Toyota recalls 1.5 million vehicles due to safety issues

Toyota Motor Corporation yesterday (01.08.2012) recalled 1.5 Million Toyota vehicles, including some 2006-2012 year model Rav4 models, the Lexus HS 250h as well as the Avensis T27 and Auris D-CAT.

And while the Toyota mother-company calls it an official 'recall' allover the world, the Toyota importers in the GGC and Middle East decided to give it another neat and harmless-sounding description, namely a 'customer satisfaction campaign'.

This is not only misleading but also incorrect, as the Toyota Al-Futtaim press release differs SIGNFICANTLY from the official Toyota Headquarter press release.

We at Auto Arabia decided to published for our readers both version so that you can read and see the difference:

And this is the official 'statement' of Toyota Al-Futtaim today:

'Simon Frith, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Motors released the following statement today regarding some 2006 – 2011 year model Rav4 vehicles:

“Following communication with Toyota Motor Corporation, we have begun a customer satisfaction campaign on 6,628 units of 2006 – 2011 year model Rav4 vehicles. Toyota Motor Corporation has informed that if the nuts on the rear suspension arm have not been tightened correctly following any rear wheel alignments adjustments, rusting may occur which if left unaddressed could lead to a malfunction in the rear arm. Al-Futtaim Motors will inspect the tightened nut on the affected vehicles to make sure they meet the proper torque specification.

In the interests of delivering the highest standards of Toyota product quality and customer care, we will commence a service campaign from Sunday, 5th August 2012 and contact our customers directly for an appointment at our service centers. All vehicles will require a 45 minute inspection; however Toyota Motor Corporation has advised that only a small number of vehicles will require any components to be replaced.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause and thank our customers for their patience and understanding. If any customers have further questions they can contact our customer care team on 04-2066002 (between 8am and 6pm Saturday to Thursday).

In order to maintain the overall satisfaction of our customers, we will ensure that any inconvenience is kept to an absolute minimum and thank our customers for the patience and understanding.�

Dubai, United Arab Emirates. August 2, 2012'


And this is the official 'recall' from the Toyota headquarter in Tokyo (Japan)

'Toyota Announces Recall of Certain RAV4 and Lexus HS 250h Vehicles
TORRANCE, Calif., August 1, 2012 -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall involving 2006 to early 2011 model year RAV4 and 2010 model year Lexus HS 250h vehicles sold in the U.S. No other Toyota or Lexus vehicles are involved.

Approximately 760,000 Toyota RAV4
Approximately 18,000 Lexus HS 250h
Toyota has determined that if the nuts on the rear suspension arm are not tightened following the proper procedure and torque specification during a rear wheel alignment service, excessive play may occur at the threaded portion of the arm, followed by rust formation. If this were to occur, the threaded portion of the rear suspension arm may wear and cause the arm to separate.

Toyota is currently developing a remedy. Once the remedy is available, we will send a notification letter by first class mail advising owners to make an appointment with an authorized Toyota or Lexus dealer to have the remedy performed at no charge.'

In addition to that Toyota Motor Corporation also publoshed the following FAQs:

'Customer FAQs for 2006 to Early 2011 Toyota RAV4 Recall
1. Which models are affected by the recall?

Approximately 760,000 2006 to early 2011 model year Toyota RAV4 vehicles are involved in this voluntary safety recall.

2. What is the condition?

Toyota has determined that if the nuts on the rear suspension arm are not tightened following the proper procedure and torque specification during a rear wheel alignment service, excessive play may occur at the threaded portion of the arm, followed by rust formation. If this were to occur, the threaded portion of the rear suspension arm may wear and cause the arm to separate.

3. Are there any warnings that this condition has occurred? If so, what should a customer do if they become aware of the condition?

Yes, if the rear tie rod has become loose the driver may notice an abnormal noise from the rear of the vehicle. If a driver hears an abnormal noise from the rear of the vehicle the driver should contact any authorized Toyota dealer for diagnosis.

4. What is Toyota doing to address this issue?

Toyota is currently working on preparing the remedy. Once the remedy is available, Toyota will send an owner notification by first class mail advising owners to make an appointment with his/her authorized Toyota dealer to have the remedy performed at no charge.

5. Are there any other Toyota or Lexus vehicles covered by this Safety Recall?

Yes, there are approximately 18,000 2010 model year Lexus HS 250h vehicles involved.

6. What if a customer has previously paid for repairs to his/her vehicle for this condition?

Reimbursement consideration instructions will be provided in the owner letter.

7. What should I do if I still have questions or concerns?

Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.'



I would say there is a very big difference between the official international recall press release and the regional 'customer satisfaction campaign' statement. This needs the consumer protecion agencies in the the Middle East and North Africa region to take serious action against the regional and local Toyota dealers in order to save the lifes and the rights of the Middle Eastern consumers.

MS
02.08.2012
Dubai - Cairo - Tokyo