Talking Toyota
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Don’t let the spin doctors fool you: Toyota’s recall is a big deal, but not for the reasons you see on CNN. It’s actually three separate recalls involving three separate issues, two for the accelerator pedal itself and one for braking.
Floor Mats
Floor mats are probably the least glamorous of accessories, but in a worst-case scenario they can “hang” an accelerator pedal. In the U.S., Toyota is recalling some Highlander, Corolla, Matrix and Venza models to modify the accelerator pedal to address this issue. The firm is also studying a possible floor pan modification and will include it, if necessary, in the campaign. Although Toyota Canada is matching the U.S. recall effort, the firm notes that different floor mats are supplied in our market, and will be performing the accelerator pedal modification only to Venza models here as part of a separate recall to replace accessory Venza mats. While the Canadian vehicles are different, Toyota Canada will inspect all models noted in the recall.
Floor Mats
2007 -2010 Camry
2005 -2010 Avalon
2004 -2009 Prius
2005 -2010 Tacoma
2007 -2010 Tundra
Certain Highlander, Corolla, Venza, and Matrix models
ABS Software
Owners of Toyota’s Prius and Lexus HS 250h hybrids are affected by a recall for a brake surge issue experienced during steady brake application on slippery surfaces. The fix involves a software upgrade. Toyota Canada has identified 3,273 Prius units and 2,010 HS250h vehicles in this recall. No other Toyota or Lexus vehicles are involved.
ABS Software
2010 Prius
2010 Lexus HS250h
Accelerator Pedal
This is the big one. The injection molded drive-by-wire accelerator pedal assembly found in many Toyota vehicles can stick when depressed. This is caused by warpage of the meshed wiper portion of the Hall-effect sensor end of the pedal in the presence of moisture. The fix involves measuring the clearance of individual assemblies on the bench and installing a shim-like reinforcing plate. The pedal assembly removes with two bolts and a connector, making this a relatively quick “re and re.” Kits should by in all dealer service departments by the time you read this.
Accelerator Pedal
Some 2009 -2010 RAV4
2009 -2010 Corolla
2009 -2010 Matrix
2005 -2010 Avalon
2007 -2010 Camry
2010 Highlander
2007 -2010 Tundra
2008 -2010 Sequoia
Brake Override
Although not part of the current recall, Toyota is installing a brake interlock system which will override the accelerator position Hall-effect sensor and reduce engine RPM if the brake and accelerator are depressed together. The upgrade will become standard issue on most new production vehicles by the end of the year.
Brake Override
2007 -2010 Camry
2005 -2010 Avalon
2009 -2010 Venza
2008 -2010 Sequoia
2005 -2010 Tacoma
Unrelated but concurrent recalls
During the major recall period, Toyota is also recalling some 2010 Camry models to correct a power steering hose/brake line contact issue and some 2010 Tacoma four-wheel drive pickups to inspect for a small lot of front drive shafts with cracks which could lead to shaft failure. Toyota will begin notifying Tacoma owners by mail starting in mid-March.
What’s the issue for the aftermarket? With sloppy reporting by many mass-media outlets in print and broadcast, many Toyota owners who aren’t affected by the recall are concerned anyway. No vehicle older than 2004 is involved and most are 2007 model year and newer, so these vehicles won’t populate your bays in large numbers yet. Correctly identifying a customer’s Toyota as not part of the recall can be as important as finding affected vehicles if your customer is concerned. By now you’ve likely already faced the questions … for more answers, check Toyota Canada at www.toyota.ca and Transport Canada’s site at www.tc.gc.ca.
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