Product Recalls

     Today I am sitting at the Toyota shop waiting for the Camry's recall work to be completed.  I postponed the original appointment.  I am learning some things about this recall.
      I was concerned that the manufacturer of the recalled parts could have also supplied the same assembly to other automotive manufacturers.  Apparently they have, but not for vehicles in the U.S.  According to a recent NY Times blog (http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/28/accelerator-pedal-supplier-in-toyotas-recall-has-many-customers/) the supplier is CTS Corporation.  CTS is based in Indiana, USA.  One statistic mentioned in the blog is that Toyota represents only 3% of the company's annual sales.  This entry, dated January 28, 2010, noted that other gas pedal assembly customers, including Chrysler, were not affected because their components are different than Toyota's.  Ford did purchase the recalled part for commercial vehicles used outside of the U.S.  I have yet to verify the facts.  More to do and no time to do it!


     The Camry should be ready soon, so I will move on to today's websites:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/  This website is a great starting point for those looking to purchase a new or used vehicle.  Autos, infant and child carseats, and tire safety issues are just a sample of the items addressed on this website.  Consumers can file complaints and research product safety.  The NHTSA also maintains the Safercar.gov (http://www.safercar.gov/) website.  This site provides quick access to recall information.  Recalls include motorcycles, helmets, tires, child restraint products, and automobiles.  Consumers should sign-up for recall notifications sent directly to their e-mail.  Notifications can be general (all autos) or specific (a particular make and model of automobile).
Kicking Tires: http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/recalls/?CMP=GoogResREC&domainid=68&detid=1802681929  This is a blog found on cars.com (http://www.cars.com/go/index.jsp).  Cars.com is another resource for car buyers.


Opps.  The car is ready, gotta run!