Toyota recalls and related issues: BusinessWeek-Media owes Toyota an apology
04-22-10, 07:08 PM
#1306
Just got notice that my wife's 2010 Highlander is part of the pedal recall (floor mat issue). We are opting out. There is about 3-4 inches of clearance between the pedal and the floor, this is getting out of control.
Of course, the dealer is pushing us hard to get it done so they can put in for the warranty claim for the work. Nothing like getting into an argument with the service adviser. I told them to update the software, but leave the pedal alone...they said it is either all or nothing....so nothing it is! The correct mat is pinned down as instructed. I am not an idiot. The truck is fine!
Why should I alter the vehicle because some dummies don't pin down their mats?
(thanks for letting me vent)
Of course, the dealer is pushing us hard to get it done so they can put in for the warranty claim for the work. Nothing like getting into an argument with the service adviser. I told them to update the software, but leave the pedal alone...they said it is either all or nothing....so nothing it is! The correct mat is pinned down as instructed. I am not an idiot. The truck is fine!
Why should I alter the vehicle because some dummies don't pin down their mats?
(thanks for letting me vent)
04-22-10, 07:32 PM
#1307
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how to stop your toyota when it suddenly accelerates
04-28-10, 09:20 AM
#1314
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Toyota recalls 50,000 '03 Sequoia SUVs for Deceleration!
David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau
Washington -- Toyota Motor Corp. recalled about 50,000 2003 Sequoia SUVs today to upgrade its anti-rollover software -- the latest in a string of callbacks by the Japanese automaker.
The recall of the full-sized SUV, disclosed in a letter obtained by The Detroit News, comes 16 months after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation. It had received 50 complaints over sudden unexpected braking or slowing of the vehicles.
Toyota said in a four-page letter that it still believes "these vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety" but was recalling them in an effort to resolve NHTSA's concerns.
The recall will include an upgrade of its software for its electronic stability control system. Toyota upgraded the software in 2003 for subsequent models.
"Toyota is committed to investigating customer complaints more aggressively and to responding quickly to issues we identify in our vehicles. As a result, we are voluntarily launching this recall to ensure that as many 2003 Sequoias as possible are serviced to the full satisfaction of our customers," said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America.
Toyota said it is moving quickly to address issues even when there are no injuries -- even an 8-year-old vehicle and even when it doesn't think it is legally obligated to do so. Toyota noted in its letter, "There are no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect."
Toyota said a steering angle sensor may not be stored properly and that could allow the stability control system to activate at low speeds -- about 9 mph -- after acceleration from a stopped position. Toyota will replace the skid control "Electronic Control Unit" and upgrade the software.
Toyota will start notifying customers at the end of May and will cover repairs previously made since April 2002; it has fixed about half of the recalled vehicles already under warranty.
NHTSA opened an investigation into 68,000 2003 Sequoia vehicles in December 2008 and upgraded it to an engineering analysis in April 2009.
NHTSA says it has now received at least 64 complaints of "inappropriate activation of the electronic stability control or the traction control system." Toyota has received at least 96 reports.
"During the activation of either system, the driver loses throttle control and one of more brakes may apply, causing the vehicle to slow suddenly," NHTSA said in a filing. "During these activation events, the brake lights are not illuminated to signal to following traffic that the vehicle is slowing."
Some complaints, NHTSA said, assert that they were hit or nearly hit by following traffic because of the unexpected braking.
Toyota said in an earlier response to NHTSA that it believed several issues are responsible. The automaker said it is "most likely related to the application of the traction control system" and not its vehicle stability control systems -- but Toyota didn't believe a recall was necessary at the time.
It's at least the sixth separate recall campaign Toyota has opened in the last three months, as the company as suffered a spate of bad publicity over its sudden acceleration issues.
NHTSA has received more than 3,000 complaints since 2000 alleging at least 51 deaths. Congress has held a series of hearings and Toyota agreed to pay a $16.4 million fine for failing to issue a recall by at least four months -- the largest ever imposed by NHTSA.
Toyota will hold a new hearing on May 6.
The Sequoia recall is not connected to sudden acceleration issues.
NHTSA said Toyota has issued at least three Technical Service Bulletins to address concerns about vehicle stability control dashboard warning lights -- but at least 20 customers declined to get the repairs since they can cost $1,500. All three bulletins called for replacing computers with revised software.
Toyota has recalled more than 6 million vehicles in the United States over sudden acceleration concerns, including 5.4 million for pedal entrapment issues.
Earlier this month, Toyota recalled about 600,000 1998-2010 model Toyota Sienna minivans in cold weather states over corrosion concerns. Last week, Toyota recalled 9,400 Lexus GX 460 SUVs to upgrade the software over rollover concerns first raised by Consumer Reports.
Toyota said in February it would recall 133,000 2010 Toyota Prius and 14,500 Lexus 2010 HS 250h vehicles to update software in the vehicle's anti-lock brake system.
Toyota also recalled 7,300 early production 2010 Toyota Camry vehicles to inspect for a power steering hose that may be in contact with a front brake tube.
The automaker in February said it is recalling about 8,000 2010 four-wheel-drive Toyota Tacoma pickups produced between mid-December and February. Some models have a crack in the front propeller shaft that could cause the pickups to lose control.
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20100428/...#ixzz0mPcxnlCz
Washington -- Toyota Motor Corp. recalled about 50,000 2003 Sequoia SUVs today to upgrade its anti-rollover software -- the latest in a string of callbacks by the Japanese automaker.
The recall of the full-sized SUV, disclosed in a letter obtained by The Detroit News, comes 16 months after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation. It had received 50 complaints over sudden unexpected braking or slowing of the vehicles.
Toyota said in a four-page letter that it still believes "these vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety" but was recalling them in an effort to resolve NHTSA's concerns.
The recall will include an upgrade of its software for its electronic stability control system. Toyota upgraded the software in 2003 for subsequent models.
"Toyota is committed to investigating customer complaints more aggressively and to responding quickly to issues we identify in our vehicles. As a result, we are voluntarily launching this recall to ensure that as many 2003 Sequoias as possible are serviced to the full satisfaction of our customers," said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America.
Toyota said it is moving quickly to address issues even when there are no injuries -- even an 8-year-old vehicle and even when it doesn't think it is legally obligated to do so. Toyota noted in its letter, "There are no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect."
Toyota said a steering angle sensor may not be stored properly and that could allow the stability control system to activate at low speeds -- about 9 mph -- after acceleration from a stopped position. Toyota will replace the skid control "Electronic Control Unit" and upgrade the software.
Toyota will start notifying customers at the end of May and will cover repairs previously made since April 2002; it has fixed about half of the recalled vehicles already under warranty.
NHTSA opened an investigation into 68,000 2003 Sequoia vehicles in December 2008 and upgraded it to an engineering analysis in April 2009.
NHTSA says it has now received at least 64 complaints of "inappropriate activation of the electronic stability control or the traction control system." Toyota has received at least 96 reports.
"During the activation of either system, the driver loses throttle control and one of more brakes may apply, causing the vehicle to slow suddenly," NHTSA said in a filing. "During these activation events, the brake lights are not illuminated to signal to following traffic that the vehicle is slowing."
Some complaints, NHTSA said, assert that they were hit or nearly hit by following traffic because of the unexpected braking.
Toyota said in an earlier response to NHTSA that it believed several issues are responsible. The automaker said it is "most likely related to the application of the traction control system" and not its vehicle stability control systems -- but Toyota didn't believe a recall was necessary at the time.
It's at least the sixth separate recall campaign Toyota has opened in the last three months, as the company as suffered a spate of bad publicity over its sudden acceleration issues.
NHTSA has received more than 3,000 complaints since 2000 alleging at least 51 deaths. Congress has held a series of hearings and Toyota agreed to pay a $16.4 million fine for failing to issue a recall by at least four months -- the largest ever imposed by NHTSA.
Toyota will hold a new hearing on May 6.
The Sequoia recall is not connected to sudden acceleration issues.
NHTSA said Toyota has issued at least three Technical Service Bulletins to address concerns about vehicle stability control dashboard warning lights -- but at least 20 customers declined to get the repairs since they can cost $1,500. All three bulletins called for replacing computers with revised software.
Toyota has recalled more than 6 million vehicles in the United States over sudden acceleration concerns, including 5.4 million for pedal entrapment issues.
Earlier this month, Toyota recalled about 600,000 1998-2010 model Toyota Sienna minivans in cold weather states over corrosion concerns. Last week, Toyota recalled 9,400 Lexus GX 460 SUVs to upgrade the software over rollover concerns first raised by Consumer Reports.
Toyota said in February it would recall 133,000 2010 Toyota Prius and 14,500 Lexus 2010 HS 250h vehicles to update software in the vehicle's anti-lock brake system.
Toyota also recalled 7,300 early production 2010 Toyota Camry vehicles to inspect for a power steering hose that may be in contact with a front brake tube.
The automaker in February said it is recalling about 8,000 2010 four-wheel-drive Toyota Tacoma pickups produced between mid-December and February. Some models have a crack in the front propeller shaft that could cause the pickups to lose control.
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20100428/...#ixzz0mPcxnlCz
04-28-10, 09:32 AM
#1315
Toyota Sequoia Recalled
CHICAGO (AFP) – Embattled Japanese automaker Toyota announced the recall Wednesday of 50,000 Sequoia sport utility vehicles in the United States to fix problems with stability control.
This latest recall comes as the auto giant is looking to restore its battered reputation after recalling around 10 million vehicles worldwide, mostly for problems with sudden acceleration which have been blamed for 58 deaths in the United States.
Last week the company agreed to pay a 16.4-million-dollar fine, the largest ever for an automaker in the United States, for hiding the deadly accelerator pedal defects for at least four months.
The recall crisis triggered a ratings downgrade by Moody's over concerns that product quality issues and the cost of litigation will dent Toyota's future profitability.
However, Toyota said Monday that global sales surged 26.3 percent in March to 876,126 vehicles in March, from 693,759 a year earlier.
Toyota said the latest recall, which affected early 2003 model-year Toyota Sequoia vehicles, would allow it to upgrade the programming in the vehicle stability control (VSC) system.
"The VSC system can help control a loss of traction in turns as a result of front or rear tire slippage during cornering," Toyota said in a statement.
"In vehicles without the upgrade, the VSC system could, in limited situations, activate at low speed (approximately 9 miles per hour) for a few seconds after acceleration from a stopped position and, as a result, the vehicle may not accelerate as quickly as the driver expects."
Toyota said there were no accidents or injuries associated with the defect.
Toyota, which faced intense criticism for its handling of defects, said it published a "technical service bulletin" after it discovered the defect in the fall of 2003.
The automaker said it had already repaired about half of the affected vehicles but was issuing a voluntary recall "to ensure that as many 2003 Sequoias as possible are serviced to the full satisfaction of our customers."
"Toyota is committed to investigating customer complaints more aggressively and to responding quickly to issues we identify in our vehicles," said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota's chief quality officer for North America.
Customers who had paid to replace the skid control engine control unit can apply for a refund, Toyota said.
05-10-10, 02:42 PM
#1316
More negative Toyota news on a TV report a few minutes ago
http://www.kidk.com/news/business/93316264.html
Toyota waited months to issue '05 steering recall
By CURT ANDERSON AP Legal Affairs Writer
An Associated Press investigation has found that Toyota waited nearly a year to issue a U.S. recall in 2005 over defective steering rods in trucks and SUVs, despite a similar recall in Japan and dozens of reports from American motorists about rods that snapped without warning.
Story Published: May 10, 2010 at 2:37 PM MDT
Comments (0)An Associated Press investigation has found that Toyota waited nearly a year to issue a U.S. recall in 2005 over defective steering rods in trucks and SUVs, despite a similar recall in Japan and dozens of reports from American motorists about rods that snapped without warning.
The gap between the Japanese and U.S. recalls has triggered a new review by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which could fine the automaker up to $16.4 million.
NHTSA has linked 16 crashes, three deaths and seven injuries to the steering defect.
Toyota claimed initially after the 2004 Japanese recall that it had little evidence of a U.S. problem. But the AP has found that the automaker had received at least 52 reports from U.S. drivers.
Toyota waited months to issue '05 steering recall
By CURT ANDERSON AP Legal Affairs Writer
An Associated Press investigation has found that Toyota waited nearly a year to issue a U.S. recall in 2005 over defective steering rods in trucks and SUVs, despite a similar recall in Japan and dozens of reports from American motorists about rods that snapped without warning.
Story Published: May 10, 2010 at 2:37 PM MDT
Comments (0)An Associated Press investigation has found that Toyota waited nearly a year to issue a U.S. recall in 2005 over defective steering rods in trucks and SUVs, despite a similar recall in Japan and dozens of reports from American motorists about rods that snapped without warning.
The gap between the Japanese and U.S. recalls has triggered a new review by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which could fine the automaker up to $16.4 million.
NHTSA has linked 16 crashes, three deaths and seven injuries to the steering defect.
Toyota claimed initially after the 2004 Japanese recall that it had little evidence of a U.S. problem. But the AP has found that the automaker had received at least 52 reports from U.S. drivers.
05-18-10, 10:09 PM
#1317
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Shame that even the LS is being recalled. Sounds like faulty VGRS system to me.
Toyota Prepares to Recall 11,500 Lexus Cars Globally
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...d=aLXyRS_2iJuM
May 19 (Bloomberg) -- Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s largest carmaker, is preparing to recall 11,500 Lexus vehicles worldwide for problems related to steering.
The company, based in Toyota City, Japan, plans to recall 7,000 vehicles overseas, including 3,800 in the U.S., and 4,500 units in Japan, said Mieko Iwasaki, a spokeswoman for the carmaker.
Toyota is recalling four Lexus models, the LS 460, LS 460 L, LS 600h, and LS 600h L.
In Japan, customers have complained about wheels not returning to original positions fast enough after making turns, Iwasaki said. The problem is both mechanical and software- related, she said.
Separately, Toyota said last month it will recall the Lexus GX 460 sport-utility vehicle that Consumer Reports magazine rated a “safety risk” because the model can roll over in certain driving conditions. About 13,000 GX 460s were repaired, including 9,400 in the U.S. and the rest in countries including Russia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Canada, according to the automaker.
Shares of Toyota fell as much as 1.4 percent in Tokyo and were trading 1 percent lower at 3,496 yen at the midday break.
Toyota to recall 11,500 Lexus vehicles
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news...0519-vdld.html
Toyota Motor Corp has announced it is recalling 11,500 Lexus vehicles worldwide due to a steering system defect, in the latest blow to the Japanese auto giant's reputation.
Toyota has received 12 complaints about the problem within Japan, but knows of no accidents that it has caused, according to spokesman Paul Nolasco.
It affects Toyota's luxury Lexus "LS" line, and involves a computerised system that oversees how the steering wheel controls the tyres.
Cars with the system have also been sold in the US, Europe and China.
The steering system comes as standard in Japanese models, but is optional in some cars sold abroad.
"We are planning to recall a total of about 11,500 Lexus models worldwide," Nolasco said on Wednesday.
Toyota said it had received 12 reports of electrical problems causing the steering system to malfunction for a few seconds in four models - the LS460 and LS460L, and hybrids LS600h and LS600hL.
The Japanese government said the recall would include around 4,500 Lexus cars domestically.
Toyota has pulled about 10 million vehicles worldwide since late last year for safety issues and agreed to pay a record $US16.4 million ($A19.01 million) fine to settle claims it hid accelerator pedal defects blamed for more than 50 US deaths.
The beleaguered auto giant faces a host of lawsuits over "unintended acceleration" issues that prompted the majority of the recalls.
Toyota overtook General Motors in 2008 as the world's top automaker, but safety issues have raised questions over whether it sacrificed its reputation for reliability to become number one.
It still faces looming litigation that could potentially involve massive fines, while US regulators are questioning why a Japanese recall of Hilux trucks in 2004 was not extended to the United States until a year later.
Despite the massive recall crisis, the company recently reported a return to profit in the previous fiscal year.
Toyota Prepares to Recall 11,500 Lexus Cars Globally
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...d=aLXyRS_2iJuM
May 19 (Bloomberg) -- Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s largest carmaker, is preparing to recall 11,500 Lexus vehicles worldwide for problems related to steering.
The company, based in Toyota City, Japan, plans to recall 7,000 vehicles overseas, including 3,800 in the U.S., and 4,500 units in Japan, said Mieko Iwasaki, a spokeswoman for the carmaker.
Toyota is recalling four Lexus models, the LS 460, LS 460 L, LS 600h, and LS 600h L.
In Japan, customers have complained about wheels not returning to original positions fast enough after making turns, Iwasaki said. The problem is both mechanical and software- related, she said.
Separately, Toyota said last month it will recall the Lexus GX 460 sport-utility vehicle that Consumer Reports magazine rated a “safety risk” because the model can roll over in certain driving conditions. About 13,000 GX 460s were repaired, including 9,400 in the U.S. and the rest in countries including Russia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Canada, according to the automaker.
Shares of Toyota fell as much as 1.4 percent in Tokyo and were trading 1 percent lower at 3,496 yen at the midday break.
Toyota to recall 11,500 Lexus vehicles
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news...0519-vdld.html
Toyota Motor Corp has announced it is recalling 11,500 Lexus vehicles worldwide due to a steering system defect, in the latest blow to the Japanese auto giant's reputation.
Toyota has received 12 complaints about the problem within Japan, but knows of no accidents that it has caused, according to spokesman Paul Nolasco.
It affects Toyota's luxury Lexus "LS" line, and involves a computerised system that oversees how the steering wheel controls the tyres.
Cars with the system have also been sold in the US, Europe and China.
The steering system comes as standard in Japanese models, but is optional in some cars sold abroad.
"We are planning to recall a total of about 11,500 Lexus models worldwide," Nolasco said on Wednesday.
Toyota said it had received 12 reports of electrical problems causing the steering system to malfunction for a few seconds in four models - the LS460 and LS460L, and hybrids LS600h and LS600hL.
The Japanese government said the recall would include around 4,500 Lexus cars domestically.
Toyota has pulled about 10 million vehicles worldwide since late last year for safety issues and agreed to pay a record $US16.4 million ($A19.01 million) fine to settle claims it hid accelerator pedal defects blamed for more than 50 US deaths.
The beleaguered auto giant faces a host of lawsuits over "unintended acceleration" issues that prompted the majority of the recalls.
Toyota overtook General Motors in 2008 as the world's top automaker, but safety issues have raised questions over whether it sacrificed its reputation for reliability to become number one.
It still faces looming litigation that could potentially involve massive fines, while US regulators are questioning why a Japanese recall of Hilux trucks in 2004 was not extended to the United States until a year later.
Despite the massive recall crisis, the company recently reported a return to profit in the previous fiscal year.
05-19-10, 08:25 AM
#1319
Moderator
Toyota is under the microscope and the media watches every move Toyota makes and scrutinizes every vehicle Toyota produces...this will keep Toyota on it's toes...
05-20-10, 05:56 AM
#1320
Lexus Recall - old news, new news?
From ToyotaNation:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=342927
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=342927