Toyota Sequoia being recalled over traction control

Toyota Sequoia being recalled over traction control

Toyota Motor Corp. will announce a recall of 2003 Toyota Sequoia sport-utility vehicles Wednesday over issues with the electronic stability-control system, according to a person briefed on the plans.

Last week, Toyota recalled 9,400 2010 Lexus GX 460 SUVs for a problem with their electronic stability-control system after Consumer Reports magazine called the vehicles unsafe, saying they posed the potential of flipping over in certain sharp turns.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a preliminary investigation into the problem with the 2003 Sequoias in December 2008, at which time the agency estimated 68,000 vehicles were affected by the problem.

Under the recall, Toyota will replace the engine-control computer to correct a problem described as overly aggressive electronic skid control at low speeds, the person said. The recall affects the first batch of vehicles produced in 2003, the person said.

Since 2003, Toyota issued several technical service bulletins related to issues with the electronic stability-control system, which helps control a loss of traction on slippery surfaces or during turns, according to a Toyota response to the NHTSA investigation.

NHTSA said it has received 64 consumer reports of the problem and Toyota received 96 reports.

This is the latest in a string of recalls Toyota has faced this year as it has come under scrutiny by lawmakers and safety advocates for complaints of unintended acceleration in its vehicles. Earlier this month, the auto maker agreed to pay a $16.4 million civil fine by the U.S. but rejected charges that it knowingly hid car defects.

 

Source; [ Wall Street Journal ]