Toyota halts sales of (8) recalled vehicle models

Source: AP


ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON — Toyota is suspending U.S. sales of eight recalled vehicle models to fix accelerator pedals that stick.

As part of the plan, Toyota is halting production at five manufacturing facilities for the week of Feb. 1 “to assess and coordinate activities.”

There are 2.3 million vehicles involved in the recall, which was announced last week.

The Japanese automaker says the sales suspension includes the 2009-2010 RAV4, the 2009-2010 Corolla, the 2009-2010 Matrix, the 2005-2010 Avalon, the 2007-2010 Camry, the 2010 Highlander, the 2007-2010 Tundra and the 2008-2010 Sequoia.

cont'd

Read more: http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/2012501,toyota-recall-dealers-sales-012610.article

Toyota runs up against a problem that's too big to deny or to blame on hapless owners (the way they did when their 98 Sienna engines burned oil into sludge)? Are they actually honoring their own warranties now?

:nopity:

she could use a saturday off.....

The Yomiuri Shimbun

Toyota Motor Corp. said Monday it would recall about 2 million cars from the European market to fix accelerator pedal flaws, the same trouble that forced the world's top carmaker to recall 2.3 million vehicles in the United States.

The number of vehicles to be recalled by Toyota for repair will amount to a record 4.3 million units, or about 60 percent of its annual total sales, inevitably affecting Toyota's brand image and sales adversely, analysts said.

Accelerator pedals supplied by a U.S. parts maker, which were blamed for recalls in the United States, were also used for the manufacture of some Toyota models in Europe after being supplied by the European subsidiary of the U.S. parts maker, a Toyota official said.

<SNIP>http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T100125005902.htm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The supplier is CTS Corporation of Elkhart, Indiana. http://www.ctscorp.com/

Serves them right for going with CTS Corp instead of sticking with Japanese parts supplier Denso. Somebody at Toyota should be disembowling themselves with the short sword.

cts made the pedal. i googled denso north america and cts.

"CTS also supplies throttle assemblies to Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi. Those companies say their designs are different and pose no risk of sticking open."

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-01-25-toyotalong_st_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

:silly:

:hi:

Why can't people install floor mats correctly! :sarcasm:

Source: Toyota press release

TORRANCE, Calif., January 26, 2010 - - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it is instructing Toyota dealers to temporarily suspend sales of eight models involved in the recall for sticking accelerator pedal, announced on January 21, 2010.
Toyota announced it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models. Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats. There is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.

What to do? From Toyota's FAQ on the subject: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/FAQ-for-Sticking-Accelerator-Pedal-152196.aspx
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 one of 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.

Read more: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx?srchid=K610_p228906387

---

Toyota has been in denial about this issue for some time now. Like my old nemesis GM (I'm a former "Mr Goodwrench", did a lot of the recall work because, unlike my foreman, I could read the f%^&# directions, and would actually do the work) Toyota has posted the recall without having parts in the dealer's hands. Please don't yell at your dealer - just make arrangements for your service appointment to have the recall done ASAP. Throw 'em a bone - take care of your scheduled maintainence at the same time, cuz they get paid crap for doing the recall.
Do tell Toyota what you think of their handling of the whole issue, and the fact that they have ignored several proven solutions for the problem - like this one: http://www.nascar.com/2002/news/headlines/wc/05/20/roush_ignition/index.html, or this: Invented by a crewman after the death of his driver (Richie Evans) in a stuck throttle crash, and manufactured by the same company that makes much of the NASCAR pit equipment. I use a pressure switch like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/imca-nascar-drag-race-car-tilton-scca-import-kill-swt.-_W0QQitemZ230427574417QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20100122?IMSfp=TL100122223011r12283
"New, never used "Coleman" brake pressure activated ignition kill switch for standard ignitions. This pressure activated ignition kill switch mounts directly into the front brake line. when the brake line pressure exceeds the normal operating pressure an internal switch opens, shutting the power off to the ignition. The pressure can be adjusted to operate with most braking systems between 500 psi and 1200 psi, with the pressure set 150 psi to 200 psi above normal operating pressure. This switch will re-close and charge the ignition system when pressure is released and the engine will re-fire. In the case of a stuck throttle, this switch can give the driver extra time to slow the car down. It is proven that the first reaction a drive experiences when the throttle sticks is to apply the BRAKES!!!!!" ( from an E-bay posting) The Roush Interupter incorporates a similar switch, with further protections. (Hey all my stuff is out of date, kinda like the driver)

reputation, meet shit can...

Consumers are frigging stupid and would follow everyone off a cliff. We were looking at used cars (we ALWAYS buy our cars 3 years old) and wanted a mini-van. We narrowed it down to a Town & Country Touring and an Odyssey. Both had identical features, mileage, condition etc. However, the Honda was $19,000 compared to the Chrysler's $14,000. I was not opposed to buying the more expensive car, so I asked the salesman what added value am I getting for $5,000 more. He was honest and said "nothing." He admitted that 10 years ago there was a clear quality gap between the vehicles. However, that gap is non-existent now and all you are seeing is lazy sheople paying a 30% premium for a reputation based on 10-20 years ago.

Hopefully, people will wake up and learn to buy American again.

:sarcasm:

An actual honest to god recall for "unintended acceleration". And all along plenty of armchair mechanics were prattling on about it all being "driver error". :sarcasm:

n/t

Toyota spokesman Mike Goss said most workers were expected to be at their jobs during the assembly line shutdown. Workers will receive additional training or work on improvements to their assembly processes, but can also take vacation or unpaid leave, he said.

from http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2010/01/26/20100126toyota-halts-sales.html

At least in terms of reach of the average American. And its been this way for several years now. Top to bottom their line of cars come nicely equipped, are reliable, and with lots of safety. I'm a Hyundai guiy myself, but if I ever go American again, it will be Ford.

Has had a major breakdown within 10k of its warranty ending. Generally due to major transmission issues or a blown engine. And every Ford I have owned has spontaneously combusted. Though I will grant you that I have only owned one, a in informal face book poll indicates that 9 out of 10 people who have experienced auto fires have experienced them in a Ford. Everyone, without exception, who I have known to own a Ford Taurus has also had major transmission issues, and many also had serious axle issues.

In the mean time, I bought a Pontiac, and am still probably subject to the Toyota Recall because they collaborated on my car.

All this to say that I think these things have more to do with personal perception than with actual reality. I suspect that even taking the current problem into account, Toyota has at least as good a record as any of the other major auto manufacturers, and better than more than a few. I say this as someone who has never owned a Toyota.