The problem
Certain sport utility vehicles have a child protection lock (cpl) system on both of the rear side doors. When an operator of the vehicle closes the door very hard with the cpl lever set to the lock position, there is a possibility that the lever May contact the body panel, causing the cpl lever to move into the unlock position.
The risk
This condition could allow the door to be opened with the inside while the operator believes that the cpl was activated. If the door were opened from the inside while the vehicle was in motion, an occupant could fall out and be injured.
The fix
Dealers will shorten the cpl lever. Owner notification began May 7, 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 04V-181 (04V181000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | SSC 40B |
| Manufacturer | Toyota Motor Corporation |
| Component | Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch |
| Report date | April 15, 2004 |
| Owners notified | May 7, 2004 |
| Vehicles affected | 366,572 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the locks & latches
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 04V-181 repair free?
Yes. Toyota dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will shorten the cpl lever. Owner notification began May 7, 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 366,572 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.