Toyota announced it will have a voluntary recall of some 2006 and 2007 Toyota RX 400h and Highlander Hybrid SUVs. At this point Toyota is only announcing that it will be recalling the vehicles. Construction of replacement parts is underway and Toyota will notify owners of affected vehicles by first class mail when sufficient parts have been prepared.

This defect can cause a part on the control board to overheat and pout the vehicle in a “Safe Driving Mode” where the vehicle will operate under reduced power. In more extreme cases the power supply circuit fuse will blow completely disabling the vehicle.

If you would like more information on the recall you can go to www.toyota.com/recall or call 1-800-331-4331.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking the maximum civil penalty of $16.375 million against Toyota Motor Corporation for failing to notify the auto safety agency of the dangerous “sticky pedal” defect for at least four months, despite knowing of the potential risk to consumers. Approximately 2.3 million vehicles in the U.S. were recalled in late January for the sticky pedal defect. The penalty being sought against Toyota would be the largest civil penalty ever assessed against an auto manufacturer by NHTSA.

Auto manufacturers are legally obligated to notify NHTSA within five business days if they determine that a safety defect exists. NHTSA learned through documents obtained from Toyota that the company knew of the sticky pedal defect since at least September 29, 2009. That day, Toyota issued repair procedures to their distributors in 31 European countries and Canada to address complaints of sticky accelerator pedals, sudden increases in engine RPM, and sudden vehicle acceleration. The documents also show that Toyota was aware that consumers in the United States were experiencing the same problems.

“We now have proof that Toyota failed to live up to its legal obligations,” said Secretary LaHood. “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, we are seeking the maximum penalty possible under current laws.”

“Safety is our top priority and we will vigorously pursue companies that put consumers at risk,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “We will continue to hold Toyota accountable for any additional violations we find in our ongoing investigation.”

On February 16, NHTSA launched an investigation into the timeliness and scope of the three recent Toyota recalls and required the automaker to turn over documents and explanations related to its adherence to U.S. auto safety laws. NHTSA made a preliminary determination on the fine announced today based on a review of documents Toyota has provided. To date, Toyota has submitted more than 70,000 pages of documents, which NHTSA officials are continuing to review.

NHTSA has the most active defect investigation program in the world, opening or closing an investigation almost every week. Over the last three years, NHTSA’s defect and compliance investigations have resulted in 524 recalls involving 23.5 million vehicles.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced two major investigations designed to answer questions surrounding the issue of unintended vehicle acceleration.

The prestigious National Academy of Sciences – an independent body using top scientific experts – will examine the broad subject of unintended acceleration and electronic vehicle controls across the entire automotive industry. Separately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is the Department of Transportation’s auto safety agency, has enlisted NASA engineers with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to help tackle the issue of unintended vehicle acceleration in Toyotas.

“We are determined to get to the bottom of unintended acceleration,” said Secretary LaHood. “For the safety of the American driving public, we must do everything possible to understand what is happening. And that is why we are tapping the best minds around.”

Secretary LaHood has also asked the U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector General (IG) to review whether NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) has the necessary resources and systems to identify and address safety defects as it moves forward.

The NHTSA review of the electronic throttle control systems in Toyotas is to be completed by late summer. NHTSA has brought in NASA engineers and other experts in subjects such as electromagnetic compatibility as part of a shorter-term review of the systems used in Toyota vehicles to determine whether they contain any possible flaws that would warrant a defect investigation. NASA’s expertise in electronics, hardware, software, hazard analysis and complex problem solving ensures this review will be comprehensive. Currently there are nine experts from NASA assisting NHTSA, and additional personnel will join the team if needed.

Both studies – from the National Academy of Sciences and from NHTSA – will be peer reviewed by scientific experts. The total cost of the two studies is expected to come to approximately $3 million, including the cost of purchasing cars that have allegedly experienced unintended acceleration to be studied.

Finally, Secretary LaHood asked the U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector General to assess whether the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation conducted an adequate review of complaints of alleged unintended acceleration reported to NHTSA from 2002 to the present. The IG will also determine whether ODI had the appropriate number of personnel and staff expertise to assess and address the technical issues raised by the complaints and whether the data was sufficient to identify specific defects that caused unintended acceleration. That information will help DOT officials determine whether more resources are necessary for pursuing defect investigations.

“We are bringing the best minds and talents to resolve this issue,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “We will not rest until we have identified and addressed any potential vehicle-related causes of unintended acceleration.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today announced that it is using its statutory authority to obtain documents from Toyota to determine if the automaker conducted three of its recent recalls in a timely manner. Federal law requires all auto manufacturers to notify NHTSA within five days of determining that a safety defect exists and promptly conduct a recall.

“Safety recalls are very serious matters and automakers are required to quickly report defects,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The auto safety agency is requiring Toyota to provide documents showing when and how it learned of the defects affecting approximately 6 million vehicles in the U.S. alone. The probe will examine how the manufacturer learned of these defects, such as through consumer complaints or factory testing. Investigators are also looking into whether Toyota discovered the problems during pre-production or post-production of the affected vehicles.

The three recalls in question involve various Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Two of the recalls are related to the entrapment of gas pedals by floor mats. The first recall was announced on September 26, 2007, and was followed by a subsequent one on October 6, 2009. The October recall was expanded on January 29, 2010, to include additional vehicles. The third recall, involving sticking gas pedals, was announced on January 21, 2010. Click here for more information.

“Our top priority is safety and we expect that all manufacturers address automotive safety issues quickly and in a forthright manner,” said David Strickland, Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NHTSA has the authority to seek civil penalties for a variety of violations by manufacturers, equipment suppliers, registered importers and vehicle customizers. If agency officials determine that an auto manufacturer violated its statutory obligations, the manufacturer could be liable for a maximum of $16.4 million in civil penalties.

Safety is our number one priority at the Department of Transportation. We’re going to continue to hold Toyota accountable and continue to investigate every possible cause of these safety defects, to make sure there are no other problems. We’ll make sure Toyota is doing all it has promised to make its vehicles safe.
Toyota consumers should check the list of recalled vehicles below and be sure to pay close attention to their vehicles. If you are experiencing any problems with your Toyota vehicle, park your vehicle in a safe place and immediately call your Toyota dealer or Toyota’s North American headquarters at 1-800-331-4331.

CONSUMERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING ISSUES WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES

2007-2010 Camry
2005-2010 Avalon
2004-2009 Prius
2005-2010 Tacoma
2007-2010 Tundra
2007-2010 ES 350
2006-2010 IS 250 and IS350
2008-2010 Highlander
2009-2010 Corolla
2009-2010 Venza
2009-2010 Matrix
2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe
After removing the driver-side floor mats, consumers should wait for a letter from Toyota instructing them to go to their dealers for the remedy. More than four million vehicles have been recalled for this safety issue.
Sticky Gas Pedals
Some 2.3 million Toyota vehicles are being recalled for problems involving gas pedals that are hard to depress, slow to return to the closed position or remain partially depressed. Toyota, Lexus, and Pontiac vehicles affected by the sticky pedal recall are:

2007-2008 Tundra
2008-2010 Sequoia
2005-2010 Avalon
2007-2010 Camry
2009-2010 Corolla
2009-2010 Matrix
2009-2010 RAV4
2010 Highlander
2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe
If drivers are experiencing any unusual issues involving the gas pedals in the above-identified vehicles, drivers should immediately park these vehicles and notify their dealers immediately. Should a pedal become stuck in a partially depressed condition while driving, owners should put their car in neutral, bring it to a stop and call their dealer.
Brake Issues involving Prius and Camry Vehicles
Toyota is also recalling 2010 Prius Hybrids and Lexus HS 250h vehicles for braking safety issues involving momentary loss of braking power. Some 2010 Camrys prone to brake fluid leaks are also been recalled. Drivers of these vehicles experiencing any braking problems should park their cars and contact their their local Toyota dealer or Toyota’s North American headquarters at 1-800-331-4331.

Actions Consumers Can Take If They Cannot Stop Their Vehicles
Regardless of the cause, if a consumer is experiencing unintended acceleration in their vehicle, they should take the following steps:

Brake firmly and steadily – do not pump the brake pedal.
Shift the transmission into Neutral (for vehicles with automatic transmissions and the sport option, familiarize yourself with where Neutral is – the diagram may be misleading).
Steer to a safe location.
Shut the engine off (for vehicles with keyless ignition, familiarize yourself with how to turn the vehicle off when it is moving – this may be a different action than turning the vehicle off when it is stationary).
Call your dealer or repair shop to pick up the vehicle. Do not drive it.
For more information, consumers can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or the Toyota Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or the Lexus Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-255-3987 or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737. Information from Toyota is also posted at http://www.toyota.com and http://www.lexus.com while Pontiac Vibe information is posted at http://www.pontiac.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Transportation learned today of a third Toyota recall involving 2010 Prius hybrids and Lexus HS 250h vehicles experiencing brake system problems. Some 2010 Camrys prone to brake fluid leaks have also been recalled.

“Last Thursday, NHTSA opened a formal investigation of 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles in response to consumer complaints about braking difficulties, and today, Toyota has acknowledged a safety defect,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “When I spoke with Toyota President Akio Toyoda last week, he assured me that his company takes U.S. safety concerns very seriously. The U.S. DOT will remain in constant communication with Toyota to hold them to that promise. In the meantime, if you are concerned about your car’s braking performance, contact your Toyota dealer.”

The DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced last week that the agency is opening a formal investigation of the 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid to look into allegations of momentary loss of braking capability while traveling over an uneven road surface, pothole or bump. The Office of Defects Investigation had received 124 reports from consumers, including four reports alleging that crashes occurred. Investigators have spoken with consumers and conducted pre-investigatory field work.

Loss of braking is most likely to occur when traveling over an uneven road surface, pothole or bump. If this occurs, the agency advises owners to continue to firmly press on the brake to stop the vehicle. As an extra precaution, drivers can leave extra stopping distance while awaiting their recall notice.

NHTSA is continuing its formal investigation into the Prius braking problem and remains in constant communication with Toyota to ensure all possible defects in these vehicles are addressed and remedied as quickly as possible. Currently, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has received 124 reports from consumers, including four reports alleging that crashes occurred.

Today’s announcement marks the third recall announced by Toyota over the past few weeks. NHTSA advises owners of vehicles affected by any of the recalls to contact their local dealership if they detect a problem. For more information, consumers should visit www.nhtsa.gov or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in cooperation with Transport Canada and Dorel Juvenile Group announced a recall involving certain Maxi-Cosi Mico infant child restraint systems manufactured by Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG).

Dorel is recalling 22,850 of the restraint systems because of attachment difficulties between the infant carrier and the base. If the carrier is improperly mounted to the base, the child could be injured in the event of a crash.

The affected child restraints produced from February 18, 2008, through June 28, 2008, are models 22-371 HFL, JUC, LMD, PNG, and ORE; 22-372 TTH; and Maxi-Cosi Mico Infant Child Restraint System – Base Only, model 22-515 BLK. The model number and the manufacture date are located on a label on the side of the car seat/carrier.

Dorel will notify all registered owners and will send a free remedy kit. Parents may continue to use the child restraint system as directed in their instruction manual. Until the repair kit is installed, parents should make sure that the child restraint is firmly attached to the base by pulling up on the seat while the two are attached. The base release handle should move back to its original position indicating the seat is secured. Owners may contact Dorel at 1-877- 657-9546 or visit their website at www.djgusa.com.

Consumers with questions about this or any other safety recall campaign may call NHTSA’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission are alerting consumers of a recall involving certain infant child restraints manufactured by Dorel Juvenile Group under Safety 1st, Cosco, Eddie Bauer and Disney branded names. Consumers should immediately stop using the infant seat carrying handle.

Dorel is recalling 447,000 seats because when used as an infant carrier, the bolts that attach the child restraint handle to the seat can loosen causing the handle to fully or partially separate from the seat creating a fall hazard. Consumers should not use the handle until the repair kit has been installed. The car seat is safe for use in a vehicle as it meets federal safety standards.

To receive a free repair kit, owners of the affected child restraint models should contact Dorel’s customer service department at 1-866-762-3316 or visit http://www.djgusa.com/safety_notice.

The affected child restraint models, produced from January 6, 2008 through April 6, 2009, are listed below, for more information you can go to NHTSA. The model number and the manufacture date are located on a label on the side of the car seat/carrier.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today announced that Toyota has identified a vehicle-based remedy to fix a sudden acceleration safety issue involving floor mats trapping accelerator pedals in various Toyota and Lexus models. Toyota announced the recall of these vehicles in early October and said it would soon develop a vehicle-based remedy to reduce the risk of a crash due to accelerator pedal entrapment.

The models involved in the recall are: 2007 to 2010 MY Camry, 2005 to 2010 MY Avalon, 2004 to 2009 MY Prius, 2005-2010 MY Tacoma, 2007-2010 MY Tundra, 2007-2010 MY ES 350, 2006-2010 MY IS 250, and 2006 to 2010 MY IS 350.

NHTSA said Toyota plans to reconfigure the accelerator pedal, and in some cases the shape of the floor surface under the pedal, to address the risk of pedal entrapment due to floor mat interference, particularly with regard to inappropriate or improperly attached floor mats. At the same time, Toyota will develop replacement pedals for these vehicles, which will become available for some models in April 2010. Toyota will provide owners with the new pedal, when it becomes available, even if the vehicle has already received the modified pedal under the recall.

In addition, vehicles with any genuine Toyota or Lexus accessory all-weather floor mats will be provided with newly-designed replacement driver- and front-passenger side all-weather mats.

NHTSA also said that Toyota will, in addition to these announced vehicle-based remedies, install a brake override system on the involved Camry, Avalon and Lexus ES 350, IS 350 and IS 250 models as an “extra measure of confidence.” The brake override system would ensure the vehicle would stop if both the brake and the accelerator pedals are simultaneously applied. NHTSA is particularly pleased that Toyota is taking this additional step.

NHTSA said that Toyota intends to notify vehicle owners on a rolling basis, starting with owners of the ES 350, Camry, and Avalon vehicles. While awaiting Toyota’s notification, NHTSA urges owners to remove all removable driver’s side floor mats and not replace them until their vehicles have received the remedies being provided by Toyota. Toyota will begin making the necessary fixes to the recalled vehicles beginning early in 2010, perhaps in January. Initially, Toyota dealers will be instructed on how to reshape existing accelerator pedals. Later, replacement accelerator pedals will be available for installation on vehicles not yet remedied or, if the owner so chooses, even to replace the modified pedals.

For more information, consumers are urged to contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or the NHTSA hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

Toyota Announces Recall of 110,000 Tundra Pickups for Excessive Corrosion; Motorists Should Remove Spare Tires From the Underbody

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today alerted owners of certain Toyota Tundra vehicles to remove spare tires mounted underneath the body of the vehicle. Excessive corrosion due to “road salts” can cause the rear cross- member of the vehicle frame to fail and allow the spare tire to fall onto the roadway at any time, creating a road hazard for other vehicles.

Toyota has just announced a recall of these vehicles, but NHTSA recommends that owners remove the spare tires even before taking the vehicles to the dealers to be remedied.

In addition, the corrosion may also cause damage to the rear brake lines and lead to brake system failures.

Toyota will contact owners of all affected vehicles and ask that they bring the vehicles to a local dealer to be inspected and remedied. Based on the extent of the corrosion, Toyota will either apply a corrosion-resistant compound to the affected area or replace the rear cross-member if necessary. In the event that the rear cross-member cannot be replaced, Toyota will develop a remedy for those vehicles

Toyota also announced it will notify owners of model year 2000 through 2003 Tundras registered outside of the recalled states and perform the same inspection and repair if the owners desire.

Until the recalled vehicles are brought in, NHTSA urges owners to remove the spare tires to prevent them from falling onto the roadway. NHTSA also advised to avoid being under the spare tire or rear cross-member while removing it. If the spare tire is moved to the truck bed or to another location in the vehicle, owners should make sure that it is properly secured.