Road Reality » 2007

Welcome to 2011: Toyota announces recall of 245,000 Lexus vehicles

John Suit — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:00:07 +0000

2006 Lexus IS 350

How’s this to ring in the new year? 245,000 Lexus vehicles in the US are being recalled, due to faulty installation of the fuel pressure sensor. The recall includes a mix of 2006-2009 IS and GS models, detailed after the jump. No mention of fires, which usually accompany a recall of this sort, but fuel leakage is no laughing matter regardless of whether or not it leads to a fire.

Click past the jump for a better description of the problem, a table of recalled vehicles, Toyota’s press release and Customer FAQ.

The problem stems from a loose installation of the fuel pressure sensor, which over time, may loosen some more, leading to a fuel leak at the connection point between the sensor and the fuel line.

2006 Lexus GS 300

Toyota will be mailing out the recall notices to affected owners once they’ve gathered the needed parts. The inspection/fix will involve checking the connection, and if no leak is found, then the proper tightening will take place. If a leak is found, the gasket between the fuel line and the sensor will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened to the proper torque specification.

The fix will take between one and three hours, depending on if the gasket needs to be replaced, at no charge to Lexus customers.

The list of vehicles being recalled includes:

Model	Year
GS 300	2006, 2007
GS 350	2006, 2007
IS 250	2006, 2007, 2008, early 2009
IS 350	2006, 2007, early 2008

Show Press Release

Toyota Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain 2006-2007 Lexus GS 300/350, 2006-2009 IS 250 and 2006-2008 IS 350 Vehicles to Inspect the Fuel Pressure Sensor Installation

Toyota Motor Corporation announces separate recall involving certain vehicles not sold in North America

TORRANCE, Calif., January 26, 2011 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 245,000 2006 through 2007 Lexus GS300/350, 2006 through early 2009 Lexus IS250, and 2006 through early 2008 Lexus IS350 vehicles sold in the U.S. to inspect the fuel pressure sensor installation.

Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to certain engine fuel delivery pipes (those with Nickel Phosphorus plating), there is a possibility that the pressure sensor could loosen over time. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the delivery pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.

Lexus dealers will inspect the vehicle for fuel leakage and if no leakage is found, will tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened with the proper torque. The inspection and possible gasket replacement will be conducted at no charge to the vehicle owner.

Owners of the involved vehicles will receive a safety recall notification by first class mail once the parts that may be needed have been obtained. Lexus will also post this information on its website. Detailed information about this recall is available through Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987 or at www.lexus.com/recall.

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced a separate recall involving 1.3 million vehicles worldwide to remedy a different condition on a different fuel delivery pipe and a high pressure fuel pump check valve. TMC’s recall announcement does not involve vehicles sold in North America.

Customer FAQ for Lexus IS and GS Fuel Pressure Sensor Recall

1. Which models are involved in the recall?

Toyota is recalling approximately 245,000 2006 through 2007 Lexus GS 300/350, 2006 through early 2009 IS250 and 2006 through early 2008 IS350 vehicles sold in the U.S. No other vehicles are involved in this recall.

2. What is the condition?

Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to an engine fuel delivery pipe, there is a possibility that the pressure sensor could loosen over time. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the pipe.

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

There are no warnings that this condition will occur. However, if fuel is leaking from the fuel pressure sensor, in some instances a fuel odor may be noticed from the engine compartment.

4. What is Lexus going to do?

Lexus is currently preparing the parts that may be needed. Once the parts are ready, owners of the involved vehicles will receive a Safety Recall Notification by first class mail.

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. How long will it take for the dealer to inspect my vehicle?

The inspection and tightening of the fuel pressure sensor to the proper torque will take approximately one hour. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the replacement of the gasket and tightening the sensor to the proper torque will take approximately three hours. However, depending upon the dealer’s work schedule, it may be necessary to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time.

7. What should owners do if they experience the condition, or have immediate concerns about their vehicle?

If an owner has any immediate concerns, he or she is requested to contact a local Lexus dealer for diagnosis, and if applicable, repair.

by John Suit

Source: Toyota

Toyota Announces Repair Bulletin for 2004-2007 Prius, over Cooling

John Suit — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:00:59 +0000

The Toyota Prius has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the last year, seeing unintended acceleration and other recalls. Now, Toyota has announced a Repair Campaign. While not a safety recall, it’s still a fairly serious issue. From the press release, it looks like some 378,000 Priuses in the US can develop an issue with the hybrid drive’s cooling system. Click past the jump for more details and the press release.

Hybrid batteries require cooling to keep them in their optimal operating temperature, so any automaker who produces a hybrid car needs to add a second cooling system. On the 2004-2007 Prius, apparently a fault in the water pump for the hybrid cooling system can allow air bubbles to be introduced into the cooling fluid, which leads to hotter components and eventually the car goes into “fail safe” mode, which reduces engine power. The check engine light will illuminate as well, a secondary indication of a moderate to severe problem.

According to Toyota, the repair campaign will begin in early December, 2010. Owners who bring their vehicles in will have their water pumps replaced with a newly-designed one, free of charge, so long as they schedule that appointment before November 30th, 2013. As a side note, no accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of the water pump issue.

This is another fault with a Toyota product, and isn’t going to do any good for their already tarnished reputation. I would expect more hybrid buyers to consider the offerings from Ford, Nissan and others, as an alternative to the immensely-popular Prius.

Show Press Release

by John Suit

Source: Toyota

Honda Recalls Odyssey, Acura RL because of Shared Supplier

John Suit — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:00:26 +0000

2007 Honda Odyssey

Last week, Toyota recalled a total of 740,000 vehicles. This week, because it uses the same supplier for some of its brake components, Honda is recalling almost 472,000 vehicles for the same issue – leaking brake fluid can cause loss of pedal pressure and result in more effort required to stop an affected vehicle. Interestingly, the only vehicles mentioned in the recall are the Acura RL and Honda Odyssey, which nobody would suspect of sharing braking components. Click past the jump for the press release and details.

Even if they couldn’t be more different – a flagship luxury sedan and a people-mover, the RL and Odyssey must share brake master cylinders, the components in your braking system that amplifies your pedal effort to stop your car.

2006 Acura RL

The recall affects 2005-2007 Acura RLs and Honda Odysseys, so if you own one, expect to get a recall notice from Honda in the near future.

Honda gets a nod for their quickness in identifying the supplier and issuing a recall on this matter, but seriously, it seems like it’s Recall Month on Road Reality!

Show Press Release

by John Suit

Source: NHTSA

Toyota Releases fix for 1998-2006 Sienna Minivans

John Suit — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 18:00:51 +0000

Since Toyota announced their recall of some 600,000 Sienna minivans, I’ve gotten a ton of feedback on this issue from readers, so I’ve been calling Toyota regularly looking for the resolution to this issue.

Well, today I’ve got some good news for you! Click past the jump for all the details!

First a little refresher. Back in April of this year, Toyota announced a recall of its Sienna minivan, including model years 1998 to 2010. The recall was for the spare tire carrier, which was rusting and in some cases coming apart, creating a safety hazard. Click here for the Sienna Recall Information page.

After getting off the phone with Brian Lyons, Safety and Quality Communications Manager for Toyota USA, I have a breakdown of what he called “Phase One” of the resolution to this recall.

Phase One involves about 440,000 of the estimated 600,000 minivans, from model year 1998 to model year 2006. Letters to affected owners started mailing last Monday, so they should be arriving soon if you haven’t gotten one already. Phase One is also broken down into two sections, one for minivans built in 1998 to 2003, and another for 2004-2006 model year minivans. The reasoning for this is because the location of the spare tire was moved for model year 2004, from the back to more of the middle of the vehicle.

If you’ve got a Toyota Sienna from model year 1998 to 2003, here’s what will happen when you take your vehicle to your dealer:

Inspection of spare tire carrier, for rust.
Application of “corrosion-resistant compound” to the carrier cable
If rust is bad enough, the cable assembly will be replaced.

If your minivan is a model year 2004 to 2006, the dealer will perform similar work, with one major difference:

Inspection of spare tire carrier, for rust.
Application of “corrosion-resistant compound” to the carrier cable
If rust is bad enough, the cable assembly will be replaced.
Installation of a “seal” between the spare tire carrier and the right-front tire, to help prevent rust in the future.

While Phase One includes only up to model year 2006, Mr. Lyons did not have a date for when the 2007-2010 minivans will be fixed or what the fix would be. You can bet that as soon as that information becomes available, I’ll have it right here on Road Reality.

In the mean time, if you’d like to share your experience with the rest of the Road Reality readers, please Contact me.

by John Suit

Source: Brian Lyons, Toyota

BMW announces Recall of 198,000 V8 and V12-powered Cars

John Suit — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 21:28:10 +0000

2005 BMW 750Li

If you own a late-model 5,6, or 7-series BMW or a Rolls-Royce Phantom, your car may be part of a recall being initiated by BMW this week. The recall affects 198,000 cars from model years 2002 to 2010. In the recalled cars, a leak can develop in the power braking system, leading to lessened braking assistance. While this would not cause a full loss of braking ability, the driver of an affected vehicle will have to use more pressure on the brake pedal to bring their car to a full and complete stop. Read on for the press release and complete list of affected vehicles.

While there have been complaints to BMW regarding this issue, there have been no reported accidents or injuries which can be blamed on it. BMW already has an inspection and repair procedure created, and will be distributing replacement parts and recall notices in the coming weeks.

If you are already experiencing a loss in power braking assistance, make a service appointment with your BMW dealer immediately. If you’re just concerned about this issue, go ahead and contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email customer.relations@bmwna.com.

List of affected models:

* 2002-08 BMW 745i/Li, 750i/Li, and 760i/Li
* 2007-08 BMW Alpina B7
* 2004-10 BMW 645i and 650i
* 2004-10 BMW 545i and 550i

* 2003-2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom models (does not include Rolls-Royce Ghost)

Show Press Release

by John Suit

Source: BMW

Update: No Solution Yet for Toyota Sienna Spare Tire Recall

John Suit — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 15:00:48 +0000

It’s been 5 months, and as several readers have pointed out, Toyota still hasn’t come up with a fix for the spare tires falling off of 1998-2010 Sienna minivans. In the mean time, I’ve placed a call to Toyota’s PR department and am expecting a response shortly.

If you’d like to discuss this recall or share your own experience, please visit the Road Reality Forums through the link below.

Links:

Original Post
Toyota Sienna Recall Discussion Thread

by John Suit