Toyota announced three separate recalls that will affect over 1 million Toyota and Lexus models. Toyota has recalled over 780,000 Toyota RAV4 sport utility vehicles and Lexus HS 250h autos because the rear suspension arm will loosen over time and develop damage to the rear tire rod. This damage will eventually lead to a failure, which could cause the vehicle to lose control. The model years affected are from 2006 through 2011 for both vehicles that were manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. This is the second time Toyota has had to recall these vehicles for the same problem. The first recall occurred in August 2012 where Toyota attempted to correct the problem, but failed. According to the New York Times, Toyota told dealers that because of a limited number of parts, not all vehicles will be repaired until next February.
Click here to read the full New York Times Article: Toyota Recalls Vehicles a Second Time
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tie rods and replace any that have rust or corrosion on the alignment adjustment threads. All owners will receive notification of the recall, with most receiving second notifications when parts are available in their area. This recall supersedes Toyota and Lexus recall 12V-373. All vehicles that have been inspected and remedied under the previous recall need to be re-inspected and have the appropriate remedy applied.
Another recall affects 133,000 2006-2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUVs and Lexus RX 400h vehicles from 2006-2008 are being recalled due to overheating problems. Certain transistors within these hybrid cars could be damaged during regular use. This heat damage could cause the car to lose power and steering capabilities.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the part. The recall is expected to begin in late September 2013. Vehicles that had the part previously replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by this campaign.
Click here to read the full USA Today article: Toyota Recalls Hybrids for Heat, Lexus Cars for Engines
The final recall affects 102,000 Lexus IS 350, IS 350C, and GS 350 vehicles. The model years in this recall are from 2006 to 2011. This recall was issued, because certain bolts that were installed in timing controlled mechanisms can become loose while driving. If the bolts continue to loosen, the vehicles affected can stop completely while in use. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule for this recall.
Detailed information is available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and www.lexus.com/recall and by calling the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 800-331-4331.
Last month, Toyota recalled 342,451 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles due to a defect in the rear seat belts installed.
Americans rely on their car manufactures to provide a safe well-designed vehicle. Sadly, that is not often the case. The Auto Defect Attorneys at the Brandi Law Firm has successfully represented many people injured from defective Toyotas, Fords, Chrysler, Nissan, GM products and numerous other manufacturers and suppliers. Often times, people involved in accidents do not examine the issues of defective vehicle design nor whether the car was truly crashworthy – does it contain the appropriate crash protection. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto crash, our attorneys at the Brandi Law Firm are available to consult with you. Please contact our office at 800-481-1615 or email us.
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