Yesterday, 3 Jan 13, I received an interim safety recall notice. on the "COT - Steering Intermediate Extension Shaft (Phase 2) and COU - Hybrid Electric Water Pump". Am I correct in understanding that these are different from previous recalls on the same items? In 2011, I was reimbursed for the "Inverter Coolant Pump" that malfunctioned and was repaired in 2009 and for which Toyota issued a recall in 2010. Is that another term for "Hybrid Electric Water Pump"? In November 2010, my steering malfunctioned and I paid for that repair also (the same part broke again in May 2011, but the dealer absorbed the cost of that repair) so I guess I'll be applying for another reimbursement from Toyota. Anyone else receive this notice?
Romad, I am attaching a file to this post. It is the letter that was sent out by Toyota to the dealers letting them know about the two recalls you are talking about. To answer your questions with more detail. Yes, this recall is different than the previous recalls. Yes, the "Inverter Coolant Pump" is another term for "Hybrid Electric Water Pump". Finally, if the part that broke (steering) is the same part that is affected by the latest recall, you should seek reimbursement. Without knowing the actual part #'s of your repair and the part # of the recalled part, it would be best guess. I would suggest you consult with Toyota concerning the question about the reimbursement for your repair. I hope this helps you and clarifies what is going on. Also I glad to hear you got your letter. I am looking for ours to come in the mail any day now. Ron
Thanks, Ron. The steering has been a recurring problem with our Prius: 6/26/06 SSC#60C Replaced Intermediate Steering Shaft & Steering Yoke Assembly - Toyota paid. 11/24/10 Steering broke; replaced Intermediate Steering Shaft, Steering Yoke, Steering Gear Assembly, Outer Tie Rods - I paid. 5/27/11 Steering Broke; replaced Steering Shaft Assembly, Steering Yoke Sub-assembly, U-Joint, Clock Spring - Dealer absorbed cost. So I'm concerned about it.
Romad, If I were in your shoes, I would take my car into Toyota, show them the receipts for the bills you paid and ask them is this the same part that is subject to the recall. If they say yes, then it sounds like you should get a refund. I too am concerned about this recall. I do a lot of driving in the Prius, and I don't want to be on the road at high speed and have the steering go out. I do understand your concern, and I would imagine there are other's who feel the same way. Ron
Yes, that is the plan when the actual recall notice arrives. It's going to be fun: the work order is in my name; the payment was on my wife's credit card. Fortunately the registration has both our names.
what was it like when your steering broke? does anyone know if there have been any accidents or fatalities due to this problem?
My Steering history (2004 Prius at 233k miles) is similar to the others documented here: Recall 60c at 61k miles Repaired looseness (clunk when turning which is heard and felt in the steering wheel - 10/2010) in the steering column at 180k miles - $896! which included the Intermediate shaft. I asked Toyota for a refund at that time but was denied over the phone as the new parts (60C) were only warranted for a year. Yesterday at 233k miles I did the current recall and the dealer OKed the Intermediate shaft which I expected as it has been replaced twice now. I have started the process of obtaining a refund I was asked by Toyota National Customer Relations to send in the some documentation: Proof of ownership - my CT Registration 60C details - not really required but for completeness My dealer receipt for the replacement in 10/2010 showing proof of payment, both the $96 for the diagnostic and the $800 for the repair. A detailed cover letter describing the three times the steering has been an issue. It is the multiple occurrence of steering column failures to our Prii that triggered this recall. So I am not surprised that there are several of use with the same experience. JeffD
The first time my wife noticed that the steering wheel would not center when the car was going straight; it got worse as we were driving down to the dealer. The second time she was backing out of the garage turning left when she heard a "pop!" and when she started to go forward the steering wheel just spun around and around but the front wheels stayed in the last position. Scary.
Your failure was more severe since my wife and I noticed the symptoms early and my dealer does keep his repair price more reasonable than the average Toyota dealer (as long as you know enough to avoid the silly add-on maintenance items). JeffD
Well the FIRST indication was when the steering wheel didn't center (it was accompanied by a knocking sound during turns) and we took it immediately in that day. The price differential is probably due to higher parts and labor prices here in the CPR. The highest priced part was the damaged steering rack itself: $865.95
