There is yet another big product recall today as Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 1.53 million Avalon, Lexus, and several other models for faulty fuel pumps and issues regarding braking fluid. The Toyota recall is the most recent in a plethora of quality challenges for the world’s number one auto-maker.
Toyota has announced that it is recalling about 740,000 vehicles in the U.S. and about 599,000 in Japan. The remainder of the affected vehicles are in Europe and various other regions around the world.
Over the past year or so, Toyota has recalled more than ten million cars globally for a spate of issues, including everything from errant brakes in the Prius hybrid, to defective accelerator pedals and floor mats that could possibly get stuck underneath gas pedals. As recently as August of this year, Toyota recalled 1.33 million Corollas and Matrix vehicles in North America due to the possibility of engine stalling. Toyota also recalled 3.8 million vehicles in September 2009.
Most of the vehicles affect by this Toyota recall need repairs for a problem with the brake master cyclinder, which could attenuate braking strength, according to Paul Nolasco, a Tokyo spokesperson for Toyota.
Certain vehicles in Japan and a few other areas (but not here in the U.S.) have an electrical problem with the vehicles’ fuel pumps, which could lead to stalling, according to Nolasco.
Thus far, there have not been any accidents resulting from the two problems, according to Toyota.
Here in the U.S., the vehicles affected are the 2005 and 2006 Avalon; the 2004-2006 non-hybrid version of the Highlander SUV; and the Lexus RX330, 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350 models, the automaker stated in an official press release.
That press release indicated that a small amount of brake fluid could slowly seep from the brake master cylinder, causing the brake warning lamp to illuminate.
Here is the full press release from Toyota:
Toyota Announces Intent to Voluntarily Recall Certain Toyota Avalon and Highlander, and Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350 Vehicles to Replace a Brake Master Cylinder Seal
TORRANCE, Calif., October 20, 2010 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 740,000 – 2005 through 2006 Avalon, 2004 through 2006 Highlander (non Hybrid) and Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350 vehicles sold in the United States to address the possibility that a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.
This action follows an announcement made by Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan on October 21, 2010 (Japan).
The Toyota genuine brake fluid used during vehicle assembly for vehicles sold in the United States contains polymers. The polymers act as lubricants for certain brake system components. If during vehicle maintenance, brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers or only small amounts, a part of the internal rubber seal (brake master cylinder cup) located at the end of the brake master cylinder piston may become dry and may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.
If the brake warning lamp has illuminated and the vehicle continues to be operated without refilling the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir, the driver will begin to notice a spongy or soft brake pedal feel and braking performance may gradually decline.
Owners of the involved vehicles will be notified by first class mail beginning in early November 2010. Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the brake master cylinder cup with a newly designed one at no charge to the vehicle owners.
Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall or www.lexus.com/recall and the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987.
* Available 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM PT
Related articles
- Toyota recalls 740,000 U.S. vehicles for brake problem (money.cnn.com)
- Toyota Recalling 1.53 Million Cars Globally (foxnews.com)
- Toyota recalling 1.53 million cars globally (usatoday.com)
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