October 26, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V720000
Front Bumper Assembly May Detach
A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000
Manufacturer Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Components STRUCTURE
Potential Number of Units Affected 750,795
Summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
Remedy
Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 11, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Check if your Vehicle has a Recall
SAFETY RECALL 23TA12 (Interim Notice 23TB12)
Certain 2020 – 2023 Model Year Highlander and Highlander HV
Front Lower Bumper Cover Assembly May Detach While Driving
Model / Years | Production Period | Approximate Total Vehicles | Approximate Stop Sale Dealer Inventory |
2020-2023 Model Year Highlander | Late June 2019 – Early August 2023 | 558,300 | 300 |
2020-2023 Model Year Highlander HV | Late June 2019 – Early August 2023 | 192,500 | 100 |
On October 26, 2023 Toyota filed a Defect Information Report (DIR) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) informing the agency of our intent to conduct a voluntary Safety Recall on 2020-2023 model year Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles.
Condition
The subject vehicles are equipped with a resin front lower bumper cover assembly, connected with mounting tabs. If there is minor impact to the lower front bumper cover assembly that causes the mounting tabs to detach from the vehicle during normal operation, one or more parts of this assembly could detach, which could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury for other road users.
Remedy
Toyota is currently preparing the remedy for this issue. When the remedy is available, Toyota dealers will inspect the upper to lower front bumper cover mounting tabs and slots for damage. If no damage is found, dealers will install retention hardware with an improved design. If damage is found, dealers will replace the upper and/or lower front bumper cover and install retention hardware with an improved design FREE OF CHARGE. At this time, Toyota is unable to provide a timeline when the remedy may be available. Toyota will update the dealer letter with an estimated remedy timeline at a later date.
Covered Vehicles
There are approximately 750,800 vehicles covered by this Safety Recall. Approximately 6,300 vehicles involved in this Safety Recall were distributed to Puerto Rico.
Owner Letter Mailing Date
Toyota will notify owners by late December 2023.
Certain 2020-2023 Model Year Highlander and Highlander HV
Front Lower Bumper Cover Assembly May Detach While Driving
Frequently Asked Questions
Original Publication Date: October 26, 2023
Q1: What is the condition?
A1: The subject vehicles are equipped with a resin front lower bumper cover assembly, connected with mounting tabs. If there is minor impact to the lower front bumper cover assembly that causes the mounting tabs to detach from the vehicle during normal operation, one or more parts of this assembly could detach, which could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury for other road users.
Q1a: Are There any symptoms or warnings that this condition exists?
A1a: Yes, if some of the mounting tabs have detached, customers may notice the lower bumper cover hanging loose from the upper bumper cover. This can be seen by looking at the bottom of the front bumper.
Q1b: What should I do if my front lower bumper cover is hanging loose from the front upper bumper cover?
A1b: Please visit any authorized Toyota dealer for further diagnosis.
Q2: What is Toyota going to do?
A2: Toyota is currently preparing the remedy for this issue. When the remedy is available, Toyota dealers will inspect the upper to lower front bumper cover mounting tabs and slots for damage. If no damage is found, dealers will install retention hardware with an improved design. If damage is found, dealers will replace the upper and/or lower front bumper cover and install retention hardware with an improved design FREE OF CHARGE. At this time, Toyota is unable to provide a timeline when the remedy may be available. Toyota will update the dealer letter with an estimated remedy timeline at a later date.
Q3: Is the Highlander XSE Involved in this Safety Recall?
A3: The Highlander XSE grade utilizes a one-piece lower front bumper cover with lower grill and a different attachment structure that is NOT affected by this condition.
Q4: When will the remedy become available?
A4: Toyota is currently preparing the parts and repair instructions for the remedy. At this time, Toyota is unable to provide a timeline when the remedy may be available. Toyota will update the dealer letter with an estimated remedy timeline at a later date.
Q5: Which and how many vehicles are covered by this Safety Recall?
A5: There are approximately 750,800 vehicles covered by this Safety Recall.
Model Name | Model Year | Production Period | UIO |
Highlander | 2020-2023 | Late June 2019 – Early August 2023 | 558,300 |
Highlander HV | 2020-2023 | Late June 2019 – Early August 2023 | 192,500 |
Q6: What if I previously paid for repairs related to this Safety Recall?
A6: Reimbursement consideration instructions will be provided in the owner letter.
Q7: How does Toyota obtain my mailing information?
A7: Toyota uses an industry provider who works with each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to receive registration or title information, based upon the DMV records. Please make sure your registration or title information is correct.
Q8: What if I have additional questions or concerns?
A8: If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-888-270-9371 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Time.
Chronology of Principal Events:
May 2021-July 2022
Toyota received four field reports indicating the lower front bumper cover had come off. Front impact damage had been noted on the vehicles. Toyota could not recover the parts for further investigation.
August 2022 – January 2023
Toyota received additional field reports about lower front bumper covers coming loose and dragging and/or detaching. The parts from these vehicles were recovered for further inspection. Due to the amount of damage to the recovered parts, it was difficult to accurately measure and analyze them. However, no obvious design or manufacturing concerns were noted. The investigation continued.
Toyota conducted wind tunnel testing to attempt to duplicate the conditions under which the lower front bumper cover might detach from a vehicle. The duplication testing also involved intentionally unseating mounting tabs. During the testing, Toyota was able to duplicate separation of the lower front bumper cover when some of the mounting tabs were unseated; however, the evaluation was not able to determine how the mounting tabs might become unseated.
February 2023 – October 2023
To further understand why the mounting tabs might become unseated, Toyota investigated the front bumper cover assembly process. No assembly issues were found.
During this time, Toyota also investigated vehicles being transported to and from distribution centers by rail and truck to confirm if the vehicles were being properly secured and not causing any mounting tabs to become unseated during the delivery process. No unusual circumstances were observed. If transportation damage occurred, appropriate processes were in place to repair the vehicles.
Toyota performed a design review of the subject Highlander front bumper cover assembly and did a comparison with previous generation Highlander vehicles. The previous generation Highlander vehicles utilized outside molding retainers for securing the mounting tabs, and these outside molding retainers had not been used in the subject vehicles.
Toyota also conducted tests where potential impacts on the lower front bumper cover could occur under normal driving conditions where minor impacts might be expected to occur to evaluate whether the mounting tabs could become unseated and potentially lead to cover separation. It was confirmed during these tests that partial detachment of mounting tabs could be duplicated when minor impacts with objects such as curbs occurred.
Testing was also done by performing approach and unloading testing, where there is potential for the lower front bumper cover to drag when approaching or backing down a steep incline, or the vehicle is loaded/unloaded from a truck, to assess whether the angle of approach or unloading could affect the mounting tabs. The results indicated that, at a higher-degree approach/unloading angle, some of the mounting tabs could detach after repeated dragging.
Additional testing at highway speeds was conducted with mounting tabs intentionally unseated. The lower front bumper assembly (including the engine under cover and fender liners) completely detached from the vehicle.
As a result of this testing, Toyota determined how the mounting tabs could be damaged and cause lower front bumper assembly detachment. Toyota decided a detached lower front bumper assembly could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury for other road users.
October 19, 2023
Based on the results of the above investigation, Toyota decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall campaign for the vehicles identified above.
As of October 19, 2023, based on a diligent review of records, Toyota’s best engineering judgement is there are 13 Toyota Field Technical Reports (received between May 5, 2021 and August 11, 2023) and 70 warranty claims that have been received from U.S. sources that relate or may relate to this condition which were considered in the decision to submit this report.
Description of Corrective Repair Action:
All known owners of the subject vehicles will be notified to return their vehicles to a Toyota dealer. For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will inspect the upper to lower front bumper cover mounting tabs and slots for damage. If no damage is found, dealers will install retention hardware with an improved design. If damage is found, dealers will replace the upper and/or lower front bumper cover and install retention hardware with an improved design free of charge.
Reimbursement Plan for pre-notification remedies
The owner letter will instruct vehicle owners who have paid to have this condition remedied prior to this campaign to seek reimbursement pursuant to Toyota’s General Reimbursement Plan.
8 Affected Products
Vehicles
MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
TOYOTA | HIGHLANDER | 2020-2023 |
TOYOTA | HIGHLANDER HYBRID | 2020-2023 |
4 Associated Documents
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-23V720-5261.PDF 216.075KB
Recall Acknowledgement
Toyota – Part 573 Defect Information Report – October 2023
RMISC-23V720-5921.pdf 131.036KB
Toyota – 23TB12 Dealer Packet – October 2023
RCMN-23V720-9761.pdf 501.639KB
Latest Recalls Documents
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=23V720&docType=RCL
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TOYOTA Toyota Motor North America, Inc. Vehicle Safety & Compliance Liaison Office Mail Stop: W4-2D 6565 Headquarters Drive Plano, TX 75024 October 26, 2023 DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT 1. Vehicle Manufacturer Name: Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. [“TMMI”] 4000 Tulip Tree Dr., Princeton, IN 47670 Affiliated U.S. Sales Company: Toyota Motor North America, Inc. [“TMNA”] 6565 Headquarters Drive, Plano, TX 75024 Manufacturer of Front Lower Bumper Cover Assembly: Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. [“TMMI”] 4000 Tulip Tree Dr., Princeton, IN 47670 Phone: +1- 812-387-2266 Country of Origin: USA 2. Identification of Involved Vehicles and Affected Components: Based on production records, we have determined the involved vehicle population as in the table below. Make/Car Line Model Year Manufacturer Production Period Toyota / Highlander 2020-2023 TMMI June 24, 2019 through August 12, 2023 Toyota / Highlander Hybrid June 27, 2019 through August 10, 2023 Applicability Part Number Part Name Component Description MY2020-2023 Toyota Highlander/ Highlander Hybrid 52129-0E070 52129-0E100 52129-0E190 52129-0E200 Cover, Front Bumper, Lower Lower Front Bumper Cover Note: (1) Although the involved vehicles are within the above production period range, not all vehicles in this range were sold in the U.S. (2) Highlander XSE grade utilizes a one-piece lower front bumper cover with lower grill and a different attachment structure that is not affected by the condition described in Section 5 below. Other Toyota or Lexus vehicles sold in the U.S. are equipped with a lower front bumper cover with a different attachment structure or are not equipped with a lower front bumper cover. 3. Total Number of Vehicles Potentially Involved: Highlander : 558,314 Highlander Hybrid : 192,451 Total : 750,795 4. Percentage of Vehicles Estimated to Actually Contain the Defect: Unknown. Toyota is unable to provide an estimate of the percentage of vehicles to actually contain the defect. Whether detachment of the mounting tabs occurs that will lead to a separation of the lower front bumper cover, the engine under cover, and the fender liners while driving depends, in each case, on the severity of the impact to the front bumper assembly and the retention force of the remaining attachment points. However, as the NHTSA manufacturer portal requires an integer value be entered, Toyota has entered the value “1” in response to this question in the portal. For the purpose of this report, “1” means “unknown”. 5. Description of Problem: The subject vehicles are equipped with a resin front bumper cover assembly consisting of an upper and a lower front bumper cover. The engine under cover and left and right fender liners are connected to the lower bumper cover. The lower bumper cover is connected to the upper bumper cover by push-clips and mounting tabs. If there is minor impact to the lower front bumper cover during normal vehicle operation, some of the mounting tabs could detach, and the retention force of the remaining attachment points may become compromised. In this condition, the lower bumper cover, the engine under cover, and the fender liners may detach from the vehicle while driving, which could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury for other road users. 6. Chronology of Principal Events: May 2021-July 2022 Toyota received four field reports indicating the lower front bumper cover had come off. Front impact damage had been noted on the vehicles. Toyota could not recover the parts for further investigation. August 2022 – January 2023 Toyota received additional field reports about lower front bumper covers coming loose and dragging and/or detaching. The parts from these vehicles were recovered for further inspection. Due to the amount of damage to the recovered parts, it was difficult to accurately measure and analyze them. However, no obvious design or manufacturing concerns were noted. The investigation continued. Toyota conducted wind tunnel testing to attempt to duplicate the conditions under which the lower front bumper cover might detach from a vehicle. The duplication testing also involved intentionally unseating mounting tabs. During the testing, Toyota was able to duplicate separation of the lower front bumper cover when some of the mounting tabs were unseated; however, the evaluation was not able to determine how the mounting tabs might become unseated. February 2023 – October 2023 To further understand why the mounting tabs might become unseated, Toyota investigated the front bumper cover assembly process. No assembly issues were found. During this time, Toyota also investigated vehicles being transported to and from distribution centers by rail and truck to confirm if the vehicles were being properly secured and not causing any mounting tabs to become unseated during the delivery process. No unusual circumstances were observed. If transportation damage occurred, appropriate processes were in place to repair the vehicles. Toyota performed a design review of the subject Highlander front bumper cover assembly and did a comparison with previous generation Highlander vehicles. The previous generation Highlander vehicles utilized outside molding retainers for securing the mounting tabs, and these outside molding retainers had not been used in the subject vehicles. Toyota also conducted tests where potential impacts on the lower front bumper cover could occur under normal driving conditions where minor impacts might be expected to occur to evaluate whether the mounting tabs could become unseated and potentially lead to cover separation. It was confirmed during these tests that partial detachment of mounting tabs could be duplicated when minor impacts with objects such as curbs occurred. Testing was also done by performing approach and unloading testing, where there is potential for the lower front bumper cover to drag when approaching or backing down a steep incline, or the vehicle is loaded/unloaded from a truck, to assess whether the angle of approach or unloading could affect the mounting tabs. The results indicated that, at a higher-degree approach/unloading angle, some of the mounting tabs could detach after repeated dragging. Additional testing at highway speeds was conducted with mounting tabs intentionally unseated. The lower front bumper assembly (including the engine under cover and fender liners) completely detached from the vehicle. As a result of this testing, Toyota determined how the mounting tabs could be damaged and cause lower front bumper assembly detachment. Toyota decided a detached lower front bumper assembly could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury for other road users. October 19, 2023 Based on the results of the above investigation, Toyota decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall campaign for the vehicles identified above. As of October 19, 2023, based on a diligent review of records, Toyota’s best engineering judgement is there are 13 Toyota Field Technical Reports (received between May 5, 2021 and August 11, 2023) and 70 warranty claims that have been received from U.S. sources that relate or may relate to this condition which were considered in the decision to submit this report. 7. Description of Corrective Repair Action: All known owners of the subject vehicles will be notified to return their vehicles to a Toyota dealer. For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will inspect the upper to lower front bumper cover mounting tabs and slots for damage. If no damage is found, dealers will install retention hardware with an improved design. If damage is found, dealers will replace the upper and/or lower front bumper cover and install retention hardware with an improved design free of charge. Reimbursement Plan for pre-notification remedies The owner letter will instruct vehicle owners who have paid to have this condition remedied prior to this campaign to seek reimbursement pursuant to Toyota’s General Reimbursement Plan. 8. Recall Schedule: Notifications to owners of the affected vehicles will occur by December 25, 2023. A copy of the draft owner notification will be submitted as soon as it is available. 9. Distributor/Dealer Notification Schedule: Notifications to distributors/dealers will be sent on October 26, 2023. Copies of dealer communications will be submitted as they are issued. 10. Manufacturer’s Campaign Number: [Interim/Remedy]: 23TB12 / 23TA12
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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-720 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Manufacturer Name : Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing Submission Date : OCT 26, 2023 NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-720 Manufacturer Recall No. : 23TB12 / 23TA12 Manufacturer Information : Manufacturer Name : Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing Address : 6565 Headquarters Drive Plano TX 75024 Company phone : 1-800-331-4331 Population : Number of potentially involved : 750,795 Estimated percentage with defect : 1 % Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2020-2023 Toyota Highlander Vehicle Type : Body Style : Power Train : NR Descriptive Information : Although the involved vehicles are within the above production period range, not all vehicles in this range were sold in the U.S. Highlander XSE grade utilizes a one-piece lower front bumper cover with lower grill and a different attachment structure that is not affected by the condition described in Section 5 below. Other Toyota or Lexus vehicles sold in the U.S. are equipped with a lower front bumper cover with a different attachment structure or are not equipped with a lower front bumper cover. Unknown. Toyota is unable to provide an estimate of the percentage of vehicles to actually contain the defect. Whether detachment of the mounting tabs occurs that will lead to a separation of the lower front bumper cover, the engine under cover, and the fender liners while driving depends, in each case, on the severity of the impact to the front bumper assembly and the retention force of the remaining attachment points. However, as the NHTSA manufacturer portal requires an integer value be entered, Toyota has entered the value “1” in response to this question in the portal. For the purpose of this report, “1” means “unknown”. Production Dates : JUN 24, 2019 – AUG 12, 2023 VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-720 Page 2 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Vehicle 2 : 2020-2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Vehicle Type : Body Style : Power Train : NR Descriptive Information : Although the involved vehicles are within the above production period range, not all vehicles in this range were sold in the U.S. Highlander XSE grade utilizes a one-piece lower front bumper cover with lower grill and a different attachment structure that is not affected by the condition described in Section 5 below. Other Toyota or Lexus vehicles sold in the U.S. are equipped with a lower front bumper cover with a different attachment structure or are not equipped with a lower front bumper cover. Unknown. Toyota is unable to provide an estimate of the percentage of vehicles to actually contain the defect. Whether detachment of the mounting tabs occurs that will lead to a separation of the lower front bumper cover, the engine under cover, and the fender liners while driving depends, in each case, on the severity of the impact to the front bumper assembly and the retention force of the remaining attachment points. However, as the NHTSA manufacturer portal requires an integer value be entered, Toyota has entered the value “1” in response to this question in the portal. For the purpose of this report, “1” means “unknown”. Production Dates : JUN 27, 2019 – AUG 10, 2023 VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Description of Defect : Description of the Defect : The subject vehicles are equipped with a resin front bumper cover assembly consisting of an upper and a lower front bumper cover. The engine under cover and left and right fender liners are connected to the lower bumper cover. The lower bumper cover is connected to the upper bumper cover by push-clips and mounting tabs. If there is minor impact to the lower front bumper cover during normal vehicle operation, some of the mounting tabs could detach, and the retention force of the remaining attachment points may become compromised. In this condition, the lower bumper cover, the engine under cover, and the fender liners may detach from the vehicle while driving, which could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury for other road users. FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR Description of the Safety Risk : If there is minor impact to the lower front bumper cover during normal vehicle operation, some of the mounting tabs could detach, and the retention force of the remaining attachment points may become compromised. In this condition, the lower bumper cover, the engine under cover, and the fender liners may detach from the vehicle while driving, which could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury for other road users. Description of the Cause : NR Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-720 Page 3 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Identification of Any Warning that can Occur : NR Involved Components : Component Name 1 : Cover, Front Bumper, Lower Component Description : Lower Front Bumper Cover Component Part Number : 52129-0E070 Component Name 2 : Cover, Front Bumper, Lower Component Description : Lower Front Bumper Cover Component Part Number : 52129-0E100 Component Name 3 : Cover, Front Bumper, Lower Component Description : Lower Front Bumper Cover Component Part Number : 52129-0E190 Component Name 4 : Cover, Front Bumper, Lower Component Description : Lower Front Bumper Cover Component Part Number : 52129-0E200 Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer Name : Toyota Motor Manufacturing Address : 4000 Tulip Tree Dr. Princeton Indiana 47670 Country : United States Chronology : Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-720 Page 4 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Please see the attached Part 573 Defect Information Report for the full chronology. Description of Remedy : Description of Remedy Program : All known owners of the subject vehicles will be notified to return their vehicles to a Toyota dealer. For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will inspect the upper to lower front bumper cover mounting tabs and slots for damage. If no damage is found, dealers will install retention hardware with an improved design. If damage is found, dealers will replace the upper and/or lower front bumper cover and install retention hardware with an improved design free of charge. The owner letter will instruct vehicle owners who have paid to have this condition remedied prior to this campaign to seek reimbursement pursuant to Toyota’s General Reimbursement Plan. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component : NR Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : NR Recall Schedule : Description of Recall Schedule : Notifications to owners of the affected vehicles will occur by December 25, 2023. A copy of the draft owner notification will be submitted as soon as it is available. Notifications to distributors/dealers will be sent on October 26, 2023. Copies of dealer communications will be submitted as they are issued. Planned Dealer Notification Date : OCT 26, 2023 – OCT 26, 2023 Planned Owner Notification Date : DEC 11, 2023 – DEC 25, 2023 * NR – Not Reported
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© 2023 Toyota Motor Sales, USA Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. 6565 Headquarters Drive Plano, TX 75024 (469) 292-4000 Original Publication Date: October 26, 2023 To: All Toyota Dealer Principals, General Managers, Service Managers, and Parts Managers SAFETY RECALL 23TA12 (Interim Notice 23TB12) Certain 2020 – 2023 Model Year Highlander and Highlander HV Front Lower Bumper Cover Assembly May Detach While Driving Model / Years Production Period Approximate Total Vehicles Approximate Stop Sale Dealer Inventory 2020-2023 Model Year Highlander Late June 2019 – Early August 2023 558,300 300 2020-2023 Model Year Highlander HV Late June 2019 – Early August 2023 192,500 100 STOP! DO NOT SELL NEW VEHICLES IN DEALER INVENTORY. Refer to Dealer Inventory Procedures section for more details. On October 26, 2023 Toyota filed a Defect Information Report (DIR) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) informing the agency of our intent to conduct a voluntary Safety Recall on 2020-2023 model year Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles. Condition The subject vehicles are equipped with a resin front lower bumper cover assembly, connected with mounting tabs. If there is minor impact to the lower front bumper cover assembly that causes the mounting tabs to detach from the vehicle during normal operation, one or more parts of this assembly could detach, which could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury for other road users. Remedy Toyota is currently preparing the remedy for this issue. When the remedy is available, Toyota dealers will inspect the upper to lower front bumper cover mounting tabs and slots for damage. If no damage is found, dealers will install retention hardware with an improved design. If damage is found, dealers will replace the upper and/or lower front bumper cover and install retention hardware with an improved design FREE OF CHARGE. At this time, Toyota is unable to provide a timeline when the remedy may be available. Toyota will update the dealer letter with an estimated remedy timeline at a later date. Covered Vehicles There are approximately 750,800 vehicles covered by this Safety Recall. Approximately 6,300 vehicles involved in this Safety Recall were distributed to Puerto Rico. Owner Letter Mailing Date Toyota will notify owners by late December 2023. Toyota makes significant effort to obtain current customer name and address information from each state through industry resources when mailing owner letters. In the event your dealership receives a notice for a vehicle that was sold prior to the Safety Recall announcement, it is the dealership’s responsibility to forward the owner letter to the customer who purchased the vehicle. S a f e t y R e c a l l 2 3 T A 1 2 ( I n t e r i m 2 3 T B 1 2 ) – P a g e | 2 © 2023 Toyota Motor Sales, USA Please note that only owners of the covered vehicles will be notified. If you are contacted by an owner who has not yet received a notification, please verify eligibility by confirming through TIS prior to performing repairs. Dealers should perform the repair as outlined in the Technical Instructions found on TIS. Dealer Inventory Procedures New Vehicles in Dealership Inventory There are approximately 400 vehicles in new dealer inventory as of October 24, 2023. Under Title 49, Section 30112 of the United States Code, a dealer cannot sell, offer for sale, or introduce or deliver for introduction in interstate commerce a new motor vehicle when it is aware that the vehicle does not comply with an applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or contains a defect related to motor vehicle safety. Further, 49 Code of Federal Regulations §577.13 requires us to provide the following advisory: It is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification under a sale or lease until the defect or noncompliance is remedied. Toyota reimburses dealers for flooring costs associated with new vehicles held in dealership inventory until the recall remedy becomes available. Toyota provides these flooring reimbursements at 60-day intervals. Toyota reserves the right to withhold or charge-back any flooring reimbursement funds that may have been paid to the dealer if it determines that a new vehicle subject to a safety recall was sold without first being remedied. Vehicle Safety Recall completion should always be verified through TIS. We request your assistance to ensure involved vehicles are identified and not delivered prior to performing the remedy. NOTE: • New vehicles in dealer inventory subject to a Safety Recall must be remedied before delivery into commerce under a sale or lease. Dealer-to-dealer trades as well as vehicle sales between dealers should not be made until a vehicle is remedied. • Dealers can identify if any of their new and used inventory has any open campaigns in the Vehicle Inventory Summary available in Dealer Daily (Non SET and GST dealers: https://dealerdaily.toyota.com/). The Vehicle Inventory Summary may take up to 4 hours to populate information for newly launched campaigns. S a f e t y R e c a l l 2 3 T A 1 2 ( I n t e r i m 2 3 T B 1 2 ) – P a g e | 3 © 2023 Toyota Motor Sales, USA Inspection Reminder Mirror Hang Tags for Covered Vehicles in New Dealer Stock To easily recognize vehicles involved in this Safety Recall, each dealership should utilize Inspection Reminder Hang Tags. Inside the vehicle’s glove box are stickers containing the VIN. Apply one of these stickers to the hang tag and install the hang tag in the vehicle. A sample copy of the Inspection Reminder Hang Tag has been included for your reference. Pre-Owned Vehicles in Dealer Inventory Toyota typically requests that dealers NOT deliver any pre-owned vehicles in dealer inventory that are covered by a Safety Recall unless the defect has been remedied. In this case, until remedy parts are available, delivery of a pre-owned vehicle is acceptable if disclosed to the customer that the vehicle is involved in this Safety Recall and that the remedy is currently being prepared by Toyota. Toyota expects dealers to use the attached Customer Contact and Vehicle Disclosure Form to obtain vehicle buyer information. Dealers are expected to provide a copy of the completed form, along with the most current FAQ, to the vehicle buyer. Toyota and the dealer may use this information to contact the customer when the remedy becomes available. Keep the completed form on file at the dealership and send a copy to quality_compliance@toyota.com. In the subject line of the email, state “Disclosure Form 23TA12” and include the VIN. NOTE: Dealers can identify if any of their new and used inventory has any open campaigns in the Vehicle Inventory Summary available in Dealer Daily (Non SET and GST dealers: https://dealerdaily.toyota.com/). The Vehicle Inventory Summary may take up to 4 hours to populate information for newly launched campaigns. Toyota Certified Used Vehicle (TCUV) The TCUV policy prohibits the certification of any vehicle with an outstanding Safety Recall, Special Service Campaign, or Limited Service Campaign. Thus, no affected units are to be designated, sold, or delivered as a TCUV until all applicable Safety Recalls, Special Service Campaigns, and Limited Service Campaigns have been completed on that vehicle. Toyota Rent-A-Car (TRAC) & Service Loaners Toyota requests that dealers remove all TRAC and Service Loaner vehicles from service that are covered by a Safety Recall unless the defect has been remedied. NOTE: Dealerships can order hang tags from the Material Distribution Center (MDC). Part Number Description Quantity 00411-140003 Inspection Mirror Hang Tag 25 Per Pack S a f e t y R e c a l l 2 3 T A 1 2 ( I n t e r i m 2 3 T B 1 2 ) – P a g e | 4 © 2023 Toyota Motor Sales, USA Customer Handling, Parts Ordering, and Remedy Procedures Customer Contacts Customers who receive the owner letter may contact your dealership with questions regarding the letter and/or the Safety Recall. Please welcome them to your dealership and answer any questions that they may have. A Q&A is provided to assure a consistent message is communicated. Customers with additional questions or concerns are asked to please contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center (1-888-270-9371) – Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Time. Salvage Title Vehicles Every attempt should be made to complete an open Safety Recall when circumstances permit, unless noted otherwise in the Safety Recall dealer letter. For complete details on this policy, refer to Toyota Warranty Policy 4.17, “What Is Not Covered by The Toyota New Vehicle Limited Warranty”. Media Contacts It is imperative that all media contacts (local and national) receive a consistent message. In this regard, all media contacts must be directed to Joshua Burns (469) 292-6449 in Toyota Corporate Communications. Please do not provide this number to customers. Please provide this contact only to media. Warranty Reimbursement Procedures Loaner Vehicle or Alternative Transportation Reimbursement Procedure If a vehicle owner is uncomfortable driving their vehicle while Toyota is preparing the remedy, a loaner vehicle or alternative transportation through Toyota Rent-A-CAR (TRAC) can be claimed for $60 per day. Op Code Description 23TB12V1 Vehicle Rental 1-30 Days 23TB12V2 Vehicle Rental 31-60 Days 23TB12V3 Vehicle Rental 61-90 Days 23TB12V4 Vehicle Rental 91-120 Days 23TB12V5 Vehicle Rental 121-150 Days 23TB12V6 Vehicle Rental 151-180 Days NOTE: • Rental invoice MUST be attached to all rental claims. These claims may be subject to debit if rental invoice is not attached. • Rentals that exceed the maximum allowable daily rate will require DSPM authorization per the Toyota Transportation Assistance Policy (TTAP). S a f e t y R e c a l l 2 3 T A 1 2 ( I n t e r i m 2 3 T B 1 2 ) – P a g e | 5 © 2023 Toyota Motor Sales, USA Customer Reimbursement Reimbursement consideration instructions will be included in the owner letter. Campaign Designation / Phase Decoder 2319 = 201920 = 202021 = 202122 = 202223 = 2023Etc…Year Campaignis Launched23TB12TT = ToyotaL = LexusVehicle MakeBA = Safety Recall RemedyB = Safety Recall InterimC = Special Service CampaignD = Limited Service CampaignE = Customer Support ProgramF = Emissions Recall(May use other characters in unique cases)Field Action Category and Phase1201 = 1st Field Action of the year02 = 2nd Field Action of the year03 = 3rd Field Action of the year(The sequence is unique for each Field Action category)(May use other characters in unique cases)Field Action Sequence Examples: 19TA01 = Launched in 2019, Toyota, Safety Recall Remedy Phase, 1st Safety Recall Launched in 2019 20TC02 = Launched in 2020, Special Service Campaign, 2nd Special Service Campaign Launched in 2020 21TE05 = Launched in 2021, Customer Support Program, 5th Customer Support Program Launched in 2021 Please review this entire package with your Service and Parts staff to familiarize them with the proper step-by-step procedures required to implement this Safety Recall. Thank you for your cooperation. TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC. FAQ Page 1 of 2 © 2023 Toyota Motor Sales, USA SAFETY RECALL 23TA12 (Interim Notice 23TB12) Certain 2020-2023 Model Year Highlander and Highlander HV Front Lower Bumper Cover Assembly May Detach While Driving Frequently Asked Questions Original Publication Date: October 26, 2023 Q1: What is the condition? A1: The subject vehicles are equipped with a resin front lower bumper cover assembly, connected with mounting tabs. If there is minor impact to the lower front bumper cover assembly that causes the mounting tabs to detach from the vehicle during normal operation, one or more parts of this assembly could detach, which could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury for other road users. Q1a: Are There any symptoms or warnings that this condition exists? A1a: Yes, if some of the mounting tabs have detached, customers may notice the lower bumper cover hanging loose from the upper bumper cover. This can be seen by looking at the bottom of the front bumper. Q1b: What should I do if my front lower bumper cover is hanging loose from the front upper bumper cover? A1b: Please visit any authorized Toyota dealer for further diagnosis. Q2: What is Toyota going to do? A2: Toyota is currently preparing the remedy for this issue. When the remedy is available, Toyota dealers will inspect the upper to lower front bumper cover mounting tabs and slots for damage. If no damage is found, dealers will install retention hardware with an improved design. If damage is found, dealers will replace the upper and/or lower front bumper cover and install retention hardware with an improved design FREE OF CHARGE. At this time, Toyota is unable to provide a timeline when the remedy may be available. Toyota will update the dealer letter with an estimated remedy timeline at a later date. FAQ Page 2 of 2 © 2023 Toyota Motor Sales, USA Q3: Is the Highlander XSE Involved in this Safety Recall? A3: The Highlander XSE grade utilizes a one-piece lower front bumper cover with lower grill and a different attachment structure that is NOT affected by this condition. Q4: When will the remedy become available? A4: Toyota is currently preparing the parts and repair instructions for the remedy. At this time, Toyota is unable to provide a timeline when the remedy may be available. Toyota will update the dealer letter with an estimated remedy timeline at a later date. Q5: Which and how many vehicles are covered by this Safety Recall? A5: There are approximately 750,800 vehicles covered by this Safety Recall. Model Name Model Year Production Period UIO Highlander 2020-2023 Late June 2019 – Early August 2023 558,300 Highlander HV 2020-2023 Late June 2019 – Early August 2023 192,500 Q6: What if I previously paid for repairs related to this Safety Recall? A6: Reimbursement consideration instructions will be provided in the owner letter. Q7: How does Toyota obtain my mailing information? A7: Toyota uses an industry provider who works with each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to receive registration or title information, based upon the DMV records. Please make sure your registration or title information is correct. Q8: What if I have additional questions or concerns? A8: If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-888-270-9371 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Time. © 2023 Toyota Motor Sales, USA – Version 3a TOYOTA Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. 6565 Headquarters Drive Plano, TX 75024 (469) 292-4000 CUSTOMER CONTACT & VEHICLE DISCLOSURE FORM This form is not applicable for new vehicles in dealership inventory and TCUV units. This vehicle is involved in a Safety Recall. At this time, remedy parts are not available and the remedy has NOT been performed. I understand that the vehicle will need to be returned to an authorized Toyota dealer to have the remedy performed at NO CHARGE when the remedy is available. Customer Signature Toyota recommends that you register with the Toyota Owners Community at http://www.toyota.com/owners/. and regularly check recall applicability using www.toyota.com/recall or www.safercar.gov. You will need to input your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Model Model Year Customer Information Customer Name Customer Email Customer Address Home Phone # Mobile Phone # Date Please provide this information so that Toyota or your dealer can notify you when the remedy becomes available. This information will only be used for campaign communications. If you’d like to update your preferred contact information in the future, visit https://www.toyota.com/owners. or contact us at 1-888-270-9371. Dealer Information Dealer Name/Address Dealer Code Dealer Phone Number Dealer Staff Name Dealer Staff Signature VIN Campaign Code
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