Today Toyota announced yet another recall, this time involving models such as Lexus and the Highlander, citing issues with the brake fluid used in manufacturing. Details involving how you can check the recall status of your Toyota, how to go about the process, and a list of recalls can be found here. Additionally, find out what else Toyota announced today separately from their latest recall news– you might find it surprising.
For recall support services, the not-for profit site ToyotaRecall.org recommends you visit the company site for Toyota. If you need to check for recall updates specifically, you can visit toyota.com/recall. Make sure the address you have on file with your car’s VIN # is up to date with your current contact info if you are an owner trying to obtain a recall letter. Please note that for the accelerator pedal recall, only authorized Toyota dealers can perform the recall service.
Although some dealers are using expanded service hours, many are so backed up that the wait for an appointment is two to three weeks. The Toyota Recall site, on the other hand, is designed to help and inform consumers (primarily people who already own a Toyota), as well as provide a forum for them to share their experiences and concerns surrounding the recall.
The following is a list of past (but recent) major Toyota recalls, number recalled, and the dates:
Toyota Avalon, 400,000; July 28, 2010
Toyota Corolla & Corolla Matrix, 1.3 million, Aug. 26, 2010 — engine problems.
Toyota Prius (& Lexus HS 250h), 400,000; April 13, 2010 — brake problems.
Toyota Sienna, 600,000; April 16, 2010 — for cables coming loose and creating road/crash hazards. Toyota working to solve this problem. Owners of Siennas from all years can get an inspection at a Toyota dealership.
Recalls have not necessarily hurt sales, as deals and incentives offered by the company back in March spawned a boost. In fact, sales for Toyota were up 40 percent as compared with the previous March, Toyota Recall reports.
The most recent recall revolves around polymers used in the brake fluid during the manufacturing process, explains The Composed Gentleman. The polymers act as lubricants, but during vehicle maintenance, these same polymers may not be present in the fluid being used, which affects a series of things leading to a brake warning light illuminating. This effects the following models: Toyota Crown, Mark X, Lexus IS, Avalon, Highlander, and Lexus RX. The numbers are more than 1.5 million.
At the same time they announced these latest recalls, Toyota separately announced the arrival of the Prius in Thailand, say Yoshio Takahashi and Kazuhiro Shimamura at The Wall Street Journal- Autos. Toyota will discuss the Thai plant and the investment amount further on Nov. 16. Meanwhile, Mazda sales are expected to climb, and Mazda’s Chief Executive, Takahashi Yamanouchi, believes sales in the rest of Asia will make up for any weak sales in the U.S., Europe, and Japan.
Toyota Recall (Nonprofit)
Toyota Site
Toyota’s Official Recall Updates
New Toyota Recall 2010, The Composed Gentleman
Yoshio Takahashi & Kazuhiro Shimamura, Toyota to Make Prius in Thailand, The Wall Street Journal
