After three field reports and eight warranty claims, Toyota has decided to ask owners of certain 2012-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV’s to return to their dealership for a problem affecting the hybrid propulsion system. Due to a software issue, the drive inverter electronic control unit may not be able to determine the rotational position of the motor. This will cause a speed sensor error code which will trigger a “Check EV System” warning message on the instrument panel, turn on the malfunction indicator lamp, and cause the electric motor to shift into “neutral”. This complete loss of drive power may increase the risk of an accident. Continue reading
Category Archives: Toyota
Toyota Electric Power Steering Failure
Certain Toyota Camry, Highlander, and RAV4 vehicles equipped with an electric power steering (EPS) System could experience loss of steering assist due to a manufacturing error. According to reports, a resistor on the EPS electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, resistance may become high enough for the ECU to detect an abnormal current in the circuit. The problem may result in an illumining instrument panel warning light and the vehicle entering fail safe mode, suspending power steering assist. Loss of power steering assist results in increased steering effort during low speeds, increasing the risk of an accident. Continue reading
2015 Toyota Yaris Rear Axle Problem
The rear axle hub bearing assemblies of certain 2015 Toyota Yaris vehicles may have one or more rear axle bearing bolts which have not been sufficiently tightened during the manufacturing process. The bolts may become loose during operation a could detach completely. The detached bolts could damage rear brake components resulting in reduced braking an a potential wheel lockup. Continue reading
2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Steering Problem
A small number of 2014 FJ Cruiser owners will be notified by Toyota to return to their dealership for a problem affecting the steering system. According to reports, a joint in the intermediate shaft may have received an inadequate weld due to improperly maintained welding equipment at the supplier. If the vehicle is continuously operated in this condition, the weld could separate, resulting in complete loss of steering control and an increased risk of an accident. Continue reading
2011-2012 Toyota Avalon Electrical Defect
Toyota will be asking the owners of certain 2011-2012 Toyota Avalon‘s to return their cars to a dealership for repairs. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the wires going to the sub woofer located in the trunk may move out of postion creating a short against the metal frame. An integrated circuit (IC) within the amplifier could overheat, potentially creating a fire. Continue reading
2014 Toyota Avalon & Camry Suspension Defect
A defect affecting the suspension in certain 2014 Avalon and 2014 Camry will have approximately 5,650 vehicle owners returning to their dealership for repairs. According to the defect report, an incorrect left side front suspension lower arm may have been installed during manufacturing. The wrong part could result in insufficient clamping surface for one of the bolts that secures the lower arm to the lower ball joint. Impact to the lower ball joint during normal driving conditions could result in separation of the lower arm form the ball joint and loss of steering control. Continue reading
2008 Toyota Sienna On The Safety Watch List
Using publicly available data from the NHTSA, manufacturer early warning reports, and the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), The Safety Institute release a list of vehicles which they feel show early signs of potential problems. According to The Safety Institute’s most recent quarterly vehicle safety watch list, released in October 2014, the Toyota Sienna shows repeated problems affecting the power train and suspension. Continue reading
Lexus Fuel Leak Safety Problem
Toyota will be contacting the owners of approximately 422,000 Lexus GS, IS, and LS vehicles to return to their dealerships for a problem with the fuel delivery system.
According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the affected vehicles were manufactured with a plating on the fuel delivery lines to protect against corrosion. This plating could result in the sealing property of the gasket seated between the pressure sensor and the pipe to become degraded. Fuel could leak past the gasket and in the presence of an ignition source, may result in fire. The vehicles affected by this recall includes: Continue reading
