LoginOops, Toyota Actually Used Reflectors Instead Of Real Lights In Some Cars
- Toyota bZ4X recall stems from incorrect taillights being sold.
- Korea-spec lights lack the side marker lamp required in US.
- Catalog wrongly listed Korea lights as suitable for US vehicles.
Even the most reliable brands can slip up now and then, and this time, it’s Toyota turn in the spotlight. While known for its solid track record in quality control, the automaker has nonetheless found itself navigating a rather awkward parts mishap involving the bZ4X.
Several units will now face a recall in the United States, all due to a mix-up with replacement taillights. So, what exactly went wrong?
Confused Parts Cross Borders
A recall notice issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that taillights originally intended for service replacements in South Korea were accidentally distributed in the U.S. Some of those may have ended up installed on American-market bZ4X models.
Read: One Tiny Bolt Just Sent 55,000 Hybrids Straight Back To Toyota
Due to differences in automotive lighting regulations between the two countries, the South Korean-spec taillights don’t meet American standards. The key issue lies in the side marker, as the Korean units include a side marker reflector, but U.S. regulations require a side marker lamp to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Toyota first caught wind of the problem in October, when a parts order came through from Canada requesting a Korea-spec left-hand taillight assembly for the bZ4X. That raised a red flag, prompting the company to dig deeper.
The investigation revealed a potential cause of the mix-up. Both U.S. and Korean versions of the replacement parts had been listed in the catalog, but the Korean version also displayed the term “USA” in its description, likely confusing some who purchased a replacement light.
Toyota believes that a total of 79 right-hand and left-hand replacement taillight assemblies designed for South Korea could have ended up in the United States, although it hasn’t specified how many have been fitted to customer cars.
What Happens Now?
Owners who’ve had a taillight replaced on their bZ4X will be notified via mail. Toyota dealers will inspect the installed parts to determine whether the correct U.S.-spec lights were used. If any Korean-spec units are found, Toyota will replace them at no cost.
