What to Do If Your Toyota’s Been Recalled
[Via – Lifehacker]
Got one of those Toyotas with the “sticky” gas pedal? Maybe a just-recalled Prius? Don’t trade in your car or panic if your dealer’s booked through next week. Here’s a few tips from the experts on saving money and driving safely.
First off, if you’re not sure whether your Toyota might be part of the recall or not, here’s the read-out. 2010-model Prius hybrids are soon to be called in for a fix to the anti-lock brake software. Toyota’s own recall page has the lengthy details and model list. Otherwise, here’s CNNMoney’s thumbnail of the list:
Which cars are involved? The stuck-pedal recall of 2.3 million vehicles announced last week affects Toyota’s 2009-2010 RAV4, Corolla and Matrix models; the 2005-2010 Avalon; 2010 Highlander; 2007-2010 Tundra and the 2008-2010 Sequoia; and some 2007-2010 Camrys (only those with gas pedal assemblies made by a specific Toyota supplier; your dealer can check). No Lexus or Scion models are involved.
Toyota’s starting to send out mailers to affected car owners announcing the recall and providing fix details, but Canada’s CTV notes that it may not reach if you’ve moved since your car purchase, and it’s up to you to get in line for a fix, and update your address for future recalls and notices:
The requirement is that the manufacturer send the notice to the address in their record. If you moved or are the second owner of the car, you might not get the notice, even if you bought the car at the dealer of the same brand. They don’t have to find you, and they won’t look.
So how do I get in contact with the manufacturer to get my address updated?
The dealer can do it. They may have a customer service phone number that will allow you to do it.