600.000 Sienna units recalled by Toyota

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. has announced that it will be starting a voluntary Safety Recall of 600.000 first- and second-generation Sienna 2WD minivans. The reason for yet another recall in Toyota’s models is a potential corrosion in the spare tire carrier cable.

According to Toyota this problem may occur in Sienna vehicles between 1998 and 2010, especially in those who are driven in cold climate areas with high road salt use. The salt used in the roads can cause excessive corrosion of the carrier cable. In the worst case scenario the spare tyre might separate from the vehicle and cause an accident.

With Toyota still developing a solution for this problem, the brand is sending to customers an interim notice so that they bring their vehicle to a preliminary inspection. After the development is completed they will receive another notice that will advise them of the remedy availability.

Steve St. Angelo, Toyota Chief Quality Officer for North America, said: “Toyota is listening to its customers attentively, and we want to make sure their voices are heard.  As part of that commitment, we are providing free inspections of the spare tire carrier cable even in states that are not included in this recall.   We are also working diligently to develop a remedy as soon as possible.”

The Siennas currently registered in the states of 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 will all be covered by this recall.

As for the other states a Special Service Campaign will also be launched, with customers receiving a different notification where they will learn more on how to obtain an inspection if they desire.