Recall 13V292 affects 74 2012 Toyota Yaris vehicles for a power-steering control module relay short. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 74 2012 Yaris vehicles under recall 13V292 because a relay in the power steering control module can short circuit and disable power steering assist. If that assist shuts off, steering gets harder at low speeds and crash risk increases; the Toyota dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 2012 Toyota Yaris uses electronic power steering to reduce the effort needed to turn the wheel. Inside that system, the power steering control module manages electrical assist, and a relay acts like a small electrical switch that helps route power through the module.
On the recalled Yaris vehicles, the relay has too little space between its terminals, and moisture can contaminate the relay coil windings. That combination can create a short circuit, which interrupts the electrical path the power steering assist depends on. If the relay shorts, the steering system loses its power assist.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the assist stops working, the vehicle still steers mechanically, but the wheel takes more effort to turn.
Who's affected?
| 2012 Toyota Yaris | power steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 74 |
Not every 2012 Toyota Yaris is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
If power steering assistance shuts off, steering takes more effort at low speeds, which increases crash risk. If the steering suddenly feels heavy, slow down, keep both hands on the wheel, and schedule service promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Toyota dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Toyota Yaris is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free power-steering-control-module replacement that fixes the relay short circuit in the electric power steering system.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V292 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Steering effort increases at low speeds if power steering assistance shuts off.
What happens at the repair
For NHTSA campaign 13V292, Toyota's listed remedy is replacement of the power steering control module. Once the repair is available for your VIN, a Toyota technician replaces the module in the electronic power steering system at no charge. The work targets the module relay issue described in the recall, which can disable power steering assist, so the dealer replaces the module rather than attempting a relay repair. Ask the service desk to confirm the recall by VIN before the appointment and to document the completed replacement on your repair order.
Timeline
| July 3, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 31, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V292?
Recall 13V292 covers 74 2012 Toyota Yaris vehicles with an electronic power steering control module relay defect. A short circuit can shut off power steering assistance, making the vehicle harder to steer at low speeds. Toyota dealers replace the power steering control module for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Toyota Yaris is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Yaris is included in recall 13V292. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer and ask for the power steering control module replacement. Reference recall 13V292 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires Toyota to repair this defect at no cost. A franchised Toyota dealer replaces the affected power steering control module free of charge, regardless of where you bought the vehicle.
Is it safe to drive my 2012 Toyota Yaris with this recall?
The recall involves power steering assistance that can shut off. If that happens, the vehicle is harder to steer at low speeds, which increases crash risk. Check your VIN, then ask a Toyota dealer for repair timing and whether towing is needed for your situation.
What if I bought my Toyota Yaris used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. If Toyota never mailed you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your Yaris is included, then call a franchised Toyota dealer with recall 13V292.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V292000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V292 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V292000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →