Toyota gets praised for being one of the best and most reliable brands on Earth. People swear by them, claiming hundreds of thousands of miles without incident. But like any other manufacturer, Toyota cars have had several defects that slipped through the cracks of its popular owner-awarded iron-clad seal of approval.
While its engines are generally reliable, it's the rest of the car that might suffer, whether it's from idiosyncratic problems or serious mechanical issues. Sometimes, it takes years for these problems to surface. Unfortunately, it's not the case with these particular models. No manufacturer is infallible, including Toyota.
10 Failed Fuel Pump (2019 Sienna)
It wasn't just the Sienna that suffered from a defective fuel pump. Several Toyota models including just about every Lexus from 2017-2020, had a problem where the fuel pump could fail, causing the engine to stall and stop the car. Thankfully it was a recall, so at least Toyota acknowledged the problem.
It's a little hard to ignore since it's affected more than 1.8 million cars. Beyond the fuel pump, the 2019 Sienna had four other recalls including one for an incorrect load carrying capacity label (a common Toyota problem) and door spot welds that could cause airbags to deploy at random.
9 Transmission Slips (2021 Highlander)
As of this writing, there is no formal recall for this problem. One Highlander owner on Car Complaints experienced jerking and extreme hesitation between gearshifts. It's not unlike a problem that sparked a class-action lawsuit last year.
There aren't many cases of this happening to the 2021 model year specifically, but this transmission is also used in other models which have exhibited the same symptoms. Toyota has a blemished history of releasing cars with defective transmissions, with problems not dissimilar from what ails the Highlander.
8 Improperly Tightened Steering Fasteners (2019 4Runner)
2019 4Runners have a problem that's actually been recalled. The problem resides in bolts used for the car's suspension and steering. About 34 vehicles have had bolts loosen while driving. Imaginably this problem can cause serious accidents.
If the steering or suspension disassembles while the car is in motion, the driver will lose control. Thus far only 34 vehicles are affected by this problem. Like the Highlander's transmission problem, Toyota vehicles have historically had problems with suspension bits coming apart.
7 Damaged Brake Master Cylinder (2019 Tacoma)
Yet another dangerous defect to have on a car is a failing brake master cylinder. The 2019 Tacoma suffers from just such a problem. Luckily according to the recall, it doesn't affect any other car. According to the recall, Toyota improperly machined the brake master cylinder.
As a result, one of the seals on the inside could be damaged. If fluid leaks from the master cylinder, or if debris gets into the cylinder through the damaged seal, the brakes will not work properly. If this happens, pressing the pedal all the way to the floor should activate the rear brakes, which is enough to stop the car and call a tow truck.
6 Defective Airbags (2019 Camry)
Toyota announced a recall for its 2019 Camry, concerning the front passenger airbag. The problem stems from an improperly calibrated Occupant Classification System (OCS). If the vehicle in question is afflicted with this defect, the airbags may not deploy as intended.
The good news is, at some point the car should display an alert, indicating a malfunction in the SRS Airbag system. Several owners reported this alert cropping up as early as in the second quarter of 2019. Toyota addressed it months later in August.
5 Engine Shut Off (2021 Corolla)
The 2021 Corolla doesn't have any recalls issued yet, but it's still early. Owners are reporting several problems with the car, affecting the steering and safety features. A rare problem for Toyotas, especially for one of its flagship sedans, is that the engine can shut off with no warning.
Taking it to a dealership, although most likely covered by the warranty, may yield less than favorable results. Unless Toyota has publicly acknowledged the issue, it's best to take it to an independent mechanic who specializes in Toyota cars.
4 Assist Failure (2019 Prius)
Computers have gotten adept at providing driving aids in cars, like traction control and stability control. Every passenger car is mandated to come equipped with three different safety systems, including traction control, stability control, and anti-lock brakes (ABS). Traction control activates in different ways, but its purpose is to eliminate wheel spin.
Stability control applies brakes to individual wheels, based on the car's trajectory, while ABS pulses the brakes to prevent the tires from locking. In the case of the 2019 Prius, the brake booster pump can fail, in tandem deactivating the stability control and brake assist, a system that applies the brakes in an emergency.
3 Jumpy Gear Changes (2019 Tacoma)
Toyota's Tacoma from 2019 has a few issues, particularly with its automatic transmission. While a victim of the defective fuel pump that's infected more than 1.5 million cars, and the aforementioned faulty brake master cylinder, the Tacoma suffers from having a "jumpy" transmission.
Owners report the transmission making metal on metal sounds, and that it has trouble changing gears in certain situations. While only three owners have reported this issue thus far, it's a red flag considering Toyota's reputation with automatic transmissions.
2 Defective Fuel Cell (2020 RAV4)
Adding to the RAV4's repertoire of defective yet crucial parts, owners report inconsistent readings from the fuel cell. The capacity is supposed to be 14.5 gallons, yet owners experience their car at a gas station filling up to just 10 gallons. It's not so dangerous, but it is certainly a fault with the car.
Toyota has not issued a recall for this issue. The 2020 RAV4 has five other recalls against it, including a defective fuel pump, airbags not deploying, loss of electric power steering assist, inferior front lower suspension arms, and a coolant leak.
1 Brake Clunking (2021 Avalon)
Only one owner has sent their grievance into Car Complaints for this issue, but across many Toyota forums, other owners are experiencing the exact same thing. Every time the 2021 Avalon comes to a stop, no matter at what speed it was accelerating or decelerating, owners report hearing a clunking noise from the brakes.
Owners also report hearing the brakes grinding. While it has yet to present itself as a life-threatening issue, hearing any noise from the brakes, especially the front, is cause for concern. Upon hearing these noises the car should be brought to a shop immediately.