Toyota continues to lead the news headlines this week with yet another recall this year. Although Toyota is not alone in this (the auto industry has had fifty six recalls in just the past six months), the brand continues to be the favorite of the various news agencies. Per Toyota’s promise to recommit to the highest safety standards on the road, the manufacturer has voluntarily recalled 740,000 vehicles (2005-2006 Avalon and 2004-2006 gas engine Highlanders) due to a potentially leaky seal in the Brake Master Cylinder. Although no accidents or injuries have been reported (in fact only 14 issues have been reported in the field), Toyota is taking great strides to be proactive and stand behind the quality and saftey of their vehicles.
Below are the FAQ’s issued by Toyota regarding this lastest recall:
1. Which models are affected by the recall?
Toyota is recalling approximately 740,000 model year 2005 through 2006 Avalon, model year 2004 through 2006 Highlander (Non Hybrid) and Lexus RX330, and model year 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350 vehicles sold in the United States. No other Toyota or Lexus vehicles are affected by this recall.
2. What is the condition that prompted Toyota to take this action?
The Toyota genuine brake fluid used during vehicle assembly for vehicles sold in the United States contains polymers. The polymers act as lubricants for certain brake system components. If during vehicle maintenance, brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or only small amounts, a part of the internal rubber seal (brake master cylinder cup) located at the end of the brake master cylinder piston may become dry and may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.
3. Are there any warnings that this condition has occurred?
Yes. If sufficient brake fluid leaks from the master cylinder, the brake warning lamp will illuminate.
4. Will braking performance be affected?
If the brake warning lamp has illuminated and the vehicle continues to be operated without refilling the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir, the driver will begin to notice a spongy or soft brake pedal feel and braking performance may gradually decline.
5. What is Toyota going to do to fix this problem?
As part of the recall, Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the brake master cylinder cup with a newly designed one at no charge to the vehicle owners.
Owners of the covered vehicles will be notified by first class mail beginning in early November 2010.
6. Is the repair covered by warranty? Will I have to pay any money out of pocket for this repair?
This repair will be performed at no charge to the customer. Owners that have previously paid for the replacement of the Brake Master Cylinder due to brake fluid leakage from the rubber seal (Brake Master Cylinder Cup) to address this specific condition should refer to the owner letter for instructions regarding reimbursement consideration. If during the replacement of the brake master cylinder, it was determined that the brake booster also required replacement due to damage caused by this specific condition, Toyota will reimburse customers for both components.
7. How long will it take for a dealer to repair my automobile?
The repair will take approximately 2 hours, depending on the dealer’s workload.
8. What should I do if my brake warning lamp is currently illuminated?
If a customer’s the brake warning lamp has illuminated, he/she is asked to please make an appointment with a local Toyota or Lexus dealership for diagnosis and appropriate repair.
9. Does Toyota have any record of accidents or injuries related to this defect?
Toyota is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this defect.
10. What should I do if I still have questions or concerns?
Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or visit www.toyota.com/recall.
North Hollywood Toyota is an authorized service and repair center for the affected vehicles. Please visit the website for more information.
