Toyota has recalled more than 43,000 trucks in the US over defects that could increase the risk of a car crash.
The Japanese automaker recalled 43,395 2023-2024 Sequoia Hybrids sold in the US after identifying a risk with the vehicles’ tow hitches.
The tow hitch is a part located on the back of the truck that is used to connect the car to a trailer in order to be towed.
The resin tow hitch on the Sequoia Hybrids is held in place on the rear bumper with molded clips, Toyota said in a recall report.
“Due to the design of the attachment structure between the tow hitch cover and bumper, there may be insufficient retention of the cover,” Toyota said. “Thus, the hitch cover may separate from the vehicle while driving, and be perceived as a road hazard, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.”
Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encouraged vehicle owners to take their cars to the dealership, which will replace the tow hitch and modify the rear bumper so it better secures the hitch free of charge.
The automaker said it will send letters notifying owners of the recalled vehicles of the defect by late October.
Toyota said it was unsure how many of the recalled vehicles actually have the hitch defect.
While most of the recalled vehicles were sold in the US, Toyota also recalled about 2,000 Sequoia Hybrids sold in Central and South America and the Middle East.
The Sequoia Hybrid was designed for off-roading. The three-row hybrid SUV starts at $61,275, according to the Toyota website.
In June, the automaker recalled more than 100,000 pickup trucks and Lexus cars over concerns that machine debris may have been left in the engines during production.
And in March, Toyota recalled more than 380,000 trucks over a brake performance issue that could increase the risk of crash.
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