2021 Toyota Highlander: fuel pump failure

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · Fuel system · OH

This appears to be a fuel pump or something with the fuel issue on a 2021 Toyota Highlander L series. While driving it would stop and switch off at stop lights and stop sign. The codes that come up have to do with fuel being lean. However this also affects the braking system and causes it to be very hard to steer with this issue. The problem I have is that it cuts off without even you knowing what's happening and I was almost rear-ended twice. My car is now sitting outside unable to start. It doesn't even have 85,000 miles on it with all these issues. I believe it also said something about my transmission but unsure because the codes were flashing off and on.

Filed Mar 10, 2026 · Fuel system · PR

*Component/System:** The **Fuel Pump / Fuel Delivery System** failed. The vehicle and the replaced spark plugs/coils are available for inspection upon request. **Safety Risk:** The vehicle **stalls abruptly while in motion (at speed)**, causing an immediate loss of motive power in traffic. This creates an extreme risk of rear-end collisions and leaves the driver stranded in active lanes of travel. The vehicle must be shifted to park, turned off, and restarted to temporarily "reset" the system, which is life-threatening in high-speed or heavy-traffic environments. **Confirmation/Reproduction:** The problem has been confirmed by an **independent service center**. Initial diagnostic codes led to the replacement of spark plugs and ignition coils; however, the stalling persisted. Subsequent diagnostic testing specifically identified the fuel pump as the point of failure, consistent with symptoms of known Toyota fuel pump recalls. **Inspections:** The vehicle has been inspected by an **independent mechanic**. It has not yet been inspected by Toyota corporate, the police, or insurance representatives, as no crash has occurred yet—though the risk is imminent. **Warning Symptoms:** The Check Engine light illuminated on January 21, February 21, Febuary 26, March 6 and March 10. Prior to the first total stall, the vehicle exhibited brief hesitations during acceleration. There were no specific "Fuel Pump" warnings on the dashboard; the vehicle simply loses power without a countdown or secondary safety mode (Limp Mode).

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Fuel system · CA

While driving westbound on I-8 at approximately 70 MPH in the left lane, a warning message suddenly appeared on my dashboard stating that a malfunction in the hybrid system had been detected. Immediately after the alert, the vehicle lost power and stopped accelerating. I was forced to quickly maneuver across multiple lanes of traffic and barely made it to the narrow right shoulder. Because I had been traveling in the left lane at highway speed, the situation was extremely dangerous, and I was fortunate not to be rear-ended. The vehicle was undrivable and had to be towed to a mechanic. Upon inspection, the cause was identified as a faulty fuel pump, which triggered the hybrid system malfunction and sudden loss of power. The vehicle has only 44,000 miles, making this premature failure especially concerning. Toyota currently has possession of the vehicle but is refusing to cover the repair. Notably, there was a recall issued for fuel pump failures causing similar issues in 2020 model-year vehicles. Given the identical nature of the failure, I believe this indicates an ongoing fuel pump defect that has not been fully resolved.

Filed Jul 26, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · IN

On July 19, the car was parked and refused to start. Tried Jump start and the gas was at more than half a tank. The car would operate for 30 seconds, stutter and then stop. On July 20, took the car to ED MARTIN TOYOTA in Noblesville, IN. They could not diagnose the issue. Replaced Fuel Pump system. Evaluated all electrical and no issues observed. Escalated to TOYOTA Regional Engineering to teoubleshoot. The car is still in the shop with no root-cause. If the car was in motion and this issue would have occured, could have resulted in a serious accident.

Filed May 10, 2021 · Engine · 3,400 miles · OH

Vehicle has 3400 miles and starting having longer than normal cranking when starting the vehicle. Shortly after that occurred the vehicle began to stall while pulling into traffic. Vehicle was repaired where they installed some fuel sensors. 2 days later the vehicle stalled again while pulling into traffic. Both incidents almost caused an accident. Vehicle was towed a second time back to dealership. They are now replacing the fuel pump. Maybe they need to add this vehicle to recall list