Just read about Toyota's recall fix for the gas pedal.

[John Schmidt]

I've been following it since first reported because I own a Highlander. Our local Slantinel had before and after drawings, describing the problem and fix. I must say, I'm neither impressed with the original design or the proposed fix. The design is based an intermeshing of teeth in the pivot that are supposed to exert some drag on the pedal. Apparently that area gets distorted(it's not metal) from use and the presence of moisture and other elements, causing excess drag....i.e., sticking. They propose to insert a support bar behind the stationary half, thereby not allowing physical distortion....they hope. However, that doesn't appear to be the main cause according to what I've read in other publications. Personally, I think Toyota is applying some "Aspercreme" on an area that needs surgery. I look for this to reoccur down the road, it's a bad design from the start.

Just my 2 cents worth....and it's on sale!   

[fstsix]

John, be careful, I traded my 06 Dodge Cummins for a 08 6.7 Cummins , Nightmare !!! should have kept my 06, it has been in the shop for 2 months and i have now refused to bring it home, We have tried to form a class action lawsuit but no Lawyer would take it at the time due to the bail out and pending BK last year,dont know what is worse gas pedal or Loss of steering ? i am so glad that  Toyota has got so much Media coverage, I wonder why My American truck has not ?  http://www.mycarlady.com/2009/07/05/dodge-ram-recall-cummins-67l-warranty/

[fstsix]

2010 Truck of the year  http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/truck/112_1002_2010_motor_trend_truck_of_the_year_winner_ram_heavy_duty/index.html

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Guess I just slid under the wire as my Highlander is an 07. Whew, "missed it by that much." (In my best Maxwell Smart voice)

[asfltdncr]

I just love all the hand-wringing I'm hearing and seeing.
I guess it wasn't much of a big deal when the Corvair had roll-overs, Pintos and Chevy PU trucks had exploding fuel tanks, the northstar motors stalling in the middle of intersections, all the roll-over problems and deaths with the SUV market and the tires they were using.  if you get an American car, you're lucky if you only have one or two recalls.
They'll get it fixed and put the big three to shame once more.

[Bob E.]

if you get an American car, you're lucky if you only have one or two recalls.
They'll get it fixed and put the big three to shame once more.

I'm sure this was true some time ago.  But I recently read a chart where the big 3 were actually doing quite well in terms of recalls when compared to the competition over the past few years.

[fstsix]

Hummmm....i did say i miss my 2006 ? what happened ? THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT!!!! why is it every time the Fed mandates or makes us do something to save our selves it cost us dearly.? The DPR filter is a joke! Great theory Just like global Warming! the EGR will circulate Diesel exhaust right back into the intake manifold and reports have shown that it will gum up the valves, Now for those of us that dropped 50+ K for a proven Cummins to go 350+thousand miles it aint gonna happen. So do not buy the Truck of the Year, 2006 was the last year of the 5.9 that burned so clean you would only have to change your oil @ 15000 miles great truck, Bad GOV. With all the regulation the Big 3 have from Congress no wonder they fell flat. 2000 GMC 216.000 miles- 2000 ford Explorer 178.000 miles- 1999 Dodge Dakota 164.000 miles- 2006 Mustang 28.000 miles, 2008 2500 dodge GREEN truck 28.000 miles BROKE!!! And lets not forget 2001 Made in USA Honda Valkyrie. News Flash!!!>> http://www.mycarlady.com/car,%20auto,%20auto%20broker,%20rebates,%20car%20buying/dodge-class-action-lawsuit-filed/

[HayHauler]

I love my 06 Dodge 4X4 MegaCab 2500!  Had to search to find it, but I really am pleased with it.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[fstsix]

2008 2500 4x4 Bluetech Cummins FOR SALE  

[fudgie]

2008 2500 4x4 Bluetech Cummins FOR SALE  

Theres the problem, its got a trailer attached to it!   

We got Ford diesels in our ambulances. We CANNOT wait to get to get our GMC chassis in 2 months.

[fstsix]

I love my 06 Dodge 4X4 MegaCab 2500!  Had to search to find it, but I really am pleased with it.

Hay 
Jimmyt

i got a 2008......just forget about that stuff up there is was just kiddin... want to trade?  Gonna see if they will do a buy back.

[John Schmidt]

It's a 2008 and the recall lists I've seen aren't very specific. I've seen some that say only the 2010, others that say 2008 on up. It seems the two lists are about equal in number as to whether the 08's are included or not, guess I'll find out soon enough. I do know that 08 was when the Highlander went through a complete redesign from the fan on back so I'm inclined to think it might be in the mix. I had an '03 before with about 50k miles on it, kinda wish I'd kept it. Like fstsix....the old one seemed better than the new one. It didn't get the good mileage my 08 does, on the open road I'll get in the low 27's mpg if I can get good gas without the ethanol, otherwise it's more like the high 24'smpg. Still pretty good for an SUV with a large six and all the bells and whistles. That high mileage is often running at 70+ with the a/c on. In fact, the last time I trailered the bike to Ohio so my wife could stay with her sister I was loaded in back plus the trailer and bike and still averaged over 24....with good gas. So, I'm not really in a hurry to trade vehicles. I'd like to find a late 60's to mid 70's Chevy or GMC p/u that I can do a little "drop, chop, & speed shop" on, then I could get rid of the trailer and just haul the bike in the truck when needed. Of course my wife thinks I'm nuts....why do all that to an old truck when you can buy a new one that doesn't need it. Still can't explain to her that it's not the same....and a new one costs a lot more.

[71dartswinger]

$1100 do the deletes to the cummins.....and fix the turbo clogging.
H&S, Block of EGR/Cooler, and 5" Exhaust kit from rolling smoke diesel and I love my 08 now! I never had a probleem, but I only drove long distances before and I have my work truck for short trips in town.

[Tropic traveler]

I just love all the hand-wringing I'm hearing and seeing.
I guess it wasn't much of a big deal when the Corvair had roll-overs, Pintos and Chevy PU trucks had exploding fuel tanks, the northstar motors stalling in the middle of intersections, all the roll-over problems and deaths with the SUV market and the tires they were using.  if you get an American car, you're lucky if you only have one or two recalls.
They'll get it fixed and put the big three to shame once more.

AHH yes, the SUV "tire problem".     I have been in Ford, Lincoln-Mercury parts for over 20 years & have a little insight into that one.
There was NOTHING wrong with the tires. Firestone got a bum rap. I know that is not the Ford corporate line but I'll explain. It was the wonderful Ford Explorer SUV that started the mess. Bear with me here.
What is a 90's era Explorer. I'll cut to the chase... It's a Ranger station wagon. Yep, the entry level small economy pick up. That was the Explorer's running gear mate.
Problem? Explorers cost a whole bunch more than a Ranger {even though they share running gear} & are aimed a yuppies with $$$. Easy pickins & easy profits.
Next problem? They rode like a cheaper entry level Ranger that they are based on & that is a problem with the new yuppie customer base that is sooooo profitable. You know, the same kinda folks that will pay $30K for a $16K "American made" bike because someone else did & it makes them feel superior to those that didn't.
The solution? Lower recommended tire pressures to mask the harsh ride until a redesign comes down the pike in a year or two. Couple the fact that the Explorer is usually laden down with lotsa stuff, already has a high center of gravity. driven too fast & expected to behave like a sports car {remember, mostly driven by yuppie types} & you have a recipe for crashes & the resulting lawsuits that follow.
This is just my opinion & I must tell you I profited nicely from the "tire problem" Ford had but I call 'em like I see 'em!  
Moral of the story is, most of these "recall problems" are the result of greed at some level & aren't always as they appear on the surface. I do feel for the Toyota dealer employees having to deal with the misinformation & hysteria these things do create.        

[Tropic traveler]

BTW asfltdncr, it appears that using the latest sales figures, Toyota is now one of the "Big 3". 

Welcome to the American market big time. The media can be a bitch when it turns on you!

[HayHauler]

I love my 06 Dodge 4X4 MegaCab 2500!  Had to search to find it, but I really am pleased with it.

Hay 
Jimmyt

i got a 2008......just forget about that stuff up there is was just kiddin... want to trade?  Gonna see if they will do a buy back.

Nah, I was agreeing with ya...  I had to look around all of those '07 6.7 litre models to find mine.  It had been sitting on the lot for 8 months.  Got a real good deal.  Man, I really like your camper!!  I am gonna git me one when the truck's paid off in about a year and a half.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[ArmyValker]

John, be careful, I traded my 06 Dodge Cummins for a 08 6.7 Cummins , Nightmare !!! should have kept my 06, it has been in the shop for 2 months and i have now refused to bring it home, We have tried to form a class action lawsuit but no Lawyer would take it at the time due to the bail out and pending BK last year,dont know what is worse gas pedal or Loss of steering ? i am so glad that  Toyota has got so much Media coverage, I wonder why My American truck has not ?  http://www.mycarlady.com/2009/07/05/dodge-ram-recall-cummins-67l-warranty/

Can you send me the specifics via pm? I'm good friends with some very good dodge diesel mechanics that might have insight into your problems...

[fstsix]

John, be careful, I traded my 06 Dodge Cummins for a 08 6.7 Cummins , Nightmare !!! should have kept my 06, it has been in the shop for 2 months and i have now refused to bring it home, We have tried to form a class action lawsuit but no Lawyer would take it at the time due to the bail out and pending BK last year,dont know what is worse gas pedal or Loss of steering ? i am so glad that  Toyota has got so much Media coverage, I wonder why My American truck has not ?  http://www.mycarlady.com/2009/07/05/dodge-ram-recall-cummins-67l-warranty/

Can you send me the specifics via pm? I'm good friends with some very good dodge diesel mechanics that might have insight into your problems...

ArmyValker Thanks, I have been dealing with this for about the last 9 months,71  Dartswinger, I seen that delete kit and bypass, also the mod for the EGR removal and the fooler for the sensor for the DPR, also the steering after market brace for the front suspension, i am at a point with Chrysler that i am trying to get into new Dakota, i sold my trailer couple months back and could be happy to have gas motor till Dodge gets the hint they have to stop the DPR program, so far they do not no what to do, The dealer has been good to me they are waiting for a answer this next week, i just bought a used Dakota and i like the size, But i Sure miss my 06, Thanks guys.

[asfltdncr]

BTW asfltdncr, it appears that using the latest sales figures, Toyota is now one of the "Big 3". 

Welcome to the American market big time. The media can be a bitch when it turns on you!

I'm referring to America's tag for Ford, Chevy, and Chrysler from their grand ole years.

[G-Man]

I read that Toyota was unable to reproduce the problem/condition.  I also read that the incorrect use of floor mats was "probably" the culprit.  Most probably human error, but as we all know, humans make no errors so Toyota takes a hit to stay credible.  Cost of doing business.  2010 RAV4 in my driveway and you have to feather the gas pedal ever so slightly when taking off from a full stop or she'll snap your head back.  Sometimes I forget this when I get in for the first time after a long while (wife drives daily).  Scared the heck out of a neighbor one day.  Never felt any sticking or slow return from the pedal, so far, thank goodness.

And how about that gov't representative (can't recall the name) who told people with Toyotas not to drive them.  Sure, now that the US gov't owns GM and Chrysler it can kick Toyota when it's down.   

[3fan4life]

Pay close attention to the caption at the bottom of the video

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6173173n&tag=api

[RoadKill]

I just love all the hand-wringing I'm hearing and seeing.
I guess it wasn't much of a big deal when the Corvair had roll-overs, Pintos and Chevy PU trucks had exploding fuel tanks, the northstar motors stalling in the middle of intersections, all the roll-over problems and deaths with the SUV market and the tires they were using.  if you get an American car, you're lucky if you only have one or two recalls.
They'll get it fixed and put the big three to shame once more.

AHH yes, the SUV "tire problem".     I have been in Ford, Lincoln-Mercury parts for over 20 years & have a little insight into that one.
There was NOTHING wrong with the tires. Firestone got a bum rap. I know that is not the Ford corporate line but I'll explain. It was the wonderful Ford Explorer SUV that started the mess. Bear with me here.
What is a 90's era Explorer. I'll cut to the chase... It's a Ranger station wagon. Yep, the entry level small economy pick up. That was the Explorer's running gear mate.
Problem? Explorers cost a whole bunch more than a Ranger {even though they share running gear} & are aimed a yuppies with $$$. Easy pickins & easy profits.
Next problem? They rode like a cheaper entry level Ranger that they are based on & that is a problem with the new yuppie customer base that is sooooo profitable. You know, the same kinda folks that will pay $30K for a $16K "American made" bike because someone else did & it makes them feel superior to those that didn't.
The solution? Lower recommended tire pressures to mask the harsh ride until a redesign comes down the pike in a year or two. Couple the fact that the Explorer is usually laden down with lotsa stuff, already has a high center of gravity. driven too fast & expected to behave like a sports car {remember, mostly driven by yuppie types} & you have a recipe for crashes & the resulting lawsuits that follow.
This is just my opinion & I must tell you I profited nicely from the "tire problem" Ford had but I call 'em like I see 'em! 
Moral of the story is, most of these "recall problems" are the result of greed at some level & aren't always as they appear on the surface. I do feel for the Toyota dealer employees having to deal with the misinformation & hysteria these things do create.         

You nailed that one on the head! I worked at ford dealership as a tech during those years. There was a TSB to lower tire pressure to solve what felt like a static balance issue,slight shake. MOST of the failures were on Ford Exploders because they ALL came new with that size tire! A few other vehicles with the same firestone tires had an issue too...but that is because they didnt check the damn tire pressure unless it was completely flat. I went back and looked a yr or so after the lawsuit....that TSB mysteriously had disappeared completely from the book. Tire pressure should be dependent on load,if load does not change neither should tire pressure.

[MCRIDER]

All of the media coverage centers mainly on the fact that toyota, in the finest japanese tradition, tried to conceal the problems so that their "image" would not be tarnished.  These japanese vehicles are tested for years in japan before they are released to the rest of the world. 

[Rocketman]

Pay close attention to the caption at the bottom of the video

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6173173n&tag=api

"But teacher, spell check said it was OK!"

[solo1]

The reason that I'm driving Toyotas is because I was looking for a reliable car.  We were driving Chrysler products but never again.
I'm presently driving a 2005 Highlander that i bought used and it's been 100% reliable. 

I got a big kick out of a local Chrysler dealer who is advertising "$1,000 bonus for trading a Toyota in for a Chrysler product.  That's laughable, especially since this dealer has a hard time selling his product.

I won't say any more, I don't want to get all you Dodge truck owners mad at me.