Toyota is recalling around 1,285 model year 2011 and 2012 Avalon sedans in Canada due to a wiring problem that could result in a fire.
This is part of a much larger recall that involves 52,000 Avalon vehicles in total.
Despite the magnitude of the recall, Toyota is doing this as a precautionary measure, alleging that no injuries or fires, linked to the problem, have been reported.
What’s the actual problem? Cargo can come in contact with the audio system subwoofer wire inside the trunk and move it out of its proper position. As a result, the wire can contact the metal frame of the subwoofer and cause an intermittent short circuit. The subwoofer could then overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Toyota will notify the affected Avalon owners by mail, who can then repair their vehicle at a Toyota dealership. For the time being, dealers will disable the rear subwoofer as a precaution.
Toyota doesn’t seem to be able to escape the vicious cycle of recalls lately. Just a few months ago, the Japanese corporation has recalled almost 423,000 of its Lexus luxury brand cars in the United States and 19,000 here in Canada due to a fuel leak.
But is Toyota the only automaker to suffer from “recall-itis”? Not at all. Last year, the number of recalls reached 600 in Canada, which is a record, according to Transport Canada. The recalls involved all sorts of brands: General Motors, Ford, BMW and many others. The previous record was 468, and that was 2010. Will this year surpass 2014?
If you need more information on the Avalon recall, you can get in touch with the Toyota Customer Interaction Centre at 1-888-TOYOTA-8 (1-888-869-6828). You can also use our dealer directory to reach out to them for help.