Toyota Tundra Pickup Trucks Recalled to Fix Turn Signals

Toyota is recalling 2018 through 2020 Tundra pickup trucks that are equipped with LED headlights because their front turn signals may not be bright enough for other drivers to see. According to Consumer Reports, federal motor safety standards dictate how bright a vehicle’s external lights should be. Due to wiring that had not been installed properly, more than 183,000 Tundra pickup trucks have front turn signals that do not meet those requirements.

Details of the Recall

The vehicles included in this recall are 183,397 Toyota Tundra pickup trucks manufactured between Feb. 22, 2017 and May 29, 2020, with LED headlights. Some of these trucks are still on dealer lots and will be repaired before they are sold. However, the majority of these pickup trucks are in the hands of owners.

On certain Toyota Tundra trucks, the wiring harness that connects the front headlights and turn signals to the vehicle system was improperly installed at the factory. Because of an error in written instructions used on the assembly line, the front turn signal bulbs were connected to the wrong wires in the harness and the bulbs do not fully illuminate, which means that the vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108.

The problem was first noticed by a Toyota employee, which prompted this investigation. The recall is expected to begin by Sept. 13, 2020. At the time, Toyota will notify owners by mail. Dealers will remove and reinstall the wiring properly free of charge so that the turn signals are bright enough to meet federal standards for visibility. Vehicle owners with questions are urged to call Toyota at 1-800-270-9371.

Auto Defects and Liability Issues

It is extremely important that vehicle lights are at the right brightness and function properly. When the vehicle’s lights fail to work properly, there is the potential for devastating car accidents that could result in injuries or even fatalities. Automakers have a responsibility to manufacture vehicles that are free of defects and in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards.

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a defective auto, you can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. The family of a deceased victim may also be able to seek compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. An experienced auto defect attorney will be able to advise injured victims and their families about their legal rights and options.

Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/toyota-tundras-recalled-to-fix-turn-signals/