By Steve Little

SouthernGuy8503

Looks like yet another Toyota recall on the heels of the 10 million vehicles Toyota has already pulled from the field in the last year. This time, there appears to be a problem with the braking system–a master cylinder seal that doesn’t seal–as well as problems with the electric fuel pumps in some foreign-market vehicles. A total of 740,000 cars in the US, 599,000 in Japan, and a handful of others throughout Europe will be subject to the recall, which includes the 2005-06 Avalon, the 2004-06 Highlander, and a variety of Lexus models. More details here.

By Ron Honig

WaytooFurious

It’s nice to see car makers that are proactive when faults are found with their cars. Unlike the recent example set by Toyota, it’s good to know that you can still count on some organisations to do the right thing, and save themselves a heap of trouble in the process. Australia’s Holden has recently announced a recall of 34,000 utes as there is the possibility that their tailgates might open unexpectedly while in motion. The chances that this will actually happen to anyone are slim, but in the event that it did, it could pose some obvious hazards to anyone driving behind the defective vehicle. Get the full story at the Age.

By Stephanie Porteus

HotRodHoney

It seems that even with a hefty (and record) $16.4 million fine for Toyota, things aren’t turning around just yet.

April 19th marked the end of a two-week period in which the U.S Department of Transportation and Toyota were expected to sign a settlement following the Obama administration’s finding that Toyota knowingly chose not to recall faulty accelerator pedals on many of its popular models. By agreeing to pay this fine, Toyota is “accepting responsibility for hiding this safety defect” from the National Highway Administration “in violation of the law,” says Senior Transportation Department official (who asked not to be named since the settlement had not yet been finalized). Read more…

Continue reading "Toyota Troubles: Not Over Yet" »

By Jen Dunnaway

Editor

I don’t mean to be pigeonholing anyone here, but I get the impression that the folks who buy new Toyotas tend to be the kind of people who don’t want to have to think about their cars, ever. They get in them to drive uneventfully from a to b, they expect them to behave like obedient appliances, and they cite “reliability” as their number-one vehicle priority. So I guess it’s not all that surprising that, in the wake of Toyota’s massive safety recall, these same “consumers” (as distinct from “enthusiasts”) are leading the charge in a sharp reversal of the company’s popularity ratings. Hey, we already know they’re mad: there’s been a rash of class-action suits. But now the wider fallout is being registered in a new report by Bloomburg, which shows that Toyota’s reputation is on the rocks with only 49% of respondents–the lowest in years–reporting a favorable view of the company (compared to 77% for Ford, the leader). I guess it makes sense. I would never foresee, say, Porsche owners or Corvette owners turning on their brand this way, no matter how glitchy their cars turned out to be. But if a new Toyota is perceived by the public as not being able to function reliably as an appliance, what really is left for them?

By Mike Bumbeck

Clunkbucket

It might need a few new valve springs. The input shaft bearing in the transmission is whining a little. There’s a wobble or two here or there. One of the camshaft lobes may be in trouble. Clunks? Plenty. We’re really hoping the clutch cable doesn’t finally give out either. The good news is that even with 230-plus thousand miles on the original 4K-C engine – there are no recalls for the 1982 Toyota Starlet! Read more about the Starlet over at Clunkbucket

By Jen Dunnaway

Editor

Anything Toyota can do, GM can do better, right? Well, maybe if you’re talking about NASCAR. But The General’s voluntary recall, announced last night, of 1.3 million 2005-2010 Cobalts and G5s over power steering issues seems like positively small potatoes compared to the trainwreck that is the Toyota fiasco. The defect is in the electronic power steering assist motor, whose failure has been linked to 14 wrecks and one injury. Apparently, nothing dramatic happens when the electronic assist fails–the steering just becomes a lot harder at low speeds, similar to losing a belt on a traditional power-steering pump. But seeing as no one remembers how to drive with manual steering anymore, it makes sense that the sudden absence of electronic intervention would cause some drivers to lose it. More at Automotive News.

By Katherine Helmetag

Atomicalex

Added to the floor mat recall list… Get your cars to your dealers, CarDomainers. Note that the Vibe is on the list because it’s the platform and assembly line twin of the Matrix.

2008-2010 Highlander
2009-2010 Corolla
2009-2010 Venza
2009-2010 Matrix
2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe

If you’re not on the list, check this great shot of Kupecky’s 2010 Vibe!

By Austin Knight

Gotadime

GM is voluntarily recalling the new Camaro due to a minor battery cable issue. It is a reportedly easy fix and simply involves wrapping the battery cable with protective insulating tape and rerouting it to ensure enough clearance between it and the starter. As a more permanent fix, dealers will receive new engine wiring harnesses by May 11th. The question is, will this damage the Camaro’s reputation, even though it’s an extremely minor problem? Via Autoblog