recall

TOYOTA CANADA ANNOUNCES VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL OF CERTAIN 2011 SIENNA VEHICLES TO REPLACE stop lamp switch bracket

TOYOTA CANADA ANNOUNCES VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL OF CERTAIN 2011 SIENNA VEHICLES TO REPLACE stop lamp switch bracket

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news ⋅ , , , , , ⋅ No comments

TORONTO, ON – December 13, 2010 – Toyota Canada announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 12,600 2011 Model Year Sienna vehicles produced before early November 2010 to replace the stop lamp (brake light) switch bracket. When the parking brake is fully applied, the stop lamp switch bracket could, in limited circumstances, be deformed by the driver’s foot during parking brake operation due to the proximity of the stop lamp switch bracket to the parking brake pedal.

Depending on the amount of bracket deformation, this condition could cause the brake lights to remain on or, if the deformation is significant, the brakes could become partially engaged due to contact from the bracket, resulting in brake drag with associated brake noise, brake vibration, and/or illumination of the brake warning light. If this condition is not detected and the vehicle continues to be driven, braking effectiveness could be reduced.

No other Toyota or Lexus vehicles are involved in this recall, and Toyota is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition.

The stop lamp switch bracket is welded on to the left side of the brake pedal support assembly. The stop lamp switch provides a signal that indicates the brake pedal has been depressed and illuminates the brake lights.

Owners of the involved vehicles will receive an interim notification advising them of this recall by first class mail in the near future, along with instructions for what to do if they experience this condition and how to minimize the possibility of inadvertently contacting the stop lamp switch bracket while operating the parking brake. Toyota will also post this information on its website.

Owners will receive a second notice by first class mail in early 2011, once replacement parts become available, and asked to make an appointment with a Toyota dealer to have the remedy performed at no charge.

Toyota dealers will replace the brake pedal support assembly, which includes the stop lamp switch bracket, with a new one that has been redesigned to take into account the proximity of the component to the parking brake pedal.

Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at the Toyota Customer Interaction Centre at 1-888-TOYOTA-8. Additional vehicle safety information is available at www.toyota.ca

GM Canada Will Deactivate Heated Washer Fluid Systems

GM Canada Will Deactivate Heated Washer Fluid Systems

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news ⋅ , , , , , ⋅ No comments

GM Canada press release

Customers Will Receive $105 Voluntary Payment

Oshawa, Ontario (June 8, 2010) – General Motors of Canada is recalling 98,794 cars, trucks and crossovers from the 2007-2009 model years to disable a heated washer fluid system module that could pose a fire risk. Since the feature will be disabled, GM will make a voluntary payment of $105 to the owner or lessee of each vehicle for the loss of the feature.

GM Canada is conducting this recall to ensure customers have complete peace of mind and can count on the safety and quality of their GM vehicle. There are no known injuries or crashes related to the condition and there have been no reported incidents in Canada.

Dealership service personnel will remove the heated washer fluid module and reroute washer fluid hoses. Customers will begin receiving recall letters this month, but they can contact their dealer at any time to make an appointment to have the heated washer system removed.

The heated washer module was a unique technology available from only one supplier, and that supplier has stopped manufacturing, which left no opportunity to collaborate on an improved design.

Models included in the recall are the 2006-2009 model year Buick Lucerne; Cadillac DTS; Hummer H2; 2008-2009 model year Buick Enclave; Cadillac CTS; 2007-2009 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL; Saturn Outlook; and 2009 model year Chevrolet Traverse.

Most of the vehicles, 1,365,070, are in the United States; there are 98,794 affected vehicles in Canada; 26,228 in Mexico and 38,093 exports.

The heated washer fluid system was recalled in August 2008 because a short circuit on the printed circuit board could overheat the control-circuit ground wire. Dealers at the time installed an in-line fuse in the heated washer module wiring.

GM continued to monitor the performance of the heated washer fluid module in the field. In June 2009, a new and second failure mode was identified by GM with the first confirmed report consisting of smoke only. Since then, GM has been made aware of five fires in the US.

LEXUS CANADA ANNOUNCES VOLUNTARY RECALL TO ADDRESS ISSUE IN CERTAIN 2009 AND 2010 LEXUS LS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH VARIABLE GEAR RATIO STEERING SYSTEM

LEXUS CANADA ANNOUNCES VOLUNTARY RECALL TO ADDRESS ISSUE IN CERTAIN 2009 AND 2010 LEXUS LS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH VARIABLE GEAR RATIO STEERING SYSTEM

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news ⋅ , , , , , ⋅ No comments

Lexus Canada press release

TORONTO, ON – May 21, 2010 – Lexus Canada announced it will conduct a voluntary safety recall on approximately 140 Lexus late 2009 and certain 2010 model year LS vehicles in Canada equipped with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) to address a temporary steering wheel off-center condition that may develop under a specific driving maneuver – it will not occur during normal driving conditions.
For 20 years, Lexus has made customer safety and satisfaction its highest priorities. Lexus Canada is taking all necessary steps to address customer concerns quickly and efficiently.

The VGRS system enables easier handling during low-speed driving and provides better stability during high-speed driving than conventional steering by changing the gear ratio.

The VGRS system may exhibit a temporary steering wheel off-center condition after driving away quickly from a very tight turn where the steering was at full lock position. The steering wheel off-center position will automatically be corrected in approximately five seconds by the VGRS system as the vehicle is driven. The driver may notice the system auto correcting as the steering wheel slowly moves to the center position while driving straight during the VGRS correction.

Due to the specific driving circumstances, this condition will not occur during normal driving such as changing lanes or turning at intersections. Lexus Canada has not received any Canadian customer reports of this condition; no accidents or injuries have been reported.

Initial notifications will be mailed to owners of the involved vehicles beginning in early June. As soon as replacement parts are available, Lexus Canada will send a second notification letter by first class mail, advising owners to bring their vehicle to a Lexus dealer to have the Steering Control computer replaced with a newly designed one at no charge.

No other Toyota or Lexus vehicles are involved in this recall.

Customers who have any further questions are asked to contact their local Lexus dealership, visit www.lexus.ca or contact Lexus in Canada at 1-800-265-3987.

Lexus Canada announces recall to update GX460 Vehicle Stability Control software

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news, Driving safety ⋅ , , , , , , ⋅ No comments

TORONTO, ON – April 19, 2010 – Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) has announced a voluntary safety recall affecting approximately 446 2010 model year GX 460 vehicles to update software in the vehicle’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system.

Toyota’s vehicle and design evaluation objective is to meet or exceed customer expectations and regulatory requirements. Toyota’s engineering team undertook similar tests to confirm the issue raised by Consumer Reports on April 13, 2010 and we are confident that an update to the VSC software addresses the concern.

All Canadian Lexus dealers will have the VSC software update by end of April. Letters will be sent to owners included in this recall in early May.

No other Toyota or Lexus vehicles are involved in this recall.

Customers who have any further questions are asked to visit www.lexus.ca or contact Lexus Canada at 1-800-265-3987.

Toyota Canada announces 2 more recalls

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news, Driving safety ⋅ , , , , , , ⋅ No comments

There is the old saying that things come in threes. Right about now, Toyota employees must be wishing three had been the magic number.

Late yesterday afternoon, Toyota Canada announced 2 more recalls. The first is for the spare tire carrier on the 1998 to 2010 Sienna FWD model that can rust and fall off. Obviously this can create a bit of a collision hazard. The second applies tray style floor mats in some 2007-2010 Tundra’s and 2008-2010 Highlander models. In this case, the floor mat can slide forward and cause the throttle to stick wide open. Once again, a rather obvious hazard.

Some of us who have worked in the industry are sympathetic with the front line staff, customer relations staff and PR staff who are likely having the worst year of their career. Remember to be nice when you visit your dealer to correct these issues, they didn’t create the problem, they are just there to help solve it.

Full details of both recalls after the break
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Lexus’ Statement Regarding Consumer Reports’ Testing of the 2010 GX 460

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news ⋅ , , , , , , , ⋅ No comments

For 20 years, Lexus has made customer safety and satisfaction our highest priorities. We are taking the situation with the GX 460 very seriously and are determined to identify and understand the issue Consumer Reports identified. At this time we have asked our dealers to temporarily suspend delivery of the 2010 GX 460.

Lexus’ extensive vehicle testing provides a positive indication of how our vehicles perform and we are confident that the GX meets our high safety standards. Lexus’ engineering teams are vigorously testing the GX using Consumer Reports’ specific parameters to identify how we can enhance the GX’s performance.

For any of the 149 Canadian 2010 GX 460 owners who may have concerns, Lexus Canada will provide a loaner car for their convenience and as requested.

As always, Lexus is committed to providing our customers with outstanding products and service.

GM Recalls Compact Cars to Fix Power Steering Assist

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news ⋅ , , , , , , , , ⋅ No comments

GM Canada press release

GM Recalls Compact Cars to Fix Power Steering Assist
Safety Recall Covers 1.3 Million Chevrolet and Pontiac Models

·2005 – 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
·2007 – 2010 Pontiac G5
·2005 – 2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada)
·2005 – 2006 Pontiac G4 (Mexico)

DETROIT — General Motors will conduct a safety recall of 1.3 million compact cars to replace a motor in the power steering system. Vehicles affected are the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt; 2007-2010 Pontiac G5; 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada, and the 2005-2006 Pontiac G4 sold in Mexico.
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Toyota Extends Brake Override Feature to Provide an Additional Measure of Customer Confidence

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news, Driving safety ⋅ , , , , ⋅ No comments

Toyota Canada press release

TORONTO, Ontario, February 23, 2010 – Toyota Canada today announced that it will install a brake override system on an expanded range of customers’ vehicles to provide an additional measure of confidence. This braking system enhancement will automatically reduce engine power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions.

The following models have been added to the list of vehicles that will receive the brake override upgrade: 2005-2010 Tacoma and 2009-2010 Venza. In addition, Toyota Canada will provide the brake override system for owners of 2008-2010 Sequoia vehicles. Toyota previously announced that the system would be installed onto the 2007-2010 Camry, 2005-2010 Avalon, and the 2007-2010 Lexus ES 350, 2006-2010 IS 350 and 2006-2010 IS 250 models.
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Border 2 Border: another tour of the Canadian automotive blogs

Gary Grant ⋅ B2B ⋅ , , , ⋅ No comments

Welcome back to our semi regular tour of the Canadian automotive scene. The Canadian International Auto Show is in full swing in Toronto, which is a good thing. Not so good for many is the fact that the only real stars of the show this year are cars of the vintage variety. Outside of the Shelby exhibit, the baby Auto Union above might just be the coolest car at the show. Inside the Shelby exhibit is likely the largest collection of historically significant Shelby cars ever displayed in Canada. To be in this room, soaking up the good vibrations of racing history is worth the price of entry all by itself. As for the rest of the show, your level of enjoyment may vary.

While I’m still feeling the vintage vibe, we should begin our travels with a visit to Classic Car Adventures where Warwick Patterson talks about the differences between shooting video on film as compared to digital. Backing up the story is a must see film shot at the 2006 Rolex Invitational at Lime Rock by Dikayl Rimmasch using vintage cameras. Very cool.
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Toyota announces Tacoma recall and extends floor mat recall to include more models

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news, Driving safety ⋅ , , , , , ⋅ No comments

Toyota Canada press release

TORONTO, Ontario – February 12, 2010 – Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) today announced it was amending the voluntary safety improvement campaign initiated last year to provide certain vehicle-based improvements to help address the potential risk of floor mat entrapment due to an incompatible or unsecured driver’s side floor mat. The safety improvement campaign will now also include certain MY Corolla, MY Matrix and MY Highlander vehicles. Toyota is also announcing a voluntary safety recall in respect of certain 2010 4-wheel drive Tacoma vehicles.

The voluntary safety recall was issued to inspect the front drive shaft on a small production run of certain 2010 model year Tacoma 4WD trucks. The front shaft in these vehicles may include a component that contains cracks that developed during the manufacturing process. As those vehicles are used, the cracks may eventually lead to the separation of the drive shaft at the joint portion. This condition only involves two specific front drive shaft production lot numbers installed in certain 2010 model year Tacoma 4WD vehicles. Toyota will notify owners by first-class mail starting in mid-March, 2010.

Dealers will be instructed to perform an inspection to identify the specific lot numbers located on the front drive shaft. Based upon the inspection results, in a limited number of cases, the front drive shaft may need to be replaced. The inspection is estimated to take ten minutes. The inspection and/or replacement will be performed at no cost to the vehicle owner.

Last year, following an investigation into the potential risk of accelerator pedal entrapment due to an incompatible or unsecured all-weather floor mat, Toyota Canada announced a voluntary safety improvement campaign in respect of certain models to provide certain vehicle-based improvements, depending on the model, for affected vehicles. At the same time, a recall involving the same models was announced in the USA.

Toyota Motor Sales, (TMS) Inc, USA recently announced that it was amending its recall to include certain Highlander, Corolla, Venza, and Matrix vehicles and that it would modify or replace the accelerator pedal in affected models to address the risk of floor mat entrapment. TMS also indicated that floor surface modifications were also being considered and would be included in the remedy plan for any model for which it is deemed appropriate.

Although no vehicle defect has been identified in the newly expanded population of affected models in Canada, because our customers’ safety and confidence in the quality of Toyota vehicles is of paramount importance to Toyota Canada, Toyota Canada has decided to provide the same vehicle improvements to Canadian Toyota owners to address the potential risk of floor mat entrapment due to an incompatible or unsecured all-weather floor mat.

In addition, although not included in the safety improvement campaign, Toyota Canada has also decided to offer certain vehicle-based improvements, including modify the accelerator pedal, for Venza owners affected by a separate safety campaign to replace the genuine Toyota all-weather floor mat purchased as an accessory for the affected model.

Customers should always ensure that the correct floor mat for their model vehicle is being used, that it matches the size of the space on the carpet, that it is properly installed and secured, that it is not flipped over with the bottom-side up, and that one floor mat is not stacked over another. For additional information about floor mats, customers can visit their Toyota dealership, www.toyota.ca or the Transport Canada website at www.tc.gc.ca

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