RECALL: Toyota Prius

[Areometer]

Dow Jones
Posted November 18 2004, 8:58 AM EST

NEW YORK --Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling a total of 544,172 vehicles in 12 models, including the Prius and the Vitz, for replacement of defective parts, Japan's transport ministry said Thursday, Kyodo News Service reports.

The brake lights in the vehicles, manufactured between January 1999 and August this year, could fail to work due to faulty switches, the biggest Japanese automaker said in a report to Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

The vehicles could also fail to operate as a result of defective fuel pumps, Kyodo said.

The 12 models include the Corolla Fielder, the Raum, the Estima Hybrid and the Harrier as well.

Isuzu Motors Ltd. (7202.TO) also notified the ministry the same day that it will recall 2,335 of its Forward trucks for replacement of defective front hub bearings which could make the vehicles unworkable due to overheating or cause fire, Kyodo reports.

The trucks were made between August 2000 and May this year, but the defective parts were supplied by Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corp. (MTA.XX) which has been involved in a series of defect coverups.

Isuzu is also recalling 328 Giga trucks to replace faulty hydraulic pipes in the power steering mechanism to prevent fire. The trucks were manufactured between September and early November this year, Kyodo said. Email story
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Copyright © 2004, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

RECALL: Toyota vehicles, Izusu trucks with defective parts

[Tickwood]

It would be good to make it clear that this is a recall in Japan, NOT the US. Whether or not there will be a recall here is not clear.

[richard schumacher]

Why wouldn't it affect the US? Did they build the wiring harnesses differently for various markets?

[hbolter]

As I recall, back in 1993, some months after I purchased my Saturn SL1, they recalled them for some wiring harness problem. I was notified promptly about the problem, arranged a visit to the dealer, and they repaired it. End of story. I am still driving the car some 11+ years later, with no problems. I would expect the same experience from Toyota, if it becomes necessary in the U.S. While I'm never pleased to see recalls, if it's needed; so be it. The important thing, IMHO, is how it is handled by the company and the dealership...