Incorrect Data Records Led to Faulty Toyota Fuel Pumps Going Unaddressed
Toyota’s recent recall of vehicles for faulty fuel pumps failed to be recalled earlier due to an error in record keeping from both the automaker and part manufacturer, according to Auto Evolution.
Covered in the recall are 2018 Toyota Camrys assembled between Feb. 1, 2018, and April 6, 2018; and 2019 Lexus NX 300 and RX 350 L vehicles assembled between April 22, 2019, and Aug. 2, 2019. An estimated 858 vehicles are impacted, with 848 of them being Camrys.
The problem lies with low-pressure fuel pump assemblies supplied by Japanese company Denso, which were shown to have been produced incorrectly. Additionally, the pumps were manufactured with iffy impellers containing a material density lower than normal. It’s possible the impellers also experienced long-term exposure to production solvent drying, leading to surface cracks.
This leads to excessive fuel absorption and a deformed impeller, which may interfere with the fuel pump body and cause engine stalling.
Toyota began investigating the issue in May 2024 after receiving reports of Japanese vehicles not starting. Though the pumps should have been included in an earlier recall, they weren’t due to certain fuel tank assembly part numbers not being included as a result of incorrect production history information from Denso, which has already faced multiple recalls for faulty fuel pumps.
However, there were some identification errors on Toyota’s end as well—but fortunately, the automaker has not had any reports or claims from the U.S. related to the problem.
Owners of impacted vehicles will receive mailed notices between March 9-23, with dealers being instructed to replace the fuel pump.
