Toyota Recall Models

 

 

Update!

By now, you've heard of the most recent Toyota recalls.  These are, for those reading, the recalls that were announced on August 26, 2010.  There a total of 1.1 million cars that have been recalled.  These are of two models, the Toyota Corolla sedans and the Toyota Matrix hatchbacks.  These are only the models sold between 2005 and 2008.  The company is, of course, telling people not to panic, it's a POTENTIAL problem rather than an inherent design flaw which could hurt you here and now.  The problem is in the engine control module, which is a computer that sits in the engine and regulates its performance.  The circuit board, it seems, has a possible tendency to cracy, which could cause a number of problems.  The problems include the car not starting, stalling, or shifting rather hard.  If you own one of these Toyota models, the company will be sending out notices by the middle of September which should notify all owners who may be effected by this recall.  There have been three accidents that have been alleged to be caused by this design flaw, along with one injury (not a serious injury).  The problem is going to effect 1ZZ-FE engine models, and they will only have two wheel drive.  Once they mail out the recall notices, they will replace all of the control modules at no charge to the car owner, and then the car will be returned to the owners. They will be done at a Toyota dealership, where it will take around 40 minutes for installation, assuming there is no line.

Another thing to note is that, should this problem arise, the "check engine" light will PROBABLY turn on.  There is no guarantee, but if this does happen, you might feel what Toyota calls "harsh shifting."  Neither of these things HAVE to happen for there to be a problem though.  IF YOU HAVE ALREADY PAID TO HAVE THIS FLAW FIXED, YOU CAN GET REIMBURSED!  There should be advice on how to do so in your owner's manual.  To find out more information, we suggest checking out the Toyota website.  They will send out the recall information relatively soon.  Now, for more information on former recalls, check out the information that we have provided below...

Old Recalls

The Toyota company has issued a very large recall on several models of their most poplar cars.  The primary issue that spawned the massive recall, which is reported to effect around 2.3 million automobiles, is a mechanism that works with the accelerator pedal, causing more friction than the pedal is used to.  This friction causes the pedal to stick and certain points in time when the friction becomes too great.  Along with this recall, Toyota hopes to fix an additional recall that dealt with floor mats becoming stuck in the gap where the floor pedal come in on the driver's side floor.  This gap was too large, and the mat could actually become lodged in the area, causing the pedal to stick. 

Numerous years and popular models are involved in the Toyota recall, but some are only involved in one or the other.  Here is the list of Toyota recall models and what you need to do once you've received your recall notices in the mail.

Both Recalls

Most of the Toyota recall models are involved in both recalls, which can be fixed at once.  During the roughly 30 minute service session to fix the friction problem, both problems can be handled.  The models involved in both recalls incldue;

2005-2010 Toyota Avalon 2007-2010 Toyota Camry 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla

2008-2010 Toyota Highlander 2009-2010 Toyota Matrix 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra

There are some specific models that need to be ignored in this list of Toyota recall models.  For starters, Corolla and Highlander hybrids models are excluded from this recall.  Also, any model of Camry, Corolla, or Highlander that has a VIN number that begins with the letter J is also excluded.  If you are not part of these exceptions, you should expect to receive two separate recall notifications in the mail signifying the companies warning that there is an issue with certain parts of the vechie that the company is willing to fix free of charge.

Floor Mat Recall

This recall was issued due to the large gap that floor mats can become stuck in, keeping the accelerator trapped in the full open position.  To start, after you discover you have this particular recall model, you are advised by the Toyota company to remove any floor mats on the driver side of your vehicle.  This will help reduce, or completely eliminate, the chance of anything happening in relation to this problem while you wait to have your vehicle fixed. 

The models involved in this recall specifically include;

• 2004-2009 Toyota Prius
• 2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma
• 2009-2010 Toyota Venza

Even though these vehicles are excluded from the pedal recall, it is advised that you have the floor mat issue serviced immediately, since it has the potential to severely hinder your driving capabilities.

Pedal Only Recall

Certain Toyota models are also excluded from the floor mat recall, but are still subject to the pedal recall.  These Toyota models will require immediate service to have the issue corrected, and the service session will only take around 30 minutes to perform.  The following models will need to have the pedal recall service only performed.

• 2009-2010 Toyota RAV4
• 2008-2010 Toyota Sequoia

As with the Corollas and Highlanders, and model of RAV4 that has a VIN starting with J will not be involved in the recall. 

 

Toyota, since they quickly devised a solution to the issue, has already started the preparation for sending notification letters to every owner of an affected vehicle.  Each of these owners will need to schedule an appointment with their nearest certified Toyota dealer to have the issue fixed.  While the pedal only seems to stick in rare instances, the vehicle owner should have it fixed as soon as possible.  Please call your dealership to schedule an appointment once you have received you notification.  Many owners have already called to schedule their appointments.

If you happen to encounter a problem with your accelerator pedal sticking while you are driving, you should bring the car to a stop in the nearest safe location and contact your Toyota dealership for assistance. After the pedal has stuck, you should not drive the vehicle until the issue has been resolved.

 

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