Toyota Recalls 44,000 2019 and 2020 Models over Engine Cracks

• Toyota is recalling 44,000 vehicles from the 2019 and 2020 model years with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine.
• The recall involves the possibility that cracks could form in the engine, leading to coolant or oil leaks and stalling, overheating, or engine fires.
• Toyota estimates only about 250 vehicles will have the problem. Dealers will check vehicles on the recall list to see if they are affected, and if so will replace the engine.

Toyota is recalling some of its most popular vehicles due to the potential of a crack forming in the engine, a result of a manufacturing error. Coolant or oil could leak from the crack, leading to the engine stalling, overheating, or possibly catching fire, Toyota said.

The recall covers models with Toyota’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and include the 2020 Camry, Camry hybrid, Avalon hybrid, 2019 and 2020 RAV4 and RAV4 hybrid, and the 2020 Lexus ES300H. In total, 44,191 vehicles are covered by the recall, the majority of which (36,920) are 2019 and 2020 RAV4 crossovers. All the vehicles were built between September and December 2019. The issue came about when a water flow meter that regulates the casting of engines failed, leading to some engines not cooling properly.

If the issue does occur, it can lead to engine noise, engine smoke, warning lights, and/or engine overheating. In a statement published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Toyota said it estimates only about 250 vehicles, or 0.5 percent, of the vehicles being recalled actually have faulty engines.

Once owners bring their vehicles into a dealer, the dealer will check the serial number on the engine to determine whether the engine is part of the affected batch. For those engines that are affected, dealers will replace the engine, including the engine block. Owners will be notified by early April and in the meantime can check the NHTSA recall site to see if their vehicle is involved.