Toyota Instructs Dealers To Halt Sales Of Eight Models (Updated With Additional Information)

by Jack Baruth

Published: January 30th, 2014

toyota instructs dealers to halt sales of eight models updated with additional

A lot of Toyota dealers are going to find it difficult to grind out their end-of-month goals, thanks to a stop-sale directive from the company that covers eight different models. Approximately 36,000 vehicles in dealer stock and an unknown number of additional vehicles inbound to dealers will have to be held.

Automotive News reports that a South Korean supplier notified Toyota that the parts used in its seat heaters did not meet United States standards for flame retardation. The company is preparing to replace the seat heaters with regulations-compliant parts.

The affected vehicles:

2013 and 2014 Camry sedans
2013 and 2014 Camry hybrids
2013 and 2014 Avalon sedans
2013 and 2014 Avalon hybrids
2013 and 2014 Corolla
2013 and 2014 Sienna
2013 and 2014 Tundra
2013 and 2014 Tacoma

Vehicles on the above list with heated fabric seats built since August 2012 are at risk. NHTSA has yet to issue any findings or opinions on the matter.

If you’re in the market for a fabric-interior Toyota with heated seats, you’re facing a wait. If you’re in the market for a leather-interior Toyota with heated seats, now’s the time to move. Like now. Oh, what a feeling!

Update: Toyota contacted us regarding the use of the word “fire” in the initial post, noting that “The fabric in the seats is flame retardant, it is a matter of HOW flame retardant when tested. Per NHTSA regulations Toyota will file a petition for a determination that this non-compliance issue is inconsequential relative to motor vehicle safety. NHTSA will determine if the petition will be accepted or denied.” To prevent a misunderstanding, we’ve amended the text. The picture at the top of the article stays, but now only because we enjoy the music of Alicia Keys— JB

#Fire #SeatHeaters #Toyota

Jack Baruth

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7 of 51 comments

Hifi on Jan 31, 2014

Toyota always mentions how their problems are the result of "a supplier." Seems to be a frequent problem with them. When other manufacturers have issues, the brand generally takes the hit. It's the brands responsibility to ensure the suppliers are staying compliant.

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- NormSV650 on Jan 31, 2014
  
  You don't think they've been contracting to the lowest bidder for the decade or so? There is a reason they have led the number of recalls the last few years.
  
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- APaGttH on Jan 31, 2014
  
  @NormSV650 I'll say it again. Bean counters suck. Doesn't matter what continent they're from - they all suck.
  
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- 84Cressida on Jan 31, 2014
  
  No they don't, and not only has GM and their fanboys constantly thrown suppliers under the bus, they even tried to throw Toyota under the bus a few years ago when the Cobalt had a recall and the part was supplied by a parts supplier Toyota had a minor stake in. Bob Klutz proudly tried to pin it on Toyota.
  
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- Ponchoman49 on Feb 03, 2014
  
  @84Cressida Oh yes they do! The whole SUA thing was blamed on a faulty part supplier as were the mats. They even tried blaming the driver. Both Toyota and Gm are great for passing the blame.
  
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- NormSV650 on Feb 03, 2014
  
  @ponchoman49 Yes, defective or under engineered gas pedal uncovered here; http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/02/why-toyota-must-replace-flawed-cts-gas-pedal-with-superior-denso-pedal/
  
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Wallstreet on Feb 01, 2014

What will happen if driver /or front passenger unknowingly farts on heated fabric seats?

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