Toyota has recalled more than 43,000 trucks in the United States because of a defect that could increase the risk of car crashes.
The Japanese automaker has recalled 43,395 2023-2024 Sequoia Hybrids sold in the United States after discovering a risk with the vehicle's tow hitch.
A tow hitch is a part on the back of a truck that is used to connect your car to a trailer for towing.
The Sequoia Hybrid's plastic tow hitch is secured to the rear bumper with molded clips. Toyota's recall report.
“Due to the design of the tow hitch cover and bumper mounting structure, the retention strength of the cover may be insufficient,” Toyota said. “As a result, the hitch cover may become detached from the vehicle while driving, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a collision.”
Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are encouraging owners to take their cars to dealers, who will replace the tow hitch free of charge and modify the rear bumper to better secure the hitch.
The company said it will send letters to owners of recalled vehicles by late October informing them of the defect.
Toyota said it was unclear how many of the recalled vehicles actually had the defective hitch.
Most of the recalled vehicles were sold in the United States, but Toyota also recalled about 2,000 Sequoia Hybrids sold in Latin America and the Middle East.
The Sequoia Hybrid is designed for off-roading, and pricing for the three-row hybrid SUV starts at $61,275, according to Toyota's website.
In June, the company recalled more than 100,000 pickup trucks and Lexus vehicles over concerns that mechanical debris may have been left in the engines during production.
Also, Toyota in March recalled more than 380,000 trucks over braking problems that could increase the risk of crashes.
