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RAV4 Recall Intensifies: Vehicle Fire Sparks Urgent Safety Alarm

A harrowing incident in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, has amplified concerns regarding Toyota’s ongoing recall issue. A couple’s 2014 Toyota RAV4 burst into flames while they were driving, attributed to an unresolved recall issue that could cause the vehicle to catch fire. The recall, affecting nearly 1.9 million vehicles, involves certain 2013-2018 RAV4 models and stems from potentially hazardous battery installations.

Matthew and Kristen Mulrooney experienced the vehicle’s electrical systems sporadically shutting down, which escalated to the vehicle’s front catching fire swiftly. This incident underscores the severe safety risks posed by the recalled RAV4s. Toyota has identified that improperly sized replacement batteries could shift and short-circuit, leading to fires. The company has acknowledged the issue but noted that a permanent remedy is still in preparation.

Owners of the affected models are advised to check their vehicle’s status via Toyota’s official recall site or the NHTSA’s recall page. Toyota plans to replace critical components like the battery hold-down clamp and positive terminal cover to mitigate this risk once the remedy is ready.

For more information, please refer to the full article on WCVB.

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Toyota Hit With Major Recall: 2.43M Hybrids At Risk Of Stalling

Pen and ink illustration of a woman is standing outside a building with a blue car in front of it. The building has a glass door and a sign that says "RECALL!" There are also two people and a third person in the background.

Hybrids Recalled Over Dangerous Issue

Toyota Motor Corporation has announced a massive recall affecting 2.43 million gasoline hybrid vehicles worldwide due to a hybrid system issue that could result in stalling. This latest recall covers a range of models, including the Prius and Auris, produced between October 2008 and November 2014.

Global Reach of the Recall

The scale of the recall is extensive, impacting vehicles across various regions:

  • Japan: 1.25 million vehicles
  • North America: 830,000 vehicles
  • Europe: 290,000 vehicles
  • Other Regions: China, Africa, Oceania, and other regions

The Issue: Hybrid System Failsafe Mode

Toyota explained that in “rare situations,” some vehicles might not switch to a “failsafe” driving mode when a fault is detected in the hybrid system. This malfunction could lead to a sudden loss of power and result in stalling, creating a potential safety risk.

Noteworthy Points:

  • Affected vehicles include Prius and Auris models.
  • Production period: October 2008 to November 2014.
  • Toyota is not aware of any crashes related to this issue in Japan.

What Should Owners Do?

Toyota is urging owners of affected vehicles to visit their nearest Toyota dealership for inspection and necessary repairs. The repairs will include updating the software for the hybrid system to ensure it shifts to a failsafe mode in the event of a fault.

Check if Your Vehicle is Affected: Owners can check if their vehicle is included in this recall by visiting the official recall page at Toyota.com/recall or NHTSA.gov/recalls and entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information.

Contact Information: For additional information or assistance, Toyota owners can reach out to the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331.

This significant recall is a stark reminder of the importance of vehicle safety checks. Toyota remains committed to addressing these issues and ensuring the safety of its customers globally. If your vehicle is affected, it’s crucial to act promptly to prevent potential risks.

Stay informed and stay safe!

Source: Reuters

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Urgent Alert: Toyota’s Latest Recall Puts 381,000 Tacomas in Peril

Toyota’s recall woes continue to mount as the company announces its fourth recall in just six days, this time affecting about 381,000 Tacoma midsize pickup trucks. The latest recall, aimed at addressing potential rear axle issues, adds to the growing list of concerns for Tacoma owners and highlights the importance of vehicle safety.

The Problem: Rear Axle Defects

The issue at hand involves certain 2022 to 2023 Toyota Tacoma trucks sold in the United States. According to Toyota, welding debris left on the ends of the rear axle assembly during manufacturing could cause retaining nuts to loosen over time. If these nuts fall off, a part could separate from the axle, affecting the stability and brake performance of the vehicle and, consequently, increasing the risk of a crash.

Toyota’s Response

Owners of the recalled trucks can expect to receive notification through the mail by late April. Toyota dealers will inspect the rear axle assembly and tighten the axle retaining nuts at no cost to the owners. If any axle components are found to be damaged as a result of the issue, they will be repaired or replaced by Toyota.

How to Check If Your Vehicle Is Affected

For Tacoma owners concerned about whether their vehicle is involved in this safety recall, Toyota advises visiting Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information. Additionally, motorists with questions can reach out to Toyota customer support at 1-800-331-4331.

A String of Recalls

This latest recall comes on the heels of three separate recalls last week, collectively involving 303,000 vehicles. One of the issues addressed in those recalls was a software glitch that delays the rearview image from displaying quickly after the driver shifts into reverse.

Final Thoughts

As Toyota navigates through this series of recalls, it’s crucial for Tacoma owners to stay informed and take the necessary steps to ensure their vehicle’s safety. If you’re affected by this recall, don’t hesitate to contact Toyota customer support or visit their website for more information. The safety of you and your passengers should always be a top priority.

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CFPB Cracks Down On Toyota: $60M For Misleading Finance Deals

Toyota Motor Credit, the financing arm of Toyota Motor Corporation, faces a hefty fine and a directive to amend its business practices. This decision comes after an investigation by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which revealed a series of violations in the company’s handling of bundled product sales in its auto-financing operations. The details of this development were reported by Autoblog.

The Allegations and Findings

Toyota Motor Credit was found to have engaged in several deceptive practices:

  1. Deceptive Sales of Bundled Products: The company sold additional products like GAP and CLAH as part of car loan contracts, often misleading customers about their necessity and making it difficult to cancel these services. These practices led to inflated loan amounts and monthly payments for consumers.
  2. Hindering Cancellation and Refunding: Toyota created significant barriers for customers attempting to cancel these services. Additionally, it frequently failed to issue proper refunds for those who managed to cancel, and in some cases, provided inaccurate refund amounts.
  3. Misreporting to Credit Agencies: The company falsely reported customer delinquencies to credit reporting companies, damaging customers’ credit scores and failing to rectify known errors in reporting.

CFPB’s Response and Directive

The CFPB has ordered Toyota Motor Credit to:

  • Compensate nearly $48 million to affected consumers.
  • Pay a $12 million fine into the CFPB’s victims relief fund.
  • Cease its unlawful practices and streamline the process for canceling these added services.
  • Implement measures to prevent deceptive imposition of these products in the future.

Broader Implications

This case underscores the critical need for ethical practices in auto financing and the importance of consumer protection in the industry. The order against Toyota Motor Credit, a significant player in the U.S. auto-financing market, signals a stern warning to other lenders about engaging in similar practices. For Toyota, this situation poses a challenge to its reputation and emphasizes the importance of maintaining transparency and consumer trust in all aspects of its business operations.

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Toyota Issues Massive Recall for 1.8 Million RAV4 SUVs Due to Fire Risk

RAV4 Owners Beware: Toyota Issues Recall for Fire Risk in Millions of SUVs

In a recent development that echoes concerns many Toyota owners have had in the past, the automotive giant has issued a recall for over 1.8 million RAV4 vehicles. This recall, affecting certain models from 2013 through 2018, has been announced due to a significant fire risk associated with battery replacements.

The Core of the Issue

The problem stems from the size discrepancies in replacement 12-volt batteries. Some of these batteries have smaller top dimensions than others. If a battery with smaller top dimensions is installed and the hold-down clamp is not properly tightened, there’s a risk of the battery moving during forceful turns. This movement could lead to the positive battery terminal coming into contact with the hold-down clamp, potentially causing a short circuit and, alarmingly, increasing the risk of a fire.

Toyota’s Response

While Toyota is currently working on a remedy, they have not reported any incidents of fires or accidents directly linked to this issue. However, they plan to replace the battery hold-down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved versions at no cost to vehicle owners.

What Owners Need to Know

Impacted customers should expect to receive notification from Toyota by late December. It’s important to note that this recall does not affect hybrid or plug-in hybrid models from the same years.

For owners looking to get ahead of the mail, Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provide online resources where vehicle identification numbers (VIN) can be checked to see if a vehicle is affected by the recall.

A Familiar Story

For readers of TacomaProblems.com, this story may sound all too familiar. While this recall pertains to the RAV4, it brings back memories of the frame rust issues that plagued many Tacoma models. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of manufacturer accountability and the need for vigilance as a vehicle owner.

Toyota Recalls 1.8M RAV4 SUVs Over Fire Risk.” Fox Business, FOX News Network, 2 Nov. 2023, www.foxbusiness.com/fox-news-auto/toyota-recalls-1-8m-rav4-suvs-fire-risk.

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Air Bag Peril: Toyota Announces Major Recall on Popular Models

The relentless series of recalls plaguing the automobile industry continues unabated, with Toyota being the latest victim. In what seems to be a recurrent trend, Toyota has been compelled to initiate another broad recall, this time centered around a critical safety feature – the airbag. An article on The Scioto Post released on July 25th, 2023, highlights the issue in detail.

Faulty Air Bag Connection Prompts Recall

According to the report, Toyota is conducting a non-compliance safety recall involving a staggering 110,000 vehicles in the U.S. Models included in this recall are 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross hybrid, Highlander, Highlander hybrid, Tacoma, as well as Lexus RX and RX hybrid and 2024 model year NX and NX hybrid.

The concern is that the spiral cable assembly in the steering column, which controls the driver’s airbag, could lose its electrical connection. If this occurs, the driver’s airbag may not deploy in a crash. The issue not only fails to meet certain federal motor vehicle safety requirements, but also significantly heightens the risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.

Toyota’s Response

Toyota is notifying affected owners about this airbag issue by early September 2023. For all involved vehicles, Toyota and Lexus dealers will inspect the serial number of the spiral cable and, if necessary, replace it with a new cable at no cost to customers.

This is yet another blow to the auto giant’s reputation, which has been battered by a series of recalls in recent times. It also underscores the need for stringent quality control measures and extensive pre-launch testing of vehicles to avert such issues.

If you own any of the listed models, it’s important to confirm if your vehicle is included in the recall. You can do this by visiting Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information. Should you have any additional questions, you can reach out to the Toyota Brand Engagement Center (1-800-331-4331) for Toyota vehicles, or the Lexus Brand Engagement Center (1-800-255-3987) for Lexus vehicles.

Concluding Thoughts

As Toyota grapples with the impact of this recall, it’s crucial that they swiftly rectify the issue and work to regain consumer trust. The frequency of recalls in recent times underlines the importance of manufacturers investing in rigorous safety checks and maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation, and always remember, safety should be paramount when it comes to driving.

Source: The Scioto Post

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Safety Fiasco: Tundra & Sequoia Recalls Over Loose Spare Tires Alarm Consumers

Source: Kelly Blue Book

The woes for Toyota Motor Corporation continue to escalate as the brand issues a recall for a worrying problem in their full-size Tundra pickups and Sequoia SUVs. Approximately 1,400 vehicles from the 2023 model year are impacted, as their spare tires may unexpectedly detach while on the move.

A Weak Chain Sparks the Recall

According to Toyota’s report to federal safety officials, the underlying issue is attributed to frail links in the chain that secures the spare tire. An error during the forging process might have led to certain links being susceptible to breakage. Toyota explains, “Should this happen while the vehicle is in motion, the disengaged spare tire could pose a road hazard.”

Dealer Intervention and Recall Repairs

Toyota dealers are prepared to rectify the problem by replacing the entire spare-tire carrier assembly, ensuring that the spare tire remains safely attached to the vehicle. As with all recall repairs, the service will be performed free of charge.

However, it’s critical to note that countless individuals miss recall notifications annually and, as a result, unknowingly operate vehicles that have been recalled. It’s advisable for vehicle owners, particularly those of the affected 2023 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia models, to check whether their vehicle is due for any free safety repairs. You can verify this at our accessible [recall center](Link to the recall center).

Ongoing Challenges for Toyota

This latest recall adds to a series of recent setbacks for Toyota. The renowned automaker is still grappling with the aftermath of previous recalls for potential loose lug nuts and misleading EV charging time claims. With safety at the forefront of consumers’ minds, the brand’s recent recalls might raise concerns about its commitment to delivering secure, reliable vehicles.

It’s yet to be seen how Toyota will navigate these challenges and restore its long-standing reputation for quality and safety.

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Deception Unveiled: Toyota, Hyundai EV Ads Rebuked by ASA

As per a recent report by Carandbike.com, Toyota and Hyundai are experiencing a significant setback in their marketing endeavors. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in the UK has disallowed the brands’ advertising campaigns due to misleading information regarding their electric vehicle (EV) charging times and the availability of rapid-charging points.

The Ad Campaigns in Question

Toyota’s marketing for its bZ4X model boasted that the vehicle could achieve an 80% charge in about 30 minutes with a 150kW fast-charging system. The company further claimed that rapid-charging points were readily accessible in various public places, notably at significant travel junctions on motorways and arterial roads.

In a similar vein, Hyundai’s campaign for the Ioniq 5 model stated that the vehicle could charge from 10% to 80% in a mere 18 minutes using a 350kW charger. These promotions were found on Hyundai’s website, a digital billboard in London’s Piccadilly Square, and a YouTube film featuring Chelsea footballers, a Premier League club they sponsor.

Complaints and Clarifications

However, these seemingly impressive claims met with criticism, leading to complaints lodged with the ASA. Skeptics questioned the feasibility of the charging times advertised, and both companies confessed these times were derived under ideal factory conditions. Doubts were also raised about the validity of the claims concerning the widespread availability of rapid-charging points in the UK and Ireland.

In their defense, Toyota stated that Zap-Map, a service displaying charging point locations, did not provide exact information about the locations of rapid 150kW chargers during the campaign period. The data displayed a total of 419 charging points at 134 locations across the UK. The numbers were significantly lesser for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with only seven, two, and no rapid-charging points respectively.

Hyundai’s website pointed to 37 ultra-fast 350kW charging locations in Great Britain, six in the Republic of Ireland, and limited availability in Wales and Scotland, with none in Northern Ireland.

Both car manufacturers argued that their claims weren’t misleading. They reasoned that rapid-charging points wouldn’t be necessary for shorter trips, as slower charging points were more widely available, and they emphasized the option of home charging.

ASA’s Verdict

However, the ASA saw things differently. It held that both companies conveyed the impression that accessing rapid-charging points across the UK was relatively straightforward. The ASA further emphasized that real-world charging times could vary significantly due to several factors, such as battery age, condition, ambient temperature, and battery temperature, all of which were regulated by the manufacturers during the tests conducted to support the claims.

Even though the car manufacturers countered by saying that promoting potential EV charge times was crucial to allay consumer concerns like range anxiety and lack of awareness about the charging infrastructure, the ASA ruled the ads to be misleading and lacking substantiation, leading to the ban on such claims in electric car advertising. Toyota and Hyundai have been instructed not to mislead consumers about battery charging times in future campaigns.

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New Recalls Encircle Toyota: Spotlight On Camry, Yaris

Toyota’s Unsettling Lug Nut Issue in the 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid

Toyota’s recall woes continue with another concerning revelation — the automaker has issued a recall for 298 of its 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The reason? The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicles may be loose, posing a risk of the wheels detaching. Given the severity of the issue, Toyota advises owners not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed.

The recall specifically affects the following vehicles:

  • 2023 Toyota Camry
  • 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Toyota, which has begun contacting Camry owners through email, phone calls, and first-class mail since June 15, 2023, can be reached for additional queries at Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. The recall number for this issue is 23TA05.

Toyota Yaris: An Urgent Recall Down Under

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Toyota faces more recalls — this time it’s the popular Yaris hatchback in Australia. Toyota needs to inspect around 7600 vehicles built between May 2020 and May 2023. The recall includes both petrol and hybrid models.

The cause of the recall is a manufacturing error that may have damaged part of the suspension arm causing minor cracking. This issue is particularly problematic as repeated driving on bumpy and uneven road surfaces could lead to the suspension arm breaking. As you can imagine, this poses a significant risk, potentially leading to serious accidents, injury, or even death.

Toyota has urged all affected owners to contact their local dealership immediately to book in for a free inspection and repair. The inspection should take about 30 minutes and if a crack is found, repairs could take between two to five hours.

Continuous Recall Issues: A Growing Concern for Toyota

These recalls, while affecting different models and locations, point to a wider concern for Toyota. The breadth and seriousness of these recalls show a pattern that could erode trust in the brand’s commitment to quality and safety.

As always, we urge all Tacoma and other Toyota model owners to check if their vehicle is affected by these recalls and to contact their local dealership or Toyota’s customer service to resolve these issues promptly. And as we’ve been doing, we will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

If you’re an owner of a recalled Toyota vehicle, we invite you to share your experience in the comments below. Your stories could be invaluable to others in similar situations.

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New Recalls Hit Toyota, Kia, and Land Rover: Over 247,000 Vehicles Affected

Emerging Patterns in Toyota’s Vehicle Recalls

Once again, Toyota, along with Kia and Land Rover, faces substantial vehicle recalls. The latest wave, issued by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impacts over 247,000 vehicles across these three major brands. This latest string of recalls underscores Toyota’s ongoing challenges with product quality and safety.

The Toyota recall, accounting for over 96,000 vehicles, primarily targets the 2022-2023 Corolla Cross hybrid SUV models. The issue at stake relates to a flaw in the front-passenger airbag deployment system. This puts Toyota, a brand often lauded for its reliability, under renewed scrutiny.

This recalls follow a long history of safety-related recalls that the brand has had to manage. It raises the question: Are these recalls an exception or part of an emerging pattern for Toyota?

The affected vehicle owners are advised to visit the NHTSA website, enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and check the recall status. If you’re a Toyota owner, and you’ve been impacted by this latest recall, please share your experience in the comments section.

Your insights could be of great help to other owners navigating similar situations.