installed on vehicles made by Honda, Acura, Ford, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Toyota. It could put drivers in danger if the fault causes a car to stall without warning while the vehicle is in motion.
Details of the Recall
The problem is with an improperly manufactured low-pressure fuel pump that could develop cracks and fail, which may prevent the vehicle’s engine from starting or cause it to stall while running.
Before a stall occurs, drivers may notice that the engine runs rough – shaking or making unusually loud noises. They may also see the “check engine light” illuminated on the dashboard. In some cases, the vehicles may not start. Toyota has already recalled over 3 million vehicles. While not all the recalled vehicles have defective fuel pumps, more recalls may follow.
The recalled Yaris sedans were manufactured between October 2018 and February 2020. The 2020 Yaris hatchbacks were manufactured between August 2019 and January 2020. Toyota dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the fuel pump free of charge. Vehicle owners are asked to call Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 for more information.
Dangers of a Bad Fuel Pump
The fuel pump is an important component in a vehicle because it delivers fuel from the gas tank to the engine at the right pressure. The fuel pump is activated and pressurized when the ignition is turned on. If there are problems with the fuel pump, it could cause serious issues with how the vehicle drives. In some cases, the vehicle could stall without warning, which could of course, be very dangerous. Some indications that you’re having a problem with a fuel pump include difficulty starting the vehicle, a whining noise from the fuel tank, or poor vehicle performance.
If you suspect your fuel pump may have an issue, have the vehicle inspected by a professional technician to determine if the pump should be replaced. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a vehicle defect, please get in touch with an experienced auto defect lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/toyota-yaris-hatchbacks-and-sedans-recalled-for-stall-risk-a1095948415/
