Electrical & Lights
INOPERATIVE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WARN OTHER DRIVERS THAT THE VEHICLE IS SLOWING OR STOPPING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
During assembly, the electrical contacts of the stop lamp switch may have been contaminated with silicone grease, causing increased electrical resistance in the switch. This could result in: Illumination of warning lamps; a no start condition; the shift lever may not shift from the Park position; and/or inoperative brake lights. Inoperative brake lights would fail to warn other drivers the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the brake light switch to correct this concern.
Toyota will notify owners of affected vehicles beginning in early April 2012. If you are experiencing problems with the brake lights and/or shift lever, or you don't receive notification and you feel you should have, please contact your dealer. It’s helpful to have your vehicle identification number (VIN) handy when you call.