State of the Union January 26, 2011

Jan. 26, 2011 online at www.uawlocal2250.com

From Automotive News: Toyota Motor Co. struggling to restore its reputation for top quality, today recalled nearly 1.7 million vehicles globally for a variety of fuel system related problems, including 245,000 Lexus IS and Lexus GS sedans in the United States. The North American vehicles are being called back to inspect for possibly faulty installation of fuel pressure sensors. In cases where the sensor is not fastened tightly enough, fuel can leak between the gasket that connects the sensor to the fuel delivery pipes, Toyota said. Today's actions bring the total number of Toyota recalls since fall of 2009 to 18 million vehicles.

Here’s a recap of Toyota’s recalls for 2010 courtesy of Wards Auto:

Jan. 2010 - Toyota issues a series of recalls covering 5.6 million vehicles in the United States due to sudden acceleration in some vehicles. It is the largest ever recall for Toyota and among the biggest for an automaker in U.S. history.

Feb. 2010 - Toyota recalls a total of 437,000 units of its 2010 Prius, Sai, Prius PHV (plug-in hybrid) and Lexus HS250h hybrids globally, including 155,000 in North America, 223,000 in Japan and 53,000 in Europe.

April 16 - Toyota will recall 870,000 Sienna minivans sold in the United States and Canada because the rear-mounted spare tire could drop into the road. Models years involved are 1998 to 2010.

April 19, 2010 - Toyota also announces a recall for nearly 10,000 Lexus GX 460 vehicles sold in the U.S. and Canada to fix software in the electronic stability control system. The GX 460 is new for 2010 and has only been on sale for a few months.

July 29 - Toyota recalls 412,000 passenger cars and SUVs in the U.S. to fix potential problems with steering. The recall involves older-model Toyota Avalon sedans and Lexus LX470 sport utility vehicles.

Aug. 26 - Toyota recalls 1.3 million Corolla and Matrix cars, from 2005-2008 model years, in the United States and Canada carrying defective engine control modules.

Oct. 21 - Toyota will recall a total of about 1.66 million vehicles, mostly in Japan, the United States and China, for problems involving brakes and fuel pumps.