The List of Toyota vehicles brand involved in the recent recalls.

2005-2010 Avalon
2007-2010 Camry
2009-2010 Corolla
2008-2010 Highlander
2009-2010 Matrix
2004-2009 Prius
2010 Prius
2009-2010 RAV4
1998-2010 Sienna
2008-2010 Sequoia
2005-2010 Tacoma
2007-2010 Tundra
2009-2010 VENZA

Source: www.toyota.com/recall/

Related Posts:

• Toyota to agree to $16.4 million fine
• Toyota agrees to pay US$16.4 million fine: US official

A Transportation Department official confirms Toyota willingness to pay United States $16.4 million in fine for concealing gas pedal defects.

By Charlotte Raab

Japanese auto giant Toyota has agreed to pay the US government a fine of nearly 16.4 million dollars for concealing gas pedal defects, a senior US government official announced.

"By paying the full civil penalty Toyota is accepting responsibility for hiding the safety defect... in violation of the law," the official told AFP late Sunday.

A Toyota spokesman declined to comment. But a well-informed source told AFP the company was expected to sign the necessary legal documents early Monday.

"They've agreed to pay the maximum fine in record time, the most we can get," the source said. "They have 30 days to pay."

Earlier this month, the US Department of Transportation said it was seeking "the maximum civil penalty of 16.375 million dollars against Toyota" after it failed to report its safety defects in a timely manner.

Toyota had failed to report "the dangerous 'sticky pedal' defect for at least four months, despite knowing of the potential risk to consumers," said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the department's watchdog.

It is the largest civil fine against an automaker ever sought by the NHTSA.

Toyota has recalled around 2.3 million cars in the United States for the pedal defect.

Worldwide it has recalled more than eight million cars worldwide over several problems, including the sticking accelerator pedal which caused cars to speed out of control.

Toyota had until Monday to agree to pay the fine, or contest it. If the two parties had not agreed a settlement, the matter could have gone to court.

The sudden acceleration problem allegedly caused by the gas pedal defects has been blamed for more than 50 deaths in the United States, and Toyota faces a slew of legal challenges in US courts.

The automaker has been hit with at least 97 lawsuits seeking damages for injury or death linked to sudden acceleration and 138 class action lawsuits from customers suing to recoup losses in the resale value of Toyota vehicles.

A San Diego court recently heard arguments from two dozen attorneys across the United States who want to consolidate the lawsuits into one multibillion-dollar case in a single jurisdiction.

In March the US government announced a series of investigations into the causes of "unintended acceleration" in Toyota and other brands of cars, calling in NASA engineers to help.

The Department of Transportation plans to buy cars that are suspected of unintended acceleration and subject them to a battery of tests.

The NHTSA is itself under fire for allegedly failing to adequately review consumer complaints about Toyota and other cars, but it is the beleaguered Japanese carmaker that remains in the spotlight for now.

Toyota overtook General Motors in 2008 as the world's top auto seller. But the safety issues that have recently bedeviled it have raised questions about whether it sacrificed its legendary quality to become number one.

Toyota executives were hauled over the coals in the US Congress earlier this year and the company's previously stellar reputation for safety was left in tatters.

The latest blow to the company's reputation came just last week.

Toyota suspended production and global sales of the Lexus GX 460 sport utility vehicle after US magazine Consumer Reports gave the SUV a rare "Don't Buy: Safety Risk" rating.

When pushed to its limits, the rear of the GX "slid out until the vehicle was almost sideways before the electronic stability control system was able to regain control," the magazine said.

The US government also issued an advisory asking motorists to use caution when driving the vehicle.

Source: AFP

Related Posts:

• Toyota to agree to $16.4 million fine
• The list of Toyota vehicles brand involved in the recent recalls. 

Toyota Motor Corp Ready to pay $16.4 million fine

By KEN THOMAS, Associated Press Writer

Toyota Motor Corp. is expected to agree to a fine of more than $16 million, the largest government penalty levied against an automaker, for a four-month delay in telling federal authorities about defective gas pedals on its vehicles, a Transportation Department official said Sunday.

Toyota faces a Monday deadline to accept or contest the $16.4 million fine over evidence it knew about sticking gas pedals in September but did not issue a recall until January.

The Transportation official was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke only on condition of anonymity. The official said Toyota is expected to pay the full amount of the assessed fine within 30 days as a means of avoiding going to court against the government.

The official said Toyota did not intend to accept liability explicitly. But from the government's viewpoint, the official said, the agreement to pay the full fine constituted an acceptance of responsibility for hiding the safety defect in violation of the law.

Toyota did not immediately comment on the fine. Under federal law, automakers are required to notify the government within five business days when they find a potential safety defect.

Toyota announced it would recall 2.3 million vehicles in January to address sticking pedals on popular vehicles such as the Camry and Corolla. The Japanese automaker has recalled more than 8 million vehicles worldwide because of acceleration problems in multiple models and braking issues in the Prius hybrid.

Concerns about sticking gas pedals and complaints from Toyota owners in the U.S. were rising at the end of 2009, according to chronologies of the investigation Toyota provided to the government.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said documents provided by Toyota showed the automaker had known about the sticky pedal defect at least since Sept. 29, 2009, when it issued repair procedures to distributors in 31 European countries to address complaints of sticking pedals, sudden increases in engine RPM and sudden vehicle acceleration.

The documents also showed that Toyota knew that owners in the United States had experienced the same problems.

The Japanese automaker has been weighing its options since the fine was announced in early April but analysts expected it to pay the penalty.

The company has been named in 138 potential class-action lawsuits over falling vehicle values and about 100 personal injury and wrongful death cases in federal courts. Federal prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission are conducting investigations related to the recalls.

"When you look at the toll it's taken on Toyota's reputation, when you look at the number of vehicles involved, when you look at the hardship it's placed on Toyota's customer base, it's only right for Toyota to take this fine," said Dennis Virag, president of Automotive Consulting Group based in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Transportation officials have not ruled out additional fines. The department is reviewing whether Toyota delayed for six weeks the late January recall of the 2009-2010 Venza in the United States to address floor mats that could entrap the accelerator pedal after making a similar recall in Canada.

Toyota recalled the Venza in Canada in December and reported to the U.S. government on Dec. 16 that the floor mats could move forward while the vehicle is in use and "may interfere with the accelerator pedal."

Toyota told U.S. authorities at the time that the floor mats in question were not imported into the U.S. but the Venza was added to the floor mat recall in late January.

Source: Associated Press (AP)

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Toyota faces $16M fine, accused of hiding defect

By KEN THOMAS, Associated Press Writer Ken Thomas,

 

WASHINGTON – The government is seeking to fine Toyota a record $16.4 million, accusing the Japanese auto giant of hiding a "dangerous defect" in its slow reporting of faulty gas pedals that have been blamed for unintended sudden accelerations and motorists' deaths.

 

The proposed fine, announced Monday by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, is the most the government could levy for the sticking gas pedals that have led Toyota to recall millions of vehicles. There could be further penalties under continuing federal investigations, and Toyota also faces private lawsuits seeking many millions more.

 

Toyota Motor Corp. has recalled more than 6 million vehicles in the U.S., and more than 8 million worldwide, because of acceleration problems in multiple models and braking issues in the Prius hybrid.

 

Documents obtained from the Japanese automaker show that Toyota knew of the problem with the sticking gas pedals in late September but did not issue a recall until late January, LaHood said. The sticking pedals involved 2.3 million vehicles.

 

"We now have proof that Toyota failed to live up to its legal obligations," LaHood said in a statement. "Worse yet, they knowingly hid a dangerous defect for months from U.S. officials and did not take action to protect millions of drivers and their families."

 

For those reasons, LaHood said, the government is seeking a fine of $16.375 million, the maximum penalty possible. That dwarfs the previous record: In 2004, General Motors paid a $1 million fine for responding too slowly on a recall of nearly 600,000 vehicles over windshield wiper failure.

 

Toyota did not say whether it would pay the fine. The automaker has two weeks to accept or contest the penalty.

 

"While we have not yet received their letter, we understand that NHTSA has taken a position on this recall," the company said in a statement, a reference to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. "We have already taken a number of important steps to improve our communications with regulators and customers on safety-related matters as part of our strengthened overall commitment to quality assurance."

 

The company noted that it has appointed a new chief quality officer for North America and has given its North American office a greater role in making safety-related decisions.

 

Under federal law, automakers must notify NHTSA within five days of determining that a safety defect exists and promptly conduct a recall.

 

The Transportation Department said the fine it is seeking is specifically tied to the sticking pedal defect and Toyota could face additional penalties if warranted by investigations.

 

The government has linked 52 deaths to crashes allegedly caused by accelerator problems in Toyotas. The recalls have led to congressional hearings, a criminal investigation by federal prosecutors, dozens of lawsuits and an intense review by the Transportation Department.

 

Toyota has attributed the problem to sticking gas pedals and accelerators that can become jammed in floor mats. Dealers have fixed 1.7 million vehicles under recall so far.

 

Consumer groups have suggested electronics could be the culprit, and dozens of Toyota owners who had their cars fixed in the recall have complained of more problems with their vehicles surging forward unexpectedly. Toyota says it has found no evidence of an electrical problem.

 

Reviews of some recent high-profile crashes in San Diego and suburban New York have failed to find either mechanical or electronic problems. In the New York case, a police investigation found that the driver, not the car, was to blame.

 

Following the recalls, the Transportation Department demanded in February that Toyota turn over documents detailing when and how it learned of the problems with sticking accelerators and with floor mats trapping gas pedals.

 

NHTSA said documents provided by Toyota showed the automaker had known about the sticky pedal defect since at least Sept. 29, 2009, when it issued repair procedures to distributors in 31 European countries and Canada to address complaints of sticking pedals, sudden increases in engine RPM and sudden vehicle acceleration.

 

The government said the documents also show that Toyota knew that owners in the United States had experienced the same problems. Toyota has provided NHTSA with more than 70,000 pages of documents during the investigation.

 

Source: Associated Press

 

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• Toyota Recall: Cars on the Recall List

 

 

 

 

 

Toyota Recall: Cars on the Recall List

Frequently Asked Questions For Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall and Suspension of Sales

Which models are affected by the recall/stop sale?

Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:

2009-2010 RAV4,

2009-2010 Corolla,

2009-2010 Matrix,

2005-2010 Avalon,

Certain 2007-2010 Camry 

2010 Highlander except hybrid models,

2007-2010 Tundra,

2008-2010 Sequoia

No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.

What is the condition that has prompted Toyota to take this action?
In rare instances, there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.

What is the likelihood that my vehicle will experience this condition?
The condition is rare and does not occur suddenly. It can occur when the pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in certain conditions, the accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position.

Are you continuing to investigate other models?
Toyota is confident that all models that contain the potentially sticking pedals have been identified.

Why has Toyota stopped selling the affected vehicles?  
Until Toyota has finalized an appropriate remedy to address the potential for sticking accelerator pedals, a sales suspension is necessary.

How long will this stop sale be in effect?
New cars covered by this recall will not be delivered until a remedy is finalized and then implemented.

When do you expect to have a remedy?
We’re making every effort to remedy this situation for our customers as quickly as possible.

What options are you exploring for a remedy?
We are reviewing a number of different options, and we hope to announce a remedy soon. 
 

What should I do if I believe my vehicle is affected by this condition, i.e. I have noticed that my accelerator pedal is hard to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation. What should I do? 
The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.

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 the 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.

• 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.  
• 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.

If I am an owner of one of the affected vehicles, what action do I need to take?
Toyota is working quickly to prepare a correction remedy and will issue owner notifications in the future.  No action is required at this time unless you feel you are experiencing this condition.  If you are experiencing this condition, immediately contact your nearest Toyota Dealer for assistance.

Toyota stated that this did not affect new/low mileage vehicles, has the situation changed?
The law requires that the entire universe of new vehicles identified in our recall notice must be included in the stop sale.

Why are you stopping production at your factories?
Production is being stopped temporarily at five North American production facilities to assess and coordinate activities related to the recall announced on January 21.

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.  
The Toyota Customer Experience Center hours are:
Mon - Fri, 5:00 am - 6:00 pm PST
Sat, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm PST  

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Toyota faces $16M fine, accused of hiding defect

Structural Changes, Customization and Environment laws

drove up $2,500 Nano car to over $8,000

in U.S. Auto market.

written by Ifeyinka

I was thrilled and excited when I read about the news that Tata Motors, the manufacturer of $2,500 Nano car, would make available the sale of Nano car in the U.S automobile market. I know many people felt the same way, and they would have probably fantasized about buying the cost effective Nano car by searching for or making enquiries from the nearest Auto dealers in their vicinity.

These were my own fantasies when I read the news. For a $2,500 Nano car, I can afford to buy a new Nano car every two years. I will spend little or no money at the auto mechanics and spare part stores for one year because the car would come with at least one or two year warranty. For the future, I fantasized about buying three additional Nano cars; one for my "would be soul mate", the other two would be kept in the car garage for my younger siblings when they are about to go to college. I can achieve these quests for under $11,000. The good news about $2,500 Nano entrance to U.S market lost its relevance when I discovered that it would be sold for not less than $8,000. This is because the car has to be reengineered to meet America’s road safety regulations and environmental standards.

Tata Motors has to make structural changes to the original version of the Nano car in order to be marketable in U.S. The changes include adding airbags, restrengthening the roof and increasing the length of the front bumper to meet U.S. requirements which limits the damage in a 5-mph crash. Tata Technologies Ltd would also have to change the Spartan interior, with flat bucket seats, three knobs, a horizontal switch and a steering wheel in order to adhere to U.S safety standards.

Nano’s two-cylinder, 623cc engine would have to be reconstructed to meet stricter U.S. environmental standards. The cylinder is required to be changed because the U.S carbon monoxide emissions standards.

Normally, Tata Motors understands that it would have to customize the accessories of Nano cars to meet the taste, needs, and preference of U.S. consumers, but the cost of implementing changes to meet U.S. road safety regulations and environmental standards are unincorporated costs. These unincorporated costs have driven up a $2500 market ready car to over $8,000. The total costs of meeting the U.S. safety regulations and environmental standards would make a car that cost $2,500 in India sell in U.S. for over $8,000. This is ridiculous because the price increase is over 220%. This is one of the main reasons why U.S. industries can not compete favorably with industries in China, India and other emerging economies.

In as much as I do not want to accuse the American government of adopting a protectionist trade approach under the disguise of consumers’ safety and environmental laws, I want to be sure that all these safety and environment requirements are not put in place by economic bureaucrats to protect Michigan Auto makers. If it is true, this would be in contrary to the free trade approach that America preaches to (or forces on the throat of) other countries.

According to Edmunds.com, an automotive Web site, the cheapest car in U.S. is Hyundai Accent, which has a price tag of $9,970. There is no reason why we can not manufacture a car for less that $4,000 that would be equipped with gas efficiency, safety and environment friendly features.

I hope key policymakers and lawmakers are able to find a level ground to protect the interests of both U.S. consumers’ and domestic industries.

$2,500 Nano Car to cost $8,000 in US

Source: AP

The world's cheapest car is being readied for sale in the U.S., but by the time India's Tata Nano is retrofitted to meet emissions and safety standards, it won't be that cheap.

Tata Technologies Ltd., the global engineering arm of the Tata group conglomerate, brought the tiny car to Detroit as a publicity stunt for the engineering group.

Tata officials, while maintaining that they couldn't speak for Tata Motors, maker of the $2,500 Nano, said they were involved with the Nano from concept until it launched last July in Mumbai.

They wouldn't say when the Nano might arrive in the U.S. or how much it might cost here, although Ratan Tata, chairman of the group of Tata companies, has said it should be ready for U.S. distribution in about three years.

Tata Motors already has made a European version of the four-seat car that will cost about $8,000 when it debuts in 2011, and a Tata Technologies official said privately that the U.S. version is expected to have a comparable price. The official did not want to be identified because the price has not been made public.

Warren Harris, Tata Technologies president, would only say that the price would be more than the roughly $2,500 charged in India.

"The structural changes that would need to be made, the changes that would be required as far as emissions are concerned, and some of the features that would be appropriate to add to the vehicle for the North American market, obviously that would drive up the price point," he said.

Tata Technologies could be involved in bringing the car up to U.S. standards, said Tony Jones, associate vice president of the global automotive practice.

Before it can be sold here, the car's two-cylinder, 623cc engine would have to be engineered to meet stronger U.S. pollution standards, he said. Airbags would have to be added, the roof strengthened and the front bumper lengthened to meet U.S. requirements to limit damage in a 5-mph crash.

The Spartan interior, with flat bucket seats, three knobs, a horizontal switch and a steering wheel, also would have to be changed to comply with U.S. safety standards that limit movement of passengers not wearing seat belts.

Jones said the Nano Europa has airbags and has passed European safety tests with flying colors.

The Nano, with 12-inch diameter tires, electric windows in the front and crank windows in the back, gets 50 mpg on the highway and has a top speed of 65 mph.

If the $8,000 price tag holds true, it would cost far less than the $9,970 Hyundai Accent, currently the car with the lowest base sticker price in the U.S., according to the Edmunds.com automotive Web site. The price excludes shipping.

Ultracheap Nano could come to US in 3 years with $8,000 price tag By Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer