ROSNER TOYOTA FREDERICKSBURG

Toyota Recall Information
What owners need to know

The Rosner Automotive Group is keenly aware that there are a lot of our customers are very concerned about the recalls they have been hearing about.  We understand.  We have friends, relatives and neighbors who also want to know.  Most of our employees and their families own Toyota products and many of them are affected by one or more of the recalls. 

We have three objectives in front of us right now.  The first is to ensure the safety of our customers.  The second is to fix the problem.  The third is to reestablish the trust you have put in us and in Toyota.  Here's what we are doing about it and how that impacts our customers.

Keeping you safe

Before anything else, we encourage you to watch this video that was made by a leading consumer information group.  It shows exactly what you should do if you are ever in a car that experiences unintended acceleration. If your car has an accelerator pedal that feels sticky, rough or heavy, you need to get it to us immediately.

Fixing the problem

Next, we need to make sure our customers understand that there are two distinctly different recalls on the cars.   There is one recall for "floor mat entrapment" and one for a sticking accelerator pedal.  A lot of our cars and trucks are covered by one or both recalls.  Take a look at the link to see if you might be included in either.

Floor mat entrapment

If your vehicle is covered under the floor mat entrapment recall, there are a couple of things you need to do.  First is to inspect your floor mats.  Do not use non-Toyota floor mats.  Do not use rubber, all-weather mats.  Most of all, do not stack more than one floor mat on the driver's side.  If you have genuine Toyota mats, make sure they are properly secured.  Toyota is recommending use of nylon zip ties but there are other ways you can make sure the mats don't slide forward.

Over the next several weeks and months, owners of cars affected by this recall will receive notices in the mail.  When you get that notice, bring the car to our dealership and we will make the necessary repairs.  Each model is a little different.  We have everything we need for the Camrys and other models will follow shortly. 

Sticking accelerator pedal

The second recall is for accelerator pedals that can stick.  If your vehicle is covered under this warranty, you do not have to wait until you get written notification before bringing it in for repair.  We do recommend that you call the dealership to schedule an appointment.  We have extra operators to handle the call volume and our technicians have all been scheduled for a lot of extra hours.  The fix itself only takes about an hour, but you need to allow for a good bit more time as our Service lane will be very busy.  Even with an appointment, it could take more time than anticipated.  We will have coffee and snacks in the waiting room.  We will do whatever we can to make you comfortable and will be as efficient as possible, but we may need your patience.

If you have a car covered under both recalls, it is possible that you may need to come in twice.  This can be avoided if you choose to wait on the accelerator pedal until after you receive notice on the floor mat recall.

Prius Brakes

There is now a recall on 2010 Prius for its brakes.  There have been roughly 200 complaints of a strange feeling in the Prius brakes.  When hitting the brakes on rough or icy surfaces, the brakes can momentarily feel odd.  The power assist doesn't kick in right away.  If the driver holds his or her foot on the brake pedal, the situation resolves itself. 

Toyota has provided the dealers with a programming update.  All that is required is for the engine computer to be "reflashed" to include the new programming.  It is a quick and easy process.  If you own a 2010 Prius, you can wait for the notification from Toyota, or you can schedule a time to bring it in.  We are ready for this one now.

2010 Camry Power Steering line

Some early production 2010 Camrys have a power steering line that is the wrong length.  There are fewer than 7300 cars affected by this.  Notices will be sent to owners in late February.  If you own a car covered under this recall, you will be notified to bring it in to the dealership.  At that point, we will have the parts on hand to correct the problem. 

Rebuilding trust

Toyota's reputation has taken a hit lately.  Some in the press are now realizing that Toyota is doing all the right things to correct the problems and that stories of Toyota's demise are greatly exaggerated.  Business Week has a great opinion piece that explains a lot about this.  Read about it here.   http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/jan2010/db20100128_907800.htm

The Rosner Automotive Group is doing its part as well.  We have gone beyond what Toyota asked of us by offering alternate transportation to our customers in many situations.  We have trained some of our technicians to perform the recalls in the field, as opposed to in the shop.  We bulked up our staff in an effort to make your stay comfortable, and to minimize your inconvenience.  We will remain committed to this level of service, even after the recalls are done.

For more information, keep an eye on Toyota's web site  www.toyota.com/recall   You can also call the dealership or Toyota's customer satisfaction number at 800-331-4331.

The Rosner Automotive Group appreciates its customers.  We will continue to work with you to ensure your continuing satisfaction.