The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·12V120000·Announced 2012-03-23

Toyota Recalls 2012 4Runner and Sienna for Remote Starter Defect

Gulf States Toyota is recalling 2012 4Runners and Siennas with non-original remote starters that may disable safety systems, increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a defect that can cause the loss of anti-lock braking and stability control, which the source text explicitly states increases the risk of a crash. This aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' or structural/functional defects leading to severe safety risks.

Plain-English summary

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2012 Toyota 4Runner and Sienna vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with non-original equipment remote engine starters manufactured by Audiovox Electronics. The recall involves 363 vehicles.

A malfunction in the remote engine starter module can prevent normal communication of the vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN). If this condition occurs, the vehicle may lose anti-lock braking and stability control, which increases the risk of a crash. Drivers will receive dashboard warning lights indicating a malfunction.

Dealers will replace the remote engine starter with a new one free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about June 4, 2012. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-444-1074 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
TOYOTA 4RUNNER, SIENNA
Brand
TOYOTA
Manufacturer
GULF STATES TOYOTA, INC.
Category
Vehicle — SUV / Minivan
Hazard
Affected units
363

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • 4RUNNER
  • SIENNA

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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