"No Safety Problem" -- Toyota accused of 'not being frank'

[john]

WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
-- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.

The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky
pedals that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker
downplayed early warnings of both problems.

Full article:
http://www.freep.com/article/20100131/BUSINESS01/1310523/1331/business01/Toyota-accused-of-not-being-frank-on-problem

[fred]

Post by john
WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
-- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky
pedals that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker
downplayed early warnings of both problems.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100131/BUSINESS01/1310523/1331/business0
1/Toyota-accused-of-not-being-frank-on-problem

As I recall at least half of those deaths were the result of completely
clueless drivers that would have been sure to kill themselves in some
other stupid way, even without using a motor vehicle.

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by john
WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
-- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
early warnings of both problems.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100131/BUSINESS01/1310523/1331/business01/Toyota-accused-of-not-being-frank-on-problem

The possibility of engine fires has prompted General Motors to recall
nearly 1.5 million passenger sedans manufactured between 1997 and 2003,
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Monday.

The recall covers certain mid- and full-size passenger sedans under GM's
(GM, Fortune 500) Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac brands.

The recalled vehicles all have naturally aspirated 3.8 liter V6 engines --
that is, engines that uses atmospheric pressure to bring in air for
combustion rather than a mechanical blower -- according to documents filed
with federal regulators by GM last week.


General Motors is recalling about 16,000 2009 models of its Buick Enclave,
Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook to fixd a problem with
the rear seat belt buckle assembly.

The SUVs may have been built with a safety belt buckle in the second or
third row that is missing a rivet. In a crash, the buckle could separate
from the mounting strap.

Read more:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls04/2008/gm_suvs_2009.html#ixzz0eEQIsAQb




General Motors is recalling certain models because of a problem with
plastic supply and return ports on the modular reservoir assembly. The
ports may crack, possibly allowing fuel to leak and create a fire hazard.

The recall affects the following models that were sold in specific states:

• CHEVROLET / COBALT 2006-2007
• PONTIAC / G5 2007
• SATURN / ION 2006-2007

The Cobalt and Ion recalls are for 2006 vehicles sold or registered in
Arizona and Nevada. The recall also affects 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion
vehicles sold or registered in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada and
Texas.

Read more:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls04/2009/chev_cobalt.html#ixzz0eEPtgikx



General Motors is recalling more than 275,000 2009-model cars and SUVs to
fix a problem with the automatic transmission.

Vehicles from the 2009 model-year included in the recall are:

• BUICK ENCLAVE
• CHEVROLET COBALT
• CHEVROLET HHR
• CHEVROLET MALIBU
• CHEVROLET TRAVERSE
• GMC ACADIA
• PONTIAC G5
• PONTIAC G6
• SATURN AURA
• SATURN OUTLOOK

The company said teh vehicles fail to comply with federal regulations
regarding transmission braking, theft protection and rollaway prevention.
On some of the vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may
not be fully engaged, the shift lever and the actual position of the
transmission gear may not match.

In this condition, the driver could move the shifter to "park" and remove
the ignition key, not realizing that the transmission gear is not actually
in the "park" position.

Read more:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls04/2009/gm_transmission.html#ixzz0eEQALoK1


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has intensified
a investigation of 21 models of General Motors trucks and SUVS
manufactured between 2006 and 2008 because of the possibility of an engine
compartment fire.

More than 2,700,000 GM trucks and SUVs are the subject of the the
investigation because of the possibility that a fire might erupt inside
the engine compartment, even when the ignition is turned off.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) at the federal safety agency
reported that investigators are now aware of "41 non-crash engine
compartment fires" in the GM trucks and SUVs including 8 fires that may
have caused significant property damage.

Read more:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/06/nhtsa_gm_fire.html#ixzz0eEQQBwoe


Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse for General Motors,
they did. The financially beleaguered automaker announced a recall of
1,738 of its new Hummer H3Ts on Friday, after the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration said a weak support strap could cause the H3T’s
gas tank to fall off, “Increasing the risk of crash.”

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by john
WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
-- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
early warnings of both problems.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100131/BUSINESS01/1310523/1331/business01/Toyota-accused-of-not-being-frank-on-problem

Hey! Here's a situation that GM is NOT recalling the cars for, even though
they should:

General Motor’s (GM) Pontiac GTO is certainly a head-turning car.
However, many GTO owners say that as cool as the car may be, the tires it
comes with are just plain dangerous.

Are the GTO’s tires defective?

That’s what many owners are claiming. According to news reports, over
1,400 GTO owners have filed complaints and warranty claims after having
their tires blow out well before they should have. In fact, a class action
lawsuit has been filed in California against General Motors alleging just
that. GM says that owners are to blame due to driving hard. However, many
owners say that simply isn’t the case and point to the numerous
complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) that allege premature wear, tire blowouts and strut rub on GTOs
manufactured in 2004 and 2005.

What the NHTSA found

The NHTSA has reportedly received nearly 100 complaints about the GTO’s
tires – mainly with the 2004 and 2005 models which were manufactured for
GM by an Australian subsidiary. The Australian version came with standard
tires, but those sold in the U.S. were equipped with wider tires that
allegedly resulted in contact with the struts. This caused the tires to
wear prematurely and damage the car’s struts. GM tried to correct the
problem with its 2006 model by redesigning the front strut system,
although the NHTSA continues to receive complaints.

GTO owners say they shouldn’t have to pay. GTO owners say that this
problem is clearly a design defect and that they shouldn’t have to pay
to have it fixed – especially since fixing it means spending thousands
of dollars. However, GM has not yet issued a recall and it doesn’t seem
likely that it will in the near future.

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by john
WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told U.S.
safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats -- but
it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed early
warnings of both problems.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100131/BUSINESS01/1310523/1331/business01/Toyota-accused-of-not-being-frank-on-problem

Gm announced separate recalls of 14,500 vehicles, more than half involving
trucks and buses with throttles that could get stuck in the open position.
GM said the possible defective throttles led it to recall about 7,500
Chevrolet and GMC Model B6 trucks from 1989-91 and model B7 school buses
from 1993 with 6 liter engines.

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by john
WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
-- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
early warnings of both problems.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100131/BUSINESS01/1310523/1331/business01/Toyota-accused-of-not-being-frank-on-problem

OCT 01, 1993 | Recall ID# 2158 Hide Details
Recall Reason VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Recall Date OCT 01, 1993
Model Affected ELDORADO
Potential Units Affected 8545

Recall Summary
THE THROTTLE CABLE CAN BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE RETAINING BRACKET.

Consequence
THE DISENGAGED THROTTLE CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THETHROTTLE CAM
MECHANISM, RESULTING IN THE THROTTLE STICKING IN EITHER THE OPENPOSITION
OR CLOSED POSITION. WHEN THE THROTTLE STICKS IN THE OPEN POSITION,UNWANTED
VEHICLE ACCELERATION WILL OCCUR WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy
INSPECT THROTTLE CABLES TO ENSURE THE THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE IS FULLY
SEATED IN THE RETAINING BRACKET AND INSTALL A CABLE TIE STRAP TO SECURE
THE CABLE IN ITS CORRECT SEAT.

Notes
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

[John Kester]

Unlike American car maker Ford, who allowed it's purchasers to die
painfully in an exploding Pinto fireball after it was fully aware of
the engineering flaw, Toyota has done the right thing by issuing a
recall. Meanwhile exploding Ford owners have skin graft options if
they can afford the surgery after republican holdouts make it
financially infeasible for most. More at 11.

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by john
WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
-- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
early warnings of both problems.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100131/BUSINESS01/1310523/1331/business01/Toyota-accused-of-not-being-frank-on-problem

Feds upgrade GM throttle case.(National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration may force recall of some General Motors' pickups and
sport-utilities)(Government Activity)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data
Included) Automotive News, September, 2002 by Stoffer, Harry

Byline: Harry Stoffer

Federal safety officials are expanding their investigation of complaints
that throttles stick in full-sized General Motors' pickups and
sport-utilities.

If the investigation were to find a safety defect, the company might have
to recall as many as 3.1 million vehicles for repairs, the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated.

The agency and the manufacturer have collected more than 900 complaints
about the throttles. The complaints included 50 reported crashes with
three injuries.

GM also has recorded more than 229,000 warranty claims for possibly
related throttle body repairs on the trucks. The affected models are
1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban and Avalanche; GMC Sierra,
Yukon...

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by john
WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told U.S.
safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats -- but
it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed early
warnings of both problems.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100131/BUSINESS01/1310523/1331/business01/Toyota-accused-of-not-being-frank-on-problem

Wow. 1968:

This 1968 CHEVROLET CHEVROLET recall affects the VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Manufactured by GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Description Of Defect

Conseqence Of Defect

Corrective Action

Additional Notes

POSSIBILITY THAT CARBURETOR THROTTLE LEVER MAY INTERFERE WITH THROTTLE
RETAINING CLIP.IF THIS OCCURS, CAN CAUSE THROTTLE LEVER TO BE HELD
PARTIALLY OPEN,PREVENTING ITS RETURN TO IDLE POSITION. POSSIBLE THIS WILL
MAKE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STOP.(CORRECT WHERE NECESSARY WITH IMPROVED TYPE
THROTTLE RODCLIP.)

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by john
WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
-- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
early warnings of both problems.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100131/BUSINESS01/1310523/1331/business01/Toyota-accused-of-not-being-frank-on-problem

GM Recall on Throttle Defect
AP
Published: May 30, 1988

DETROIT, May 29— The General Motors Corporation is recalling 39,000 1987
model cars to find about 8,700 built with possibly defective throttle
cables that may cause the throttle to stick open. The recall includes 1987
Buick Electra, Oldsmobile Delta 88 and Ninety-Eight, and Pontiac
Bonneville models, the company said Friday. GM said it has received no
reports of accidents or injuries related to the defect.

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by john
WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
-- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
early warnings of both problems.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100131/BUSINESS01/1310523/1331/business01/Toyota-accused-of-not-being-frank-on-problem

Vehicle Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH Estimated Vehicles
Affected: 139542
Model Affected
1994 BUICK CENTURY

1994 Buick Century Defect Summary:
WATER INTRUSION CAN CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE POWER DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY.

Defect Consequence:
A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE POWER DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE
FIRE.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER DOOR LOCK RELAY AND ANY CORRODED TERMINALS.
IN ADDITION, THE NEW RELAY WILL BE RELOCATED TO AN AREA WHERE WATER
INTRUSION IS LESS LIKELY.

Estimated Vehicles Affected:
139542

Notes:
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by john
WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
-- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
early warnings of both problems.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100131/BUSINESS01/1310523/1331/business01/Toyota-accused-of-not-being-frank-on-problem

Vehicle Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS Estimated Vehicles
Affected: 49047
Model Affected
1994 BUICK CENTURY

1994 Buick Century Defect Summary:
IN THE EVENT OF A PRIMARY ACCELERATOR CONTROL SPRING FAILURE, THE
SECONDARY (BACK-UP) ACCELERATOR CONTROL RETURN SPRING WILL NOT RETURN THE
THROTTLE TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION, AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 124,
"ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM."

Defect Consequence:
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A
VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY THROTTLE RETURN SPRING.

Estimated Vehicles Affected:
49047

Notes:
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by john
WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
-- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
early warnings of both problems.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100131/BUSINESS01/1310523/1331/business01/Toyota-accused-of-not-being-frank-on-problem

Vehicle Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Estimated Vehicles Affected: 579
Model Affected
1994 BUICK CENTURY

1994 Buick Century Defect Summary:
THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE CONDUIT END FITTING WHILE
ENGAGED AND ACCELERATOR CONTROL COULD BE LOST.

Defect Consequence:
LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL MAY NOT REDUCE ENGINE SPEEDTO A LEVEL
ANTICIPATED BY THE DRIVER. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE CAN STILL BE STOPPEDWITH
THE SERVICE BRAKE, LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A
VEHICLECRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy:
REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE.

Estimated Vehicles Affected:
579

Notes:
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by john
WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
-- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
early warnings of both problems.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100131/BUSINESS01/1310523/1331/business01/Toyota-accused-of-not-being-frank-on-problem

Vehicle Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES Estimated Vehicles
Affected: 10646
Model Affected
1994 BUICK CENTURY

1994 Buick Century Defect Summary:
DURING ASSEMBLY, WATER MAY HAVE ENTERED THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE
CONDUIT CAUSING IT TO DEVELOP A HIGH EFFORT AND/OR BINDING CONDITION IN
VERY COLD WEATHER.

Defect Consequence:
HIGH EFFORT OR BINDING CONDITIONS CAUSE LOSS OF NORMALTHROTTLE CONTROL OR
THE THROTTLE MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS
RELEASED. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE
CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy:
THE DEALER WILL PURGE THE THROTTLE CABLE OF ANY INTERNALLY TRAPPED WATER,
IF IT IS PRESENT.

Estimated Vehicles Affected:
10646

Notes:
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by john
WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
-- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
early warnings of both problems.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100131/BUSINESS01/1310523/1331/business01/Toyota-accused-of-not-being-frank-on-problem

Recall Reason SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT Recall Date
JAN 30, 1996
Model Affected CAPRICE
Potential Units Affected 102403

Recall Summary
DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY
TORQUED AND CAN LOOSEN.

Consequence
THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN LOOSEN, FATIGUE, AND SEPARATE FROM
THE FRONT SUSPENSION KNUCKLE RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT
NUTS FOR PROPER TORQUE. IF THE BALL JOINT HAS LOOSENED, BOTH THE BALL
JOINT AND THE KNUCKLE WILL BE REPLACED.

Notes
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by john
WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
-- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
early warnings of both problems.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100131/BUSINESS01/1310523/1331/business01/Toyota-accused-of-not-being-frank-on-problem

Recall Reason SUSPENSION:REAR
Recall Date JAN 31, 1996
Model Affected CAPRICE
Potential Units Affected 154214

Recall Summary
THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM CAN CRACK AT THE REAR STABILIZER BAR
ATTACHMENT.

Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN BE AGGRAVATED BY THE SEVERE DUTY CYCLE OF THESE
VEHICLES AND EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FRACTURE COMPLETELY
CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND REAR STABILIZER BAR
ATTACHMENTS.

Notes
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by john
WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
-- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
early warnings of both problems.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100131/BUSINESS01/1310523/1331/business01/Toyota-accused-of-not-being-frank-on-problem

Recall Reason VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS Recall Date APR 24, 1995
Model Affected CAPRICE
Potential Units Affected 87039

Recall Summary
THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FMVSS NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL
SYSTEMS." AT LOW TEMPERATURES, EXCESSIVE FRICTION CAN OCCUR IN THE
ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.

Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN THE EVENT OF A FAILURE OF THE TROTTLE
RETURN SPRING, IF THERE IS EXCESSIVE FRICTION IN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY, THE
ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE
CRASH.

Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.

Notes
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by john
WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
-- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
early warnings of both problems.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100131/BUSINESS01/1310523/1331/business01/Toyota-accused-of-not-being-frank-on-problem

Recall Reason STRUCTURE
Recall Date JAN 18, 2007
Model Affected COBALT
Potential Units Affected 98707

Recall Summary
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF-MOUNTED SIDE
IMPACT AIR BAGS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR
VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.'

Consequence
IN A CRASH, HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION MAY BE INADEQUATE.

Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL ENERGY ABSORBING PLASTIC TO THE HEADLINER TRIM TO
REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF HEAD IMPACTS IN A CRASH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH
21, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Notes
GENERAL MOTORS CORP. 06217

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began <SLAP!>

Get the point yet, Troll?

Toyota has had ONE recall, involving 2.3M vehicles.

Count up all the cars over all the years of GM recalls.
If you look long enough, you can find well over 2.3M vehicles recalled by
GM, spanning lots of models.

Stop trolling, asshole.

[Vic Smith]

Post by Hachiroku ハチロク

WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began <SLAP!>

Get the point yet, Troll?
Toyota has had ONE recall, involving 2.3M vehicles.
Count up all the cars over all the years of GM recalls.
If you look long enough, you can find well over 2.3M vehicles recalled by
GM, spanning lots of models.
Stop trolling, asshole.

You post countless old GM recalls and call him a troll?
Get thee to a mirror.
The average Joe Consumer doesn't care about you GM or Toyota fanatics
primping your feathers here.
I noticed that Fox news is really hammering Toyota, and saw one of
their dimwit hosts recommending "buy American," and getting agreement.
Made Toyota out as a corporate devil. Lots of lawsuits coming for
Toyota. They were almost drooling. Fox is full of lawyers.
Also heard something about Consumer Reports issuing a "Not
Recommended." Don't know, since I don't care about Toyotas corporate
reputation any more than GM's.
I recall Sean Hannity more than once bragging on his big hybrid GM
SUV.
Toyota has bigger problems than John.
You should think about boycotting Fox News and Consumer Reports.
That's the trouble with being a "fan."
It hurts when your team takes a loss, and your idols are found to have
feet of clay.
Go Cubbies!
Just kidding. I quit that kind of fandom too, long, long ago.
When Pete Rose retired.

--Vic

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by Hachiroku ハチロク

WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began <SLAP!>

Get the point yet, Troll?
Toyota has had ONE recall, involving 2.3M vehicles.
Count up all the cars over all the years of GM recalls. If you look long
enough, you can find well over 2.3M vehicles recalled by GM, spanning
lots of models.
Stop trolling, asshole.

You post countless old GM recalls and call him a troll? Get thee to a
mirror.

Effing Dimwit is pounding it into the ground.

Usually people that like to tuck it to Toyota are GM fans.
I guess making Toyota out to be the Bad Guy makes them feel better for
driving the pieces of crap they drive.

Of course, I wouldn't be saying this if 'john' would stop the effing
gloating.

I would own a Chrysler long before owning a GM, and a Ford next.

Oh, wait...I've had 4 Chrysler prducts.

The average Joe Consumer doesn't care about you GM or Toyota fanatics
primping your feathers here.
I noticed that Fox news is really hammering Toyota, and saw one of their
dimwit hosts recommending "buy American," and getting agreement. Made
Toyota out as a corporate devil. Lots of lawsuits coming for Toyota.
They were almost drooling. Fox is full of lawyers. Also heard something
about Consumer Reports issuing a "Not Recommended." Don't know, since I
don't care about Toyotas corporate reputation any more than GM's.
I recall Sean Hannity more than once bragging on his big hybrid GM SUV.
Toyota has bigger problems than John.

All I know is that all the Toyotas my family has ever owned (all 58,396 of
'em) (not quite...stolen from an old James Gang album) have been great
cars with great reliability.

One mistake and you get dipshits like 'john' drooling all over themselves.
what? He does that anyway?

Thought so...

[C. E. White]

Post by Hachiroku ハチロク

WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began <SLAP!>

Get the point yet, Troll?
Toyota has had ONE recall, involving 2.3M vehicles.

You are forgetting the recall for virtually every truck Toyta sold in the US
for around 5 years becasue of defective ball joints. Or recalls for rusting
frames. And recalls for numerous other defects. Toyota is hardly the model
of excellence you like to pretend they are.

Trying to defend Toyota by saying they are no better than GM is a weak
defense.

It is clear from numerous press report that Toyota knew there was a problem
with the accelerator pedals at least three years ago. Rather than address
the isssue at that time they pulled the usual Toyota tactics of denying,
lying, and trying to blame the Customers. When are peopel going to get it -
Toytoa doesn't give a hoot about the Customers as long as they blindly fork
over money for second rate crap.

I don't much care for the sort of hyperbolic reaction to the actual problem
I am seeing in the press. BUT, this is a major scandal. Not becasue of the
honest design error, but becasue of the incompetent response and attempt to
cover up and shft blame.

Ed

Post by Hachiroku ハチロク
Count up all the cars over all the years of GM recalls.
If you look long enough, you can find well over 2.3M vehicles recalled by
GM, spanning lots of models.
Stop trolling, asshole.

[dr_jeff]

Post by C. E. White

Post by Hachiroku ハチロク

WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began <SLAP!>

Get the point yet, Troll?
Toyota has had ONE recall, involving 2.3M vehicles.

You are forgetting the recall for virtually every truck Toyta sold in
the US for around 5 years becasue of defective ball joints. Or recalls
for rusting frames. And recalls for numerous other defects. Toyota is
hardly the model of excellence you like to pretend they are.
Trying to defend Toyota by saying they are no better than GM is a weak
defense.
It is clear from numerous press report that Toyota knew there was a
problem with the accelerator pedals at least three years ago. Rather
than address the isssue at that time they pulled the usual Toyota
tactics of denying, lying, and trying to blame the Customers. When are
peopel going to get it - Toytoa doesn't give a hoot about the Customers
as long as they blindly fork over money for second rate crap.

This is true of all the car companies.

Post by C. E. White
I don't much care for the sort of hyperbolic reaction to the actual
problem I am seeing in the press. BUT, this is a major scandal. Not
becasue of the honest design error, but becasue of the incompetent
response and attempt to cover up and shft blame.
Ed

Post by Hachiroku ハチロク
Count up all the cars over all the years of GM recalls.
If you look long enough, you can find well over 2.3M vehicles recalled by
GM, spanning lots of models.
Stop trolling, asshole.

[Mike Hunter]

The total number of vehicles, cars and trucks recalled by Toyota, WORLD WIDE
is 5,4 MILLION according to published reports

Post by dr_jeff

Post by C. E. White

Post by Hachiroku ハチロク

WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began <SLAP!>

Get the point yet, Troll?
Toyota has had ONE recall, involving 2.3M vehicles.

You are forgetting the recall for virtually every truck Toyta sold in the
US for around 5 years becasue of defective ball joints. Or recalls for
rusting frames. And recalls for numerous other defects. Toyota is hardly
the model of excellence you like to pretend they are.
Trying to defend Toyota by saying they are no better than GM is a weak
defense.
It is clear from numerous press report that Toyota knew there was a
problem with the accelerator pedals at least three years ago. Rather than
address the isssue at that time they pulled the usual Toyota tactics of
denying, lying, and trying to blame the Customers. When are peopel going
to get it - Toytoa doesn't give a hoot about the Customers as long as
they blindly fork over money for second rate crap.

This is true of all the car companies.

Post by C. E. White
I don't much care for the sort of hyperbolic reaction to the actual
problem I am seeing in the press. BUT, this is a major scandal. Not
becasue of the honest design error, but becasue of the incompetent
response and attempt to cover up and shft blame.
Ed

Post by Hachiroku ハチロク
Count up all the cars over all the years of GM recalls.
If you look long enough, you can find well over 2.3M vehicles recalled by
GM, spanning lots of models.
Stop trolling, asshole.

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by C. E. White

Post by Hachiroku ハチロク

WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began <SLAP!>

Get the point yet, Troll?
Toyota has had ONE recall, involving 2.3M vehicles.

You are forgetting the recall for virtually every truck Toyta sold in the
US for around 5 years becasue of defective ball joints. Or recalls for
rusting frames. And recalls for numerous other defects. Toyota is hardly
the model of excellence you like to pretend they are.

I only buy "J" VIN cars. All the examples you point to are "4" VIN
vehicles with parts sourced to US suppliers.

[Mike Hunter]

Perhaps, but more like those parts are made in Canada than the US and they
are built to Toyotas specs.

In addition most of the "assembled" parts use Japanese source materials and
un-assembled parts to earn a better looking "North American Parts" label.

Post by Hachiroku ハチロク

Post by C. E. White

Post by Hachiroku ハチロク

WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began <SLAP!>

Get the point yet, Troll?
Toyota has had ONE recall, involving 2.3M vehicles.

You are forgetting the recall for virtually every truck Toyta sold in the
US for around 5 years becasue of defective ball joints. Or recalls for
rusting frames. And recalls for numerous other defects. Toyota is hardly
the model of excellence you like to pretend they are.

I only buy "J" VIN cars. All the examples you point to are "4" VIN
vehicles with parts sourced to US suppliers.

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by Mike Hunter
Perhaps, but more like those parts are made in Canada than the US and they
are built to Toyotas specs.

um, so are the Nippon Denso's used in the Japan built vehicles...

[hls]

Post by C. E. White
You are forgetting the recall for virtually every truck Toyta sold in the
US for around 5 years becasue of defective ball joints. Or recalls for
rusting frames. And recalls for numerous other defects. Toyota is hardly
the model of excellence you like to pretend they are.
Trying to defend Toyota by saying they are no better than GM is a weak
defense.

Toyota has been damaged by this, no doubt. I suspect that Toyota will
take a hard look within its organization and try to straighten out the lack
of managerial proactiveness that resulted in this loss of quality.

They should do so, at least.

Had GM listened to the complaints of clients and responded strongly,
maybe it would not have had to seek protection of bankruptcy.

I think that Toyota has, still, been more honest than GM in dealing with
problems.

[Vic Smith]

Post by hls
I think that Toyota has, still, been more honest than GM in dealing with
problems.

Agree. But it really has nothing to do with honesty per se.
More about good business practices.
Which is essence is "delivering the goods."
If you start there being honest doesn't cut far into the bottom line,
because the bottom line is healthy.
But I'm sounding a bit chicken/egg here.

--Vic

[hls]

Post by Vic Smith

Post by hls
I think that Toyota has, still, been more honest than GM in dealing with
problems.

Agree. But it really has nothing to do with honesty per se.
More about good business practices.
Which is essence is "delivering the goods."
If you start there being honest doesn't cut far into the bottom line,
because the bottom line is healthy.
But I'm sounding a bit chicken/egg here.
--Vic

" Delivering the goods" is one part of honesty....a big part. And I agree
totally
that if you do your job honestly, deliver the goods, then you can avoid most
of this sort of problem.

Having a healthy bottom line should be simple...make a product that people
need, make it attractive in terms of design, utility, and durability, and
make it
with an eye to the economics of the market you are trying to sell to.

People WILL pay more if they perceive they are getting the best in class.

[Mike Hunter]

You hit the nail on the head. When I was in retail we always made a much
higher profit off of our Toyota buyers, than our domestic car buyers,
because they had the "perception" that they were getting the best in class.
We were even able to charge a higher shop rate as well because of that,
"perception." ;)

Post by hls

Post by Vic Smith

Post by hls
I think that Toyota has, still, been more honest than GM in dealing with
problems.

Agree. But it really has nothing to do with honesty per se.
More about good business practices.
Which is essence is "delivering the goods."
If you start there being honest doesn't cut far into the bottom line,
because the bottom line is healthy.
But I'm sounding a bit chicken/egg here.
--Vic

" Delivering the goods" is one part of honesty....a big part. And I agree
totally
that if you do your job honestly, deliver the goods, then you can avoid most
of this sort of problem.
Having a healthy bottom line should be simple...make a product that people
need, make it attractive in terms of design, utility, and durability, and
make it
with an eye to the economics of the market you are trying to sell to.
People WILL pay more if they perceive they are getting the best in class.

[Hachiroku ハチロク]

Post by hls
I think that Toyota has, still, been more honest than GM in dealing with
problems.

Agree. But it really has nothing to do with honesty per se. More about
good business practices.
Which is essence is "delivering the goods." If you start there being
honest doesn't cut far into the bottom line, because the bottom line is
healthy.
But I'm sounding a bit chicken/egg here.
--Vic

With a Toyoda at the head of the company now, I don't think we'll be
seeing to many more 'issues' in future cars. Toyota is concerned with
three or four things: making a good car, not getting sued, 'saving face'
and being the world's car maker.

Too many more goofs like these and you can certainly kiss the last two
goodbye. And Toyota also likes to keep shareholders happy, and until
recently they have been doing this by keeping customers happy.

[Elmo P. Shagnasty]

Post by hls
Toyota has been damaged by this, no doubt. I suspect that Toyota will
take a hard look within its organization and try to straighten out the lack
of managerial proactiveness that resulted in this loss of quality.
They should do so, at least.

Just like GM should have.

It will be interesting to see how Toyota responds to this, and how their
response differs--or not--from how GM responded to all the shit they
brought down on themselves over the years, shit that resulted in the
current GM situation.

[Mike Hunter]

When Toyota was only selling hundreds of thousands of vehicles in the US, it
was much easier to control built quality.

The reality of the fact that ALL manufactured products will ALWAYS have and
average of around 2% of things that can go wrong, is setting in. Rest
assured things WILL go wrong, that is why they all offer a warranty,
including the $375,000 Roles Royce,

Now that Toyota is running with the big dogs and selling millions, it is a
whole new ball game and the old adage that, what can go wrong WILL go wrong,
is coming home to roost.

Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty

Post by hls
Toyota has been damaged by this, no doubt. I suspect that Toyota will
take a hard look within its organization and try to straighten out the lack
of managerial proactiveness that resulted in this loss of quality.
They should do so, at least.

Just like GM should have.
It will be interesting to see how Toyota responds to this, and how their
response differs--or not--from how GM responded to all the shit they
brought down on themselves over the years, shit that resulted in the
current GM situation.

[Mike Hunter]

What complaints of clients do you believe were not responded too strongly,
buy GM?

Post by hls

Post by C. E. White
You are forgetting the recall for virtually every truck Toyta sold in the
US for around 5 years becasue of defective ball joints. Or recalls for
rusting frames. And recalls for numerous other defects. Toyota is hardly
the model of excellence you like to pretend they are.
Trying to defend Toyota by saying they are no better than GM is a weak
defense.

Toyota has been damaged by this, no doubt. I suspect that Toyota will
take a hard look within its organization and try to straighten out the lack
of managerial proactiveness that resulted in this loss of quality.
They should do so, at least.
Had GM listened to the complaints of clients and responded strongly,
maybe it would not have had to seek protection of bankruptcy.
I think that Toyota has, still, been more honest than GM in dealing with
problems.