Recall Alert: 2003 Toyota Sequoia

Tim Healey

Contributing Writer BIO

Tim Healey was formerly an associate editor at Consumer Guide Automotive in Chicago. Before that he worked in the automotive industry as a service... More

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1,528 views Apr 28, 2010

2003 Toyota Sequoia

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Another day, another recall for beleaguered Toyota. This time it involves 50,000 2003 Toyota Sequoia SUVs, due to an issue with the anti-rollover software.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into complaints of unexplained sudden braking or slowing 16 months ago. 50 complaints were reported to the agency, which caused it to open the investigation. NHTSA said it requested the recall, and a total of 163 incidents have been reported. There are no reports on injuries and crashes.

Toyota claims that it doesn't believe the software problems affect safety, but it is recalling the SUVs anyway.

Under the recall, the software controlling the electronic stability control system will be upgraded. Toyota had already upgraded the software in 2003 for models that came after that year.

Toyota says it's moving quickly to address safety concerns with its vehicles, which is not surprising given the recall problems that have dogged the company for the past few months.

The problem is being caused by a steering angle sensor that Toyota says may not be stored properly. If the sensor isn't stored properly, the stability control system could potentially be activated at low speeds--in 9-10 mph range--after the Sequoia has accelerated from a dead stop. Toyota will replace the stability control's ECU and upgrade the software.

Notifications to owners will go out near the end of May, and the company will reimburse repairs for the condition that were already performed, going back to April 2002. Toyota says have the recalled vehicles have already been fixed under warranty.

[Source: Detroit News]