Toyota has recalled 600,000 more vehicles, but for a different reason this time. The latest recall is for potential corrosion to the spare tire carrier in Sienna minivans. At issue are model years 1998-2010 two wheel drive (2WD) minivans, driven in states with high road salt usage – i.e., cold weather states. The states involved include: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Also included is the District of Columbia.
Toyota’s press release stated that "prolonged exposure to road salts may cause excessive corrosion of the carrier cable in some of these vehicles." It is therefore possible that a spare tire could come loose, fall into the roadway, and cause hazardous driving conditions. This is a potential safety issue for motorists.
Toyota further indicated it was working to fix the condition, but in the interim Sienna customers could take their minivans to a local dealer for a free inspection. If a customer has already paid to have this problem fixed, he or she may request reimbursement from Toyota if the appropriate repair order, proof-of-ownership, and proof-of-payment are presented to: Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., Toyota Customer Experience, WC 10, 19001 South Western Ave., Torrance, CA, 90509. Or call 1(800) 331-4331.
Toyota is not having a good year. Ifyou own one of these mininvans, please get it checked out.
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