The Comprehensive Toyota Fuel Pump Recall List: Models, Repairs & Essential Owner Steps

Bottom Line First: Toyota has recalled over 3.4 million vehicles globally, including more than 1.5 million in the US, due to defective low-pressure fuel pumps primarily supplied by Denso. Affected Toyota and Lexus vehicles can experience sudden engine stalling at various speeds, increasing crash risks. Toyota dealers will replace the faulty fuel pump assembly free of charge. Owners of potentially affected vehicles must verify their VIN using Toyota's official recall lookup tools.

Understanding the Defective Fuel Pump Problem

The recall concerns specific low-pressure fuel pumps installed in numerous Toyota and Lexus models across several model years. The defective component is the fuel pump impeller inside the assembly. Investigations identified that this impeller, made from an inadequate resin material, could absorb fuel over time. This absorption causes the impeller to swell and distort. A swollen impeller creates excessive friction within the pump housing, impeding its rotation.

When the fuel pump impeller fails to rotate properly, it cannot deliver sufficient fuel from the gas tank to the engine. This fuel starvation leads directly to the critical symptom: engine stalling. Stalling can occur without any prior warning signals to the driver. The engine may suddenly die while driving at highway speeds, navigating city streets, or even at lower speeds. A sudden loss of engine power significantly increases the potential for a serious collision, especially if it happens during high-traffic situations, inclement weather, or when power steering and brake assist systems are immediately disabled. This critical safety defect prompted the extensive recall efforts under the designation Recall Campaign 20TB03 / 20TA03 (and related campaigns) and the NHTSA campaign number 20V-010 for many US vehicles.

Complete List of Affected Toyota Models and Model Years

Ownership of a Toyota or Lexus vehicle within the following model year ranges means the car might possess the defective Denso fuel pump. This list represents the broad scope of vehicles identified for recall in North America. Specific production dates and configurations vary, making VIN verification essential:

  • Toyota 4Runner: 2018 - 2020
  • Toyota Avalon: 2019 - 2020
  • Toyota Avalon HV (Hybrid): 2019 - 2020
  • Toyota Camry: 2018 - 2020
  • Toyota Camry HV (Hybrid): 2018 - 2020
  • Toyota Corolla: 2017 - 2020
  • Toyota Corolla HV (Hybrid): 2020
  • Toyota Highlander: 2017 - 2020
  • Toyota Highlander HV (Hybrid): 2017 - 2020
  • Toyota Land Cruiser: 2018 - 2020
  • Toyota Matrix: 2019
  • Toyota RAV4: 2019 - 2020
  • Toyota RAV4 HV (Hybrid): 2019 - 2020
  • Toyota Sequoia: 2018 - 2020
  • Toyota Sienna: 2017 - 2020
  • Toyota Supra: 2020 - 2021
  • Toyota Tacoma: 2017 - 2020
  • Toyota Tundra: 2018 - 2020
  • Toyota Yaris: 2019 - 2020

Complete List of Affected Lexus Models and Model Years

Lexus vehicles sharing platforms and components with Toyota models were equally impacted:

  • Lexus ES 350: 2018 - 2020
  • Lexus ES 300h (Hybrid): 2018 - 2020
  • Lexus GS 300: 2018
  • Lexus GS 350: 2018 - 2020
  • Lexus IS 300: 2017 - 2020
  • Lexus IS 350: 2017 - 2020
  • Lexus LC 500: 2020
  • Lexus LC 500h (Hybrid): 2018 - 2020
  • Lexus LS 500: 2018 - 2020
  • Lexus LS 500h (Hybrid): 2018 - 2020
  • Lexus LX 570: 2018 - 2019
  • Lexus NX 300: 2018 - 2020
  • Lexus RC 300: 2019 - 2020
  • Lexus RC 350: 2019 - 2020
  • Lexus RX 350: 2018 - 2020
  • Lexus RX 450h (Hybrid): 2018 - 2020
  • Lexus GX 460: 2019 - 2020
  • Lexus GS F: 2018 - 2020
  • Lexus IS F Sport: 2018 - 2020
  • Lexus RC F: 2018 - 2020
  • Lexus RC F Sport: 2018 - 2020

Critical Warning Signs of a Failing Fuel Pump

While the recall aims to prevent failures, recognizing potential symptoms is vital. Be highly alert for these signs, especially if your vehicle is part of the recall list but hasn't had the repair completed:

  1. Sudden Engine Stalling: The most dangerous symptom. The engine abruptly stops running while driving, regardless of speed. Power steering and brake assist diminish immediately.
  2. Failure to Start: The vehicle engine may crank normally but refuses to start due to insufficient fuel pressure.
  3. Engine Sputtering or Hesitation: Noticeable loss of power, particularly during acceleration or under load (like climbing hills or carrying passengers). The engine might misfire or feel rough.
  4. Unusual Whining Noise from Fuel Tank: A noticeably loud or high-pitched humming or whining sound coming from the rear of the vehicle, particularly when the engine is running. This differs significantly from the normal pump whine.
  5. Check Engine Light Illumination: While not guaranteed, the car's computer may detect insufficient fuel pressure or irregular pump performance, triggering the check engine light. Any illuminated warning light warrants immediate attention.
  6. Vehicle Losing Power During Acceleration: Reduced ability to accelerate, feeling sluggish or unresponsive when pressing the gas pedal.

Immediate Action Required If Failure Symptoms Appear

Experiencing any of these symptoms demands prompt action:

  1. Prioritize Safety: If the engine stalls while driving, carefully attempt to steer the vehicle to a safe location away from moving traffic. Activate hazard lights immediately.
  2. Do Not Attempt Restart: If the engine stalls due to fuel pump failure, repeated restart attempts may drain the vehicle battery without resolving the problem. Prolonged cranking can also potentially damage the starter motor. Safely exit the vehicle if in traffic.
  3. Contact Roadside Assistance: Call your preferred roadside assistance provider (Toyota Roadside Assistance, insurance provider, or third-party service). Request a tow directly to an authorized Toyota or Lexus dealership. Driving the vehicle after experiencing symptoms risks complete failure and potential safety hazards.
  4. Inform the Dealership: Explain the symptoms to the dealership service department clearly. State that the vehicle is part of the fuel pump recall (Recall Campaign 20TB03 / 20TA03 / NPB) and you experienced a stall/symptoms indicative of the pump defect. Request prioritization.

Precise Steps to Check Your Vehicle's Recall Status

Determining if your specific vehicle requires the fuel pump repair is straightforward:

  1. Locate Your VIN: Find the Vehicle Identification Number. The primary location is visible through the windshield on the driver's side dashboard. It is also found on the vehicle registration document and title and is often located on a sticker or plate on the driver's side door jamb (where the door latches when closed).
  2. Use Toyota's Official Owners Site:
    • Visit Toyota Owners Official Recall Page: [https://www.toyota.com/recall] (replace address placeholder with actual verified URL)
    • Enter your 17-character VIN into the search field.
    • Click 'Check for Recalls' or equivalent button.
  3. Use Toyota's Official App: Open the Toyota App on your smartphone. If your vehicle is registered in the app, any open safety recalls are usually prominently displayed. You can also find a VIN lookup tool within the app's recall section.
  4. Use NHTSA's SaferCar.gov Website:
    • Visit the NHTSA Recalls Lookup Tool: [https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls] (replace address placeholder with actual verified URL)
    • Enter your 17-character VIN.
    • Search results will show all open recalls on your vehicle from all manufacturers, including Toyota/Lexus fuel pump recalls. NHTSA data is authoritative.
  5. Interpret the Results: If the Toyota recall website or NHTSA results indicate "20TB03", "20TA03", "Fuel Pump Replacement / Low Pressure Fuel Pump", or similar phrasing specifically related to the Denso fuel pump, your vehicle is included. The results will state the recall is "Incomplete" if the repair hasn't been done or "Completed" once fixed.
  6. Contact Your Dealer Directly: If online tools are inaccessible, contact any authorized Toyota or Lexus dealership service department by phone. Provide the service advisor with your VIN and specifically inquire about "Recall Campaign 20TB03" or the "fuel pump recall".

Detailed Recall Repair Process: What Owners Should Expect

Once your vehicle is confirmed to have the open recall, scheduling the repair is simple:

  1. Schedule Appointment: Contact your preferred authorized Toyota or Lexus dealer. Clearly state you are calling to schedule an appointment for Recall Campaign 20TB03 / 20TA03 (NPB), the fuel pump replacement. Schedule a service date.
  2. Recall Repair Nature: The repair involves replacing the entire fuel pump assembly located inside the vehicle's fuel tank. Technicians drain the fuel tank, lower it partially, remove the old pump assembly, and install a new assembly containing a redesigned, more durable fuel impeller.
  3. Time Commitment: While the actual repair is often completed within 1-3 hours, dealerships are very busy. Expect the process to take several hours, potentially a full day, due to appointment scheduling, preparation, the repair itself, and post-service inspection. Plan for a half-day commitment; some dealers may provide shuttle service or a loaner/rental car, but availability varies.
  4. Zero Cost to Owners: Toyota and Lexus cover the entire cost of parts and labor for recall repairs. Owners pay nothing if the recall is still active. Even if your vehicle is beyond the original factory warranty period, safety recall repairs remain free.
  5. What Owners Need to Do: Bring the vehicle to the dealership at the scheduled time. Ensure the fuel tank is sufficiently filled for driving onto the lift (around 1/4 tank is safe). No other documents are typically required. Just park, check in, and receive the keys once completed.

Potential Reimbursement for Prior Repairs

Owners who paid to replace the fuel pump out-of-pocket before the recall announcement for symptoms later identified as part of this defect may be eligible for reimbursement:

  1. Submit Documentation: Gather repair orders, receipts, proof of payment (credit card statement, cancelled check), and vehicle ownership proof clearly showing the date of repair, service description ("fuel pump replacement"), and associated costs paid by you.
  2. Submission Deadline: Reimbursement claims must usually be filed within one year from the date Toyota mailed the recall notification letter for your specific vehicle. Do not delay.
  3. Contact Toyota: Submit copies (retain originals) of your documentation directly to Toyota Motor Sales for Toyota vehicles or Lexus for Lexus vehicles. The initial recall notification letter may include specific reimbursement claim instructions and addresses. Contact Toyota Customer Support ([https://www.toyota.com/contact] - replace address placeholder) or Lexus Customer Support ([https://www.lexus.com/contact] - replace address placeholder) for exact procedures and mailing addresses.
  4. Allow Processing Time: Reimbursement evaluations can take several weeks or months. Toyota will review to confirm the repair matched the recalled part and occurred before the recall notice date.

Post-Repair Information and Maintenance

After the recall repair is successfully completed:

  1. No Specific Maintenance Required: The new fuel pump assembly has a redesigned impeller resistant to the fuel absorption issue. It requires no special maintenance beyond adhering to your vehicle's standard service schedule found in the owner's manual.
  2. Continued Vigilance: While the replacement pump resolves the specific defect, remain attentive to any unusual vehicle behavior like hesitation or unexpected noises. Report any concerns promptly to a dealer.
  3. Recall Status Update: Keep the recall repair receipt for your records. Online recall lookup tools (Toyota Owners site, NHTSA) should eventually update to show the recall as "Completed" for your VIN.

Ensuring Long-Term Safety and Reliability

The Toyota/Lexus fuel pump recall highlights the importance of proactive recall management. Verify your vehicle's status using your VIN immediately, especially if it falls within the listed model years. Schedule the free repair without delay if you are affected. Stay aware of symptoms that could indicate failure before your repair appointment. Address reimbursement claims promptly if you qualified. Completing the recall repair restores the designed level of safety and reliability.

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