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Why does Toyota stability control shut off on hybrids and trucks?
All three of these Toyota recalls end the same way: the electronic stability control system switches off and stays off. Two of them center on electrified models — the 2019 Prius, Prius Prime and RAV4 Hybrid plus the 2020 Corolla Hybrid, where a failing brake booster pump can knock out both brake assist and Vehicle Stability Control, and the 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrid, 2021 Mirai, RAV4 Prime, Sienna and Venza, where Skid Control ECU software may not turn the system back on. The odd one out is the full-size pair, the 2018 Tundra and Sequoia, where electrical interference in the power supply circuit deactivates ESC. Software is the culprit in the two newest.
Warning signs to watch for
- Brake warning lights on the dash, or a brake pedal that feels hard
- A VSC or skid control indicator showing the stability system is off
- Stability control stays off after it was switched off, instead of coming back on
- Reduced brake assist when slowing down (brake booster pump recall)
- On the Tundra and Sequoia, the system can deactivate with no described warning to the driver
Is it safe to keep driving?
None of these three recalls tells owners to stop driving or to park outside. The 2018 Tundra and Sequoia software recall and the Skid Control ECU recall on the Highlander Hybrid, Mirai, RAV4 Prime, Sienna and Venza are ones you can drive with until the appointment, though you have less protection in slippery or emergency handling. The brake booster pump recall on the 2019 Prius, Prius Prime and RAV4 Hybrid is the urgent one: brake assist can be lost too, so get it inspected quickly.
What the free repair involves
Two of the three are fixed with software: dealers update the vehicle software on the 2018 Tundra and Sequoia, and update the Skid Control ECU software on the hybrid group. For the brake booster pump recall, dealers inspect the pump and replace it if needed. Toyota does the work free of charge; none of these are over-the-air updates.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 1 |
| medium | 2 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-04-13 | Toyota and Lexus hybrids may lose stability control | medium |
| 2019-07-24 | Toyota and Lexus hybrids can lose braking assist | high |
| 2018-02-20 | Toyota Tundra, Sequoia stability control may shut off | medium |
Common questions
My VSC light is on — is that this recall?
It can be. The brake booster pump recall deactivates Vehicle Stability Control, and the Skid Control ECU recall can leave the system off. A warning light is a reason to have the dealer check your VIN against these recalls right away.
Does the brake booster pump problem affect my regular brakes?
The notice says the pump failure causes loss of brake assist along with deactivation of Vehicle Stability Control. That is why Toyota calls for inspection quickly and why a hard-feeling pedal or brake warning light should send you to the dealer.
Can these stability control updates be done over the air?
No. All three recalls are dealer visits — none of the notices lists an over-the-air update. The software updates for the Tundra, Sequoia and the Skid Control ECU group are done at the dealer, and the brake booster pump recall needs a physical inspection.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.