Yahoo Autos Why Toyota should recall the Camry Hybrid
Following a federal investigation begun earlier this year, Toyota has initiated two free power-brake repair programs for almost 178,000 Toyota Camry Hybrids from the model years 2007 to 2011. The two separate repair campaigns address different potential component failures. The company will begin notifying owners this month, but thus far hasn’t announced any plans for a recall.
Consumer Reports believes that Toyota should recall these cars. What’s at issue here is a series of acknowledged defects in a crucial safety system.
One problem is caused by a clogged brake-fluid reservoir filter. A notice from Toyota to its dealers and affected owners mentions that one or more brake-system dashboard warning lights may be lit and that “front brake assist could be temporarily lost.” In at least some cases, that means that stopping the car could suddenly take significant brake pedal effort, especially as the front brakes provide most of the stopping force.
Instead of a recall, Toyota has started a “service campaign” to install a redesigned brake-fluid reservoir in affected vehicles, anytime between now and June 30, 2017. Even owners who haven’t experienced the problem will be able to get the new part installed free. Further, if they’ve already paid for it on their own, they can apply for reimbursement.
The second problem involves a dicey ABS brake actuator. If that should fail, warning lights will come on and it could take a hard push on the pedal to stop the car. Meanwhile, the ABS function won’t activate. A related problem comes from a possibly faulty “brake pedal stroke sensor.” The remedies include a new actuator and replacement or reprogramming of the stroke sensor computer chip.
Rather than a “service campaign,” the actuator problem is covered by a “warranty extension,” which stretches out the warranty period beyond the standard three years or 36 months to, ultimately, 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. That’s a good thing, because an ABS actuator for Camry Hybrids of this vintage costs at least $1,000 at retail and dealers may charge a total of more than $3,000 to replace it.
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The warranty extension is only offered to owners who experience the problem. But people who have already paid out of pocket for a new actuator or brake-pedal stroke sensor may be eligible for reimbursement.
