Toyota Issues Voluntary Recall on 94,000 2011MY Sienna Minivans

Toyota said on Monday it will conduct a voluntary safety recall of some 94,000 units of its new 2011MY Sienna minivan (built before early November 2010) because of a potential problem with the brake light switch bracket. According to the Japanese automaker, due to the proximity with the parking brake, the stop lamp switch bracket could be deformed by the driver’s foot during parking brake operation.

The company said that depending how deformed the bracket becomes, the brake lights may 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.

"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 Japanese carmaker said in a statement.

Owners of the affected Sienna models will be notified about the recall in mid-January 2011, but the fix won't take place before late February due to the lack of parts.

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

From Toyota Press Release:

Customer FAQ for Sienna Stop Lamp Switch Bracket Recall

1. Which models are involved in the recall?

Toyota is recalling approximately 94,000 2011 Model Year Sienna vehicles produced before early November 2010. No other vehicles are affected by this recall.

2. What is the condition that prompted Toyota to take this action?

Due to the proximity of the stop lamp (brake light) switch bracket to the parking brake pedal when the parking brake is fully applied, the bracket could, in limited circumstances, be deformed by the driver’s food during parking brake operation.

Depending on the amount of bracket deformation, this condition could cause the brake lights to remain on. 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 noticed and the vehicle continues to be driven, braking effectiveness could be reduced.

3. Are there any warnings that this condition has occurred?

Depending on the amount of stop lamp switch bracket deformation, drivers may notice the rear brake lights remaining “ON” and/or the brakes remaining slightly applied, resulting in brake drag with associated brake noise, brake vibration, and/or illumination of the brake warning light.

4. What is Toyota going to do to remedy this condition?

As part of this recall, Toyota dealers will replace the bracket 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.

5. Is the repair covered by warranty? Will I have to pay any money out of pocket for this repair?

This repair will be performed at no charge to the customer.

6. What should I do if my brake warning lamp is currently illuminated?

If a customer’s the brake warning lamp has illuminated, he/she is asked to please make an appointment with a local Toyota or Lexus dealership for diagnosis. If the condition is confirmed, the dealer will temporarily move the stop lamp switch bracket back to its designed position. The customer will be requested to return to the dealership when the remedy parts become available, as directed by their recall notice.

7. Does Toyota have any record of accidents or injuries related to this defect?

Toyota is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this defect.

8. 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.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

2011 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2011 Kia Sorento Recalled for Defective Brakes

The Hyundai Group has issued a separate recall for each of the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2011 Kia Sorento over the same issue concerning the rear brake calipers that may not have been properly machined.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the defective calipers could lead to brake fluid leak, followed by illumination of the malfunction indicator light indicating the brake fluid level is low and should be checked, then a soft or spongy brake pedal feel. If the problem is not taken care of, it will lead to reduced braking power.

The recall affects some 7,697 Kia Sorentos manufactured from September 14, 2010, through October 4, 2010, and 1,783 Hyundai Santa crossovers Fe built from September 28, 2010, through November 25, 2010.

Naturally, dealers from both automakers inspect the rear calipers and replace it if necessary free of charge. The two companies have not yet provided an owner notification schedule.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Volvos Issues Recall on S40, V50, S60 and XC60 Models Over Power Seat Problems

A defective front passenger seat power system on certain Volvo models has prompted a recall of 7,420 cars from the Swedish automaker. Federal officials said that the front seat rail's detection system was manufactured incorrectly and may permit the passenger to forward the seat beyond the intended maximum, putting them at risk of injury in a crash.

The models affected from the recall are the 2009-2011MY S40 sedan, V50 station wagon and S60 sedan, plus the 2010-2011MY XC60 crossover. Volvo said the company's dealers will inspect the front passenger side seat rails for the presence of an "end stop" and repair the vehicles as necessary free of charge.

The Swedish automaker has not yet provided a date for the scheduled recall, but owners can contact the company for more information at 1-800-458-1552.

By Csaba Daradics

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Toyota to Voluntarily Fix 378,000 Prius Hybrids for Overheating Problems

Toyota's US division has issued what it describes as a "limited service campaign" (and not a recall…) on approximately 378,000 U.S-spec Prius hybrids from the 2004 and 2007 model years to resolve a potential problem with the water-pump that can cause the cars to overheat.

“The water pump is part of a system designed to cool the hybrid powertrain components and is separate from the engine cooling system” said John Hanson, Toyota Motor Sales National Manager of Environmental, Quality and Safety Communications. “A fault in the water pump can cause air bubbles to build up and disrupt the flow of coolant, which can lead to overheating”.

The company said an “on” check engine light can signal the problem. If the car is driven further the temperature of the hybrid components can reach a critical level and the vehicle will enter “fail-safe mode” to prevent damage.

Oddly enough, the Japanese automaker pointed out in a press statement that the issue is being treated as a "customer support campaign" and not a "recall" as the company "determined it is not a safety issue” and it “has not received any reports of accidents or injuries related to this condition."

Owners will be notified by mail in early December and Toyota dealers will replace the water-pump for free, as long as customers arrange for service before November 30, 2013. Clients who have had their water-pumps replaced because of this condition are going to be reimbursed.

For detailed information customers can call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371.

By Csaba Daradics