Toyota recalls 740,000 U.S. vehicles for brake problem

[Mr. Jollypants]

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Toyota is recalling 740,000 vehicles sold in the United States because of potentially unsafe brakes, adding to the automaker's 2010 recall woes.

Toyota Motor Sales, the U.S. division of Toyota Motor Corp. (TM) in Japan, said the recall applies to Avalon models built from 2005 through 2006, non-hybrid Highlanders from 2004 through 2006, the Lexus RX330, and 2006 models of the Lexus GS300, IS250 and IS350.

Toyota said it's recalling the vehicles because a small amount of brake fluid could leak from the brake master cylinder, causing the brake warning lamp to go on.

If the problem is left untreated, Toyota said driver will first notice a spongy or soft brake pedal feel, with the brakes' ability to slow the vehicle gradually deteriorating.

Toyota said the problem stems from the use of non-Toyota brake fluid. Toyota-brand brake fluid contains lubricating polymers that prevent the problem, the company said.

The company said that Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the brake master cylinder cup at no charge to vehicle owners.

Worldwide, Toyota is recalling 1.5 million vehicles because of the problem.

The new brake problem is the latest to affect Toyota, which has recalled millions of vehicles due to a variety of safety issues.

Since the second half of last year, Toyota has announced recalls of more than 8 million vehicles. The latest major recall was in August, affecting about 1.33 million Corolla and Matrix vehicles built from 2005 to 2008 and sold in the U.S. and Canada. The company said there was a risk of cracks forming at solder points or on electronic components used to protect circuits from excessive voltage.

 

[CDubs]

first the brake pedal on the floor now the MC...they need to get cracking on every piece of the brakes

 

[vjf915]

If the problem stems from owners using non-Toyota brake fluid, then why is Toyota fixing this problem? If I used non-Honda power steering fluid, I would NOT expect them to replace my pump when it specifically states to use Honda PS fluid

 

[CDubs]

i went on assuming that these were off newer cars that havent needed to the fluid replaced yet....but would that cause the crack where the leak comes from i see your point with that but if the MC is leaking on its own they should replace it since the fluid didnt cause that

 

[Raabe]

If its approved brake fluid from say, AutoZone, every car should be able to take it. And since the MC cant, im guessing thats why they recalled

 

[Mr. Jollypants]

If the problem stems from owners using non-Toyota brake fluid, then why is Toyota fixing this problem? If I used non-Honda power steering fluid, I would NOT expect them to replace my pump when it specifically states to use Honda PS fluid

I don't trust a manufacturer who says "You HAVE to use our over-priced fluids or else your car will become unusable or unsafe."

 

[DirtyD]

If the problem stems from owners using non-Toyota brake fluid, then why is Toyota fixing this problem? If I used non-Honda power steering fluid, I would NOT expect them to replace my pump when it specifically states to use Honda PS fluid

If they didn't Toyota would basically be dead in the water.

 

[4bangincivic]

Fail.

 

[4bangincivic]

Once again.

 

[253eg]

Failyota.

 

[sohclubkid]

at least toyota can admit to their problems and actually takes care of them...
honda never did a recall on the 8th gen block cracking problem
nissan never did one for the z's brakes

 

[Robin...]

at least toyota can admit to their problems and actually takes care of them...
honda never did a recall on the 8th gen block cracking problem
nissan never did one for the z's brakes

 

[sf22189]

If people only knew the potential problems that other manufacturers decide to "sweep under the rug" because they decide it would be cheaper to pay off lawsuits for wrongful deaths instead of doing mass recalls. I wish I could remember where I saw that and what company. Ford maybe? or maybe Chevy or Dodge...

 

[poisonivy24]

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Toyota is recalling 740,000 vehicles sold in the United States because of potentially unsafe brakes, adding to the automaker's 2010 recall woes.

Toyota Motor Sales, the U.S. division of Toyota Motor Corp. (TM) in Japan, said the recall applies to Avalon models built from 2005 through 2006, non-hybrid Highlanders from 2004 through 2006, the Lexus RX330, and 2006 models of the Lexus GS300, IS250 and IS350.

Toyota parts said it's recalling the vehicles because a small amount of brake fluid could leak from the brake master cylinder, causing the brake warning lamp to go on.

that shows how toyota cares for their aftermarket. It's not all about sales but ensuring their customers their safety and peace of mind while driving

 

[JohnS.]

What I see from this... At least Toyota is making it known there is a problem, explaining what the problem is and how it starts, and they are replacing the bad part free of charge. They're not sweeping it under the rug. I would rather buy a car from a company that cares about their customers to have recalls and replace things at no charge than have a car company not give a f**k, sweep s**t under the rug, and shrug their shoulders when you go up to them and go wtf.

I don't trust a manufacturer who says "You HAVE to use our over-priced fluids or else your car will become unusable or unsafe."

Really? I probably would. I would definitely do my research but if I bought a new car and they said to me, "You can only use our brand of brake fluid because it contains a special polymer that won't cause leaks and therefore lead to bigger problems", I would more than likely trust them.

Other than oil, my car has only seen Honda OEM brake / clutch fluid and Honda OEM transmission fluid. I bought Honda OEM power steering fluid to replace the BLACK fluid that's been in the car since the day it was bought but I haven't gotten around to it yet. Procrastinating...

 

[253eg]

Dead thread was dead