Toyota/Lexus Recall and Safety Information


Updated April 14, 2010

These are a number of fact sheets, emails and links I have compiled so assist current and future owners as they navigate through the confusing and sometimes conflicting stories.



 
I personally like the new GX 460 a lot, but my favorite (where 5 passenger is adequate) remains the 2010 RX Hybrid.  As for the very big news on a highly unusual "do not buy" from Consumers... well I have included some info below on that... but until Lexus is comfortable with their understanding of this highly unusual Consumer Reports action sales of the GX 460 have been suspended.
 
Early Statement on LEXUS GX 460

Lexus is planning to duplicate Consumer's results to determine if appropriate steps need to be taken.

And reminds us that "...the 2010 GX 460 meets or exceeds all federal government testing requirements. Customer safety and satisfaction remain our highest priorities. We take the Consumer Reports' test results seriously and appreciate Consumer Reports bringing it to our attention."

Also worthy of mention that Automobile Magazine reviewed the GX which concluded with "The GX is a very good choice if you're looking for an extremely well-equipped, luxuriously appointed, and genuinely capable off-roader," Automobile Magazine said in its April issue. The magazine added that the SUV's "road manners are more than acceptable," and its small V-8 "certainly muscles the GX's 5,340 pounds around with authority."
 
 
Letter to Dealers


This is Toyota Fast Facts, an update on breaking news, our recent recalls - and the work we are doing to make things right for our customers. Please feel free to share this information with family and friends. For additional information and breaking news, please visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.





1. Toyota Responds to Misleading Report from the Associated Press



Toyota responded Tuesday to a misleading and inaccurate report from the Associated Press over the weekend regarding the company’s legal practices:



"A report recently published by the Associated Press regarding Toyota’s discovery and litigation practices is inaccurate and misleading, including the unfounded allegation that Toyota engages in ‘questionable, evasive and deceptive legal tactics.’



"Toyota takes its legal obligations seriously and strives to maintain the highest professional and ethical standards in its legal practices. We are confident that we have acted appropriately with respect to product liability litigation and our discovery practices, including in the cases referenced in the AP article.



"Importantly, none of the judges overseeing discovery in the specific cases cited by the AP sanctioned Toyota or otherwise found the company in violation of its discovery obligations."



Toyota’s statement noted that the AP omitted key facts in several of the cases it referenced. The statement provided specifics to refute what it said were "among the more egregious examples" of the AP article’s misstatements or mischaracterizations.



The company’s full response is available at http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota-responds-to-ap-report-on-156936.aspx





2. Rasmussen Poll Notes Loyalty Among Toyota Customers



A new national telephone survey by the Rasmussen polling firm has found that "64 percent of Americans who currently own a Toyota say they are at least somewhat likely to buy their next car from the troubled automaker, including 40 percent who say they are very likely to do so." By comparison, 57 percent of current GM owners surveyed said they are at least somewhat likely to buy their next car from GM, with 32 percent saying they are very likely to do so.



Separately, the poll also found that "69 percent of Toyota owners have a favorable opinion of the automaker, with 39 percent very favorable."



To read the report, please click on



http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/business/auto_industry/april_2010/toyota_owners_still_more_loyal_than_gm_drivers



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3. Autoblog.com: 2010 Plug-in Prius Prototype Just Like Current Hybrid, "But Better"



Autoblog.com took the 2010 plug-in Prius prototype for a "quick spin" at Toyota’s Sustainable Mobility Seminar in La Jolla, Calif., this week and said it "is just like your mother’s Toyota hybrid, but better."



"Driving a plug-in Prius is almost exactly like driving a standard one," the Web site reported, "except that it remains quieter for a longer period as the engine is off more often (during short distances) thanks to a larger battery pack and improved all-electric performance. Acceleration, handling, braking – everything feels awfully familiar."



After describing various features, Autoblog.com concluded that the plug-in Prius "is the regular Prius, just with better fuel economy."



To read the review, please click on



http://green.autoblog.com/2010/04/13/quick-spin-2010-plug-in-prius-prototype-just-like-your-mother/



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TALKING POINTS



The following key points may be used by dealers when talking to media, regulators and elected officials, customers and employees.



MARCH SALES



In March, Toyota reported a whopping 72 percent jump in sales over the prior month and a 35 percent hike over the same period last year.  About 60 percent of March sales were to Toyota owners, and the remaining 40 percent were conquest sales to owners of rival brands.



While buyers were obviously reacting to Toyota’s special offers, they were also showing their confidence in the safety and quality of Toyota vehicles.  No incentive would induce someone to buy a vehicle they thought was unsafe.



Toyota was the top-selling retail brand for the month, and also the top-selling manufacturer, beating Ford and General Motors by nearly 40,000 retail sales.



If anyone wonders whether Toyota will recover from the recent negative publicity, take a look at the March sales results; consumers voted with their wallets.



RESPONSIVENESS



We’re doing everything we can – as fast as we can – to make things right for our customers.



We’ve launched a top-to-bottom review of all our operations, led by our President Akio Toyoda, to ensure that we not only meet but exceed the high safety standards that have defined our company.



We’re creating a safety advisory group of respected outside experts to review and assess our quality improvements.



And we’re taking steps to implement more stringent quality control across the company… to investigate customer complaints more aggressively … to keep lines of communication open with safety agencies… and to respond more quickly to any safety issues we identify.



UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND ELECTRONICS



We have identified two specific categories of unintended acceleration – floor mat pedal entrapment and sticking accelerator pedals – which we are now addressing with our recalls.



The issue has been thoroughly and methodically investigated on several occasions over the past few years – and none of these studies has ever found that an electronic engine control system malfunction is the cause of unintended acceleration in a Toyota or Lexus vehicle.



Multiple fail-safe mechanisms and built-in redundancies in the electronic throttle systems in our vehicles prevent malfunctions that could potentially contribute to unintended acceleration.



All automakers in the North American market have adopted some form of electronic throttle control, which enables other important safety features such as traction and stability control.



TOYOTA IN AMERICA



Toyota continues to have a significant positive impact on the American economy.



Our total U.S. investment has grown to more than $18 billion and, together with our dealers and suppliers, we have helped create more than 200,000 jobs in the U.S.



Toyota has contributed nearly half a billion dollars to U.S. charitable organizations and community institutions in the past 20 years.



And, 80 percent of all Toyotas sold in the United States over the past 20 years are still on the road today.






 
 





This is Toyota Fast Facts, an update on breaking news, our recent recalls and the work we are doing to make things right for our customers. Please feel free to share this information with family and friends. For additional information and breaking news, please visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.



1. Toyota Addresses Additional Complaints Filed with NHTSA
 
News reports on Wednesday noted that a few complaints have been filed with NHTSA alleging unintended acceleration in vehicles that have already been fixed as part of the recalls. The company has responded to press inquiries with the following statement:  “We are confident that Toyota vehicles are safe, and we're doing everything we can to ensure that our customers are satisfied with the rigorously tested recall remedies. We are making preparations to investigate these concerns and will do so quickly.”



 2. Rep. Darrell Issa Urges Transportation Secretary to Establish Industrywide Solution on Unintended Acceleration
 
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) on Wednesday sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood calling for an industrywide solution on sudden unintended acceleration. “Based on information turned over to [Congress] by State Farm Insurance Company, Toyota is not the only vehicle manufacturer who has a significant number of complaints relating to SUA events,” Issa wrote. “It appears the SUA events are not limited to vehicles produced by Toyota Motor Company…an industrywide solution is necessary.”
 
In his letter, Issa raised the issue of whether brake override systems could limit the number of unintended acceleration incidents and asked for the Department of Transportation’s assessment. Toyota has already announced that it will install brake override technology on all recalled vehicles where such a modification is technically possible. This feature is also scheduled to be incorporated into future production of models sold in the United States by the end of 2010.
 
To read Issa’s news release about the letter, please click on: http://issa.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=264:issa-urges-lahood-to-establish-industry-wide-solution-to-address-unintended-acceleration-&catid=22.



3. Popular Mechanics Examines Toyota’s Vehicle Electronics
 
An article in Popular Mechanics this week examines the use of Electronic Throttle Control systems and claims of electromagnetic interference. Writer Mike Allen dissects the inner workings of the ETCS, describing the two discrete sensors in standard gas pedals, and explains the efforts made to prevent unintended acceleration. He writes: “Bottom line: The system is not only redundant, it's double-redundant…Toyota deserves a better deal than the media and Congress are giving it.”
 
To read the full article, click on: http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/how_to/4347704.html?nav=RSS20&src=syn&dom=yah_buzz&mag=pop.



4. TVWeek.com Says ‘Media Blew It’ in Reporting Toyota’s February Sales

Headlines this week noted that Toyota sales were down almost 9 percent in February. But Chuck Ross, managing director of TVWeek.com, says the real introduction to the story should have been this: “Despite more negative publicity than almost any company has ever received about its products, Toyota sold 100,000 cars in February. Only General Motors and Ford, both with auto sales of about 140,000 each, sold more. Nine auto companies, including major players such as Honda, Nissan and Volkswagen, all sold fewer cars than embattled Toyota last month.”

To read the entire article, go to:
http://www.tvweek.com/blogs/2010/03/how-the-media-blew-it-in-reporting-toyotas-sales-numbers-for-february-and-the-great-brand-story-here.php.
 
 

Apple co-founder Wozniak shirks off Prius glitch

 




2 hrs 41 mins ago




SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) – Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak on Friday held firm to his love for Prius cars despite what he suspects is a Toyota software problem behind sudden spikes in acceleration.




"I love my Prius," Wozniak said during on-stage banter with AT&T Tech Channel's Hugh Thompson during a geek talk show at the closing of an RSA computer security conference here.




"It's just like all the other gadgets we have... Everything today has a computer in it, so everything will fail."




Wozniak said he has bought nine Prius cars and even drove one from the Silicon Valley city of San Jose to San Francisco that day.




He said he conducted his own tests of Prius acceleration, taking his car to an open stretch of highway at dusk and then incrementally notching up the speed using the cruise control mechanism.




At "some number over 72" the car accelerated and kept picking up speed, Wozniak said.




"I wanted to see how high it would go," Wozniak said. "It wound up being unlimited so I hit the brake. The problem had to be in the software."




Wozniak advised treating cars like any other computer-based mechanisms by shutting them down at signs of trouble and then restarting them to essentially reboot systems.




"We who work in computers know there are all kinds of little failures," Wozniak said. "I love Toyota; I'm going to buy more of them.. I think it is not unsafe."




His remarks came as key US lawmakers looking into Toyota's problems with deadly spikes in speed asked the company for documents backing up its position that electronic defects were not to blame.



 

More actual facts about Toyota and Lexus which you might find helpful:



 



1. Toyota Extends Additional Services to all U.S. Toyota and Lexus Customers Affected by Recent Recalls
Working in cooperation with Attorneys General across the country, Toyota announced today that it will be extending on a nationwide basis additional services being provided to Toyota and Lexus customers in New York affected by the company’s recent recalls.

Additional services are being provided to customers concerned about driving their vehicle before the repair is completed and will be tailored to the owner’s individual circumstances.  They may include:




For more information, click here.



2. Toyota Statement Regarding Withholding Documents in Lawsuits
In news reports Friday, Edolphus Towns, the chairman of a U.S. House oversight committee, is quoted as saying Toyota “deliberately withheld” records it was legally required to produce in lawsuits. Toyota says it “has acted appropriately with respect to product liability litigation and our discovery practices.” To read Toyota’s statement, click here.



3. President Toyoda Visits TMS, Urges Associates to Help Create a “New”, “Better” Toyota
Global President Akio Toyoda made a surprise visit to the Torrance, CA headquarters of Toyota Motor Sales USA Friday to thank associates for their “moral support” during his recent appearance before a Congressional committee. “Your presence was encouraging and inspiring,” Toyoda told cheering associates gathered in the atrium. Toyoda said the time has come to move from the past to the future. “Together, we now have the opportunity to create a new Toyota...a better Toyota...and a stronger Toyota,” he noted, adding “If we devote ourselves completely to that challenge, if we apply the Toyota Way in our daily activities and if we work together as one team, we are certain to succeed in restoring customers’ confidence in our products.” Toyoda was joined by TMA President/COO Yoshi Inaba and TMS President Jim Lentz, who also faced Congressional panels during the week. “The story is not over yet,” Inaba told the crowd. “We have to show by our deeds that we are putting our customers first.” Lentz told associates that the crisis would bring Toyota together as a global company like never before. “We will get through this and we will be stronger.”


 
4.  Update on Upcoming Senate Hearing
 
Next Tuesday, the Senate’s Commerce, Science and Transportation, Committee will hold a hearing on Toyota’s recalls.  Scheduled to testify for Toyota are TMA President Yoshi Inaba as well as TMC Executive Vice President Shinichi Sasaki.  

The following witnesses have also been invited to testify at the hearing:




We will continue to keep you updated on the hearing in Fast Facts.  


 
5.        Key Facts



 





        NHTSA announced almost 500 recalls in 2009 – that’s nearly 10 recalls per week.  

        There have already been more than 30 non-Toyota recalls in 2010.

        Since 2001, Toyota has had among the fewest NHTSA complaints per vehicle sold in the U.S.  Only Mercedes-Benz and Porsche ranked higher.

        Over the last decade, NHTSA has logged approximately 24,000 unintended acceleration complaints – only a fraction related to Toyota vehicles.  From 2004 to 2009, Ford had more unintended acceleration reports than Toyota.



 



JUST ADDED (3/4/2010)! Another interesting and thoughtful article on the subject: Roy Exum: Toyota's Silent 'Mule'



 



Please let me know if this is found to be helpful and whether there are any other questions that come to mind.



 



Eric Hanson



408-569-0643 or 925-577-3644



www.elh1.com



 



 





-------------- Original Message ----------------
From: eric.hanson@hendrickauto.com
To: [name withheld] [address withheld]>
Subject: Delaying enjoyment of a Lexus on "quality issues"
Date: 2/28/2010 3:00 PM



 
 
Dear [name withheld]
 
Sorry to learn that impressions you have reasonably drawn from some of the current media and US Government actions primarily on Toyota (but also extending to Honda).
 
As an owner of both Lexus, Acura, Honda and Toyota products I personally know from the sums of individual ownership in my family as well as professional experience that the chatter extends well beyond anything substantive.  Also I personally believe the timing of the brand-reputation assault against Toyota's decision to shut down NUMMI and other less recent news of Toyota outselling GM should be noted.
 
I certainly understand that you need to be comfortable before making a large purchase but I hope you will consider the following resources so as not to delay unnecessarily enjoyment of a new Lexus.
 
 
 
Also from another article:
 

The government has an "obvious conflict of interest because of its huge financial stake in some of Toyota's competitors," the letter read. The United States owns a majority stake in General Motors after bailing out the company last year; it also owns a smaller portion of Chrysler. The letter originated with Kentucky Gov. Steven L. Beshear, his office said, and was signed by Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Alabama Gov. Bob Riley.



 



As a family man (with two children one 3 weeks and the other 19 months) I am certainly understanding of the importance of safety and I am also driving (without the slightest worry) a Lexus of my own.  My parents also drive a 1995 model which looks, and drives like brand new and they are not even thinking about any car shopping (nor the slightest bit worried about the obviously unfair treatment of the reputation of the finest brand of automobile.)



 



I remain here and ready to answer any specific questions that might help you to decide on the right timing for your own plan of ownership.  I am easiest to reach on my cell at 408-569-0643 but email is OK too of course.



 



Thanks again and Best regards,

Eric Lars Hanson
Internet Business Development Manager
Pleasanton Automall - Lexus, Acura,Pre-Owned
4345 Rosewood Dr, Pleasanton, CA 94588
Direct Cell:925-577-3644 or 408-569-0643
TOLL FREE: 1-800-225-7876 x7697
Fax: 925-463-1972
Email: eric.hanson@hendrickauto.com
www.pleasantonauto.com  www.facebook.com/ERICLARSHANSON





PS: I am available to receive your call most days from 10am to 10pm!   Current week schedule detail and alternate contact detail can always be found here.  Appointments help but are not required!  A quick call in advance of your visit will help me to ensure that you are met with the best possible service upon your arrival.



 

OTHER LINKS
Toyota Hybrid Horror Hoax (Forbes)