More Trouble for Toyota – UnderhoodService

More Trouble for Toyota

Automaker announces voluntary recall on 2010 model year Lexus SUVs; company also to pay record fine to NHTSA as a result of previous defects.

Toyota Motor Sales is conducting a voluntary safety recall on approximately 9,400 2010 model year Lexus GX 460 sport utility vehicles to update software in the vehicle’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system. The VSC system helps control a loss of traction in turns as a result of front or rear wheel slippage during cornering.  

The recall follows the news that Consumer Reports recently rated the vehicle model a "safety risk" due to the fact that the vehicle could roll over in certain scenarios.

"Toyota’s objective is to provide a high level of safety and quality, while meeting or surpassing governmental regulations. Our engineers have conducted tests to confirm the VSC performance issue raised by Consumer Reports, and we are confident this VSC software update addresses the concern," said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America.

All Lexus dealers will have the VSC software update by the end of April. Once the software update is available at dealers, vehicle owners are encouraged to bring their 2010 GX 460 to a dealer at their earliest convenience for the update at no cost. The update should take approximately one hour depending on the dealers’ work schedule, said Toyota.

Starting in early May, Lexus will begin mailing letters to GX 460 owners included in this recall.  
 
Also this week, it was announced that Toyota has agreed to pay a record fine of $16.4 million to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after NHTSA learned that the automaker was aware of issues of sudden unintended acceleration in its vehicles for four months before taking the issue public.  
 

You May Also Like

Nearly 5,000 To Participate In Auto Value, Bumper To Bumper ‘Festive Walk’ To AAPEX 2018

On Thursday, Nov. 1, nearly 5,000 Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper automotive professionals wearing matching yellow shirts will begin their “festive walk” from the Mirage hotel to AAPEX 2018 at the Sands Expo, temporarily shutting down the busy Las Vegas Boulevard along the way.

On Thursday, Nov. 1, nearly 5,000 Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper automotive professionals wearing matching yellow shirts will begin their “festive walk” from the Mirage hotel to AAPEX 2018 at the Sands Expo, temporarily shutting down the busy Las Vegas Boulevard along the way.

The group is scheduled to depart at approximately 8:30 a.m. (PDT) and start arriving at AAPEX for their day-long visit around 9 a.m. The group will include parts store operators, shop owners, technicians and service writers who are part of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance. Las Vegas showgirls and a marching band will join in the festivities as the group makes its way to AAPEX.

Drive Belt Checklist: What Are You Missing?

You might have only one chance to sell a customer a new serpentine belt. With belts lasting roughly 90,000 miles, proper inspection at the time of failure is critical not only for selling the belt, but also for ensuring add-on sales and better customer satisfaction.

3 Reasons To Replace Cabin Air Filters In Winter

Often driven by an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality, most consumers don’t think about purchasing cabin air filters. That’s why educating consumers on the benefits of cabin air filters can be a shop’s best sales pitch for selling these maintenance add-ons.

VIDEO: Using Airflow To Sell Cabin Air Filters

Andrew Markel introduces an inexpensive tool that can assist in selling cabin air filter replacements. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

airflow-selling-cabin-air-filter-video-featured
Air Conditioning Odor Causes

Air conditioning odors typically result from the uncontrolled growth of bacteria and other microorganisms in the evaporator. Research by independent laboratories has found fungi such as Aspergillus, Cladesporium, Penicillium and others growing on cooling coils and other A/C system areas.

ac air conditioning smells featured

Other Posts

Dorman Launches 300+ New Products In November

Among the new products is an OE FIX climate control module designed to fit 1.7M Chevrolet Express & GMC Savana vehicles.

Curing Springtime Air Conditioning Smells

Air conditioning scents can come from a host of things.

VIDEO: R1234yf A/C Update

Andrew Markel answers questions about the new refrigerant, R1234yf. Sponsored by MAHLE.

HVAC: A/C Update For R1234yf Refrigerants

The benefit of R1234yf is simple. The new refrigerant lasts only 11 days in the atmosphere compared to 13 years for R134a. This is why the EPA is requiring