After battling a turbulent four years, Toyota hopes to leave massive recalls, supply chain problems, and a strong Japanese Yen behind them, in an attempt to get back on track to growth expected before the crises. In 2012, Toyota regained its title as the largest automobile manufacturer Continue reading

An recent investigation into side curtain airbags not deploying properly in some Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Accura, and Subaru vehicles has the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concerned about how wide spread the problem could be. The investigation started after Swedish automobile parts manufacturer, Autoliv, reported that one of their airbags failed to deploy under cold weather conditions as a result of the wrong mixture of inflation gasses being used. The company also manufactures airbags for General Motors and Ford, but say that a different design is used. Approximately 11,000 of the potentially defective parts have been shipped to various manufacturers, and concerns over the problem has already lead to the recall of several vehicle models. The recall includes:

Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Camry sedans and 2009-2011 Venza mid size crossover SUV (CUV) vehicles over a manufacturing defect that could leave drivers with inoperative brake lights. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), silicon grease may have gotten on the contacts of the stop lamp switch increasing the resistance of the switch. This problem with the brake lights could lead to a no start condition, and the driver may not be able to shift out of the “park” position. Toyota will be notifying and replacing the stop lamp switch starting in April. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into possible fire hazards in some 2007 Camry, Camry Solara and Rav4 vehicles. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, owners experienced a burning odor, and eventually flames coming from inside the doors. The problem is suspected to be caused by a malfunctioning power window master switch control. If the investigation leads to a recall, almost 830,000 vehicles could be affected.

Toyota is recalling certain 2011 RAV4 vehicles for airbags that may not deploy properly during an accident. According to the recall filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), propellant with the incorrect specification may have been used in the initiator inflator, causing one or both curtain shield airbags to not deploy. Toyota will be notifying customers and will inspect and replace the curtain shield assemblies as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. The recall is expected to begin in early March 2012.

Toyota has announced that they will be recalling certain 2011 Venza crossover and 2011 Sienna minivans manufactured between March 07, 2011 to March 10, 2011. These vehicles may have been installed with a front right drive shaft that was not properly heat treated. The improperly manufactured shaft could break while driving leaving the driver stranded and increasing the chance of an accident. Toyota will begin notifying affected customers starting mid June. For more information contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. The recall is expected to have effected only about 38 vehicles sold in the United States and Canada.

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.

2009-2010 Toyota Corolla Matrix – Vehicles equipped with 1.8L Engine and originally sold in or registered in Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakora, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Under certain conditions in extremely low temperatures cetain parts may become locked due to freezing of condensation from positive crankcase ventilation. This could lead to increase in vehicle stopping distance and could result in a crash. Please call your dealer immediately to schedule an appointment.

Think your Toyota may be a lemon? Call the California Lemon Law Attorneys at the Law Offices of Delsack and Associates for a Free CA Lemon Law consultation. Call 888-Ex-Lemon (888-395-3666).