Toyota and Lexus have recalled over 70,000 vehicles due to instrument display software issues, plus additional recalls affecting brake systems and seatbelts in various models. If you own a recent Toyota or Lexus, you should check your VIN immediately to see if your vehicle is affected.
If you’re a Toyota or Lexus owner, you might want to sit down for this news. Toyota and Lexus have issued recalls affecting 69,856 and 1,987 vehicles respectively, and that’s just one of several safety recalls currently underway. Your dashboard could go completely black while driving, your brakes might not work properly, or your seatbelt could fail in a crash.
This isn’t just another routine maintenance issue – we’re talking about serious safety problems that could put you and your family at risk. Let’s break down exactly what’s happening and what you need to do about it.
The Dashboard Display Problem That’s Leaving Drivers in the Dark
The most widespread issue affects over 70,000 vehicles with a software glitch in their 12.3-inch instrument cluster display. Picture this: you start your car and your entire dashboard goes black. No speedometer, no fuel gauge, no warning lights – nothing.
“There is a possibility that the display can be blank when the vehicle starts and will remain in this state,” according to the official recall notices. This means you could be driving completely blind to your speed, fuel level, and any critical warnings your car is trying to give you.
Which Models Are Hit by the Display Issue
For Toyota owners, the recall affects these models built between July 2022 and April 2025:
- C-HR
- Camry
- Corolla
- Kluger
- RAV4
Lexus owners aren’t off the hook either. The Lexus recall affects examples of the LBX, LM350h, LM500h, LS500 and LS500h built between May 2023 and April 2025.
The Brake System Nightmare That Could Cost Lives
Here’s where things get really scary. Approximately 106,000 four-wheel-drive Tacoma trucks from the 2024 and 2025 model years are affected by a design flaw that can lead to brake fluid leaks.
Think about what this means. You’re driving down the highway, you need to stop suddenly, and your brakes don’t respond properly. The fluid that makes your brakes work is literally leaking out of the system. This isn’t just inconvenient – it’s potentially deadly.
The problem stems from premature wear in the rear brake hoses. When these hoses fail, your stopping distance increases dramatically, or worse, you could lose the ability to brake altogether.
Seatbelt Failures Put Passengers at Risk
Another critical concern involves a seatbelt defect affecting approximately 41,000 vehicles, including the 2025 Toyota Camry, 2025 Lexus NX, and 2024-2025 Lexus RX.
The issue involves the second-row center seatbelt. Toyota has identified that a manufacturing flaw may weaken the second-row center seatbelt, reducing its ability to properly secure passengers in the event of a crash. In a collision, this seatbelt might not hold, turning what should be your safety device into a false sense of security.
Additional Safety Recalls You Should Know About
The problems don’t stop there. Certain Toyota RAV4 and Lexus NX vehicles produced in September 2024 face another serious issue – bolts that weren’t properly tightened during manufacturing can loosen over time, potentially causing the front brake calipers or front wheels to detach.
Imagine your wheel literally falling off while you’re driving. “If this occurs, there can be an increase in stopping distance or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash,” according to the official recall notice.
How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected
Don’t wait for a letter in the mail. You can find out right now if your vehicle is part of any recall. Here’s exactly what to do:
Step 1: Find your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It’s usually on your dashboard (visible from outside through the windshield), on the driver’s door frame, or in your vehicle documents.
Step 2: Visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN.
Step 3: The system will immediately tell you if your vehicle has any open recalls.
You can also contact Toyota customer support at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987 if you need help.
What Happens Next: The Repair Process
Here’s the good news – all repairs are completely free. Toyota and Lexus are covering everything: parts, labor, and even loaner vehicles if needed.
For the dashboard display issue, dealers will install a programming update to rectify the issue free of charge. It’s essentially a software fix that should resolve the black screen problem.
For brake system issues, technicians will replace the faulty brake hoses with improved ones. For seatbelt problems, dealers will inspect the seatbelt webbing and if necessary, replace the seatbelt assembly.
When Will You Be Notified?
Toyota plans to notify impacted customers by early April 2025 for the major recalls, but notification timing varies by specific recall. Some notifications are already going out, while others won’t arrive until later this year.
Don’t wait for the notification letter. If you discover your vehicle is affected, contact your dealer immediately to schedule repairs.
Why These Recalls Matter
Toyota has built its reputation on reliability and safety, which makes these recalls particularly significant. The company isn’t trying to hide these problems – they’re being proactive about fixing them before anyone gets hurt.
“Toyota, committed to ensuring vehicle safety, is taking proactive measures by offering free inspections and repairs to impacted customers,” according to safety experts following the recalls.
Take Action Today
Your safety depends on taking these recalls seriously. Check your VIN number right now, contact your dealer if you’re affected, and don’t delay getting the repairs done. These aren’t minor inconveniences – they’re potentially life-threatening safety defects.
Remember, recalls exist because manufacturers have identified genuine safety risks. By addressing these issues quickly, you’re protecting yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road.