NHTSA Complaint #11698872 — 2019 TOYOTA TACOMA

The engine in my 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road suffered internal damage that appears linked to Toyota’s low-pressure fuel pump recall (issued 10/28/2020, repaired 581 days later on 6/10/2022). While out on personal lease, the truck was driven over 16,000 miles with the defective pump, which can cause lean running conditions and elevated combustion temperatures. The result was metallic contamination and a damaged wrist pin in cylinder #6, requiring full engine replacement. All failed components remain available for inspection upon request. The fuel pump defect and resulting internal engine damage continues to place my safety and others’ at risk by creating potential for loss of power, engine stall, or total failure while driving. The problem was confirmed by two separate Toyota dealerships, both of which diagnosed the need for engine replacement. The vehicle has been inspected by multiple Toyota service centers and the Toyota Brand Engagement Center, which opened and later denied my case. No warning lights or messages appeared prior to the ticking noise that first appeared around 62,000 miles. In fact, no warning lights have ever illuminated on the dash. Despite clear evidence that the recall-related defect likely caused the damage, Toyota has refused to provide any assistance or coverage toward repairing or replacing the failed engine, leaving me with a $21,000 repair for a vehicle that was otherwise maintained and operated responsibly.