Recall: Toyota SA responds

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Wheels24 interviews Leo Kok, Toyota SA's Manager for Corporate Public Relations, regarding the recall of Toyota vehicles in SA.

Wheels24: What model year and derivative: Corolla, Verso and Auris vehicles sold in South Africa are affected by the recall?

Leo Kok: That is still under investigation and will be announced as soon as possible. We have not excluded any other model range until we have finalised the complete technical study.

Wheels24: Will affected owners be contacted directly by Toyota SA?

LK: Yes, we will contact owners and dealers will assist in this.

Wheels24: Who could affected owners contact if their vehicle falls in either of these categories? (ie. is their a dedicated help line?)

LK: They are more than welcome to contact the Customer Contact Centre (0800-139-111)

Wheels24: What other Toyota model ranges and derivatives sold in South Africa will be affected by the recall?

LK: We are still busy with the investigation to make sure that we look at the accelerator-pedal mechanism on all the vehicles we sell in South Africa. The only three vehicles that have been isolated so far are the Corolla, new generation Verso and Auris.

Wheels24: What is the required repair and how long can affected owners expect this repair to take?

LK: We will fit a small metal part to the accelerator pedal assembly that can be done while the owner waits. More detail will follow next week.

Wheels24: Will they be given alternate transportation while their vehicles are being repaired?

LK: We will be able to provide detail on the overall logistics when we announce the final recall next week.

Wheels24: Will owners be charged for the repair/s?

LK: Absolutely not. It will be a cost for Toyota, regardless if the vehicle is a used vehicle, outside of its warranty or out of its service plan.

Wheels24: What systems are being implemented to prevent a similar situation in the future?

LK: We have always maintained the strictest level of quality control and in South Africa this is a pre-emptive measure to prevent this problem from rearing its head. More information on extra steps will become available once we have finalised the study on the overall recall.

Wheels24: Will owners and business owners be compensated for the loss of use of their vehicles?

LK: We will be able to provide more information on this once we have finalised the details of the recall.

Wheels24: Does Toyota SA feel the recall will have any negative affect to the residual values of vehicles sold within this period?

LK: The process in South Africa is a pro-active step to prevent this problem from rearing its head. I believe that Toyota owners will still experience the high residual value that they have come to expect from their Toyota vehicles.

Are you affected by the Toyota South Africa recall? Add your comment or question in the comments facility below, and relevant questions will be forwarded to Toyota for response.