Skip to main content

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

John Syme (not verified)    July 19, 2020 - 3:46AM

I made an appointment for the fix at Lexus. Upon arrival Friday 11:15 am was told the part had not been ordered. They offered to come pick up the car and drop a loaner when the part arrived in appx 1 week. I explained I am moving from NJ to Fl in 10 days. My Service Coordinator checked and "rearranged things" and said they`d take me right then. Gave me a loaner and Saturday morning I got the call the car is done. Awesome service for a customer they will likely never see again.

John Syme (not verified)    July 19, 2020 - 3:49AM

I made an appointment for the fix at Lexus. Upon arrival Friday 11:15 am was told the part had not been ordered. They offered to come pick up the car and drop a loaner when the part arrived in appx 1 week. I explained I am moving from NJ to Fl in 10 days. My Service Coordinator checked and "rearranged things" and said they`d take me right then. Gave me a loaner and Saturday morning I got the call the car is done. Awesome service for a customer they will likely never see again.

J Martin (not verified)    July 19, 2020 - 11:40AM

Bought a 2014 Toyota 4Runner July 9th 2020, saw that it had a recall for the fuel pump and called the local Toyota Dealership that I’ve used for years to make sure there was a fix in place (prior to purchasing). Service Dept manager said there was, but he didn’t know when they could get the part in, but that they would provide a rental vehicle at no cost to me . Spoke to another Toyota Dealer and they said they could order the part but that it could take a couple of weeks to get it. Brought my 4Runner in the following Monday July 13th 2020 to Quality Toyota dealership after purchase (bought it used from an Audi dealership), and they gave me a rental (2020 Rav) at no cost, had it marked down that I would have it for a month. Shocker, Quality Toyota called me the next day July 14th and told me my vehicle was ready. I’m wondering if they just replaced the fuel pump with the same original pump and not the new replacement. Noticed it idles / shudders a tiny bit a few times when I slow to come to a stop. Not sure if this is normal because I just have not had it for long enough. Friday July 17th I got a call from the other Toyota dealership I had spoken to previously and they said they had ordered the fuel pump part on July 8th and that it had just come in. I thought that was odd...they just got the part in but Quality Toyota miraculously got it in just a couple of days. I went to Toyota corporate site and plugged in my VIN, and it showed mine had been repaired. I cross referenced the part number from my invoice from Quality Toyota with the part number the other Toyota dealer had, and the part number matched. Toyota dealer #2 said she was glad to hear it was fixed, and said they’d use it for someone else’s recall. Side note, the Audi dealership had asked them to order the part. I had not intended to bring my 4Runner there. Yesterday July 18th 2020 I went to put gas in my 4Runner for the first time since purchase and gas dropped straight to the ground. I’m at half a tank and was just going to top it off. I now have to get it back to Quality Toyota, apparently they did not hook the tank back up properly. I am concerned that the part they put in is faulty because of that slight shudder I experienced, and now more concerned because they clearly did a rush job. Stay tuned...

Mike (not verified)    July 30, 2020 - 9:45PM

I just had my Toyota Sienna fuel pump replaced today. I dropped it off in the morning and they gave me a loaner and I picked it up around four hours later. No problems. Love my Toyota.

Basher (not verified)    August 6, 2020 - 12:27AM

A week ago, we got hit by an Engine Check light on our 2019 Sienna, and the Traction Control was turned off automatically. The car felt a lot different to drive on, but we went home first since the dealer's about 10 miles away. However, after we got home and have the van parked for a few hours, the van tries to start up but fails. It had this weird engine sound that only lasts a few seconds then the van turns off again. We had our dealer call for a tow truck and have it fixed. Afternoon, it was ready for pickup stating there was a battery issue.

A week after that, this time at home, the engine check light shows up again, this time we got hit by two more errors, saying to check Electric Power Steering System and Check Charging System, alongside with the Traction Control turned off again. Called the dealer once more, though this time they were busy and we didn't get the van 2 days later. They said it was an issue on fuel pump and cited 20TA02 in which they replaced the fuel pump and everything..

We were not notified about this issue, and is actually quite scary that the van can just stall while moving. Luckily on both instances we werent moving anymore. Does this constitute a lemon car? Haven't lasted 2 years yet and still under 14K miles..

Jacob Fink (not verified)    August 6, 2020 - 4:46PM

Took my 2019 highlander in for the fuel pump issue (recall). It has been almost 6 hours now. I tried to call the dealer and no answer from service or the operator. Horrible service. I had to leave a message and maybe they will get back to me.

Amanda (not verified)    August 9, 2020 - 8:34AM

I called my dealership (2019 Highlander) on a Saturday and they got the replacement parts by the following Friday. It was an entire day job (dropped off at 8am picked up at 6pm). And now my car REEKS of fuel. And I’ve been snapping parts back in on my seats and stuff for 2 days. I’m calling them first thing tomorrow and demand they check for a hose leak or if they “spilled” something on my carpet I need that shampooed out. They did not provide a loaner last week but I might throw a fit and request one. I have a toddler so Ubering while I wait for them to get it together is not a feasible option.

Rachelle Grant (not verified)    August 17, 2020 - 3:31PM

We have a 2019 Toyota Highlander. We did receive the information in the mail regarding the fuel pump recall. I have the appointment scheduled for mid-September. I was told that they will need to remove the second row of seats and go through the floor to make this repair. I'm not exactly sure how that will be accomplished. Is there some type of access in the floor of the car? Was also told to not have more than 1/2 tank of gas in the car. Our car still smells brand new. We purchased it last September, so almost 1 year old, and it only has 2,000 miles on it. I will be livid if I pick up my car and it reeks of fuel!!!!!

George Shaver (not verified)    August 20, 2020 - 8:17AM

Got the recall notice for my 2014 4Runner. Called the local Toyota dealer, made the appointment, had it cancelled because they had not told me make sure the gas tank was close to empty so it would be easier to work on, rescheduled and had the work done, on time, easy. However... for some reason the cruise control will not work, and now does not even show up on the dash. And something completely new - engine light showing on the left dial, No Trac on the right. Will call the dealer this morning, but could this be related to the work the dealer did? Other than that, this vehicle has been EXCELLENT with no previous issues. I am the original owner.

John Becton Carter (not verified)    August 25, 2020 - 7:36AM

A week after my fuel pump replacement, I filled my near empty tank with 13 gallons of gas. The pump stopped at the the first click. I didn't notice any spill. It drove fine with no lights coming on, but the gas odor was strong in the car with the windows down. We drove about 20 miles. The next morning the gas smell was not noticeable in the car but was strong around the gas cap. The dealer told me that I overfilled the tank and got gas in the charcoal cannister and repair is over 1300.00. I didn't over fill, just did as always and stopped filling when the handle clicked. I feel it must be related to the fuel pump installation. Any ideas, please.

STEVE RAYMOND (not verified)    August 25, 2020 - 8:30PM

Hello Every one,
The new fuel pumps are available. I called Toyota USA I believe in Texas, The young lady in the recall dept , called the local Toyota dealer and the part was ordered: Take note , 3 to 5 days to get the part. I have an appointment on the 29 of this month August. I was told that it would take 1 1/2 hours to do the job. I was suppose to get a loaner , but the dealer backed out.
If it goes more the the prescribe time I will tell them I want a loaner or will call Toyota USA.
So, wish me good luck.
If you have any questions and want to know about how it went; E-Mail, [email protected], Yes I will respond or you can can get me also at the following:
[email protected]

Sam (not verified)    September 2, 2020 - 8:26AM

Took my Tundra in Saturday to get the fuel pump switched out. Took about three hours. Drove to work this morning and the check engine light came on. Starting to second guess the purchase of this Toyota.

Bryon (not verified)    September 9, 2020 - 6:19PM

2019 Tacoma broke down on a trip left me stranded an hour away from home. that was 3 months ago with no end in site. I will never own another Toyota. Once I get that POS back Im trading it in!

john Edward hempel (not verified)    September 10, 2020 - 3:45PM

2019 Toyota Tacoma Crew cab off road model stopped working 7/14 and was towed to local dealer. It's been sitting in a lot with approximately 60 other vehicles since then waiting for replacement part and install. Quite frustrating. Was provided a loaner, but that's not the same as your own vehicle.

Michael Joslyn (not verified)    September 13, 2020 - 8:05PM

In reply to by john Edward hempel (not verified)

I have had a loaner since Jan. 19th was told late March earlier April. Then July, then September, now late September. It pains my service to return my emails. Toyota denied my repurchase request twice.

Alyce C Furlough (not verified)    September 13, 2020 - 2:53PM

I have owned my 2019 Highlander since May 2019, and love it. Drove it 15 months without any issues. After I was notified from Toyota that I needed to return the vehicle to a Toyota dealership for a new fuel pump, I made my appointment immediately. My Highlander's fuel pump was replaced August 7, 2020. The dealship provided me with a rental car for 24 hours. I was pleased with the way it was handled. However, after having my vehicle back for 3 weeks and running well, I went to start it one recent morning, and it was sputtering, and hesitant to start. It finally started and I proceeded to pull out of my driveway, and my Highlander completely died. No power at all! Luckily I live in the country, and was not in a high traffic area, because if I had been it could have been a very serious situation! Had to have my vehicle towed to nearest Toyota dealship ( which was not the dealship who had replaced the first fuel pump). My vehicle was there about 48 hours, but they were nice enough to supply me a loaner vehicle . It was determined that my replacement fuel pump was not installed correctly, and dealership was surprised that I had been able to drive it for 3 weeks. I certainly am not pleased about this, and my confidence in Toyota has been scattered. I'm a very loyal Toyota owner, and have owned 4, without any major problems. I buy Toyota's because of my trust in their vehicles, and there reputation for reliability. However, I have to admit I'm certainly now a unsatisfied customer! From now on I will be nervous when taking my vehicle in for even routine maintenance and oil changes. After all can we even trust their "trained mechanics " to keep us safe? But, even after all of this all, I still love my Highlander!!

Arne Schonberger (not verified)    September 15, 2020 - 9:58AM

Big dealer, Penske, on their websites, require that you understand that you are responsible for any prior recalls. Up to buyer to check before buying! CRAZY, when they have the car and can easily see if the fix was made. This applied to certified used cars, too. I wrote to them and they ignored me. I made them buy back a car I bought from them at full retail because of that and other lying issues.

James Nelson (not verified)    September 17, 2020 - 12:57PM

I have a 2015 Lexus NX200T. Bought it new. Several episodes of a sudden loss of power at highway speeds. Warning light comes on and says the AWD system has malfunctioned and is now in 2WD mode, traction control is off, see your dealer. I did and they replaced the fuel pump in late August 2020. Car would not start at the dealer! They then put in another new fuel pump, same result, car would not start. Low fuel pressure. Lexus gave them another bulletin procedure/fix then the car would start. I picked it up and within a week the same codes appeared and now the car has been at the dealer for a week and they have told me there are new parts to fix the problem, but they would not be available for another three weeks-the parts are on "the boat." No offer of a loaner or paid rental car. This is the fourth new car I have bought from this dealer in the last 14 years. I know the dealer did not cause the problem, but I would expect better treatment. With this history the value of this Lexus will forever be diminished even if they have a true fix.

Mike Bellace (not verified)    September 19, 2020 - 2:41PM

Torque News,
I’m a Toyota Tacoma owner that is involved in this recall and I have to vent a little here! Back in May I took my vehicle in for a routine service and they notified me of this recall, which I still haven’t received anything by mail about this recall from Toyota?? However I was given the opportunity for a loaner and I graciously took it and still have today, five months later! I just spoke with the dealer for an update and of course as my luck goes it’s going to be at least another month?? Tacoma and Sequoia models are the last ones to get fixed! Don’t get me wrong I’m grateful for the dealership’s honesty and the provided loaner but I really want my truck back, I miss her bad!! This year has been challenging enough with the pandemic and I’m sure has a lot to do with the extra long waiting time but enough is enough! To say the least if I owned an American made vehicle, would any of those manufacturers given me a loaner, I highly doubt it but I’ve been without my truck for going on 6 months now! In my opinion that’s ridiculous! I’ve been more than patient up until now! This may change my mind on buying another Toyota in the future but in my opinion they are the cream of the crop when it comes to reliability and longevity in the automotive industry! I’ve been in the automotive industry for almost 35 years and have finally taken the leap into the Japanese market and I haven’t been disappointed up until now! I do take into consideration that I do have a loaner that’s not costing me a dime and that the mileage isn’t going on my truck but there comes a time when I get frustrated and that’s how I feel now!!

Joe Shalhoub (not verified)    September 29, 2020 - 11:43PM

In reply to by Mike Bellace (not verified)

I purchased my Lexus LS 500 in 6/2018 brand new. I repeatedly noticed the hesitation/lag when starting from a standstill. It was so bad that I was spending more time in my 1999 Nissan Altima worth about $1200 rather than my $100k new Lexus. The Lexus just had no zip when the light turned green. Whenever I would let my dealership know about the problem, they consistently brushed it off as expected with “turbo lag” from the standard twin-turbo engine. They said I just need to get used to how turbos perform. I was so upset with this luxury flagship Lexus sedan that I started looking around to sell it with its 5000 original miles!
The dealership was willing to buy it back for $56k which to me was so unacceptable after I bought all their best wheel & tire warranties, transponder warranty and their best bumper to bumper extended warranty. Everything totaled nearly $109k for my big purchase, which I had saved up dearly for. I was so close to taking that 50% loss by selling it back to the dealership. Fortunately, the notice came in the mail about the fuel pump “remedy” / recall. After the new fuel pump was installed, I immediately noticed the improvement in the hesitation lag problem that dogged me. Now, I love the car and so glad I did not eat that huge loss selling it back to the dealership. What a difference! So happy that the remedy notice was in my mail that day because I put a hold on my decision to get rid of the vehicle.

DC (not verified)    October 2, 2020 - 12:15AM

I took my 2018 Highlander in for regular maintenance. I did have my fuel pump recall done two months prior. When I went for this recent maintenance I got about a mile from dealership and warning and check engine lights came on. I took Highlander back and they gave me a loaner. The call I get next day is telling me that fuel pump needs to be replaced. I told them that was done 2 months ago and they see that but that’s is what is causing the problem. So they replace fuel pump again, I go to pick up vehicle and drive about 500 feet from dealership and all warning ⚠️ and check engine lights come on again. I turn around go back to dealership. Get a loaner again as they need to look into vehicle again. Get a call later asking if I put E85 gas into my tank and I said no. I put E15 in. I even confirmed with gas station. Toyota is saying they think it’s the gas. Mind you I have used E15 there before and I have had my vehicle almost 2 years. Now Larry H Miller Totyota want to charge me 300 to drop my fuel tank to remove the gas that they think is E85. I’m at a lost. I don’t trust Toyota anymore. What a disappointment!

Robert D Arnold (not verified)    October 7, 2020 - 8:37AM

On Oct 2 2020 I purchased a new 2020 Camry for My son. On Oct 5 2020 he was driving west on I-290 from Chicago in high speed rush hour traffic when the check engine light came on, followed by several system failure messages and a complete stall. Lucky that he wasn't killed. After having the car towed in to the dealer, we are waiting for Toyota to authorize the dealer to replace the fuel pump under warranty. Are they kidding? The brand-new car has 200 miles on it and we have owned it for five days.

Jay Coutu (not verified)    October 8, 2020 - 10:06AM

Very poor experience so far. Took 6 weeks to get the part for my 4runner, brought it in and was told it was a 4 hour job. It is now two days later and I was informed that one of the parts is on back order. Went back and now have a loaner for who knows how long. Aside from the initial miscommunication, Customer service at the dealership has been apologetic and pretty good. Thee vibe Im getting is that Toyota's recall department itself and/or their supply chain is a shitshow. Seriously a bummer as I had always considered Toyota to be a reliable brand.

Menno Speyer (not verified)    October 17, 2020 - 7:46AM

Just had the pump replaced under the recall for my 2019 Highlander with 23000 km. Five minutes out of the dealership the low fuel warning came on even though the car had a quarter tank of fuel. Stopped several km later and filled up and the warning remained and the gauge was on empty. I called the dealership and was told this was normal and that it would reset itself. I drove 130 km and it never reset. At home I disconnected the battery to see if this would resolve the issue. No such luck. It’s the weekend and I guess I’ll have to lose more time to get the issue fixed.

Mary Jump (not verified)    October 29, 2020 - 9:01AM

I took mine in and was out within an hour. This still causes me concern that the job was not done as I now have hesitation in the car when accelerating that I did not have prior to the "fix". Most people said theirs took a minimum of 2-3 hours. Should I take it to a different dealership.

Menno Speyer (not verified)    November 3, 2020 - 8:42AM

In reply to by Mary Jump (not verified)

I would think that if you have a Highlander and you took it in for the recall and got it back in an hour, they didn't do what they had to do; ie. replace the fuel pump. To get at the pump they go through the inside of the vehicle, remove seats and carpeting to expose the top of the tank where the fuel pump is accessed from. The job takes at least 3-4 hours to do it right.

Rick Biggs (not verified)    October 29, 2020 - 2:27PM

They should have a legal time limit to settle things like this. I bought my Truck last November. I got the recall notice 2 months later. I have called 3 times to see if a fix is coming. Last told by September? That has come and gone with no contact. This vehicle can stall while driving causing serious injury or death. I have only put 3000 miles since buying due to it. Meanwhile my warranty gets closer to expiring since not just miles but time since purchased is a factor. I can't go anywhere far, bought it after retiring thinking of my many trips and all on hold due to slow response. They should have to offer your selling price paid back for a replacement if they don't fix after 3 or 4 months. I'm paying interest on a something I can't feel safe driving. At no fault of mine, if it was just a bad headlight or something that was not life threatening I would be more understanding maybe. This is not right.

Rick Biggs (not verified)    October 29, 2020 - 2:56PM

Ok so I just posted about how long it's taking for fixing this recall. After I called Toyota. To my surprise, all dealers can now fix , they have to order the part which takes two weeks. I wonder how long a remedy has been available? They had promised to contact me as soon as was possible. Yet have have not? A whole year has gone by, warranty only covers first 2 years. So I have a car with only 9000 miles and no warranty? How is this fair to customers?