The Toyota Motor Company has announced a recall for almost 52,000 2001-2003 Prius Hybrid vehicles in the United States to replace the electric power steering pinion shaft attachment nuts. The nuts securing the pinion shaft in the steering gear box assembly may become loose when the steering wheel is repeatedly and strongly turned to the full lock position. Eventually, the driver will notice that the steering wheel will become harder to turn when making a left hand turns. Owners receiving recall notices will be able to take their vehicle to their local dealership where technicians will replace the attachment nuts with an improved nut. For more information, Prius owners can contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or go to www.toyota.com/recall.
Category Archives: Toyota
Toyota Recalls 2011 Tundra Trucks
Toyota announced Tuesday that they will be recalling over 50,000 2011 Tundra trucks to inspect the rear drive shaft. The Japanese automaker estimated that about 0.05% of the trucks made may have been fitted with a slip yoke that was improperly cast during the foundry process. There has been one complaint of drive shaft slip yoke failure, but no accidents or injuries have been reported
The owners with recalled vehicles will start receiving notifications starting May, where dealers will inspect the production lot number to see if it has been installed with the problem component. Additional information can be found at www.toyota.com/recall or contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Toyota Recalls RAV4 And Highlanders Over Airbags
Toyota has announced a recall on over 300,000 sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) for issues with the airbag sensors that could lead to an unexpected airbag deployment. The problem is being blamed on the two airbag sensors that detect a vehicles roll angle. If both airbags fail after an airbag system check, the airbags and seat belt pretensioners could be triggered. A Toyota spokesman said that there have been reports of injury when the airbag deployed unexpectedly.
The recall involves about 200,000 2007-2008 RAV4 and almost 100,000 2008 Highlander and Highlander HV SUV’s sold in the United States. Owners will receive a recall notice starting in May, where Toyota dealers will replace the sensors free of charge.
Japan Earthquake And Tsunami Halt Auto Production
Japanese auto manufacturing plants will remain closed today in order to assess the damage from Friday’s earthquake and Tsunami. Being outside the hardest hit areas, the factories are still operational, but rolling power blackouts and damaged infrastructure could prevent automobile shipments from leaving ports for a considerable amount of time. The three major Japanese automobile manufacturers, Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, supply most American consumers through factories in the U.S., but Lexus, Mazda, Suzuki and smaller fuel efficient cars like the Toyota Prius and Yaris, and the Honda Fit are built in Japan. In America, consumers have been turning to these small fuel efficient cars as gas prices increase. Some dealerships in North Palm Beach say that they have already sold out of these efficient cars, and they don’t know if any will be getting to their dealerships anytime soon.
Toyota Recalls Vehicles For Tire Pressure Monitors
Toyota will be recalling certain 2008-2011 truck’s and SUV’s for tire pressure monitoring and regulating systems that do not comply with the federal motor vehicle safety standards. The lack of proper calibration of the system may lead to the low tire pressure warning light not illuminating untill well below the minimum activation pressure. Operating the vehicle with low tire pressure will lead to improper wear of the tires and ultimately tire failure. The vehicles covered in this recall are:
Once owners have been notified of the recall, they can bring their vehicles to their dealership to have the tire pressure monitoring system re-initialized and calibrated. Anyone wanting more information can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Toyota Highlander HEV Investigated For Stalling
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have opened up a defect investigation into 2006 Toyota Highlander hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) after receiving 32 complaints of stalling engines. None of the incidents resulted in an accident, but many complained that the vehicle could not be restarted and had to be towed to the dealership. The NHTSA have carried out several investigations into stalling engines of different vehicles and manufacturers over the years, many of which have led to recalls.
The 2011 Detroit Auto Show
Detroit’s showcase of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is one of North America’s most prestigious auto exhibitions. Besides being home to the “Big Three” (the three major American automotive companies: General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler ), the show serves as a locale for international automakers to show off their most innovative designs and give consumers the experience of North America’s largest and most prestigious automotive showcase. This year’s show is expected to see over 30 all new reveals of the 500 vehicles on display.
Toyota plans to capitalize on their green image as they launch three new Prius models in an attempt to shift public attention to their innovative new products. There will be many other electric and hybrid vehicles as consumers move toward more efficient and zero emission modes of transportation. Ford will introduce their new Focus electric vehicle as well as their Ford Explorer, North American truck of the year. GM’s Chevrolet Volt, named North American car of the year will also be there.
Experience the next generation of transportation at the 2011 North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Conference and Exhibition Center . Doors will be open to the general public: Saturday, January 15 to Saturday January 22, 9 am – 10 pm and on Sunday, January 23, 9 am to 7 pm.
Consumer Reports Top Automobile Picks For 2010
Consumer Reports (CR) is an American magazine published by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. Consumer Reports does not print outside advertising, accept free product samples, or permit the commercial use of its reviews for selling products. Its publisher states that this policy allows the magazine to “maintain their independence and impartiality… so that CR has no agenda other than the interests of consumers.
Every year, CR publishes their top ten automobiles in ten different categories. The choices are based on performance, reliability and safety. Below are Consumers Reports picks for the 2010 year.
Family Sedan
Nissan Altima:
The Nissan Altima has always been a popular choice as a family sedan. It’s roomy interior and comfortable ride makes the car an enjoyable drive. The 2010 version of this car offers improved looks, standard electronic stability control (ESC) and the best fuel economy in its class.
Small Sedan
Hyundai Elantra SE:
Hyundai safety and reliability has come a long way and has made Consumer Reports top picks for the third time. The Elantra SE, offers a comfortable ride, good fuel economy and plenty of features for the price. The SE comes with standard ESC that is often not offered on similar competitors vehicles.
Sporty Car
Volkswagen GTI:
The 2010 Volkswagen GTI is a sporty version of the Golf. It offers excellent handling and acceleration and is a comfortable car to drive. The interior is tastefully finished with plenty of cargo space, especially with the hatchback model. Like all Volkswagen’s, the GTI offers a respectable fuel economy.
Small SUV
Subaru Forester:
The Subaru Forester has been labeled as the SUV that offers the most car like driving experience. It offers a comfortable ride with plenty of room and excellent visibility. The Forester offers excellent reliability and an impressive gas mileage for an SUV.
Best Overall Car
Lexus LS 460L:
Lexus has always pampered it’s customers with a luxurious driving experience. The LS 460L is no exception with it’s well crafted, roomy and quiet interior. Though the price is a bit higher than some of the vehicles in its class, if you can afford it, it is well worth it.
Family SUV
Chevrolet Traverse:
Overall, the Traverse stands out as a family SUV. It is comfortable and responsive, and allows up to eight adults seated comfortably as well as room for cargo. Visibility is not the best for this SUV, taking into account the size of it, but Chevy offers convex side mirrors and an optional rear view camera to help.
Sports Sedan
Infiniti G37:
The Infiniti G sedans are one of the highest rated sedans tested by Consumer Reports. Excellent handling, acceleration and comfort make this luxurious vehicle a pleasure to drive. Because it is a sports sedan, space and storage are compromised.
Family Hauler
Mazda5:
The Mazda5 offers a lot in a compact and affordable microvan. It offers the convenience of a minivan with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a wagon. The addition of standard ESC for 2010 makes this minivan safer and fun to drive.
Green Car
Toyota Prius:
The Toyota Prius was one to the first green cars manufactured for the public. Its overall mileage has made it the green car pick for the seventh straight year. It is a comfortable car to drive, and its 2010 redesign makes it even more appealing. Toyota has also added a dedicated EV that allows it to run longer on electric power at low speeds.
Pickup Truck
Chevrolet Silverado 1500:
This well rounded pickup offers a roomy cabin, an exellent payload capacity and a decent ride for a pickup. It is an excellent 4WD family vehicle offering a quality interior on higher end models.
