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Bring Em On In!...Again?: Toyota Recalls 220,000 Highlander and Rav4 Models

Agent009 submitted on 12/8/2006 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 10:33:25 AM

69 user comments | Category: Misc News | Source: | SOURCE: www.iht.com

Toyota Motor Corp.

said it would recall more than 200,000 Highlander and RAV4 sport utility vehicles to fix a malfunction with the "check engine" light.

Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. said Wednesday its special service campaign involved 60,700 four-cylinder Highlander SUVs from the 2001-2003 model years and 159,100 RAV4s from the 2001-2002 model years.

Some of us are starting to wonder if all of these recalls are just a master plan to get people back into the Toyota dealership to sell new cars. Pretty innovative if you ask us.

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Bring Em On In!...Again?: Toyota Recalls 220,000 Highlander and Rav4 Models

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User Comments

I don't think the idea of a special service campaign is to bring more cars into the shops. If that is the case, then Toyota's customer satisfaction policies are completely jaded, but that isn't the case if they were just announced as having the highest customer retention by J.D. Powers. What I do know from having worked on the corporate side of the auto industry is that the domestic car companies recall vehicles only when the government mandates the recall, where as the special service campaign is a voluntary recall to be proactive to its customer base. Toyota and Honda are notorious for their proactive approach in the oem supplier world, too. I would rather have a proactive approach to safety issues than a reactive one (think Ford Pinto). I think the common person doesn't understand the difference though, which is what causes the damage to companies like Toyota and Honda when a SSC is announced.
— 4x4ever (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 10:52:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I don't think there is much damage to the image. Afterall Toyota has had some recalls lately but the customer retention figures for car brands were released this week by JD Power. Of course Toyota products are at the top (Toyota is #1, along with Lexus, Honda and BMW).
— MercBasher (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 11:10:17 AM | | Votes: 3

Why do you keep mentioning "customer retention figures"?

I don't think any of us truly care. Why would I buy my car based on whether or not people come back to it? I'll come back to it based on whether or not I like it! If I don't, I'll get something else next time!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 11:52:57 PM | | Votes: 2

Oh I do it just to irritate you. Would you prefer I talk about sales, customer satisfaction, dealership performance, depreciation, or profitability instead of customer retention. . . because it really doesn't matter in the US because you're beloved Audi fails on every measure. Just because you are a statistical irregularity (in loving your Audi) doesn't mean everyone does.
— MercBasher (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2006 12:42:09 AM | | Votes: 0

You, much like most Toyota and Lexus buyers, can't even afford an Audi.

Since when is being ranked third respectively in highest resale considered poor depreciation?

You drive a Japanese copycat that tries to be everything it's not, and thrives off of easily disprovable reliability ratings.
— AUDIMAN4 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2006 3:11:21 PM | | Votes: 2

And MercBasher, I DON'T CARE. You're a biased fool who's either trying to, A) Simply insult my car for no other reason than because you're envious, or B) You think people actually care about these figures and will buy a Toyota because of it.

And I really don't care at all. I like my car a lot. What makes you think Audi "failing" at all of those things will make me like it less? What is your objective- to make me buy a Camry?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2006 9:19:21 PM | | Votes: 2

Toyota is just being cautious and recalling them anyway, since the light malfunction is not a hazard whatsoever. I can imagine other automakers not even issuing a recall because its not a driving hazard.
I think toyota is just being responsible.
— SSP350 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 10:53:20 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I beg to differ...Toyota is recalling this because the "check engine" light went off....HELLO!! I'm sure Toyota received complaints from the dealers that people were bringing in their cars and nothing was wrong with them. A recall is a recall..regardless if it's American or Japanese.
— paul3230 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 6:26:25 PM | | Votes: 2

'responsible' would be to build the vehicle w/o this BS problem. Toyota with another recall - nothing new.
— twistedneck (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 9:58:32 PM | | Votes: 1

No Biggie.
— spiceace (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 11:03:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

This could be a very biggie, why...

Where I live a vehicle will not pass inspection if the check engine light is on. Now it doesn't say exactly what the problem is but if the light were to go on and stay on it could lead to many unexpected and unnecessary costs to someone going in for a simple inspection.
— tcatnat (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 2:35:15 PM | | Votes: 4

No Fair!!!! I am usually the one to report this stuff!

Since you Toyota guys are always touting the great deal the Toyotas are. Why does it make sense that the recalls are just part of that great deal? A loose mirror or a recall is basically the same thing. An unexpected trip to the dealership, and a waste of time.

If recalls were included in the JD Power surveys you would see a whole new ball game this year in reliability. But then again that means JD Power would actually have to be factual.
— PlanoA4 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 11:16:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

'check engine' light:One of the the least complain u can do for a 4-6 year old vehicle.

And see Toyota is even ready to fix this.

BTW i feel,Toyota is showing a little too much care here.We believe and know u Toyota,so don't prove everytime to us that u r the most coustomer satisfactory company in the World.

JUGNU----->THE CARMAN
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 11:43:43 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

LexusHater you are dumb. Its just the light of the check engine not the engine dumbass. Now go to the corner and play with our hot wheels.
— watisthat (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 3:54:07 PM | | Votes: 0

I'm sorry, but even Toyota cannot afford to slip on quality..with the Koreans and the American's on the horizon, Toyota need to do everything it can to maintain it's leadership.
— paul3230 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 6:28:52 PM | | Votes: 3

Well, well, well what do we have here? - it's a Toyote recall.

You see whenever a manufacture gets big they always lose quality and I would say we can expect more recalls from Toyota.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 11:48:53 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

Oh, shutup! This doesn't even count....it's fixing a light for god's sake!!!! Now tires shredding while your driving, thats a safety hazard.
— blueice4589 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 12:30:22 PM | | Votes: 5

You thought Toyote was flawless, but now you're finding out what happens when a company gets to big for it's britches.

That's right!
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 6:39:38 PM | | Votes: 4

220,000 out of how many total models?
— dustyg54 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 12:52:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

220,000 out of how many total models made?
— dustyg54 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 12:52:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

my bad bout the double post, can you delete posts?
— dustyg54 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 12:58:01 PM | | Votes: -7

Even more recalls.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 1:56:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7

^And?
— delan (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 1:59:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallmonthlyreports.cfm
to get a good idea of who is really recalling the most cars, and the seriousness of the recalls, including suspensions breaking leading to crashes (BMW), engine stalling leading to crashes (Chrysler), winsdhield loss (Ford), airbags not deploying (Audi), headlights and tailight malfunctions (Infinit). thats just a sample form the last couple months.

A check engine light coming on...not so life threatening, yet pro-active Toyota once again proves they would rather solve a problem than ignore it.

Great job Toyota.
— 1970toyotamarc (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 3:53:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

You forgot transmission problem(MB), weak roof(ford) the list goes on and on for european and american car makers.
— watisthat (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 3:56:45 PM | | Votes: 1

anyone remember the mercedes one that covered like all clk c and e class models? something to do with side airbags going off on the wrong side, i think.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 7:19:23 PM | | Votes: 3

Spies please kick off this Lexushater from here.

Anybody agree with me ??

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 4:05:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

ive been trying to ignore the troll, doesnt seem like many people pay him much attention. Insecure little kids who seek attention tend to lose interest quickly when they dont get any. Ive probably already said too much. Just this alone will keep him amped up for a week.
— 1970toyotamarc (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 4:12:54 PM | | Votes: -2

lexus hater is just stupid. i may not like toyota, but clearly by their sales figures they don't suck.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 7:20:01 PM | | Votes: 3

Come on. This is great that TOYOTA takes car of it's customers. Still in Europe TOYOTA's are the most reliable cars. I prefer a company who takes care of it's customers.
— AUDBMLEXMRC (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 4:11:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

WOW really well Toyota recalled its Fj cruiser because of its tire that mite make the vehicle loose control and crash!! Now hm and u guys were bashing ford like hell. And when abt 160000 tundras didnt comply with safety regulations for children then? and the list goes on so please STOP BASHING OTHER COMPANIES! Shoot man you guys are really bias and hypocrites. Admit toyota has slipped up more then ever in its history this year
so all of u SHUT UP
— jt716 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 7:25:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

You're right it has slipped up, it sales are up, it dominates the customer retention leagues, its profits are up everything is looking up.
— MercBasher (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2006 12:44:13 AM | | Votes: -1

A recall is a recall and it'll reflect in the annual number count.

But yeah, nothing a little black electrical tape couldn't fix. I'd take this over failing brakes from VW any day.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 7:59:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

Note the part where the problem is with the actual light, and nothing to do with the car's performance.

That ranks right up there with Honda printing a bad phone number in their driver's manual.

Much, much worse than having something major go wrong like the engine catching fire perhaps. Or comparable to maybe not having brakes?
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 8:01:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

Ignore this recall, it isn't an actual recall because Toyotas don't have recalls, ever.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 8:12:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

BTW, MANY people PAID MONEY to reset the check engine light before. So this is a bigger deal than some Toyota fans want to admit to.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 8:14:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

Isn't the Highlander a Camry station wagon?...if so, then this recall may very well effect Camry's too and that would be a lot of cars comin' back to the dreaded service department.

lol
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 8:39:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

Yippee. You are funny.
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 8:41:45 PM | | Votes: -1

You all are getting a little too happy here.
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 8:40:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Also, this is a serious safety issue. A Toyota driver is very likely to freak out when they see the "Check Engine Light" light up for no reason, this will lead to extreme panich, the driver will sverve and potentially cause an accident.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 10:03:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

extreme panick.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 10:04:12 PM | | Votes: 2

Haha, yeah, probably cause more panic than hitting the brakes and having nothing happen.

If Toyota pays for the recall, a little less harm than say, having your face fly through the windshield.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 10:08:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

I don't know what sort of driver you are mr. Featured Writer, but I can't think of anyone who would panic if the engine light came on.

When the brakes don't work, does any sort of German light come on in the VW?
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 10:10:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

WTF I have to check the Toyota TIS for this recall because I haven't seen any recall for DTC's on these vehicles.It will probably have to do with the EVAP system,and they will probably make me fix all that come in,since I'm a wizard when it comes to DTC's!!
A DTC can also be caused when people change their air filter on the early model Highlanders,the hose on the back of the intake box disconnects and people forget or don't know to reconnect it,thus causing a engine light,I have seen it happen to Jiffy lube boys alot!!!
There is no substatude for a real Toyota/Lexus factory trained technician!!
— 2JZSoarer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 11:26:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Of course, everyone is making excuses about the Toyota recall...

This is a bad omen. Toyota's perfect record has been shattered this year, many times.

Perhaps Hyundai will be the next big thing?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2006 11:53:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

. . . and perhaps Audi will be saved by Porsche. At least Porsche knows how to make money!
— MercBasher (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2006 12:45:15 AM | | Votes: -4

Audi is the most profitable brand in the Volkswagen Group.

They EASILY surpass Lexus's figures. So easily that it's sad of you to compare them.

I again ask why you do this. Do you think I should buy a Camry? You've turned into another raving fanboy. I used to half-respect you, but my respect is gone, because you take a stab at me every chance you get.

And you think it gets to me. LOL! Oh no, people don't come back to Audi! They're gaining sales, but those people will all leave! And this affects my life in such a huge way!!!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2006 9:21:33 PM | | Votes: 3

ITS JUST A FALSE ALARM.....WOOT
— watisthat (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2006 2:05:58 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

Toyota isn't perfect. No company is. Amazing that so many posts in this thread are flaming other members and Toyota.

Grow up, guys.
— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2006 6:46:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

BTW, Lexus (Toyota) should check out the braking on the new Lexus LS 460. It has, quite possibly, the worst braking of any passanger vehicle on sale today. A real embarassment for such an expensive vehicle with so many so called safety features. Lexus should do a recall for saftey reasons.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2006 9:32:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

chewy, I just read C&D and youre right about the LS460 taking a lot of road to stop and we all know we have to stop or we could drive off the side of a mountain and smash into the rocks and tear the car into little bitty pieces.

The Lexus also has a small trunk or boot for the Brits.

You see I'm a real estate agent and I need a trunk that will hold at least 20 signs for when I'm doing an open house.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2006 11:42:37 PM | | Votes: 3

Wow, I get de-boosted for asking a question.......wow
— dustyg54 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2006 10:38:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

You actually had a good question as well.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2006 11:10:09 PM | | Votes: 4

Yeah. I wasn't being sarcastic or anything. I simply wanted to know the percentage of the total number of those models 220,000 is.
— dustyg54 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2006 11:12:18 PM | | Votes: 4

CR is biased BS! And I own a toyota! The older toyotas made in Japan were better quality because they take great pride in there product,in north america we don't have the same winning additude towards work.CR once claimed a ford car in the 90's as top reliable pick only to wind up worst pick in one year.I don't believe Toy is much better than the rest!
— truckmen (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2006 4:53:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I agree with truckmen, Japanese vehicles built in Japan are a totally different story for quality.

Just like you can't put a Japanese design studio in California and design good looking cars.
— twistedneck (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 10:09:33 PM | | Votes: 1

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Bring Em On In!...Again?: Toyota Recalls 220,000 Highlander and Rav4 Models

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