The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Toyota to Recall 600,000 Siennas for Potential Corrosion on Spare Tire Cable


PHOTO

First and Second-Generation Siennas In Cold Climate Areas with High Road Salt Use May Exhibit Condition


TORRANCE, CA - April 16, 2010: Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will launch a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 600,000 first- and second-generation Sienna 2WD minivans sold in the United States to address potential corrosion in the spare tire carrier cable.

This condition may appear on certain 1998 through 2010 model year Siennas that have been operated in cold climate areas with high road salt use. Continued prolonged exposure to road salts may cause excessive corrosion of the carrier cable in some of these vehicles. In the worst case, the carrier cable may fail and the spare tire could become separated from the vehicle, a road hazard for following vehicles that increases the likelihood of a crash.

Toyota is currently working to develop a remedy for this condition. Until this remedy is developed, customers will receive an interim notice instructing them to bring their vehicle to a dealership for a preliminary inspection.

Once the remedy has been developed, customers will receive a secondary notice advising the customer of the remedy availability.

Steve St. Angelo, Toyota Chief Quality Officer for North America, said: “Toyota is listening to its customers attentively, and we want to make sure their voices are heard. As part of that commitment, we are providing free inspections of the spare tire carrier cable even in states that are not included in this recall. We are also working diligently to develop a remedy as soon as possible.”

In addition to the District of Columbia, vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage are covered by this recall: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

Owners of vehicles in other states will receive a separate Special Service Campaign notification that includes details on how to obtain an inspection if they desire. Toyota will perform the same inspection and repair for those vehicles at no charge. The inspection will take approximately 30 minutes depending on the dealer’s work schedule.

Customer FAQs for 1998-2010 Toyota Sienna Recall

1. Which models are affected by the recall?
 
The recall includes certain 1998 through 2010 model year Sienna 2WD vehicles equipped with a spare tire and operated in cold climate areas with high road salt use.
 
In addition to the District of Columbia, vehicles currently registered in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage are covered by this recall: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
 
2. What prompted Toyota to take this action?
 
The corrosion resistance of the spare tire carrier cable is insufficient when vehicles are operated in areas where a large amount of road salt is applied.  In the worst case, the carrier cable may fail and the spare tire could become separated from the vehicle, a road hazard for following vehicles.
 
3. Are there any other Toyota or Lexus vehicles involved?
 
No, this specific condition only affects certain 1998 through 2010 model year Toyota Sienna 2WD vehicles equipped with a spare tire.
 
4. What is Toyota going to do to fix this problem?
 
Toyota is currently working to develop a remedy for this condition.  Until this remedy is developed, customers will receive an interim notice instructing them to bring their vehicle to a dealership for a preliminary inspection.  Once the remedy has been developed, customers will receive a secondary notice advising the customer of the remedy availability.
 
5. What if I am an owner of one of the affected vehicles but don’t live in one of the states covered by this recall?
 
Owners of subject vehicles in other states will receive a separate Special Service Campaign notification including details on how to obtain an inspection if they desire.  Toyota will perform the same inspection and repair for those vehicles at no charge.
 
6. How long will it take for a dealer to repair my automobile?
 
Inspection of the vehicle will take approximately 30 minutes, depending on the dealer’s work schedule. 
 
7.  Is the repair covered by warranty?  Will I have to pay any money out of pocket for this repair?
 
Toyota will perform the inspection and repair at no charge.
 
8. What should an owner do if they experience the condition, or have immediate concerns about their vehicle?
 
If an owner has any immediate concerns they are requested to contact their local Toyota dealer for a diagnosis and, if applicable, necessary repair.
 
9. What if I previously paid to replace the vehicle’s spare tire carrier to correct this specific condition?
 
If a customer has previously paid to replace the spare tire carrier cable for this specific condition prior to receiving a letter, the customer should mail a copy of their repair order, proof-of-payment, and proof-of-ownership to the following address for reimbursement consideration:
 
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc
Toyota Customer Experience, WC 10
19001 South Western Avenue
Torrance, CA 90509
 
10. What should I do if I still have questions or concerns?
 
If you still have questions or concerns that have not been addressed here, please contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. 
 
The Toyota Customer Experience Center hours are:
Mon - Fri, 5:00 am - 6:00 pm PST
Sat, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm PST  
 

Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.