WASHINGTON (AP) - Toyota Motor Corp. recalled about 50,000
Sequoia sport utility vehicles from the 2003 model year to fix an
unexpected slowing of the vehicle in the latest recall issued by
the Japanese automaker.
Toyota said Wednesday that the recall would address the
vehicle's electronic stability control system, which helps maintain
traction during turning. In some cases, the stability control could
active at low speed and prevent the SUV from accelerating as
quickly as a driver expects, the company said.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had been
investigating the issue and Toyota said it decided to recall the
vehicles to address the government's concerns. The automaker said
they had no reports of accidents or injuries connected to the issue
and about half of the vehicles had already been repaired under
warranty.
"Toyota is committed to investigating customer complaints more
aggressively and to responding quickly to issues we identify in our
vehicles," said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for
North America.
Toyota has recalled more than 8 million vehicles worldwide since
October because of acceleration problems in multiple models and
braking issues in the Prius hybrid. The company recently agreed to
pay a record $16.4 million fine to the government for a slow
response to problems with sticking gas pedals.
In the Sequoia case, Toyota said it issued a production change
during the 2003 model year to address the stability control problem
and published a technical service bulletin to dealers in fall 2003.
Owners who have complained about the problem since then have had
the skid control engine control unit replaced by dealers and the
company said about half have been repaired under warranty.
Toyota said owners who paid to have the work done will be
reimbursed.
Owners will receive letters about the recall in late May. The
company said owners who paid for the fix should mail a copy of
their repair order to the company's U.S. headquarters in Torrance,
Calif., for reimbursement consideration.
Owners can call (800) 331-4331 for more information.

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