Toyota recall affects vehicles sold in U.S. southeast
Some Toyota vehicles sold in the southeast may have to go to the dealer for an inspection. Image: gordontarpley/Flickr/CC BY
Toyota, the automaker that recalled more vehicles than any other in 2012, has issued yet another. This Toyota recall only affects vehicles sold in the nation’s southeastern region, but cuts across a wide number of models.
Toyota recall affects only SET-sold vehicles
The recall is yet again over air bag issues, and affects such diverse models as the Avalon, Prius, Camry, Sequoia and Tacoma for model years from 2009 to 2013. In all, 3,235 cars, trucks and SUVs are affected. The vehicles targeted were all fitted with optional accessories by Southeast Toyota Distributors, or SET, in Florida, which may have neglected to check the calibration of the passenger-side occupant air bag detection system in some cases.
SET is the hub for a large group of Toyota dealerships operating in the nation’s southeast. SET receives the vehicles to be delivered to various dealerships. It also is responsible for fitting the vehicles with certain options before they are sent out, such as infotainment systems and fog lights. The installation of leather seat covers, in-seat heaters and rear entertainment systems — which are installed into the rear of the front passenger seat — were the trigger for the limited recall effort.
Neglected to check calibration
It seems the technicians at SET may not have checked the calibration of the occupant detection system following those installations. Therefore, the calibration may or may not be off. If it is, the passenger air bag may deploy improperly or not at all in the unfortunate event of an crash. So Toyota has to check.
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Affected models
Here is the complete list of affected models. However, only those sold through SET with certain options will apply:
2009-2010 Avalon, 2009-2012 Camry, 2009-2012 Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2009-2013 Highlander, 2009-2010 Highlander Hybrid, 2009-2012 Prius, 2012 Prius V, 2009-2012 Rav4, 2010-2012 Sequoia, 2010-2013 Sienna, 2009-2012 Tacoma, 2010-2013 Tundra, 2009-2013 Venza, 2009-2012 4Runner.
Recall to begin in January
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall is expected to begin before the end of January. That is days away from its announcement, so the automaker is wasting no time.
The owners affected by the recall will be contacted and asked to return their vehicle to a local dealership, such as Toyota of Edmonds, where the occupant air bag detection sensors will be tested and, if need be, re-calibrated.