2008 Toyota Highlander Recalled
04-28-09, 06:19 AM
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2008 Toyota Highlander Recalled
TORRANCE, Calif. (CNS) -- Toyota Motor Sales, USA Inc. announced on Tuesday an equipment safety recall involving an optional accessory designed specifically for 2008 model-year Highlander and Highlander HV SUVS.
The recall, which is being carried out with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, involves Toyota stainless steel exhaust tip retention clamps. The part is bolted onto a standard exhaust pipe, strictly for styling purposes.
"Due to improper heat treatment, the original clamp used to secure the stainless steel exhaust tip to the exhaust pipe may develop microscopic cracks," according to a Toyota statement. "If this occurs, the crack may expand, causing the clamp to break, and in the worst case the exhaust tip may fall off."
Toyota is aware of about 10 of the exhaust tip breakage cases in the United States.
No other Toyota or Lexus vehicles are involved in the recall.
About 39,100 accessory kits may be affected, but all 121,000 owners of 2008-model Highlanders will be notified, according to the automaker.
A Toyota spokesman explained that only accessories installed at Toyota vehicle processing centers are traceable through a vehicle identification number. Some dealers installed the part on-site or sold it to owners, who installed it themselves, which the dealership cannot directly trace.
"We need to inform all 121,000 vehicle owners and ask them to look at their vehicle to see if this part is on there," said Toyota spokesman Brian R. Lyons. "If it is on there, we would like them to come into the dealership" for a free replacement.
Toyota will send notifications via first-class mail beginning in early May, he said.
Customers with questions or concerns should contact Toyota at (800) 331- 4331.
The recall, which is being carried out with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, involves Toyota stainless steel exhaust tip retention clamps. The part is bolted onto a standard exhaust pipe, strictly for styling purposes.
"Due to improper heat treatment, the original clamp used to secure the stainless steel exhaust tip to the exhaust pipe may develop microscopic cracks," according to a Toyota statement. "If this occurs, the crack may expand, causing the clamp to break, and in the worst case the exhaust tip may fall off."
Toyota is aware of about 10 of the exhaust tip breakage cases in the United States.
No other Toyota or Lexus vehicles are involved in the recall.
About 39,100 accessory kits may be affected, but all 121,000 owners of 2008-model Highlanders will be notified, according to the automaker.
A Toyota spokesman explained that only accessories installed at Toyota vehicle processing centers are traceable through a vehicle identification number. Some dealers installed the part on-site or sold it to owners, who installed it themselves, which the dealership cannot directly trace.
"We need to inform all 121,000 vehicle owners and ask them to look at their vehicle to see if this part is on there," said Toyota spokesman Brian R. Lyons. "If it is on there, we would like them to come into the dealership" for a free replacement.
Toyota will send notifications via first-class mail beginning in early May, he said.
Customers with questions or concerns should contact Toyota at (800) 331- 4331.
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