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Toyota Updates Its Huge Fuel Pump Recall - Here's The Fix For Your Vehicle

The massive fuel pump recall Toyota has underway now has a fix. Here's what to expect if you own a Lexus LS 500, LC 500, RC 350, RC 300, GS 350, IS 300, ES 350, LX 570, GX 460, RX 350, NX 300, RX 350L or a Toyota 4Runner, Camry, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, and Tundra, Avalon, or Corolla.

Toyota follows the topics at Torque News and one recently caught their eye. Our report on the massive fuel pump recall affecting nearly all Toyota and Lexus models. In our report, we repeated the information that we had found on a Toyota media page, which is now changed. Toyota does have a fix for the fuel pump recall.

UPDATED! How 2 Avoidable Defects Destroyed the Toyota RAV4's Reliability Rating

UPDATED! See the New Update To This Recall Including Some Solutions.

Read The Original Story Here: Toyota's Latest Massive Fuel Pump Recall Would Not Have Happened Were Its Cars Electric

Toyota Fuel Pump Recall
The recall affects nearly 2 million Toyota and Lexus brand vehicles, nearly as many as the company sells in America in a year. The models included in this huge recall are as follows:
2013-2015 Model Year Lexus LS 460;
2013-2014 Model Year Lexus GS 350;
2014 Model Year Toyota FJ Cruiser, Lexus IS-F;
2014-2015 Model Year Toyota 4Runner, Land Cruiser; Lexus GX 460, IS 350, LX 570;
2015 Model Year Lexus NX 200t, RC 350;
2017 Model Year Lexus IS 200t, RC 200t;
2017-2019 Model Year Toyota Sienna; Lexus RX 350;
2018 Model Year Lexus GS 300;
2018-2019 Model Year Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra; Lexus ES 350, GS 350, IS 300, IS 350, LC 500, LC 500h, LS 500, LS 500h, RC 300, RC 350, RX 350L.

Check Your Vehicle For the Recall Here
If you want to check your specific vehicle to see if it is included in the recall, simply input your vehicle identification number (VIN) here. Toyota will reach out to you by snail mail to alert you if they can find you. That is all automakers are required to do by law. Toyota says that some owners won't be notified until as late as May. Why wait? This is a problem Toyota says can, "...result in a vehicle stall, and the vehicle may be unable to be restarted. If a vehicle stall occurs while driving at higher speeds, this could increase the risk of a crash."

Toyota Ful Pump Recall Update and Fix
The new update is that Toyota has a fix for the problem. It's not going to be easy for Toyota or customers. This isn't just a software update or simple adjustment like many recalls. Rather, Toyota says, "For all involved vehicles, Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the involved fuel pump with an improved one..." That sounds simple, but the fuel pump in your Toyota or Lexus lives inside your gas tank. To get at it, the mechanic may be in for a half-day's work. We checked out YourMechanic.com and found that a fuel pump replacement can take as long as four hours. So, you are not going to be waiting for this job to be completed.

Related Story: Will This Defect Impact Your Toyota's Resale Value? Experts Weigh In

Will Toyota Provide You With A Loaner Vehicle?
Toyota's update on the fuel pump recall did not mention if owners would be provided a loaner vehicle while theirs in service. We suggest phoning your Toyota or Lexus dealer to ask if a loaner will be made available.

Will This Recall Cost The Owner Money?
Other than your lost time bringing the vehicle in for the recall and then returning to pick the vehicle up again, there will be no cost to owners for this recall.

Have you had your Toyota or Lexus in for this recall? If so, tell us in the comments below how long the total job took. Your experience may help a fellow owner plan ahead.

John Goreham is a life-long car nut and recovering engineer. John's focus areas are technology, safety, and green vehicles. In the 1990s, he was part of a team that built a solar-electric vehicle from scratch. His was the role of battery thermal control designer. For 20 years he applied his engineering and sales talents in the high tech world and published numerous articles in technical journals such as Chemical Processing Magazine. In 2008 he retired from that career and dedicated himself to chasing his dream of being an auto writer. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American newspapers and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin.

Comments

Suzie (not verified)    May 29, 2020 - 5:45PM

As of May 28 2020 my Toyota dealer told me there is still no fix known for my 2018 Highlander. I get that you all know how you think it can be fixed but Toyota isn’t announcing such a fix.

2014 4Runner Parked (not verified)    June 7, 2020 - 9:09AM

I called Toyota in early May about the fuel pump recall on my ‘14 4Runner. No remedy in sight. They said we can get our local dealership to give us a loaner. Spoke with the dealership and they had no idea of this. Gave them my service number and they gave me a tiny Corolla. Cute car, but I have a family of 7. It will be a month that I’ve had it this week and still no remedy. Going to take the Corolla in for the one month check this week and going to see if they can work out a deal for trade. I’m paying for a 4Runner not a Corolla. They need to fix the car or give me a deal on another one without a recall that could potentially kill me.

Karen Cook (not verified)    July 9, 2020 - 1:35PM

In reply to by 2014 4Runner Parked (not verified)

AGREED! I couldn't of said it better, I said don't you put me in a tuna can! They said all they have is a Camry, not a truck that can carry all of my equipment! Look gonna need to put me in something else I'm a little leery about another Toyota. Im paying for a truck not a car!

Trish (not verified)    September 24, 2020 - 4:37PM

In reply to by 2014 4Runner Parked (not verified)

I have a 2019 4 runner. Had it a year. 4 days ago it started stalling and hard 2 restart. Was in traffic when it started stalling. 7 times it stalled b4 we had to drift to a parking lot and call a tow. My 4 runner is not on a recall but is mirroring this fuel pump problem. Does anyone here know if this vehicle could have this problem and not be part of recall? Looking 4 a needle in haystack.

LEONZO VELASQUEZ (not verified)    June 7, 2020 - 3:39PM

2018 toyota sienna xle, with 9,900 miles, my wife went to garaje and the van wont start, good is happen inside the garaje. i'll calling tow truck tomorrow for take to the dealership.

LEONZO VELASQUEZ (not verified)    June 7, 2020 - 3:41PM

2018 toyota sienna xle, with 9,900 miles, my wife went to garaje and the van wont start, good is happen inside the garaje. i'll calling tow truck tomorrow for take to the dealership.

JM (not verified)    June 8, 2020 - 12:29PM

My 2019 highlander was recalled in January so I stopped driving it and used my husband's 2019 highlander since I was told by Toyota that his fuel pump was not involved. Of course in March, his fuel pump was also recalled. We have been driving rentals for 2 and 1/2months now. Customer service originally said fix planned for June, but now I am told September. I asked Toyota to buy back my TWO 2019 highlanders and they refused. Until everyone with a recalled vehicle files a complaint and/or requests a rental, I doubt the issue will be addressed. Funny thing . . . 2020 Toyota Highlanders are being sold . . .so one would think that Toyota could fix the 2019 Highlanders fuel pump. Very disappointed with Toyota.

Kim (not verified)    June 8, 2020 - 4:53PM

Question, when you asked Toyota to buy back your vehicles did you speak with a dealership or corporate?

JM (not verified)    June 9, 2020 - 2:58PM

In reply to by Kim (not verified)

I spoke with corporate. They said I could try to use the "lemon law" but they just denied the claim. I too have a long history of buying Toyota, but that will change. This is totally unacceptable, but until the millions of people that are affected call Toyota and demand rentals, I don't see them fixing the problem.

Harry L (not verified)    June 9, 2020 - 9:29PM

Was returning from a day road trip and my 2019 Tacoma started bucking then died. Coasted you’re the side of the road and had to be towed over 45 miles to a Toyota dealer. Was just informed it was the fuel pump. Being stranded on the side of a four lane highway with traffic going 70 mph is not the best feeling. Toyota needs to get their act together.

Matthew Migel (not verified)    June 9, 2020 - 11:34PM

We own a 2018 Toyota Sienna with less than 15,000 miles. Shortly after we purchased the vehicle we experienced the jerking (similar to letting the clutch out on a standard vehicle too fast without giving it enough gas) and power loss that most have experienced. Concerned, we brought the vehicle to the service department of the dealership that we purchased the vehicle from. We explained the problem, and received several inadequate responses. The service department told us it was the 8-speed transmission shifting to save fuel. They told us the problem was bad tires and replaced all four. They told us the electronics control unit commonly lags in response and were advised to step on the gas to wake it up. All answers, in my opinion, intended to push us along. My wife and I are not mechanics. That said, we were not born yesterday. We knew the problem was related to a lack of fuel and/or air. When we found out about the recall (through news/media sources first), we had our aha moment. Shortly after (March 12th), we brought the vehicle in for its 15,000 mile service and requested the recall repair. The vehicle has been sitting in the dealership's parking lot ever since and I have been in a noncomparable rental (paid by Toyota). As weeks passed I heard little from the dealership. I contacted them several times, but their answer was always the same, replacement part not available. Out of growing frustration I contacted big Toyota and requested information. I learned that the replacement part would likely arrive in late June (months away at the time). Given this timeline I pushed for a buy back of the vehicle. I was told Toyota does not have a direct buy back program and they recommended I pursue the Lemon Law. I moved forward and provided them with a bit of information to assess the possibility. They responded with a lack luster written response. The response stated "We are unable to offer the assistance you have requested at this time" and "We understand you are uncomfortable driving your vehicle." My interpretation of these statements, Toyota is unwilling to accept responsibility for the inconvenience or for the safety concerns. I have considered filing a consumer complaint with the Maryland Attorney General, but at this point I am worn down by the situation and am looking forward to a June repair (maybe). One other thing I would like to mention. Toyota did not acknowledge the problem with Toyota vehicles until after the lawsuit was filed in NY against Lexus. Telling and very concerning.

Diane (not verified)    June 11, 2020 - 9:31AM

Thank you so much for the postings...you may have saved my life. I was rear ended in a Hyundai Elantra 4 yrs ago. Do not buy... head rest does not meet back of head when rear ended no matter which way you position The seat). Head flew back in empty space, instant pain, 6 herniated discs. Long road including surgery, 8 screws and bracket in my neck, and ended up with RSD, most painful disease known, feeling like my body is on fire. My only hope is remission thru treatments, I’m now getting. I set out to buy a new vehicle, and chose the 2019 Lexus RX 350. I wanted to safety first, and then comfort due to my disease. Thank goodness the dealer did mention there was a recall and because of Covid, the pumps were not being made due to factory shutdown. I was supposed to pick up the Rx the next day, And thankfully read up on the recall. .(By the way in all this research, I found that there was a law passed years ago that the dealer has to inform the buyer when there is a recall Prior to purchase, for those of you stated not warned).Probably wouldn’t have if I hadn’t been recuperating from such a serious accident, just thinking a recall would be fixed. I called back and told him I wasn’t going to pick it up until the new fuel pump was in, I had only made a down payment. A month later he called wanting to sell the Rx To someone else. I start doing more research, including calling Lexus to find out they said the fuel pump would be ready probably at the end of that month, June.That was yesterday, and I’m supposed to talk to the dealer again this morning, he is wanting to sell this vehicle to someone else without the certification and fixing the fuel pump because he can’t get the part. I want to thank each one of you here for your post. I did not know there was a class action lawsuit or all these accidents and complaints. I only knew when I googled it it stated that it could lead to a crash at a high speed, which is why I would not take the vehicle till it was fixed. Now reading all your comments, I will call the dealer today and tell him I’m not going to take the car. Most likely if I would be hit again from the back, the doctor stated I would be paralyzed. Thank you thank you thank you so much to each one of you who made these posts and for torque news printing this. It’s been four years and I’m just coming out of the recuperation of the last accident but will have this disease for the rest of my life because of the accident. I was choosing the RX because they claimed it was so safe and reliable. I’ll be on the search for another vehicle, pretty sure American made this time. Too many things happening with the foreign countries. Thank you Torque news for printing this article on TOYOTA Lexus and Toyota’s. I have been warning all my friends and families that own these cars.

Suzie (not verified)    June 11, 2020 - 5:51PM

6.11.2020 I would recommend everyone who has a recalled vehicle (re:the fuel pump) request a rental as Toyota has stated one will be furnished due to this fuel pump recall - that way.the fix for all may happen sooner. I finally went to dealer and dropped off my 2018 Highlander and picked up a rental. I have been blessed to manage without the need of a rental since Carfax notified me of the recall mid January. Enough is enough though and it is no longer reasonable to try and work out use of another car on my own when I need to go on the highway. I will gladly have Toyota pay for a rental until my vehicle is fixed. No..it is not as nice as my own vehicle but the rental will allow me freedom to take high speed roads until the fix is done. I was told by Toyota USA and by my dealership that though subject to change late June is a truly realistic target date for the fix to begin. First time a date has been verbalized.

Nancy Blakley … (not verified)    June 13, 2020 - 7:13PM

In reply to by Suzie (not verified)

I have been in a $35.00 a day rental since May 6th 2020. I agree that everyone needs to demand a rental. I made them come to my home to tow my 2019 Highlander to dealership and I made them bring a comparable vehicle (non Toyota( to my home. Do not drive those recalled cars.

Kevin (not verified)    October 28, 2020 - 9:00PM

In reply to by Suzie (not verified)

I own my 2nd Toyota Highlander,a 2019.Today Burnsville Toyota replaced my fuel pump,vehicle has 13,000 miles on it and I never had any issues. Dave my service professional also took care of the seat belt pretensioner recall on our 2017 Avalon.He ordered the parts, I dropped off my Highlander at 10 am,he provided a free loaner which I drove home,when the Highlander was done they delivered it to my home,picked up the Avalon and took it in,when it was all done he personally drove it to my home 20 miles away and picked up there loaner,best service I have ever had,I will be sure to share my experience with the world,I love getting Great service!!!!! Please give these guys a break.

Blair Yager (not verified)    June 17, 2020 - 9:59AM

This is my 3rd update on this subject. I had to go to my Toyota dealer to re-sign their loaner agreement. I always ask if they've heard anything on the fuel pump replacement for my 2019 Highlander. They gave me a phone number for Toyota (it was different than the one on the recall letter). I called it and they looked up my vehicle. The rep. said mine was among the first wave to be repaired by the end of June. He mentioned there were others for different months through September. He stopped short of a 'guarantee,' but said that was the best info he had at his disposal. As always, I'll believe it when I see it, but this was the most specific I've heard since early March (when I dropped my vehicle off for repair).

Richard Traeger (not verified)    June 19, 2020 - 11:34AM

We own a 2019 Highlander. The Interim Safety Recall Notice was received mid May. Still waiting for the follow up repair notice which they claimed would arrive by June 15. Dealership does not want to discuss this issue and refers me to Toyota Corporate.

Lincoln Ryan (not verified)    June 19, 2020 - 2:58PM

I have a 2015 Lexus NX200T. In March, it stalled out very suddenly, thankfully while on a side street. Local dealer made me drive it to them after than, 45 miles away. Said it was downhill coasting most of the way so don’t worry about it stalling again. Barely made it there. Fuel pump and fuel rail circuitry is shot. My car has been there since March 12th 2020; it’s now June 19th and still no sign of repair. I’ve been in 4 rentals since there. It’s exhausting. I’ve never had an issue like this with my previous Toyota’s, which is why I sold my BMW to buy a Lexus.

Lincoln Ryan (not verified)    July 9, 2020 - 4:21PM

In reply to by Lincoln Ryan (not verified)

Update: I got my vehicle back on July 3rd. It started having acceleration issues again the next day after 80 miles. Dealer sent a tech to pick it up. They’re not sure what exactly is wrong, as I am only the 2nd person they’ve seen with this unique code. Could be a computer issue, could be they used the old O-rings in the new pump, could be the fuel rail... so they are attempting to diagnose. Back without a car and skeptical on ever getting a Lexus again.

James Nelson (not verified)    September 17, 2020 - 4:36PM

In reply to by Lincoln Ryan (not verified)

What is the now update on your problem? I'm having some of the same issues with my 2015 Lexus 200t. They put two fuel pumps in and still problems. Now sitting at dealer waiting for "the new fix" sometime in October.

Doris E Hayward (not verified)    June 23, 2020 - 1:22PM

Response By Email (Tim) (06/17/2020 10:41 AM)
Dear Mrs. Hayward,

Thank you for your response to share your continued disappointment with Lexus’ position to your assistance request for your 2019 RX 350.

While we understand this is not the response you were hoping for, it does represent our final position as your case has been reviewed by the Lexus Case Manager of your region.

We appreciate you for giving us the opportunity to review your request.

Sincerely,

Tim
Lexus Guest Experience Center

Customer By CSS Email (Doris Hayward) (06/17/2020 10:20 AM)
Hello, I just called them, they said its on order and that it will take several MORE weeks to received. I will have to pay another $750.00 car payment on the 25th of June. (second payment) and I have not driven the car that I paid for.
Its not fair that LEXUS does not have anything in place for a rebate or. I am going to ask a litigation /attorney if something can be done. My last vehicle which was a GMC Denali, They gave me an incentive an - I O U credit…But you Lexus, as big as your company is and your Sales revenue and the quality that is shown on commercials is unbelievable. I am going to seek out help into this matter. Insurance company are helping people out financially, and utilities companies are helping people.

I just can’t accept the fact that I, a single mom, is paying for a car (LEXUS Premium) $750 A month soon to be 2 months on June 25 and you the corporation said “NO” I can not help you financially. What a shame. And it’s your negligence.

[EXTERNAL] [Incident: 200612-000078]

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Response By Email (Tim) (06/16/2020 06:28 PM)
Dear Mrs. Hayward,

Thank you for contacting Lexus about concerns you have with the recall on your 2019 RX 350. We do understand that this concern is important to you and that you have contacted Lexus previously about it.

We have looked at our records again, and we can confirm that your concerns were reviewed appropriately with a Lexus Case Manager and you were provided with the position of Lexus. We are unable to provide a different alternate transportation or assist with the car note.

With this being said, the remedy has become available as of today, 6/16/2020. We invite you to reach out to your local Lexus dealership to request a part be ordered and schedule an appointment.

Sincerely,

Tim
Lexus Guest Experience Center
Customer By CSS Web (Doris Hayward) (06/12/2020 11:04 AM)
I'm very disappointed on how Lexus is handling the recall on my RX 2019. The Corporate Satisfaction Office is not trying to Financially help with a rebate... Currently they providing a $35 a day rental car to replace my RX 2019 until Lexus figure out the problem and find the resolutions. I brought a Lexus because of the quality .. Currently I have to settle to drive a Camy which has no navigation or cd player while paying for a Lexus car (750.00 Monthly; I have been calling the corporate office asking for some kind of restitution for the distress. I call several time and they told me "While we are giving you a car to drive" You cant compare Apples with Oranges. Help me with that car note that i have been paying but not driving. Its been over a months... To the finance department, please issue me a check for my carnote for my 2019 Lexus RX350 that i have not driven in over a month and now they are telling me the end of June.... Not Fair....

Judi (not verified)    June 29, 2020 - 8:34AM

Yes my corolla se has been at the dealership since 2/19/2020. Dealership folks have been kind and considerate Yes, I have a loaner .
Now I am glad there seems to be a fix... soon.!!!
Toyota Prestige in Kingston NY has been excellent with me.
.

Blair Yager (not verified)    June 29, 2020 - 7:12PM

IT IS FIXED! After just shy of 4 months I got a call from my Toyota dealer in Brandon, FL and my 2019 Highlander is fixed and now at home. Not much on the paperwork other than the recall and the low pressure fuel pump repaired and some misc items about it. But all seems to be well, and I'm glad to have it behind me. Good luck to the rest as you wait for your call.

ALAiN TCHIPROUT (not verified)    June 29, 2020 - 9:19PM

our 2018 highlander was fine till we took it in for the fuel pump recall ....On the drive home from the dealer after the supposed fix ;, the pump or something failed and i experienced the jerky bouncy stall dance that so many comments have described,;;,, i even captured the malfunctioning moment with video

super unsafe for toyota to send me home with such a faulty repair

waiting for the loaner car and tow truck again

Teresa Dupuy (not verified)    July 6, 2020 - 11:05AM

In reply to by ALAiN TCHIPROUT (not verified)

Where are you located, please? We are bringing our 2018 Highlander in today with the repair scheduled for tomorrow at Courtesy Toyota in Brandon, FL. We bought the vehicle 12 days before the recall posted and received the notice in May. The dealer has provided a loaner but certainly NOT the vehicle we paid for. I hope this works but I will never be comfortable with the car after this. I'll watch for your story and outcome.

Blair Yager (not verified)    June 30, 2020 - 8:59AM

My Highlander is repaired! Just short of 4 months I got the call yesterday that the low pressure fuel pump was available and installed. I picked it up yesterday. No charge of course, and no charge for the loaner car. I'm hopeful this ordeal is behind me. And hopefully this bodes well for the other million or so people waiting for their part to be installed!

karen cook (not verified)    July 9, 2020 - 1:26PM

So thankfully my son and I had just gotten off the turnpike on a road trip and my 2019 Tacoma died in our driveway due to this recall issue. Had to go to an alternate dealership other than I bought it from (TEAM in langhorne) because they wanted to charge me for rental instead of giving me a loaner. They were not helpful at all. That was may 29th, 2020. FYI... Faulkner Toyota of Feasterville/ langhorne pa told me there is still no fix in sight for my 2019 Tacoma.... SUPER MAD, my loaner is a Camry. Asked the guy how I was going to put three kayaks on THAT? He just laughed...I said I'm not kidding, I'm paying for a truck and i need A TRUCK! So disappointed... just sitting and waiting. They guy that put me in ther loaner said he'd call me in 26 days to re-up the paperwork for the loaner UGH this is unbelievable they don't know how to fix this

John (not verified)    July 12, 2020 - 4:47PM

Had the fix done 7/9. Dropped car at 8, it was done by 4. Dealer gave me a loaner. Just make sure when u make the appt. for the fix insist on the loaner. My dealer had no problem supplying the loaner.

Jv (not verified)    July 14, 2020 - 2:01AM

I turn down 1 month car rental offer waiting for parts. It was 1 day work including Navigation software update.