Honda Civic Hybrid Recall 2006 - 2007

Honda is recalling MY 2006-2007 Honda Civic Hybrid to replace a DC to DC converter.  The DC-DC converter is part of the IMA system and may experience an internal failure leading to stalling and malfunction of the headlights.<iframe align="right" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=allothersmust-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B004IC6EN8&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><br />Around 37,000 Civic Hybrids are being recalled for the repairs.  Notification should start on March 18.

Honda Civic Hybrid Recall 2006 - 2007

Honda is recalling MY 2006-2007 Honda Civic Hybrid to replace a DC to DC converter.  The DC-DC converter is part of the IMA system and may e...

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Lexus Hybrids Included in List of Vehicles Affected by Possible Engine Stalling, Possible Recall

The Lexus hybrids are included in the possible recall list by Toyota. The LS 600h, 600hl and the GS 450h are three of the eight models included in the list of vehicles affected by the engine stalling problem affecting Toyota cars worldwide.<br /><br />Overall, 270,000 vehicles may be recalled as Toyota considers its options (Source: <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100701/bs_nm/us_toyota">Reuters</a>).<br /><br />Other vehicles affected the Toyota Crown and Lexus LS 460, GS 460, GS 350, and IS 350.<br /><br />The vehicles may have excessive noise coming from the engine as the 4.6-liter and 3.6-liter have an issue with the valve spring. That issue can cause engine failure or stalling.

Lexus Hybrids Included in List of Vehicles Affected by Possible Engine Stalling, Possible Recall

The Lexus hybrids are included in the possible recall list by Toyota. The LS 600h, 600hl and the GS 450h are three of the eight models incl...

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2010 HS 250h Safety Recall

The 2010 Lexus 250h is under recall for the possibility of excess fuel leak in an accident.<br /><br />During a crash test, when the vehicle was rotated on its longitudinal axis to each successive increment of 90 degrees, fuel spillage exceeded a set amount limit. Since fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire, the HS has been recalled.<br /><br />Toyota has not provided a remedy for this campaign or has not determined when the safety recall is expected to begin. owners may contact lexus at 1-800-255-3987. Or owners can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href="http://www.safercar.gov/">http://www.safercar.gov</a>.

2010 HS 250h Safety Recall

The 2010 Lexus 250h is under recall for the possibility of excess fuel leak in an accident. During a crash test, when the vehicle was rotate...

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Lexus Recall for the LS

The latest recall from Lexus does involve the hybrid 2010 LS 600h and LS 600h l. A programming change of the steering control ecu for the variable gear ratio steering (vgrs) system can cause improper activation of the steering system protection logic designed to protect the system when larger than normal steering inputs are applied at a fully turned position.<br /><br />An improper activation of the steering system protection logic can cause the steering wheel to become off-centered up to 90 degrees. this may occur after the driver has fully turned the steering wheel in one direction then quickly attempts to turn it back to the center position. should this occur while driving, the risk of a crash is increased.<br /><br />This affects only vehicles manufactured from August 20, 2009 through May 13, 2010.<br /><br />This recall also affects the 2009-2010 LS 460.<br /><br /><b>UPDATE</b>:<br />Toyota has stopped selling the LS for the next three weeks or so until they roll out the fix to their cars.

Lexus Recall for the LS

The latest recall from Lexus does involve the hybrid 2010 LS 600h and LS 600h l. A programming change of the steering control ecu for the v...

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NHTSA Will Add Sound to Hybrids

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_58Pzv47nvmko44im4-jXi8TxOltCqOlQBsrNyckZPqxoOUhYrITT_-JREkk-D9UGnsOcO0R5lloWzeHZyz-D1PD4HyUvBQA6rjTpsYF-pLOwfSGtmGYgZdA1MdeGlAjHbHgbUCNYIbo/s1600/Blind+Man+and+Car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_58Pzv47nvmko44im4-jXi8TxOltCqOlQBsrNyckZPqxoOUhYrITT_-JREkk-D9UGnsOcO0R5lloWzeHZyz-D1PD4HyUvBQA6rjTpsYF-pLOwfSGtmGYgZdA1MdeGlAjHbHgbUCNYIbo/s320/Blind+Man+and+Car.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/travelho/677145358/">flickr</a></td></tr></tbody></table>The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will begin writing legislation to set requirements "for an alert sound that allows blind and other pedestrians to reasonably detect a nearby electric or hybrid vehicle" within 18 months and must finalize the rules within three years (Source: <a href="http://www.detnews.com/article/20100519/AUTO01/5190401/1148/auto01/+Quiet+cars++to+get+alert+sounds#ixzz0oUSNARGr">Detroit News</a>, <a href="http://www.autoalliance.org/index.cfm?objectid=B239CDD7-C296-BA16-3395C290238C0BA9">Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers</a>).<br /><br />The sound will be activated automatically and drivers will not be allowed to turn off the sound.  The NHTSA still has to decide how loud and what type of noise the cars need to make in order to alert blind or other pedestrians.  They also have to consider the overall community noise impact.<br /><br />There has been recent study data indicating hybrids have a higher rate of pedestrian impacts, although there is <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/04/hybrid_cars_silence_just_one_f.html">some controversy</a> over the results.<br /><br />The legislation will impact hybrid cars and electric vehicles which can run 'silently' at low speeds.  The concern is for blind pedestrians who listen for oncoming cars and will not realize a car running on electricity is there.  Two major auto manufacturing groups, the <a href="http://www.autoalliance.org/index.cfm?objectid=B239CDD7-C296-BA16-3395C290238C0BA9">Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers</a> and the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, sent a letter supporting the move by the legislation.<br /><br />"Good policy is a collaborative effort, and this is a good approach for pedestrians and automakers," said Alliance President and CEO Dave McCurdy in a statement. "This encourages an innovative solution."

NHTSA Will Add Sound to Hybrids

Photo from flickr The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will begin writing legislation to set requirements "for an...

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Toyota Continues to Work on Recalls

To date, Toyota has performed more than three million remedies on their three recent recalls:<br /><br /><ul><li>1.6 million to address the potential for sticking accelerator pedals,</li><li>1.5 million to address the potential for floor mat pedal entrapment, and</li><li>115,000 program updates to the anti-lock brake systems (ABS) in certain 2010 Prius and Lexus models.</li></ul><br />More than 732,000 vehicles have received the modification to the pedals and floor mats. That brings the total number of serviced vehicles to about 2.4 million. That means they've coverd about 70 percent of the recalled vehicles at a rate of 120,000 remedies per week.<br /><br />“Toyota and Lexus dealers continue to make significant progress in servicing customers’ recalled vehicles as quickly and conveniently as possible, and we appreciate their extraordinary efforts,” said Steve St. Angelo in a press release, Toyota Chief Quality Officer for North America. “Over the past three months, Toyota has delivered on its commitment to listen to the voices of customers more intently and respond more swiftly and effectively to their needs. Above all, we want to thank our customers for their patience as we implement the recall remedies, and we won’t let them down.”<br /><br />Approximately 27 percent of the floor mat entrapment modifications have been completed on the 5.4 million vehicles that were recalled for this issue, and more than 75 percent of the ABS program updates have been performed on the 147,500 Prius and Lexus models that were recalled.

Toyota Continues to Work on Recalls

To date, Toyota has performed more than three million remedies on their three recent recalls: 1.6 million to address the potential for stick...

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Fusion and Milan Recall Notice

The 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan are included in a new recall by Ford. The recall affects the Explorer and Explorer Sport Trac, too.<br /><br />The front seat manual recliners fail to comply with federal standards. The gear plate teeth may be out of dimension specification which could result in limited pawl to gear plate tooth engagement.<br /><br />In a crash, the seatback and head restraint may move rearward, increasing the risk of injury.<br /><br />Dealers will replace the manual recliners for both power and manual seats free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before April 30, 2010. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Fusion and Milan Recall Notice

The 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan are included in a new recall by Ford. The recall affects the Explorer and Explorer Sport Trac, too. ...

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Hybrids Need to Make Some Noise

David Strickland thinks hybrids may be too quiet for safety. <br /><br />"A quieter fleet could potentially put pedestrians at risk, especially blind pedestrians," Strickland <a href="http://www.detnews.com/article/20100415/AUTO01/4150466/1361/NHTSA-chief--Hybrids-may-be-pedestrian-risk#ixzz0leDxIOXM">said</a> at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress.<br /><br />Which means hybrid owners may soon be looking at artificial noise makers installed onto their cars. Strickland, as head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will most likely back up any claims with requirements for all vehicles. Electric and hybrid cars, which run on electric power at low speeds, make little to no noise.<br /><br />"NHTSA is currently conducting a research program on quieter cars and the safety of blind pedestrians. Our analysis of limited data from 12 states shows that hybrid electric vehicles do have a significantly higher incidence rate of pedestrian crashes than internal combustion engines for certain maneuvers -- like slowing or stopping, backing up, entering or leaving a parking space, and making a turn."<br /><br />"I am challenging the auto industry and the cell phone industry to work collaboratively with us to keep the driver focused on their required task: driving."<br /><br />It should be noted that <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/04/hybrid_cars_silence_just_one_f.html">not everyone thinks</a> silent running is the problem, however. Amy Freeland, an investigator with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that most of the fatal encounters occurred when the hybrids were going faster than 35 mph.<br /><blockquote>"There's a piece we don't know about this," says Amy. "And I think that may be market distribution." She suspects -- but can't yet prove -- that people who drive in crowded areas with high pedestrian traffic, like cities or beach towns, are more likely to drive hybrids. More pedestrians means more chances of a pedestrian accident.</blockquote>

Hybrids Need to Make Some Noise

David Strickland thinks hybrids may be too quiet for safety. "A quieter fleet could potentially put pedestrians at risk, especially bl...

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Toyota Will Replace the Pedal... if Asked

The <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/23/business/23toyota.html">New York Times</a> has gotten its hands on a memo from Toyota telling dealers to replace accelerator pedals for free under the braking recall.<br /><br />If customers are dissatisfied with the repairs made, unhappy about how they feel, then Toyota is telling the dealers to provide a replacement pedal at no cost.<br /><br />An AP analysis shows over 100 customers have complained to the NHTSA after Toyota fixed their vehicles.<br /><br />The dealers will only do it after the repairs have been made and only if the customers ask for it. The memo the NY Times received was dated from March, but recently updated with the procedures and parts number.

Toyota Will Replace the Pedal... if Asked

The New York Times has gotten its hands on a memo from Toyota telling dealers to replace accelerator pedals for free under the braking reca...

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Toyota Should Talk to Apple About the Cruise Control

Back in February, <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://hybridreview.blogspot.com/2010/02/apple-co-founder-wozniak-weighs-in-on.html">Apple co-found Wozniak weighed in on the safety of Prius</a>, noting he could create an 'unintended acceleration' in his Prius repeatedly. This made news, of course, but it turns out he just didn't understand his cruise control.<br /><br />But then, he doesn't seem to be alone. According to <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://wardsauto.com/ar/toyota_prius_cruise_100322/">Ward's auto</a>, Toyota has been looking into the complaints being made about the cruise control. It seems a lot of people are complaining. 11% of the complaints about the 2010 Prius made with the NHTSA) cite difficulty getting cruise control to turn off. <br /><br />According to Toyota, the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) which is optional on the Prius V is causing some confusion with drivers. If you hold the stalk up for one second, the Prius will accelerate five mph. Hold it up for four seconds and you will accelerate 20 mph. <br /><br />This sounds just like the situation Wozniak described at the Discovery Forum.<br /><br />Also, the adaptive cruise control will speed up or slow down the car based on the speed of the car in front of you. On curves, the DRCC will have trouble detecting cars in front of you. There are two complaints at the NHTSA citing a crash with stationary objects when the cruise control was enabled.<br /><br />Toyota is continuing to investigate this problem.  They should also send a note to Wozniak about this before he complains in a public forum once again about his Prius.<br /><br />As an aside, Toyota notes that the Prius V makes up 8% of sales so far. The Prius V is the top end of the Prius spectrum with all the bells and whistles.

Toyota Should Talk to Apple About the Cruise Control

Back in February, Apple co-found Wozniak weighed in on the safety of Prius , noting he could create an 'unintended acceleration' in ...

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Prius Reliability

Once again, the Toyota Prius ranked highly for dependability on the J.D. Power and Associates study. The 2007 model Prius won a segment award, with just 103 PP100.<br /><br />“This is great news and timely for both our customers and our dealers, as it provides reassurance our vehicles continue to be an industry benchmark for quality,” Jim Lentz said in a statement.<br /><br />The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2007 model year) vehicles, includes 198 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.<br /><br />The 2010 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from more than 52,000 original owners of 2007 model-year vehicles. The study was fielded between October and December 2009.<br /><br />Hybrids, not withstanding the recent press, have been very reliable over the years. It's not surprising to see the Prius at the top of its segment once again.

Prius Reliability

Once again, the Toyota Prius ranked highly for dependability on the J.D. Power and Associates study. The 2007 model Prius won a segment awa...

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Ford, We Make Hybrids Too

I'm not a huge fan of SNL, but I found this to be hilarious. The setup was a little long, but the punch line was great.<br /><br /><br /><object align="middle" height="283" width="384"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="movie" value="http://widget.nbc.com/videos/nbcshort_at.swf?CXNID=1000004.10045NXC&widID=4727a250e66f9723&clipID=1208877&showID=61"/><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><embed src="http://widget.nbc.com/videos/nbcshort_at.swf?CXNID=1000004.10045NXC&widID=4727a250e66f9723&clipID=1208877&showID=61" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" width="384" height="283" align="middle" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>

Ford, We Make Hybrids Too

I'm not a huge fan of SNL, but I found this to be hilarious. The setup was a little long, but the punch line was great.

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Toyota Findings on Runaway Prius in San Diego

You can read all about Toyota's findings below in the press release, but basically, nothing they found was consistent with the story that the driver gave about the runaway car. <br /><br />My opinion isn't too far off from what others have already said, both in the media and outside the media. But at the end of the day, a 'runaway' car has to be treated seriously. <br /><br />It seems that Toyota is trying very hard to get on top of this as quickly as possible. They investigated quickly and openly and not surprisingly, found nothing. <br /><br />Syke's lawyers response was ridiculous on the face of it. (In case you didn't see it, it was something along the lines of 'of course they didn't find anything. They never do.'<br /><br />That same lawyer represents the police officers family who died in another runaway incident. If that's what he's going to present to the jury or judge, I feel bad for the family. <br /><br /><br />SAN DIEGO, Calif., March 15, 2010---At a press conference today, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. offered key preliminary findings of technical field examination and testing that were performed on March 10 and 11 regarding an alleged “runaway Prius” event dramatically covered by national news media.<br /><br />Toyota engineers completed an investigation of the 2008 Prius driven by Mr. James Sikes that was the subject of a 911 emergency call on Monday, March 8. The driver reported that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, the accelerator pedal was stuck, and that the vehicle was out of control and could not be stopped. The emergency operator repeatedly instructed the driver to shift the car into neutral and turn off the power button.<br /> <br />A California Highway Patrol officer intercepted the vehicle and instructed the driver to press firmly on the brakes, apply the emergency brake and turn off the car, at which time the Prius came to a safe stop.<br /> <br />While a final report is not yet complete, there are strong indications that the driver's account of the event is inconsistent with the findings of the preliminary analysis.<br /> <br />Toyota engineers employed data download/analysis, static and dynamic testing as well as thorough inspections of all relative components. In addition, they retraced the reported driving route taking into account driving time and accounts from the 911 recording. <br /> <br />The investigation revealed the following initial findings:<br /> <br />• The accelerator pedal was tested and found to be working normally with no mechanical binding or friction. It should be noted that the Prius is not subject to a recall for sticking accelerator pedals and the Prius component is made by a different supplier than the one recalled.<br /> <br />• The front brakes showed severe wear and damage from overheating. The rear brakes and parking brake were in good condition and functional.<br /> <br />• A Toyota carpeted floor mat of the correct type for the vehicle was installed but not secured to the retention hooks. It was not found to be interfering or even touching the accelerator pedal.<br /> <br />• The pushbutton power switch worked normally and shut the vehicle off when depressed for 3 seconds as the 911 operator advised Mr. Sikes to do.<br /> <br />• The shift lever also worked normally and neutral could be selected. The neutral position is clearly marked and can be easily engaged by moving the lever left to the “N” marking.<br /> <br />• There were no diagnostic trouble codes found in the power management computer, nor was the dashboard malfunction indicator light activated. The hybrid self-diagnostic system did show evidence of numerous, rapidly repeated on-and- off applications of both the accelerator and the brake pedals.<br /> <br />• After examination of individual components, the front brakes were replaced and the vehicle was test driven, during which the vehicle was observed to be functioning normally.<br /> <br />• During testing, the brakes were purposely abused by continuous light application in order to overheat them. The vehicle could be safely stopped by means of the brake pedal, even when overheated. <br /> <br />The Prius braking system uses both conventional hydraulic friction brakes and a regenerative braking system which switches the electric drive motors into brakes to generate electricity. <br /> <br />The system features a sophisticated self- protection function which cuts engine power if moderate brake pedal pressure is applied and the accelerator pedal is depressed more than approximately 50 percent, in effect providing a form of “brake override.”<br /> <br />This function, which is intended to protect the system from overload and possible damage, was found to be functioning normally during the preliminary field examination.<br /> <br />Toyota engineers believe that it would be extremely difficult for the Prius to be driven at a continuous high speed with more than light brake-pedal pressure, and that the assertion that the vehicle could not be stopped with the brakes is fundamentally inconsistent with basic vehicle design and the investigation observations.<br /> <br />These findings suggest that there should be further examination of Mr. Sikes account of the events of March 8.<br /> <br />NHTSA investigators were present during Toyota’s examination, and are conducting their own investigation of the vehicle and its performance. Toyota’s examination was also observed by a congressional staff member.

Toyota Findings on Runaway Prius in San Diego

You can read all about Toyota's findings below in the press release, but basically, nothing they found was consistent with the story tha...

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Orange County DA Sues Toyota

The Orange County DA has jumped into the Toyota fray, <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://orangecountyda.com/home/index.asp?page=8&recordid=1732&returnurl=index.asp%3Fpage%3D8">filing a suit</a> against what they say are "continued unlawful, unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent business practices as it pertains to both consumers and competitors." (Via <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/03/ocda-20100314.html">GCC</a>)<br /><br />They are looking for $2,500 per violation under the Unfair Business Practices Act.<br /><br />I'm surprised and not surprised by this action.  It seems that everyone wants to sue Toyota right now (and you wonder why companies are reluctant to say things are wrong in public and apologize).  But, given the issue, wouldn't this be considered a federal issue?  Not that that matters, since I'm sure other states will jump in on the chance to get money out of an international company.<br /><br />Toyota has its principal headquarters in Torrance, so the Orange County DA says it has the right to bring this consumer protection on behalf of the people of Orange County.

Orange County DA Sues Toyota

The Orange County DA has jumped into the Toyota fray, filing a suit against what they say are "continued unlawful, unfair, deceptive, ...

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Mass Hysteria, Maybe...

This is something I have been thinking about the past couple of days, but I can't say I am an unbiased observer when it comes to the Prius.<br /><br /><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100311/ap_on_bi_ge/us_prius_panic">Spike in Prius complaints may not be all it seems - Yahoo! News</a><br /><blockquote>But as long as reports of Prius profile keep rolling in — just look at the extensive coverage given to a single crash in that New York suburb, something that would have gone utterly unnoticed a year ago — expect complaints to keep rising.<br /><br />"We are basically anticipating them happening, and we may be prone to jump to conclusions," said L.J. Shrum, a marketing professor who specializes in consumer psychology at University of Texas at San Antonio</blockquote>The story focuses on how the number of complaints has skyrocketed, not surprisingly, in conjunction with the media attention.  And <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://hybridreview.blogspot.com/2010/03/scary-ride-in-prius.html">the second high profile story of a Prius crash yesterday</a> would have gone completely unnoticed by most.<br /><br />It's hard to know what's true or not at this point.  People are reporting things they never reported before.

Mass Hysteria, Maybe...

This is something I have been thinking about the past couple of days, but I can't say I am an unbiased observer when it comes to the Pri...

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Toyota Extends Extra Services Nationwide for Recall Customers

Toyota is extending the 'extra services' they offered to New York residents nationwide, in cooperation with Attorney Generals across the country.<br /><br />Two days ago, Toyota announced they would be providing extra services to New York residents. It took two more days for them to announce the same extras would be provided to everyone else.<br /><br />The extras being provided may include (depending on the owner's individual circumstances):<br /><ul><li>Expediting scheduling of the repair.</li><li>Pick up and return of the vehicle by a dealership representative.</li><li>Driving the customer to the dealership or to his or her place of work.</li><li>Where necessary, providing other alternate transportation for the customer, such as a rental car, loaner vehicle, or taxi reimbursement for the reasonable period that the customer is unable or unwilling to use his or her car.</li></ul><br /><br />There will be no charges for these services.  Reimbursement to the dealerships will be separate from the stipends of $7,500 to $75,000 that the company already has provided to dealers in connection with the recalls.<br /><br />Detailed information and answers to questions about issues related to these recalls are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or the Lexus Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-255-3987.

Toyota Extends Extra Services Nationwide for Recall Customers

Toyota is extending the 'extra services' they offered to New York residents nationwide, in cooperation with Attorney Generals across...

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Recalls are Affecting Toyota Loyalty - Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports has conducted a quick study to see how the recent rash of Toyota recalls has affected owner loyalty. The question was asked of current Toyota owners, would they from Toyota again? 60 percent said yes they would, which is high, but drops them down by 10 percent since the last survey (December, 2009). It also dropped them in behind Honda.<br /><br />Toyota is still above other major brands however, including Chevrolet (52 percent), Ford (51 percent), and Dodge (28 percent). Notably, Dodge owners are less likely to purchase another vehicle from that brand than in December, at 28 percent versus 32 percent.<br /><br />Among the top brands, purchase intent among all consumers changed by a notable amount between the two surveys for only one brand; Toyota registered a decline of nearly 4 percentage points. The change was similar between genders, but purchase intent declined more among respondents aged 18 to 44 years old than those aged 45 and over.<br /><br />Even with this modest decline, Toyota purchase intent among all respondents remains greater than all brands except Ford (17 percent) and Chevrolet (14 percent). (Source: <a href="http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/02/new-consumer-reports-car-brand-perceptions-survey-toyota-brand-loyalty-down.html">Consumer Reports</a>)<br /><br />The survey was conducted on February 4-8 of 1,832 adults who said that their household owns a vehicle. <br /><br />It's unclear how long the affect will last one way or another. The quick drop is remarkable, but will it last? Will it rebound, or continue to drop from this point forward.

Recalls are Affecting Toyota Loyalty - Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports has conducted a quick study to see how the recent rash of Toyota recalls has affected owner loyalty. The question was aske...

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Professor Recreates Sudden Acceleration in Toyota Vehicles

<a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/toyota-recall-electronic-design-flaw-linked-toyota-runaway-acceleration-problems/story?id=9909319">ABC News</a> has picked up on a report by Professor Dave Gilbert of Southern Illinois University, who has demonstrated an ability to create a sudden acceleration in Toyota vehicles.<br /><blockquote>the short circuits introduced by Gilbert in his tests and demonstrations reflect what can happen in the real world because of corrosion, moisture, and manufacturing imperfections.<br /><br />...<br /><br />"This is a dangerous condition, it is not fail safe," said Gilbert in an interview to be broadcast Monday on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer. </blockquote><br /><object data="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/4ae8d36a3102598f/4b83f42d4530eaef/4ae8d36a3102598f/ab0ce366/-cpid/829daa6f480f0951" height="300" id="W4ae8d36a3102598f4b83f42d4530eaef" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="332"><param name="movie" value="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/4ae8d36a3102598f/4b83f42d4530eaef/4ae8d36a3102598f/ab0ce366/-cpid/829daa6f480f0951" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowNetworking" value="all" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /></object><br />What's worse is, if the conditions do occur, the car will not record it as an error, making it unlikely Toyota could figure out what happened. <br /><br />The report is making some people nervous, even <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29476">those who are very supportive of hybrids in general</a>.<br /><br />Toyota released a statement saying they had spoken with Professor Gilbert, but the problem he is describing on ABC News is not the same one he described to them (see the full press release from Toyota below) and the original description "would not cause unintended acceleration to occur".  Having said that, Toyota says the new claim is different and "Toyota welcomes the opportunity to evaluate the Toyota Avalon shown in today's story and the method by which Mr. Gilbert allegedly caused the vehicle to accelerate unintentionally."  And they're inviting ABC News along for the evaluation.<br /><br />So, this story is not going away.<br /><br /><blockquote>Toyota spoke with Mr. Gilbert on February 16 in an effort to understand his concerns. During this discussion, Mr. Gilbert explained that he had connected a resistor between the output wires of the two accelerator pedal sensors on a Toyota Tundra. In other words, he had artificially introduced an abnormal connection between two otherwise independent signals coming from the accelerator pedal sensors. Mr. Gilbert advised Toyota that he believed that his intentional misdirection of these signals could cause the vehicle to accelerate unexpectedly.<br /><br />In response to Mr. Gilbert's claim as communicated to Toyota, Toyota confirmed that what Mr. Gilbert described would not cause unintended acceleration to occur. In fact, under the abnormal condition described last week by Mr. Gilbert, if there is a short with low resistance between the two signals, the electronic throttle control system illuminates the "check engine" light and the vehicle enters into a fail-safe mode of engine idle operation. If there is a short with high resistance, outside the range of "check engine" light illumination, the accelerator pedal continues to be responsive to driver input and the vehicle will return to the idle condition when the foot is taken off of the accelerator pedal. Unintended acceleration would not occur.<br /><br />After watching the story today on ABC News featuring Mr. Gilbert, Toyota was surprised to learn that Mr. Gilbert appears now to be making a different claim regarding the electronic throttle control system and in a vehicle other than as described to Toyota last week. Although it is difficult to tell from the footage used in the story, Mr. Gilbert appears to be introducing a different external and artificial method to manipulate the throttle. In order to set the record straight, Toyota welcomes the opportunity to evaluate the Toyota Avalon shown in today's story and the method by which Mr. Gilbert allegedly caused the vehicle to accelerate unintentionally. We welcome the attendance of ABC News at any such evaluation of this vehicle and Mr. Gilbert's testing.</blockquote>

Professor Recreates Sudden Acceleration in Toyota Vehicles

ABC News has picked up on a report by Professor Dave Gilbert of Southern Illinois University, who has demonstrated an ability to create a s...

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Toyota Expanding Safety Exam Into Lexus HS 250h and Sai Hybrid

Toyota is <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/02/04/toyota.lexus.brakes/?hpt=T1">checking</a> the braking system in the HS 250h and Sai Hybrid. Both models use the same system as the Prius, which Toyota has already acknowledged has an issue in the software for its braking system.<br /><br />The 2010 Toyota Prius has reportedly had issues when braking on bumpy or icy roads. There may be a slight delay (less than one second) as the system switches from regenerative braking to friction braking. The small delay can have serious issues when traveling at high speeds (worst case seems to be an extra 90 feet to stop at 60 mph according to a lot of the media reports). <br /><br />Japan has ordered Toyota to look into this, while the NHTSA has opened up their own investigation. <br /><br />The Prius and HS 250h and Sai are not involved in the recall for the braking mechanism, although Prius owners were advised to remove their floor mats to keep the accelerator from getting stuck.<br /><br />Toyota has said that new vehicles being manufactured now have a fix in place, while they are planning on how to handle the cars already on the road.

Toyota Expanding Safety Exam Into Lexus HS 250h and Sai Hybrid

Toyota is checking the braking system in the HS 250h and Sai Hybrid. Both models use the same system as the Prius, which Toyota has alread...

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Ford Recall On Hybrid Brakes

On the day after <a href="http://hybridreview.blogspot.com/2010/02/toyota-admits-to-software-problem-in.html">the NHTSA opened an investigation into the Prius braking system</a>, Ford announced they are also fixing an issue in the software that governs the transition from regenerative braking to friction braking in their hybrid cars.<br /><br />Ford says 17,600 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrids are being recalled (although they say its not an official recall) to have the new software installed to fix the problem.<br /><br />A Consumer Reports test driver first noticed the issue. The test driver ran a stop sign in a residential area when the brake pedal sank further than normal. Warning light appeared and the car coasted to a stop with minimal feel in the brakes. After turning the car off, then back on, the driver did not have any other issues.<br /><br />Ford says the software glitch says braking power 'seems' to drop away, as the car switches from regenerative braking to friction braking. This causes the driver to feel the brakes have failed, although Ford says the brakes have not failed. Ford also says the issue is not one of safety, but the repairs they are going to make in their 'not a recall' is a 'customer satisfaction program.'<br /><br />The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does have one complaint about 'minimal resistance' in the brakes. Ford says they had received a small number of customer complaints. There has been one crash and no injuries. Ford says they have reported the problems to the NHTSA.<br /><br />Ford notified dealers on Thursday about the program. The hybrids built before Oct 17, 2009 are affected, while cars built after that date are not. Ford says they changed the software in cars being built then.

Ford Recall On Hybrid Brakes

On the day after the NHTSA opened an investigation into the Prius braking system , Ford announced they are also fixing an issue in the softw...

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