Trapped Accelerator Pedals Come to Haunt Toyota and Lexus Again, 2.12 Million Vehicles Recalled in the USA

The Toyota Group may be off the hook over suspicions of unwanted sudden acceleration caused by software-driven throttles after the findings of the NHTSA-NASA study, but the Japanese automaker is once again making headlines over trapped accelerator pedals. Today, Toyota announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 2.12 million vehicles in the United States to address accelerator pedals that could become entrapped in floor mats or jammed in carpeting.

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.

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New Toyota Recall, this time for Toyota Avalon and Highlander, and Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350

Toyota has announced a voluntary recall of some 740,000 vehicles in the United States to address a potential leak problem with a seal in the brake master cylinder. The models that are being recalled in the U.S. are the 2005-2006MY Toyota Avalon, 2004-2006MY Highlander (non Hybrid) and Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350. Another 600,898 vehicles were recalled in Japan and approximately 200,000 in China for the same issue.

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New Toyota Recall, this time for Toyota Avalon and Highlander, and Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350

Toyota has announced a voluntary recall of some 740,000 vehicles in the United States to address a potential leak problem with a seal in the brake master cylinder. The models that are being recalled in the U.S. are the 2005-2006MY Toyota Avalon, 2004-2006MY Highlander (non Hybrid) and Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350. Another 600,898 vehicles were recalled in Japan and approximately 200,000 in China for the same issue.

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2011 Toyota Highlander Facelift: US-Spec Model Unveiled and Priced, Hybrid Models gets New 3.5L V6

As some of you may recall, Toyota showed a redesigned version of its Highlander SUV at last month's Moscow International Motor Show. Today, the Japanese automaker released details and photos of the U.S.-spec model that will begin arriving at Toyota dealers from September 24.

Not surprisingly, the NA 2011 Highlander features the same styling updates as the model shown in Moscow. On the outside, the Highlander gets a new front fascia, hood and fenders, redesigned head lamps and tail lights, a re-trimmed rear bumper, as well as new alloy wheel designs and black rockers with chrome accents for the gasoline models.

For 2011, Toyota has further distinguished the Hybrid version that gains a unique front grille and bumper design plus color-keyed rockers with chrome accents, vertically stacked fog lamps and blue lens covers for the head lights.

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Toyota Suspends U.S. Sales of Eight Models Including Camry, Corolla and RAV4 to Deal with Accelerator Pedal Issues

Only a few days after announcing that it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models, the Japanese automaker said today that it will temporarily suspend sales of eight Toyota vehicles that are on the recall list in the USA. No Lexus or Scion models are included in the sales suspension. The affected Toyota models are listed below:

• 2009-2010 RAV4
  
• 2009-2010 Corolla
  
• 2009-2010 Matrix
  
• 2005-2010 Avalon
  
• Certain 2007-2010 Camry
  
• 2010 Highlander
  
• 2007-2010 Tundra
  
• 2008-2010 Sequoia
  

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)

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Toyota Announces Pricing for new 2010 Highlander V6 Special Edition, Increases Prices on other Models

Toyota has just released pricing for the new Highlander Special Edition that replaces the current Sport grade while the Japanese firm also announced price adjustments on a dozen current 2010 Toyota and Scion models including the Corolla, Matrix, Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, Yaris, Sequoia, FJ Cruiser, Tundra, Scion tC, xB and xD.

The new Highlander SE is offered solely with a 270 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission that returns EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings of 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway on 4x2 models, and 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway on the 4x4.

Standard features on the SE include leather seats, Tri-Zone automatic front and rear air conditioning, power tilt/slide moonroof, heated front seats and exterior mirrors, an audio system with a six-disc CD changer, 17-inch alloy wheels, Homelink universal transceiver, daytime running lights, and a tow package.

Set to arrive at Toyota showrooms in the beginning of January 2010, the new Highlander SE 4x2 will start at $32,480 while the 4x4 model, at $33,930 (not including an $800 destination and handling fee).

The price increases for twelve other Toyota and Scion models range from $100 for the Corolla, Scion xD, xB and tC, to $500 for the Sequoia and FJ Cruiser.

*The Highlander pictured above is not the 2010 SE grade model

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Toyota Announces Pricing for new 2010 Highlander V6 Special Edition, Increases Prices on other Models

Toyota has just released pricing for the new Highlander Special Edition that replaces the current Sport grade while the Japanese firm also announced price adjustments on a dozen current 2010 Toyota and Scion models including the Corolla, Matrix, Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, Yaris, Sequoia, FJ Cruiser, Tundra, Scion tC, xB and xD.

The new Highlander SE is offered solely with a 270 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission that returns EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings of 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway on 4x2 models, and 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway on the 4x4.

Standard features on the SE include leather seats, Tri-Zone automatic front and rear air conditioning, power tilt/slide moonroof, heated front seats and exterior mirrors, an audio system with a six-disc CD changer, 17-inch alloy wheels, Homelink universal transceiver, daytime running lights, and a tow package.

Set to arrive at Toyota showrooms in the beginning of January 2010, the new Highlander SE 4x2 will start at $32,480 while the 4x4 model, at $33,930 (not including an $800 destination and handling fee).

The price increases for twelve other Toyota and Scion models range from $100 for the Corolla, Scion xD, xB and tC, to $500 for the Sequoia and FJ Cruiser.

*The Highlander pictured above is not the 2010 SE grade model

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Toyota Announces Minor Changes for 2010 Avalon, Yaris, RAV4, Highlander and Tacoma

Along with the 2010 FJ Cruiser that gains a more powerful V6 engine, Toyota has also announced minor upgrades for its 2010MY Avalon full-size sedan, Yaris subcompact hatch, Highlander mid-size SUV, RAV4 compact SUV and the Tacoma pickup truck. With the exception of the Highlander that's expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in September, the rest of the 2010 model year range will go on sale across the States in early August.

Beginning with the RAV4, the 2010 model receives minor styling enhancements that include chrome-accented interior appointments on the limited model. The MSRP remains unchanged for 2010 RAV4 with prices ranging from $21,500 for the base four-cylinder 2WD model to $27,810 for the 4WD Limited V6.

Toyota's flagship sedan, the Avalon gets rear-passenger auto up/down windows and a new exterior color, Sandy Beach Metallic. The base MSRP for the 2010 Avalon ranges from $27,945 for the XL to $35,285 for the Limited, which translates to an increase of $100, or 0.3 to 0.4 percent over the 2009 model year.

For 2010, the Yaris receives standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) that add $150 to the model's prices that range from $12,355 for the three-door model with manual transmission, to $13,915 for the four-door sedan with an automatic transmission.

The only updates for the 2010 Highlander concern an available backup monitor on the multi-informational display for the Base grade V6, and a power tilt/slide moonroof for the Base grade four-cylinder model. The MSRP for the gas and hybrid models remains unchanged except for the Highlander Sport, which gets a stainless-steel exhaust tip that increases the price by $50. The base MSRP for the 2010 Highlander ranges from $25,705 for the base four-cylinder 2WD to $41,020 for the Limited 4WD hybrid model.

As for the Tacoma pick-up truck, the 2010MY brings an enhancement to the front cup-holder functionality and, well that's about it. Prices carry over unchanged from the 2009MY ranging from $15,170 for the Regular Cab with a five-speed manual transmission to $27,075 for the V6 4x4 Double Cab Long Bed with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Buyers should note that all MSRPs mentioned above do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $750 for passenger cars and $800 for light trucks.

* Tacoma Aside, All other Vehicles Shown in the Photos are 2009MY

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Toyota Announces Minor Changes for 2010 Avalon, Yaris, RAV4, Highlander and Tacoma

Along with the 2010 FJ Cruiser that gains a more powerful V6 engine, Toyota has also announced minor upgrades for its 2010MY Avalon full-size sedan, Yaris subcompact hatch, Highlander mid-size SUV, RAV4 compact SUV and the Tacoma pickup truck. With the exception of the Highlander that's expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in September, the rest of the 2010 model year range will go on sale across the States in early August.

Beginning with the RAV4, the 2010 model receives minor styling enhancements that include chrome-accented interior appointments on the limited model. The MSRP remains unchanged for 2010 RAV4 with prices ranging from $21,500 for the base four-cylinder 2WD model to $27,810 for the 4WD Limited V6.

Toyota's flagship sedan, the Avalon gets rear-passenger auto up/down windows and a new exterior color, Sandy Beach Metallic. The base MSRP for the 2010 Avalon ranges from $27,945 for the XL to $35,285 for the Limited, which translates to an increase of $100, or 0.3 to 0.4 percent over the 2009 model year.

For 2010, the Yaris receives standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) that add $150 to the model's prices that range from $12,355 for the three-door model with manual transmission, to $13,915 for the four-door sedan with an automatic transmission.

The only updates for the 2010 Highlander concern an available backup monitor on the multi-informational display for the Base grade V6, and a power tilt/slide moonroof for the Base grade four-cylinder model. The MSRP for the gas and hybrid models remains unchanged except for the Highlander Sport, which gets a stainless-steel exhaust tip that increases the price by $50. The base MSRP for the 2010 Highlander ranges from $25,705 for the base four-cylinder 2WD to $41,020 for the Limited 4WD hybrid model.

As for the Tacoma pick-up truck, the 2010MY brings an enhancement to the front cup-holder functionality and, well that's about it. Prices carry over unchanged from the 2009MY ranging from $15,170 for the Regular Cab with a five-speed manual transmission to $27,075 for the V6 4x4 Double Cab Long Bed with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Buyers should note that all MSRPs mentioned above do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $750 for passenger cars and $800 for light trucks.

* Tacoma Aside, All other Vehicles Shown in the Photos are 2009MY

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Toyota Launches Certified Used Vehicle Program for Hybrid Models

In an attempt to draw the attention of buyers searching for used hybrids, Toyota USA has created a new used-vehicle certification program for the brand's hybrid models like the Prius, Camry and Highlander. On top of Toyota Certified's 160-point quality assurance inspection, the extras for the hybrid program include 14 additional points that include the hybrid vehicle electronic control unit and the hybrid vehicle battery.

Furthermore, in addition to the usual warranties, the Japanese automaker said that the certified used hybrids come with a new-vehicle factory hybrid battery warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles - and more in certain states.

Link: Toyota Certified Hybrids

12:31 PM | 0 comments | Read More

Toyota Launches Certified Used Vehicle Program for Hybrid Models

In an attempt to draw the attention of buyers searching for used hybrids, Toyota USA has created a new used-vehicle certification program for the brand's hybrid models like the Prius, Camry and Highlander. On top of Toyota Certified's 160-point quality assurance inspection, the extras for the hybrid program include 14 additional points that include the hybrid vehicle electronic control unit and the hybrid vehicle battery.

Furthermore, in addition to the usual warranties, the Japanese automaker said that the certified used hybrids come with a new-vehicle factory hybrid battery warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles - and more in certain states.

Link: Toyota Certified Hybrids

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New 4-Cylinder Toyota Highlander Priced at $25,705

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.

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2009 Toyota Highlander Gets New 2.7-liter 4-Cylinder Engine

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.

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