Toyota announces mass recall

A blow to Toyota's reputation?

Toyota has announced the recall of over 10,000 of its pick up trucks and 3.8 million other vehicles due to separate issues.

According to a statement from the Japanese car maker, the recall of the pick ups is over concerns of "corrosion on the vehicles frame". The statement warned truck owners in cold areas that "salt could corrode parts of the frame, causing the spare wheel to come loose and damage to brake lines."

This defect is limited to the 2000 and 2003 models of the Toyota Tundra. The statement also read, "The spare tire stowed under the truck bed may become separated from the rear cross-member.

"Spare tire separation will create a road hazard for following vehicles and increase the likelihood of a crash.If this occurs, it can lead to the loss of the rear brake circuits which will increase vehicle stopping distances and the risk of a crash."

Toyota also warned that corrosion may affect a valve on the rear brake line. The company have said they will fix the defect with "a corrosion-resistant compound" or the replacement of affected parts.

Almost 4 million cars to be recalled

It's not a good week for the car-makers as in a completely separate statement, Toyota said they are recalling 3.8 million vehicles due to floor mats causing the gas pedal to stick. Apparently, the problem affects eight models of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, and as such the recall is expected to get underway in early 2010.

According to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Department, Toyota has said they will change the shape of the gas pedal, alter the floor pan under the pedal and, in some cases, install a brake override system.

The models affected are the Toyota Camry, Avalon and the Lexus ES 350, IS 350 and IS 250 models.

The news of these recalls will no doubt dent Toyota's reputation of leading in safety and it couldn't come at a worse time of the company. The company has posted its first annual net loss in 59 years and as such, is in crisis mode. However, Toyota President Akio Toyoda has said in a statement, "The safety of our owners and the public is our utmost concern."

"Toyota has and will continue to thoroughly investigate and take appropriate measures to address any defect trends that are identified."

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