Toyota has announced a recall for certain 2006-2011 Toyota Rav4 and 2010 Lexus HS250H vehicles because of a problem with the rear suspension. According to the recall report, if the nuts on the rear suspension arm are improperly tightened during a wheel alignment service, the tire rod will develop movement which could lead to rust and damage to the threads. The tire rod could fail causing an abrupt change in the vehicles alignment leading to loss of vehicle control. Drivers who notice a strange noise coming from the rear of their vehicle are asked to contact their nearest dealership as soon as possible. Toyota is working on a repair for the problem and will send out notifications as soon as possible. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Category Archives: Lexus
Toyota Acceleration Pedals Still A Problem
Toyota’s 2009 unintended acceleration problems continue as Toyota announces a recall for certain 2010 Lexus RX350 and 2010 Lexus RX450H vehicles manufactured between November 2008 through September 2010. According to the recall report, the accelerator pedal could get trapped under an unsecured or incompatible floor mat, allowing the vehicle to accelerate out of control. An accident could result if the the driver fails to rectify the problem quickly. Lexus will begin notifying owners of the problem starting in August, and will modify the accelerator pedal and replace any floor mats not specified for the vehicle. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Lexus GS350 Steering Problem
Toyota will be recalling a small number of 2013 Lexus GS350 cars manufactured between December 12, 2011 to February 7, 21012. The Problem is with the programming for the variable gear ratio steering (VGRS) system. If the engine is restarted immediately after the vehicle has been parked and the steering wheel is turned, the steering wheel could become off centered. Off centered steering will result in an unexpected maneuver which could result in a crash. Toyota will notify owners who can take in their vehicles to have the VGRS system updated. For more information about the problem, contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Toyota To Replace Crankshaft Pulley
Toyota will be recalling over 400,000 Toyota and Lexus vehicles with V6 engines, to replace the crankshaft pulley. In a report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Toyota said that there is a possibility that the outer ring of the crankshaft pulley may become misaligned with the inner ring. If the problem is not fixed, the power steering pump may become detached making it difficult for the driver to steer. Notifications will be sent out starting in January, but if drivers start hearing abnormal noises from the engine compartment or experience illumination of the discharge warning light, they should immediately have their vehicle inspected by a Toyota or Lexus dealer. The vehicles involved in this recall include:
- 2004 Toyota Avalon
- 2004-2005 Toyota Camry
- 2004-2005 Toyota Highlander
- 2004-2005 Toyota Sienna
- 2004-2005 Toyota Solara
- 2004-2005 Lexus ES330
- 2004-2005 Lexus RX330
- 2006 Toyota Highlander HV
- 2006 Lexus RX400H
For more information on the recall, Toyota owners can go to www.toyota.com/recall or call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. Lexus owners can go to www.lexus.com/recall or call the Lexus Customer Satisfaction Center at 1 800-255-3987.
Toyota Recalls 2011 Lexus RX350 Vehicles
Toyota is recalling certain 2011 Lexus RX350 vehicles equipped with vehicle dynamics integrated management (VDIM) systems. The hydraulic control valves in this system may have been incorrectly calibrated which could lead to the right front wheel not being controlled properly when the anti-lock brake system (ABS) or the vehicle stability control system (VSC) is activated. This could lead to an increased stopping distance and/or a failure to adequately correct a vehicle slide. Owners wanting more information on this recall can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Toyota And Lexus Hybrids Recalled For Stalling
Toyota has announced a recall that will affect about 82,000 Toyota and Lexus hybrid sport utility vehicles (SUV’s). The recall involves about 45,000 2006-2007 Toyota Highlander and 36,000 2006-2007 Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV models from the 2006-2007 model years. The recall is the result of an investigation that began in February after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received complaints of the vehicles stalling for no reason. Toyota has reported that the problem is with the transistors inside the system’s inverter which can overheat and fail. Drivers will be alerted of the problem by warning lamps illuminating on the dashboard, and in most cases the vehicle can be driven a short distance due to a fail safe driving mode. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331 or go to www.toyota.com/recall or Lexus at 800-255-3987 or go to www.lexus.com/recall.
Japan Earthquake And Tsunami Halt Auto Production
Japanese auto manufacturing plants will remain closed today in order to assess the damage from Friday’s earthquake and Tsunami. Being outside the hardest hit areas, the factories are still operational, but rolling power blackouts and damaged infrastructure could prevent automobile shipments from leaving ports for a considerable amount of time. The three major Japanese automobile manufacturers, Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, supply most American consumers through factories in the U.S., but Lexus, Mazda, Suzuki and smaller fuel efficient cars like the Toyota Prius and Yaris, and the Honda Fit are built in Japan. In America, consumers have been turning to these small fuel efficient cars as gas prices increase. Some dealerships in North Palm Beach say that they have already sold out of these efficient cars, and they don’t know if any will be getting to their dealerships anytime soon.
Consumer Reports Top Automobile Picks For 2010
Consumer Reports (CR) is an American magazine published by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. Consumer Reports does not print outside advertising, accept free product samples, or permit the commercial use of its reviews for selling products. Its publisher states that this policy allows the magazine to “maintain their independence and impartiality… so that CR has no agenda other than the interests of consumers.
Every year, CR publishes their top ten automobiles in ten different categories. The choices are based on performance, reliability and safety. Below are Consumers Reports picks for the 2010 year.
Family Sedan
Nissan Altima:
The Nissan Altima has always been a popular choice as a family sedan. It’s roomy interior and comfortable ride makes the car an enjoyable drive. The 2010 version of this car offers improved looks, standard electronic stability control (ESC) and the best fuel economy in its class.
Small Sedan
Hyundai Elantra SE:
Hyundai safety and reliability has come a long way and has made Consumer Reports top picks for the third time. The Elantra SE, offers a comfortable ride, good fuel economy and plenty of features for the price. The SE comes with standard ESC that is often not offered on similar competitors vehicles.
Sporty Car
Volkswagen GTI:
The 2010 Volkswagen GTI is a sporty version of the Golf. It offers excellent handling and acceleration and is a comfortable car to drive. The interior is tastefully finished with plenty of cargo space, especially with the hatchback model. Like all Volkswagen’s, the GTI offers a respectable fuel economy.
Small SUV
Subaru Forester:
The Subaru Forester has been labeled as the SUV that offers the most car like driving experience. It offers a comfortable ride with plenty of room and excellent visibility. The Forester offers excellent reliability and an impressive gas mileage for an SUV.
Best Overall Car
Lexus LS 460L:
Lexus has always pampered it’s customers with a luxurious driving experience. The LS 460L is no exception with it’s well crafted, roomy and quiet interior. Though the price is a bit higher than some of the vehicles in its class, if you can afford it, it is well worth it.
Family SUV
Chevrolet Traverse:
Overall, the Traverse stands out as a family SUV. It is comfortable and responsive, and allows up to eight adults seated comfortably as well as room for cargo. Visibility is not the best for this SUV, taking into account the size of it, but Chevy offers convex side mirrors and an optional rear view camera to help.
Sports Sedan
Infiniti G37:
The Infiniti G sedans are one of the highest rated sedans tested by Consumer Reports. Excellent handling, acceleration and comfort make this luxurious vehicle a pleasure to drive. Because it is a sports sedan, space and storage are compromised.
Family Hauler
Mazda5:
The Mazda5 offers a lot in a compact and affordable microvan. It offers the convenience of a minivan with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a wagon. The addition of standard ESC for 2010 makes this minivan safer and fun to drive.
Green Car
Toyota Prius:
The Toyota Prius was one to the first green cars manufactured for the public. Its overall mileage has made it the green car pick for the seventh straight year. It is a comfortable car to drive, and its 2010 redesign makes it even more appealing. Toyota has also added a dedicated EV that allows it to run longer on electric power at low speeds.
Pickup Truck
Chevrolet Silverado 1500:
This well rounded pickup offers a roomy cabin, an exellent payload capacity and a decent ride for a pickup. It is an excellent 4WD family vehicle offering a quality interior on higher end models.
