New Jersey drivers may wish to be aware of a new recall by a major international auto manufacturer. This recall, which could increase the risk of an accident, comes on the heels of another by the same car maker.
Japanese auto maker Toyota has instituted a worldwide recall of 295,000 vehicles after discovering a potentially serious electrical issue. The vehicle models affected are the 2012-13 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350, and the 2012 Toyota RAV4. A total of 261,114 of these automobiles were sold domestically, with the rest distributed across various global markets.
The problem with the vehicles involves one of the brake actuator’s electrical components. The actuator regulates the amount of fluid pressure in the wheels. Because of the electrical issue, the resistance in the brakes may be affected. Additionally, various safety systems in the vehicles could fail to operate correctly. This includes the anti-lock braking system and the vehicle’s stability control. Reports indicate that the failure of these systems to work properly could increase the risk of an auto accident. The manufacturer says that any Toyota or Lexus dealer will update the system software on the affected vehicles free of charge.
Less than one week before notice of this recall was filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Toyota announced another recall of nearly two million Prius vehicles. That recall was for an unrelated issue.
Toyota says that there have so far been no accidents or fatalities related to the electrical problem. If a manufacturing defect is the cause of any car accident injuries, however, there could be a claim against the automobile maker for any resulting damages. An attorney may be helpful in conducting an investigation and either negotiating a settlement or bringing the damages claim in civil court.
Source: Reuters, “Toyota recalls about 295,000 vehicles globally for electrical fault”, February 14, 2014