Toyota recall: All you need to know
2010-02-10 13:00
Following a media conference at the company's Johannesburg headquarters, Toyota South Africa Motors has released more details on the recall of certain passenger car models.
Which cars are affected?
Toyota Corolla (February 2007 to January 2010) – 45 040 vehicles
Toyota Auris (June 2006 to January 2010) – 6 665 vehicles
Toyota Verso (October 2008 to January 2010) – 841 vehicles
This equates to a total of 52 546 vehicles.
Why the recall?
According to Toyota South Africa, its participation in the worldwide recall is as a precautionary measure as the reported problem has not been as evident in the hot and dry climate of South Africa.
However, the company admits that since the announcement of its participation, a number of requests have been received from owners. These reports will be assessed on an individual basis.
How will you know?
Toyota SA will start contacting customers of the affected vehicles immediately. All Toyota dealers in South Africa and the countries that TSAM serve, including Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland, will be involved.
Alternatively, if your vehicle is one of those covered by the recall, contact your Toyota dealer directly to schedule a time for the repair.
What will the repair entail?
Repairs will start from 23 February 2010. A steel bar will be inserted to correct the accelerator mechanism that, in severe cases, has allowed the pedal to deteriorate and become harder to depress, slow to return to idle or has become stuck in a partially depressed position.
In more detail, the problem relates to the operation between the mechanism’s friction shoe that provides pedal feel and ensures pedal stability, and the adjoining surface.
How long will it take?
The repair should take less than an hour.
The cost?
Toyota will cover the full cost of the repair, regardless of the state of the car's service plan or warranty, or the ownership status of the vehicle.
Special service campaign of 216 Prius
In what Toyota SA terms an "unrelated service action", the carmaker has decided to recall all new generation Prius models (August 2009 to February 2010) for a software upgrade to the electronic brake system.
This upgrade will address the delayed brake feel on slippery surfaces that has been experienced elsewhere in the world.
Toyota is already in the process of contacting each Prius owner to inform them of this software upgrade and to schedule an appointment time.
More information
Concerned Toyota owners and drivers can visit www.toyota.co.za or phone the Customer Contact Centre on 0800 139 111 for up to date information on the recall campaign.
Have you experienced anything unexpected in your Toyota Corolla, Verso, Auris or Prius? Share your questions and comments below.
