After completing an investigation into difficult steering in certain 2014 FJ Cruiser‘s, Toyota has found a problem that will have owners returning their vehicles to a manufacturer approved repair facility for repairs.

According to reports filed with the NHTSA, these vehicles are equipped with an optional “Trail Teams Ultimate Edition” package in which the front shock absorbers and springs are replaced with more robust off road suspension parts. In some of these vehicles, the two bolts which secure the front lower ball joint to the steering knuckle might have been tightened with insufficient torque . The bolts could loosen and fall out, resulting in the front lower ball joint detaching from the steering knuckle. Drivers could experience complete loss of steering control and an increased chance of an accident. Continue reading →

The Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, P.C. were recently contacted by a 2013 Toyota Prius owner who was experiencing repeated problems with her vehicle. The EV had been in for repairs on three (3) separate occasions, was out of service in the hands of the manufacturer for more that 62 days, and the problems were still not fixed. She had complained to the Toyota dealer on many occasions about issues which included defective:

  • Vehicle Paint
  • Windshield (etched Spots/Distortion)
  • Back Glass
  • Right Rear Quarter Glass
  • Driver’s Side Window
  • Right Rear Window
  • Spoiler

Continue reading →

Drivers of certain Toyota and Pontiac vehicles could experience an airbag safety defect that could result in the airbag becoming inoperable. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the steering column in these vehicles contain a spiral cable assembly which contains the electrical connections to the driver’s airbag module. When the steering wheel is turned, the cable could contact a small point of the retainer and become damaged. The airbag could become deactivated causing it not to deploy during an accident. Drivers of vehicles experiencing this problem will be alerted with an air bag warning lamp. Continue reading →

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Toyota have come to a $1.2 billion settlement agreement that will end a four year investigation into the inadvertent acceleration of certain Toyota vehicles. During a new conference on Wednesday, Attorney General Eric Holder criticized the automobile manufacturer for misleading consumers through statements regarding the two issues that caused sudden acceleration in certain models. Continue reading →