Toyota Recall: 110K Sienna Minivans for Dangerous Brakes

Toyota is recalling 110,000 Sienna minivans out of concern over potential brake issues. The Toyota recall of the new model is preventative in nature and there have not been any reported accidents or injuries stemming from the brake issue. Toyota plans to notify Sienna owners in January.

The Toyota recall relates to concerns that use of the Sienna parking brake could cause damage to the overall break system. In certain scenarios use of the parking brake could cause damage to the overall break system causing either: a) the break light to stay on at all times; or b) keep the break partially engaged at all times, causing noise and vibration. Both scenarios were reported in late 2009.

The brake issue is particularly troubling for the Sienna, a family car. The brake problem has since been fixed in models made after November. In total, the Sienna recall affects 94,000 U.S. Toyotas, 12,000 in Canada, and 5,000 in Mexico, according to Reuters.

The voluntary recall will hopefully thwart any potential damage the brake issues could cause. Toyota has recalled 6.75 million vehicles this year for a variety of problems in their fleet of cars, including popular models Camry and Prius. Hopefully 2011 will bring fewer recalls for the car giant.

Related Resources:

• Toyota Sienna Recall (Washington Post)
• Defective and Dangerous Products (FindLaw)
• Recalls and Safety Alerts (FindLaw)