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View the Toyota Floor Mat Recall Problem First Hand

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:33:38 GMT

View the Toyota Floor Mat Recall Problem First Hand

Here's what happens when the gas pedal gets stuck in the floor mat. It's a potential problem in 12 models from Toyota, Lexus and Pontiac.

Which models are involved in the floor mat pedal entrapment recall?
Toyota
2007 - 2010 Camry
2005 - 2010 Avalon
2004 - 2009 Prius
2005 - 2010 Tacoma
2007 - 2010 Tundra
2008 - 2010 Highlander
2009 - 2010 Corolla
2009 - 2010 Venza
2009 - 2010 Matrix
Lexus
2006 - 2010 IS 250
2006 - 2010 IS 350
2007 - 2010 ES 350

Source: [ Consumer Reports ]

Frequently Asked Questions For Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall and Suspension of Sales

TICKING ACCLERATOR PEDAL RECALL

Which models are involved in the sticking accelerator pedal recall/stop sale?
Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:
• Certain 2009-2010 RAV4*,
• Certain 2009-2010 Corolla*,
• 2009-2010 Matrix,
• 2005-2010 Avalon,
• Certain 2007-2010 Camry*,
• Certain 2010 Highlander*,
• 2007-2010 Tundra,
• 2008-2010 Sequoia
*Highlander hybrids and Camry hybrids are not involved in this action and will remain for sale. Further, Camry, RAV 4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with VINs that begin with "J" are not involved.

What is a “VIN” and how do I find it on my automobile?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character sequence of numbers and letters that is used by the automobile industry to uniquely identify motor vehicles. It can be viewed through the windshield on the driver’s side at the front of the dashboard.

In addition, the VIN number is also located on a sticker on the driver’s side pillar, with the tire inflation information and on the vehicle’s registration.

Why are mechanically similar Lexus and Scion vehicles not involved in this recall?
The recall involved pedal is confined to one of Toyota’s suppliers. That supplier’s pedals are not used on Lexus and Scion vehicles.

What is the problem that could cause accelerators to stick and led to the recall?
The issue involves a friction device in the pedal designed to provide the proper “feel” by adding resistance and making the pedal steady and stable.

This friction device includes a “shoe” that rubs against an adjoining surface during normal pedal operation. Due to the materials used, wear and environmental conditions, these surfaces may, over time, begin to stick and release instead of operating smoothly. In some cases, friction could increase to a point that the pedal is slow to return to the idle position or, in rare cases, the pedal sticks, leaving the throttle partially open.

What is the solution Toyota announced to fix sticking accelerator pedals?
Toyota’s engineers have developed and rigorously tested a solution that is both effective and simple. A precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the accelerator pedal assembly, thereby eliminating the excess friction that has caused pedals to stick in rare instances.

How does a steel reinforcement bar solve this problem?
The steel reinforcement bar will reduce the surface tension between the friction shoe and the adjoining surface. With this reinforcement in place, the excess friction that can cause the pedal to stick is eliminated.

How does Toyota know that this solution will be effective?
Toyota has confirmed the effectiveness of the newly reinforced pedals through rigorous testing on pedal assemblies that had previously shown a tendency to stick. Nothing is more important to Toyota than the safety and satisfaction of our customers, and Toyota has high confidence in its solution for fixing our customers’ vehicles.

When can I get my vehicle fixed?
Toyota will begin contacting customers to let them know when to bring in their vehicles for the fix, and some of them will be notified as early as this week (Week beginning, Monday, February 1). Because of the number of vehicles involved, it will take time to process and mail the instructions to all involved vehicle owners, and Toyota appreciates its owners’ patience during this time. Owners will only receive a letter if their vehicle is involved in the recall. Upon receipt of an owner notification letter that their vehicle is involved, owners will be asked to please contact a local Toyota dealership to schedule an appointment to have their vehicle fixed.

At Toyota, our highest priority has been to quickly and effectively address the needs of owners of involved vehicles. Parts to reinforce the pedals are already being shipped for use by dealers, and many Toyota dealers will work extended hours to complete the recall campaign as quickly and conveniently as possible -- some even staying open 24 hours a day.

Does the reinforced pedal feel any different?
Drivers should not notice any change in the feel of the pedal.

How long will it take for a dealer to repair my automobile?
The actual repair involves about 30 minutes’ work.

Is the repair covered by warranty? Will drivers have to pay any money out of pocket for this work?
Toyota will cover all repair costs associated with this work.

Is my car safe to drive if it has not yet received this solution?
To be clear, the condition is rare and generally does not occur suddenly. It can occur when the pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in certain conditions, the accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position.

Customers who experience an accelerator pedal that is hard to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation should drive the vehicle to a safe location, shut off the engine and contact a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.

What if you experience a sticking accelerator pedal while driving?
Each circumstance may vary, and drivers must use their best judgment, but Toyota recommends taking the following actions:
• If you need to stop immediately, the vehicle can be controlled by stepping on the brake pedal with both feet using firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brake pedal as it will deplete the vacuum utilized for the power brake assist.
• Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.
• If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF. This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.
o If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off the engine. Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button.
o If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key-ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do NOT remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.

What do I do if I believe I am experiencing a sticking accelerator pedal before my car receives the remedy? Should I bring my car to a dealer?
Customers who experience an accelerator pedal that is hard to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation should drive the vehicle to a safe location, shut off the engine and contact a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.

Otherwise, if you are not experiencing any of these issues with your accelerator pedal, Toyota is confident that your vehicle is safe to drive, and no action is required at this time. Toyota will begin contacting customers to let them know when to bring in their vehicles for the fix, and some of them will be notified as early as this week.
What if my vehicle is also involved in the floor mat recall? Which will be addressed first?
Toyota is working to coordinate the pedal entrapment and the sticking pedal recalls to minimize the number of customers who will have to have two service visits.

Are you continuing to investigate other models for this sticking pedal issue?
Toyota is confident that all models that contain the potentially sticking pedals have been identified.
Why has Toyota stopped selling the involved vehicles? When will those vehicles go on sale again?
The law requires that dealers stop delivering all new vehicles identified in our recall notice. As the dealer modifies vehicles, the dealers may sell and deliver the vehicles on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis. In other words, once a dealer modifies a vehicle, the dealer may sell and deliver it even though similar, unmodified vehicles at the dealership may not be delivered to customers.

However, Toyota’s priority is providing the remedy to current vehicle owners first.

FLOOR MAT PEDAL ENTRAPMENT RECALL

Lexus
2006 - 2010 IS 250
2006 - 2010 IS 350
2007 - 2010 ES 350

What is the condition that has prompted this floor mat pedal entrapment recall?
There is the potential for an unsecured or incompatible driver’s floor mat to interfere with, or entrap, the accelerator pedal in the worst case, in the wide-open position. A vehicle with an entrapped accelerator pedal may be difficult to control and/or stop.

What are the specific measures of the vehicle-based remedy you are using to address the potential for floor mats to entrap the pedal?
The remedy is as follows:
1. The shape of the accelerator pedal will be reconfigured to address the risk of floor mat entrapment, even when an older-design all-weather floor mat or other inappropriate floor mat is improperly attached, or is placed on top of another floor mat. For the ES350, Camry, and Avalon models involved, the shape of the floor surface underneath will also be reconfigured to increase the space between the accelerator pedal and the floor.
2. Vehicles with any genuine Toyota or Lexus accessory all-weather floor mat will be provided with newly-designed replacement driver- and front passenger-side all-weather floor mats.
In addition, as a separate measure independent of the vehicle-based remedy, Toyota will install a brake override system onto the involved Camry, Avalon, and Lexus ES 350, IS 350 and IS 250 models as an extra measure of confidence. This system cuts engine power in case of simultaneous application of both the accelerator and brake pedals.
The recall remedies for accelerator pedal entrapment for the Corolla, Matrix, Venza, Highlander, Tacoma, Tundra, and Prius will occur on a rolling schedule during 2010. No details have been provided to this point. Please note that the Prius, and all hybrids for that matter, already have a version of the override system. The override system will be standard by the end of 2010.

What is the function of “brake override system”?
When the vehicle is moving and both the gas and brake pedal are pushed at the same time, this software forces the vehicle to respond to the brake only. The brake takes precedence over the gas pedal.

Is Toyota implementing the brake override system because there is an electronic control unit (ECU) defect?
Toyota is confident that no defect exists in the ECU.

What vehicles has Toyota begun notification on for the floor mat recall?
Toyota has begun issuing notification for the Lexus division involved models – ES350 and IS250 and IS350, and the Toyota Camry and Avalon. The recall remedies for other involved vehicles will be rolled out through 2010.

In the meantime, if you are an owner of a vehicle involved in this recall, as a precaution, to help reduce the risk of incorrect floor mat installation and/or application, Toyota requests that customers take out any removable driver’s floor mat and NOT replace it with any other floor mat until the safety recall remedy has been completed on the vehicle. After the recall remedy has been completed, only floor mats designed specifically for the vehicle and which are properly secured should be installed on the driver’s floor.

What is the likelihood that my vehicle will experience this condition?
Pedal entrapment can occur in vehicles in which the driver’s side floor mat is not compatible with the vehicle and/or is not properly installed and secured. It can also occur when there is a loose item or debris on the driver’s side floor.
As a precaution, to help reduce the risk of incorrect floor mat installation and/or application, Toyota requests that customers take out any removable driver’s floor mat and NOT replace it with any other floor mat until the safety recall remedy has been completed on the vehicle. After the recall remedy has been completed, only floor mats designed specifically for the vehicle and which are properly secured should be installed on the driver’s floor.

What should I do if I experience floor mat pedal entrapment while driving?
Should the vehicle continue to accelerate rapidly after releasing the accelerator pedal, this could be an indication of floor mat interference. If this occurs, Toyota recommends the driver take the following actions:
• First, if it is possible and safe to do so, pull back the floor mat and dislodge it from the accelerator pedal; then pull over and stop the vehicle.
• If the floor mat cannot be dislodged, then firmly and steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet. Do NOT pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to slow the vehicle.
• Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine. • If you are unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF, or to ACC. This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.
o If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off the engine. Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button.
o If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key-ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do NOT remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.
What if I don’t want to remove my floor mat?
Toyota strongly recommends that you remove the driver’s side floor mat and that you not disregard this advice. If you choose to disregard our recommendation, please be sure that your vehicle has the correct floor mat and that it is properly installed and secured. Do not stack floor mats and do not turn them over. While there are instructions onwww.toyota.com for proper floor mat installation in unaffected vehicles, again, Toyota strongly recommends that you remove the floor mat out of recalled vehicles.

Are the all-weather floor mats being replaced in involved vehicles?
Yes. Toyota will be replacing the front driver and passenger-side floor mats.

Is Toyota recalling the old style floor mats and what are you doing with them?
Yes, Toyota is recalling the old style floor mat as part of this recall to completely remove them from the market. At some point in time, in the future, these mats will be recycled into other products such as road surfaces. Toyota has not completed the details of the recycling actions.

GENERAL QUESTIONS ON BOTH RECALLS

What are the differences between the recalls?
There are two different recalls. Some vehicles are involved in both.

Sticking Pedal Accelerator Recall: In rare instances, over time, and under certain environmental conditions, there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to idle position.
Potential Floor Mat Interference with Accelerator Pedal Recall: This condition is the potential for an unsecured or incompatible driver’s floor mat to interfere with or entrap the accelerator pedal and cause it to get stuck in the wide open position. Toyota has determined that this condition can occur in vehicles in which the driver’s side floor mat is not compatible with the vehicle and/or is not properly secured.

What models are involved in both the sticking pedal and floor mat entrapment recalls?
Certain 2007-2010 Camry*
Certain 2009-2010 Corolla*
2009-2010 Matrix
2005-2010 Avalon
Certain 2010 Highlander*
2007-2010 Tundra

* Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall - Highlander hybrids and Camry hybrids are not involved in this action. Further, Camry, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with VINs that begin with "J" are not involved in this action.

What if my vehicle is involved in both recalls? Which will be addressed first?
Toyota is working to coordinate the pedal entrapment and the sticking pedal recalls to minimize the number of customers who will have to have two service visits.
Is there actually a problem with the vehicle’s computer/Electronic Control Unit?Toyota has never found an incident of unintended acceleration caused by the vehicle’s computer/electronic control unit.
What should I do if I still have questions or concerns?
If you still have questions or concerns that have not been addressed here, please contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
The Toyota Customer Experience Center hours are:
Monday - Friday, 5:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. PST
Saturday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. PST

http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/FAQ-for-Sticking-Accelerator-Pedal-152196.aspx

Consumer Reports, on the New 2011 Hyundai Sonata

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:59:03 GMT

Consumer Reports, on the New 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai won't be giving the American automotive media its first crack at driving their new 2011 Sonata until next week. However, new Sonatas have apparently already started rolling off the trucks into Hyundai dealers across the country. Unlike the rest of the media horde (LeaseTrader.com included), when the folks at Consumer Reports want to test a new vehicle, they actually go out and buy one.

Such was the case last week when they purchased one of the first examples of Hyundai's stylish new mid-sizer. CR tested a base GLS model Sonata and felt that while it does handle better than the 2009 equivalent, it still isn't quite up to the standard of the sportiest examples in the segment including the Ford Fusion and Mazda6. There is, however, a more aggressive SE model which CR hasn't tried out yet, so this might not be a truly apples-to-apples comparison.

CR's testers did feel the interior was an improvement over the outgoing model with higher quality materials and a particularly roomy rear seat. We'll have our own first hand impressions by the end of next week.

Source: [ Consumer Reports , Autoblog.com ]

Toyota preparing a Global recall of its new 2010 Prius

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:41:57 GMT

Toyota preparing a Global recall of its new 2010 Prius

TOKYO (Reuters) -- Toyota Motor Corp. is preparing a recall of its new Prius hybrid car in Japan as early as Tuesday, followed by similar steps in the United States, Europe and other markets, a source familiar with its plans said.

Several news agencies, all citing multiple sources, are reporting the same thing.

Toyota, which has earned a reputation as the green-vehicle front-runner with the fuel-sipping Prius, has said it is discussing with safety authorities worldwide how to fix a software glitch that delays braking on the model in certain road conditions.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda apologized on Friday for a separate series of recalls covering more than 8 million vehicles, saying the company was rushing to reach a decision on the Prius as it seeks to restore consumers' confidence in the brand.

Toyota has come under intense scrutiny, with U.S. safety authorities and members of the Obama administration accusing it of responding too slowly on problems related to uncontrolled acceleration that have been linked to up to 19 crash deaths in the United States over the past decade.

An announcement to recall the 2010 Prius, cumulative global sales of which total more than 300,000 units, will likely come from a filing with Japan's Transport Ministry on Tuesday, followed by plans elsewhere, the source said.

The Prius was Japan's top-selling car in 2009 and is arguably Toyota's most important model, as car makers around the globe prepare for a new era in low-emission vehicles.

"We think [Toyota's] start of efforts to resolve quality problems is a step forward in terms of regaining investor confidence," J.P. Morgan auto analyst Kohei Takahashi said in a report, referring to Toyota's announcement on Friday to set up a committee to review its quality controls.

Other hybrids affected

The recall could also include the Toyota Sai and its sister model under the premium Lexus brand, HS250h, which debuted last year and uses the same brake system as the third-generation Prius.

A Toyota spokeswoman said the company was still discussing plans with safety authorities in the United States and Japan. The new Prius model is sold in some 60 countries.

The Sai sedan is the second hybrid-only model under the Toyota brand, and the HS250h is the automaker's first dedicated hybrid model under the Lexus brand.

As of the end of December, Toyota sold 15,500 HS250h cars globally since its release in July. Sales of Sai, a Japan-only model released in December, came to 3,800 units in the first month, Toyota said.

U.S. competitor Ford Motor Co. said last week it was fixing up to 17,600 hybrid Fusion and Milan sedans for similar braking problems.

Toyota stock has lost more than a fifth of its value since the world's biggest automaker expanded a recall related to unintended acceleration to millions of vehicles globally. Still, share prices have been trending upward after the automaker forecast an annual profit last week, and after Toyoda's Friday news conference.

Lawsuits grow

In addition to the cost of repairing the vehicles, Toyota faces a rise in indirect spending, including from a likely rise in lawsuits.

At least 30 class-action lawsuits have been filed against the Japanese automaker in the United States, as law firms across the nation call out to consumers to capitalice on Toyota's vehicle defects.

San Diego law firm Steiner & Associates, for one, has a website up and running that asks: "Have You or Loved One Been Injured or Killed in an Accident Due to a Defective Gas Pedal or Floor Mat? You may be entitled to substantial compensation!"

Toyota had skirted a full investigation into unintended acceleration of its vehicles and faced a risk of more recalls, according to a consumer advocate set to testify this week in a U.S. congressional probe over safety issues.

"I suspect that we are going to see a series of recalls appear over a period of time here, certainly over the next year, and they are going to address varying issues and varying vehicles," said Sean Kane, founder of the Safety Research & Strategies Inc, a consumer safety group.

Toyota has said it found no evidence of any safety problems beyond those covered by recalls under way.

New 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S , Priced over $300K ?

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:54:16 GMT

New 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S , Priced over $300K ?

The wunderkinds in Wiessach have wrought a new head of the family in the form of the 2011 911 Turbo S, the first 911 S model in five years and the first for the 997. In Porsche parlance, the S suffix generally means more power and better handling, and this car appears ready to live up to the badge.

As we surmised last August, the twin-turbo flat-six is boosted to 530 horsepower, though it sips fuel at the same rate as the "base" Turbo's with its 500-horsepower engine. All that power and 516 pound-feet of torque are transferred to all four wheels – now 19 inches in diameter with center locking nuts – through Porsche's seven-speed PDK dual clutch gearbox, and a torque vectoring system helps point the car directly where the driver wants it. 0-62 miles per hour should arrive in 3.3 seconds and top speed is pegged at 196 mph. For comparison's sake, the almighty 911 GT2 makes the same amount of horsepower (530), is slower to 62 mph at 3.7 seconds, but beats the new 911 S at the top end with a 204-mph terminal velocity.

Both fixed and folding roof versions of the Turbo S will officially debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month and go on sale in Europe in May. The coupe will cost €173,241 including 19 percent VAT= US$281,919 (the actual base price is €145,400 - US$198,835 ), while the Cabriolet goes €184,546 also including the 19 percent VAT = US$300,315.50 (base price €154,900, - US$211,826). U.S. market models should follow soon after.

Sorce: [ Autoblog.com ]

Toyota to Recall Prius in U.S. and Japan

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:11:55 GMT

Toyota to Recall Prius in U.S. and Japan

TOKYO -- Toyota Motor Corp. is considering a recall of its popular 2010 Prius hybrid in the United States and Japan to address complaints about slipping brakes after transportation authorities in both countries ordered investigations.

"We are thinking of a recall and currently discussing it with the Transportation Ministry," said Junji Ogata, Toyota's general manager in charge of recalls. Toyota is weighing a recall in both the United States and Japan but has not made a final decision, he said on Thursday.

"We'd like to make a decision as soon as possible," Ogata said.

Ogata later clarified that Toyota was discussing various measures to address the brake issue in the Prius. He did not elaborate on what the additional options would be, but said Toyota would have to consult with the Transportation Ministry before issuing any recall.

The eventual response might not even entail a recall, a Toyota spokesman said.

Meanwhile, Toyota President Akio Toyoda was poised to break his silence over the outbreak of recalls and quality concerns. A quickly organized press conference was called for 9 p.m. local time Friday (7 a.m. EST) for Toyoda and Shinichi Sasaki, executive vice president in charge of quality, to address the matter.

Earlier in the day, Japan's Nikkei business daily reported that Toyota had already decided to recall the 2010 third-generation Prius. The world's biggest carmaker was expected to file the recall with agencies in the United States and Japan shortly, it said.

About 270,000 cars would be affected, according to the Nikkei.

Still deciding

A Transportation Ministry official said Toyota hadn’t filed a recall by late Feb. 5.

"We are in talks with Toyota as to whether this thing would lead a recall or not, whether this thing is a defect or not, if it is dangerous or not,” the official said.

The official said he didn’t know how many cars would be involved.

The action comes as Toyota battles fresh complaints that the Prius suffers from momentary lapses of braking capability, especially on slippery or bumpy surfaces.

Toyota said that it conducted a software fix to address reports of slipping brakes. But the world's biggest carmaker didn't notify customers at the time of the change. And it was still uncertain how it would handle the thousands of Prius vehicles sold before the fix.

The problem occurs in the third-generation Prius, which went on sale in the United States, Japan and Europe last year. Transportation agencies in the United States and Japan have been compiling dozens of complaints that the car's brakes give way under certain conditions.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation Thursday into the problem, saying it had received 124 consumer complaints, including four reports of crashes and two of minor injuries.

Earlier in the week, Japan's Ministry of Transportation ordered Toyota to investigate the problem and consider a recall if a defect is found. It has logged 38 complaints since July.

Slipping feeling

At a hastily called press conference on Thursday to address the mounting complaints, Toyota Managing Officer Hiroyuki Yokoyama said the slipping feeling is caused by a lag time in the shift between the car's regenerative braking system and the antilock braking system.

The phenomenon occurs mostly on slippery or bumpy roads, and complaints rose in December when icy conditions triggered more frequent application of ABS braking in the cars.

"When ABS comes into play, you may feel a little bit of slip, but if you continue to apply the brake it will work," Yokoyama said. "It may cause customers a little unease."

Toyota updated the software in late January to reduce the lag time in cars now coming off the assembly line, Yokoyama said. At the time, Toyota was focused on implementing a fix as soon as possible after the complaints came in, he said.

Toyota is studying whether the old braking pattern is a safety risk. But he said that the braking performance still falls within legal guidelines.

"We want to come up with a countermeasure to inform our customers, so we would like to be allowed some time and come up with a conclusion as soon as possible," Yokoyama said.

News of the fresh investigation comes as the world's largest automaker struggles to rein in a recall crisis aimed at fixing incidents of unintended acceleration in some of its vehicles. Since last fall, Toyota has recalled 8.1 million vehicles worldwide -- more cars than it sold last year.

Problems with the latest generation of the Prius would be another blow. The green halo surrounding the popular hybrid is largely credited for Toyota's image as a leader in environmentally friendly technology.

In Japan, the Prius is the best selling car.

Japan's Transportation Ministry has asked Toyota to provide a report on the problem, a ministry official said. Two brake incidents resulted in crashes, and two injuries were reported.

"It is necessary to check whether the complaints are based on users' feeling or problems with the car," the official said. "If it is based on the latter, Toyota needs to issue a recall."

SOURCE: [ Automotive News ]

DOT Secretary pulls back from telling owners not to drive their Toyota’s

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:36:34 GMT

DOT Secretary pulls back from telling owners not to drive their Toyota’s

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood just said he misspoke when he earlier advised owners of the eight recalled models to park them and not drive them until they can be brought into dealers to have their accelerator pedals repaired.

He said it was "obviously a misstatement" and apparently is falling back on earlier advice, which is that owners should take in their recalled cars for repairs when notified, but you can keep driving your car unless it shows signs of having a sticky accelerator pedal.

I want to encourage owners of any recalled Toyota models to contact their local dealer and get their vehicles fixed as soon as possible. NHTSA will continue to hold Toyota's feet to the fire to make sure that they are doing everything they have promised to make their vehicles safe. We will continue to investigate all possible causes of these safety issues.

Earlier in the day, the Associated Press had reported:

LaHood's warning came Wednesday in testimony before a House Appropriations subcommittee on transportation. LaHood says his advice to owners is to "stop driving it. Take it to a Toyota dealer because they believe they have a fix for it."

Toyota's most recent recall in the United States affects 2.3 million vehicles with the potential for sticking gas pedals. LaHood told reporters earlier in the day that Toyota owners should contact their dealer immediately and "exercise caution until repairs can be made."

In addition, Transportation is probing to see if other automakers might have the same problems as Toyotas if they share similar pedal systems. And it's getting complaints about braking systems in Prius. Yesterday LaHood called Toyota weak on safety and said his own department had to send an official to Tokyo to prompt the pedal recall.

Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Toyota have been recommending only that drivers be careful and look for symptoms that their cars could have unintended acceleration -- even though Toyota stopped selling the models last week. To Drive On, this made no sense. If the cars are dangeous enough that they can't be sold, how could owners still be fine driving them?

Still no response from Toyota to today's developments.

Source: [ USAToday ]

Toyota hit by more than 100 Prius brake complaints

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:37:12 GMT

Toyota hit by more than 100 Prius brake complaints

TOKYO (AP) -- Toyota Motor Corp. has been hit by over 100 complaints in the U.S. and Japan about brake problems with the popular Prius hybrid, the latest in a spate of quality troubles for the automaker as it grapples with massive global recalls.

The Japanese company's sales are being battered in the U.S. -- Toyota's biggest market -- after recalls of top-selling models to fix a gas pedal that can stick in the depressed position.

The new Prius gas-electric hybrid, which went on sale in Japan and the U.S. in May 2009, is not part of the recalls that extend to Europe and China, covering nearly 4.5 million vehicles.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received about 100 complaints involving the brakes of the Prius new model. Two involved crashes resulting in injuries.

Japan's transport ministry said Wednesday it has also received 14 complaints since July last year about brake problems with Toyota's new Prius hybrid.

The 14 complaints included an accident in July 2009, in which a Prius crashed head on into another car at an intersection. Transport ministry official Masaya Ota said two people were slightly injured in the accident.

"The Prius driver in the accident told police that a brake did not work," Ota said. "Other Prius drivers also complained brakes were not so sharp." The complaints in Japan involve the new Prius model, and the vehicles were all made in Japan, he said.

The ministry ordered Toyota, the world's No. 1 automaker, to investigate the complaints. The other 13 cases happened from December to January 2010. Ota said the ministry has yet to receive a formal report on the complaints from Toyota.

Toyota spokeswoman Ririko Takeuchi said the company has received reports about the Prius complaints in North America and in Japan and was now looking into the matter.

Toyota shares plunged 5.7 percent to 3,400 yen ($38) with jittery investors dumping stocks in the wake of the Prius woes in the U.S. and Japan. The benchmark Nikkei stock index edged up just 0.3 percent to 10,404.33 as the drop in Toyota dampened sentiment.

Toyota will recall an additional 1.1 million vehicles totaling 4.3 million in the US alone

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:34:17 GMT

Toyota will recall an additional 1.1 million vehicles totaling 4.3 million in the US alone

TOKYO -- Toyota Motor Corp., battling an escalating crisis over the safety of its vehicles, said it will recall another 1.1 million autos in the United States to fix floor mats that may jam accelerator pedals and cause unintended acceleration.

The action is an extension of last fall's recall, in which the world's largest automaker called back 4.3 million vehicles in its largest ever U.S. safety action.

Wednesday's amended recall involves 2008-10 Highlanders and 2009-2010 Corollas, Venzas, and Matrixes, Toyota said in a statement. The action also covers 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibes made in a joint venture with General Motors Co.

The move comes a day after Toyota said it would halt sales and temporarily suspend production of 2.3 million U.S. vehicles recalled last week for sticking accelerator pedals. That issue is separate from the floor mat concern, though both may result in vehicles accelerating unintentionally out of a driver's control.

“We added these vehicles after some reports were received by the federal government of pedals getting trapped on secured floor mats,” said Brian Lyons, a Toyota spokesman for recall issues. “We heard it's a very small number.”

The carmaker's remedy calls for modifying or replacing accelerator pedals and possibly changing the floor surface to reduce the possibility of pedal entrapment.

Dealers will be instructed how to reshape the pedal as a quick fix, and replacement pedals will be shipped to them as the components become available. Toyota will also replace all-weather floor mats with a newly designed mat.

Source: [ Automotive News ]

2011 Mini Countryman Video footage

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:42:04 GMT

2011 Mini Countryman Video footage

If you can't get enough of the forthcoming Mini Countryman, twelve minutes of new footage that doesn't involve yellow swirlies has found its way onto the 'Net. Thankfully, there's no annoying musical soundtrack, so you can see and hear the tiny crossover careening through a Western European landscape and a port area with only its drivetrain as accompaniment.

Source: [ Autoblog.com ]

Pontiac Vibe included in Toyota recall

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:26:55 GMT

Pontiac Vibe included in Toyota recall

It is easy to forget that among the debris swirling in the tornado of claims against Toyota, the Pontiac Vibe is really a Toyota Matrix. Hence, the Vibe is also included in Toyota's recent recall of 2.3 million vehicles to repair accelerator pedal mechanisms that could stick and cause unintended acceleration.

The Vibe was built at the NUMMI plant in a California. The joint venture between Toyota and General Motors became a victim of last year's industry turmoil. GM pulled out of the partnership last June, and Toyota is reportedly ending production there in March.

GM doesn't yet know how many 2009 and 2010 model Vibes are included in the recall. When it receives details on numbers and the fix from Toyota, customers will be notified and they can get their hatches repaired at Buick-GMC dealerships.

Source: [ Automotive News ]