Toyota Recalls 34K Cars Due to Distributors’ Inaccurate Stickers

Toyota has issued a recall of 33,848 vehicles in North America due to incorrect load-carrying-capacity stickers used by a distributor, affecting 22 models that cover essentially the automaker’s entire North American portfolio.

According to Toyota’s Safety Recall Report, the issue stems from Houston, TX-based automotive accessories distributor Gulf States Toyota, which failed to update weight labels after adding accessories that increased vehicle weight. This recall — though not tied to a defect — places the vehicles out of compliance with U.S. regulations. Overloading could impair vehicle performance, risking accidents and damage. Owners will be notified by Sept. 16 and free replacements will be provided at Toyota dealerships.

The problem appears to have originated when Gulf States Toyota did not update mandatory labeling after adding parts that altered the vehicles’ weight. The error was attributed to programming issues that miscalculated the weight of installed components leading to inaccurate load-capacity stickers. The recall covers models that span the 2023 Prius Prime to the 2025 Camry Hybrid sold through Gulf States Toyota between Sept. 2022 and Aug. 2024.

The recall highlights the potential risks of using incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVMR) and Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR), which are critical for determining safe road limits. Vehicles with incorrect load capacity labels may suffer from compromised braking, maneuverability and acceleration. Overloading could also strain the engine, transmission and other vital components, potentially leading to several failures.

Owners of the affected vehicles are advised to check their labels and consult Toyota’s or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall website to determine if their vehicle is impacted. Toyota’s recall report said correct labels will be sent to dealerships by Aug. 9 and to owners by Sept. 16. Owners can either replace the labels themselves using the provided instructions or visit any Toyota dealership for free replacement.

To read Toyota’s Safety Recall Report, click here.