Toyota recalls 43,000 hybrid SUVs in US because their tow hitch covers

Toyota is recalling more than 43,000 Sequoia hybrid SUVs over concerns the tow hitch covers could fall off.

The tow hitch covers could “potentially become a road hazard, potentially increasing the risk of a crash,” if they come off the rear bumper while owners drive the recalled vehicles, Toyota said.

TOYOTA RECALLS 55,000 PRIUS MODELS FROM 2023 AND 2024

The recall involves model years 2023-2024, according to the automaker and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Close-up of sign with logo on building facade at the San Francisco regional headquarters of automotive company Toyota in the Bishop Ranch office park in San Ramon, California, October 20, 2017.  ((Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images) / Getty Images)

“The subject vehicles are equipped with a resin tow hitch cover held in place by molded clips to the rear bumper,” Toyota said in a recall report submitted to the NHTSA. “Due to the design of the attachment structure between the tow hitch cover and bumper, there may be insufficient retention of the cover.”

To fix the tow hitch cover issue, owners will need to bring their Sequoia hybrids to a dealership, where staff will install an updated replacement cover for free, according to the automaker. The rear bumper will also get modified in connection to that.

SEE TOYOTA’S FIRST 4RUNNER SUV IN 15 YEARS, AND IT IS NOT AN EV

Toyota said in a press release that owners “will receive notification advising them that they can mitigate the risk by removing the cover until the improved cover is available.”

A 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone. (Toyota / Fox News)

Notification letters will go out to owners next month, the automaker said.

“This recall only affects the 2023-2024MY Sequoia Hybrid vehicles equipped with a tow hitch cover manufactured during a specific period,” Toyota said in the recall report. “Other Toyota or Lexus vehicles sold in the U.S. are equipped with a tow hitch cover of a different design or are not equipped with a tow hitch cover.”

The automaker built the recalled Sequoia Hybrids between Aug. 31, 2022 and July 23 of this year.

Toyota shows off its 2023 Sequoia during the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place convention center on Feb. 10, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Scott Olson/Getty Images / Getty Images)

The company has also recalled about 1,900 other 2023-2024 Sequoia Hybrids outside the U.S. potentially facing the same problem, Toyota said.

TOYOTA INVESTING $1.3 BILLION IN RED STATE TO BUILD ALL-ELECTRIC SUV