Toyota said about 45,500 Highlander Hybrid and 36,700 Lexus RX 400h vehicles from the 2006 and 2007 model years sold in the USA are affected by the voluntary recall.
Read more »
The March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused severe problems to automakers all around the world, mainly due to the lack of parts, but at least Toyota seems to be recovering at a faster pace than expected. Today, the world’s largest automaker said production at its North American facilities will rise to approximately 70 percent of normal in June, up from around 30 percent in May when it was forced to idle factories for several days or reduce shifts.
Read more »
More specifically, Toyota is recalling approximately 20,000 Lexus GS 300 and GS 350 All-Wheel Drive vehicles from the 2006-2007 model years to modify the shape of the plastic pad embedded in the driver’s side floor carpet. According to the company, if the floor carpet is not properly replaced in the correct position after a service operation, it is possible that the plastic pad embedded into the floor carpet may jam against the accelerator pedal and keep it from returning to the idle position.
For the record, the Toyota models not affected by the temporary sales halt are the Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.
According to the company, the new sticking accelerator pedal recall is separate from the on-going recall of around 1.7 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats.
In this latest recall, the Japanese automaker said that it has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles even without the presence of floor mats.
According to Toyota, there's a possibility that certain accelerators may, "in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position."
"Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company," commented Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter.
"This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We're making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible."
Because of the sales halt, the company said that it will stop producing vehicles on certain production lines for the week of February 1. The affected factories are listed below:
--Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada (Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4)
--Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (Sequoia and Highlander)
--Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky – Line 1 (Camry and Avalon)
--Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (Camry)
--Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (Tundra)
Toyota today announced that the new entry-level variant of the Highlander that's powered by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine will carry an MSRP of $25,705, or about $1,900 less than the Highlander V6. The mid-size SUV's new four-cylinder powertrain generates 187HP at 5,800 RPM and 186 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,100 RPM on regular 87 octane fuel. The Japanese automaker claims that the new 4-cylinder Highlander will be among the leaders in fuel efficiency in the gas mid-size SUV segment with EPA fuel economy estimates of 27 MPG highway, 20 MPG city and 22 MPG combined.
Toyota will expand its Highlander SUV line-up with the introduction of a new 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine that will be available in mid-to-late January 2009. When the Japanese firm launched the latest generation Highlander in 2007, it was offered with a 270HP 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine and a 270HP 3.3-liter V6 Hybrid powerplant. Toyota's new four-banger generates an output of 187HP at 5,800 rpm and 186 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,100 rpm and will be mated to an all-new six-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission.
The entry-level Highlander's internal preliminary 0-60 mph testing was timed at 9.7 seconds while according to Toyota, EPA fuel economy estimates are 27 MPG highway, 20 MPG city and 22 MPG combined.
When it arrives in 2009, the two-wheel-drive model will feature an array of standard features that include among other things, air conditioning; an AM/FM/CD audio system with six-speakers; front seats with height-adjustable active head rests and eight-way adjustable driver's seat; power door locks and windows; cruise control; a multi-function keyless entry system and manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel; scheduled maintenance indicator light
Optionally, the Highlander can also be equipped with a third-row seat package, manual rear air conditioning, and an AM/FM/six-disc CD changer with satellite radio capability, MP3/WMA capability and six speakers.
