Toyota Prius - Special Service Campaign (Steering Shaft Assembly Issue)

babesp · Jun 16, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TMS USA @ Jun 15 2006, 12:49 AM) [snapback]271542[/snapback]</div>

Hopefully they corrected that steering wheel alignment. The instructions are quite detailed and clear (lengthy, too, as losaltosprius correctly noted above); The staggered notifications are designed to help ensure that parts are in adequate supply and that dealers have ample time to schedule and properly complete the campaign repairs.

Good idea re the survey, and we would be happy to monitor that feedback. That's added value for us in our efforts to more effectively utilize and communicate voice of the customer data internally, which ultimately translates into something of benefit to our customers.
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I'm still a bit confused....I took my Prius in and it was physicall "checked out" during other routine service - my manufacture date was in the range but according to the dealer I do not need the fix - this was determined by an inspection. (They did have a form all filled out with my VIN number when I arrived) I am very happy with this dealer's service and want to trust them, but it does seem either ya need it or ya don't.....

galaxee · Jun 16, 2006

well they know what the visible difference between the parts is- see pictures i posted above- and not all priuses in the date/VIN range will need the fix.

if you're concerned, call up toyota customer service and verify.

honestly it's not a job any tech would have any initiative to avoid. it's not dirty, dangerous, involved, difficult, or time comsuming.

wtucker · Jun 16, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TMS USA @ Jun 5 2006, 12:38 AM) [snapback]265836[/snapback]</div>

I'll do my best to stay on top of the questions from PC members that are related to our SSC. Unfortunately, for now, this is a one-person operation related to our corporate communications initiative to be more proactive with consumer generated media. But PC and a couple of other sites are filled with Toyota enthusiasts, so we want to do our best to be "proactive" with getting the right information to them quickly.

Re the SSC, publishing the VIN ranges may not be that reliable now, because not every unit within those ranges is actually affected. In fact, the recall involves inspection of two components of the steering assembly. All 170K affected Prius will have the Steering Intermediate Shaft replaced, but only 10 (ten) of the 170K will have the second component replaced

I drive an '06 Prius that was delivered to our HQ office in January 2006. The production date on the door jam is November 2005, so it may be one of the affected units. But even I do not know for sure, and our corporate vehicle services center will be doing the SSC work for our company car Prius vehicles no sooner than any of the retail dealerships.

I concur with several of the posters here who question why one would "pass" on having the work done. Yes, in some areas, visiting a Toyota dealer may be akin to having drilling at a dentist (actually, I can think of only two), but we and our dealers will do the best we can to make this a "painless" as possible and minimize inconvenience. Since there have been no actual failures attributed to these components, we're spreading out our customer mailing--thus staggering the scheduling of SSC work and assuring an adequate flow of parts to complete the SSC.

Also, alternative fuels/EVs/plug-ins are probably the hottest topics we have now within the industry. Our focus now is on hybrid technology, and you will see more of our efforts/models reflect that. But I read with considrable interest some of the ntelligent discussion on PC re alternative power solutions.

Hope this information helps.
[/b]
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I took my 2005 prius in for the SSC 60C yesterday. I had called ahead of time to make sure the dealer had the necessary replacement parts. The service rep. said they did have the parts. Unfortunately, when I arrived, they were under the impression that the SSC 60C was an inspection only, and had no replacement parts in stock. Today, after calling approx. 1/2 hour before the replacement was to be completed and on my way to the dealer, I received a call from the service representative telling me that I possibly needed the entire intermediate shaft and midshaft assemblies (#1 and #2 replaced, plus additional parts not related to SSC 60C. The service rep. did not have the exact information to give me concerning the other parts that needed replacement, but said that the master mechanic working on my Prius was faxing Toyota for more information. I'll post more detailed information after I speak with the dealer's service center representative on Monday.

unruhly · Jun 16, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(johnnieliu @ Jun 16 2006, 01:41 PM) [snapback]272296[/snapback]</div>

Hmmm....my VIN is within the KB20U 3000000-3129959 range, but I just called my local Toyota Dealership's service desk and he stated that my vehicle doesn't need the fix. BTW, the manufactured date was 12/05. [/b]
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I just got home and my notice was waiting for me. I had been thinking all this time that my VIN was not included in the recall, but in fact it is. There are two additional digits between the KB20U and the last 7 digits that are in the VIN range listing. I wonder if the dealer you called made the same mistake I did by looking at the first 2 digits after the KB20U and simply not looking any further. :blink:

My VIN: KB20U86(3128270) Mfg Dt: 12/05

tmsusa · Jun 17, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(babesp @ Jun 16 2006, 01:35 PM) [snapback]272386[/snapback]</div>

I'm still a bit confused....I took my Prius in and it was physicall "checked out" during other routine service - my manufacture date was in the range but according to the dealer I do not need the fix - this was determined by an inspection. (They did have a form all filled out with my VIN number when I arrived) I am very happy with this dealer's service and want to trust them, but it does seem either ya need it or ya don't.....
[/b]
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If you are concerned, call us at 1-800-GO-TOYOTA and one of our representatives there should be able to confirm the status of your Prius.

SmarterCarThanYours · Jun 18, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sufferin' Prius Envy @ May 30 2006, 10:24 PM) [snapback]263168[/snapback]</div>

Conversely, I think I will take up Toyota's offer to check my car - for free . . . isn't that always a good thing? :huh:

Am I missing something here? How does one go from â€œ. . . steering shaft assembly that could potentially become loose under certain operating conditions.â€ to â€œ. . . I never make hard turns at slow speeds or at any speed.â€

Did you read that somewhere and not post your source, or are you just assuming? <_<
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It was in the notice about hard turns at high speeds or hitting a curb.

andyprius · Jun 19, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ May 30 2006, 09:40 PM) [snapback]263182[/snapback]</div>

a very hard turn of the wheel or a curb impact, or other very hard impact could cause a crack in or some other problem with this assembly. to reiterate though, the likelihood of this happening in any situation is very low- especially considering that it hasn't happened to anyone yet. in normal driving it's not much to worry about. it's more of a preventive measure to make sure it doesn't happen.
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(REVERBERATE) The Prius does not yet reiterate verbally.

mikepaul · Jun 19, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TMS USA @ Jun 17 2006, 02:17 AM) [snapback]272597[/snapback]</div>

If you are concerned, call us at 1-800-GO-TOYOTA and one of our representatives there should be able to confirm the status of your Prius.
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That's what I did, and I was told I'd be getting a notice eventually.

I find it interesting that I'm never second or third in line at my dealer, but maybe they sold more cars before mine than they let on, or else there's an odd way of splitting up the workload at Toyota, maybe by last name...

tmsusa · Jun 19, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mikepaul @ Jun 19 2006, 08:35 AM) [snapback]273412[/snapback]</div>

That's what I did, and I was told I'd be getting a notice eventually.

I find it interesting that I'm never second or third in line at my dealer, but maybe they sold more cars before mine than they let on, or else there's an odd way of splitting up the workload at Toyota, maybe by last name...
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Were you able to get confirmation from that call center as to whether your specific VIN was part of the campaign?

Re the second part of your post, not sure I understand what you are saying.

FreshAirGuy · Jun 19, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TMS USA @ Jun 5 2006, 01:38 AM) [snapback]265836[/snapback]</div>

I'll do my best to stay on top of the questions from PC members that are related to our SSC. Unfortunately, for now, this is a one-person operation related to our corporate communications initiative to be more proactive with consumer generated media. But PC and a couple of other sites are filled with Toyota enthusiasts, so we want to do our best to be "proactive" with getting the right information to them quickly.

Re the SSC, publishing the VIN ranges may not be that reliable now, because not every unit within those ranges is actually affected. In fact, the recall involves inspection of two components of the steering assembly. All 170K affected Prius will have the Steering Intermediate Shaft replaced, but only 10 (ten) of the 170K will have the second component replaced

I drive an '06 Prius that was delivered to our HQ office in January 2006. The production date on the door jam is November 2005, so it may be one of the affected units. But even I do not know for sure, and our corporate vehicle services center will be doing the SSC work for our company car Prius vehicles no sooner than any of the retail dealerships.

I concur with several of the posters here who question why one would "pass" on having the work done. Yes, in some areas, visiting a Toyota dealer may be akin to having drilling at a dentist (actually, I can think of only two), but we and our dealers will do the best we can to make this a "painless" as possible and minimize inconvenience. Since there have been no actual failures attributed to these components, we're spreading out our customer mailing--thus staggering the scheduling of SSC work and assuring an adequate flow of parts to complete the SSC.

Also, alternative fuels/EVs/plug-ins are probably the hottest topics we have now within the industry. Our focus now is on hybrid technology, and you will see more of our efforts/models reflect that. But I read with considrable interest some of the ntelligent discussion on PC re alternative power solutions.

Hope this information helps.
[/b]
Click to expand...

Going to the dentist is fun compared to visiting any Toyota dealer in the DFW area. I called three this morning about the recall. None has the the parts in stock, all three claim that an inspection is needed to make sure replacement is required. One said replacement is needed in only 1 in 10 cars. You and the SSC 60C letter say the Steering Intermediate Shaft will be repalced. The dealer service reps say they have no part in stock, that parts deemed needed during the inspection will be ordered. That necessiates two trips to "hell", in my opinion, for something that Toyota quality control failed to detect in the first place. After 12 years of driving Lexus cars I have only one regret about the Prius. It is sold in the hell holes called Toyota dealers. The dealer in Grapevine, TX is literally next door to a Lexus dealer. Hell and heaven right next door to each other. Shame on Toyota for permitting a dealership to do business so poorly especially when quality service is modelled next door.

JackDodge · Jun 19, 2006

I finally got the letter in the Saturday delivery. The earliest that they could get me in was Wednesday morning. The Prius tech is going to be in Prius school Tuesday so mabe I'm glad that he works on my car Wednesday, eh? That's going to be a pretty busy Prius tech for the next few weeks but he'll be an expert before the end of the week.

aztardis · Jun 19, 2006

It is great to see TMS get the information out to this type of forum. My 04 is my first Toyota, and I had heard a lot about the hhigh level of service from corporate.

I just wish they would have been a little more helpful with the Multi-Function Display issues

I will wait for the letter - I think I have been involved in every recall so far, but still love my TARDIS. Trying to decide if I should trade it in now for an 06 (50K miles), or wait for the 07 and the nicer NAV system.

Jan

AlphaTeam · Jun 19, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JackDodge @ Jun 14 2006, 03:45 PM) [snapback]271298[/snapback]</div>

Yeah, that's what I mean. Something, for instance, that gives you an idea of whether you're going to get that fabled letter or not. Sheesh
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So you want a letter to let you know if you are going to get a letter? Then you will want a letter to let you know if you are going to get the letter about the recal letter.

wtucker · Jun 19, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wtucker @ Jun 16 2006, 06:15 PM) [snapback]272436[/snapback]</div>

I took my 2005 prius in for the SSC 60C yesterday. I had called ahead of time to make sure the dealer had the necessary replacement parts. The service rep. said they did have the parts. Unfortunately, when I arrived, they were under the impression that the SSC 60C was an inspection only, and had no replacement parts in stock. Today, after calling approx. 1/2 hour before the replacement was to be completed and on my way to the dealer, I received a call from the service representative telling me that I possibly needed the entire intermediate shaft and midshaft assemblies (#1 and #2 replaced, plus additional parts not related to SSC 60C. The service rep. did not have the exact information to give me concerning the other parts that needed replacement, but said that the master mechanic working on my Prius was faxing Toyota for more information. I'll post more detailed information after I speak with the dealer's service center representative on Monday.
[/b]
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Just received my Prius after completion of the SSC 60C. This time I spoke to the technician who performed the replacement. It turns out that I needed the intermediate shaft #2 and the sliding yoke. The part arrived to them already configured with the new sliding yoke in place. The service rep. is obviously not a mechanic, and did not know that I have read through the entire service procedure thanks to the download available here. All is well, the steering wheel is straight up and level, and my car no longer veers to the left when braking (a very recent occurance just prior to the SSC).

galaxee · Jun 19, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(andyprius @ Jun 19 2006, 11:29 AM) [snapback]273409[/snapback]</div>

(REVERBERATE) The Prius does not yet reiterate verbally. [/b]
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i agree, the prius does not.

however, i was reiterating

reiterate

v : to say, state, or perform again; "She kept reiterating her request" [syn: repeat, ingeminate, iterate, restate, retell]

[/b]
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to reinforce to people that this part will not fail unless under extreme pressure from something like hitting a curb.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ May 30 2006, 10:40 PM) [snapback]263182[/snapback]</div>

to reiterate though, the likelihood of this happening in any situation is very low- especially considering that it hasn't happened to anyone yet. in normal driving it's not much to worry about. it's more of a preventive measure to make sure it doesn't happen. [/b]
Click to expand...

thanks for your concern, though...

tmsusa · Jun 19, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FreshAirGuy @ Jun 19 2006, 08:53 AM) [snapback]273419[/snapback]</div>

Going to the dentist is fun compared to visiting any Toyota dealer in the DFW area. I called three this morning about the recall. None has the the parts in stock, all three claim that an inspection is needed to make sure replacement is required. One said replacement is needed in only 1 in 10 cars. You and the SSC 60C letter say the Steering Intermediate Shaft will be repalced. The dealer service reps say they have no part in stock, that parts deemed needed during the inspection will be ordered. That necessiates two trips to "hell", in my opinion, for something that Toyota quality control failed to detect in the first place. After 12 years of driving Lexus cars I have only one regret about the Prius. It is sold in the hell holes called Toyota dealers. The dealer in Grapevine, TX is literally next door to a Lexus dealer. Hell and heaven right next door to each other. Shame on Toyota for permitting a dealership to do business so poorly especially when quality service is modelled next door.
[/b]
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Thanks for sharing your experiences here, FreshAirGuy. I'm sorry that you were given information that was confusing and not very consistent with what we have been saying here.

We do have sufficient parts on hand in our system to complete the campaign repairs. Our dealers also as a matter of course get overnight or during the night delivery of needed parts. There is no such thing as a required "inspection." You either have a Prius that is affected or you do not. Without going into more detail, which probably would be worse than a dentist visit, roughly half of the Prius involved in the SSC will require replacement of one part; The other half will need two parts. A handful will need one other part. If your VIN is on the list of impacted vehicles, you will, at a minimum, have one part replaced. There is no such thing as an inspection to determine if you need a part or do not need a part.

Hope this helps. Your comments are being forwarded to our Gulf States Toyota offices for follow-up.

FreshAirGuy · Jun 20, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TMS USA @ Jun 19 2006, 10:08 PM) [snapback]273757[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for sharing your experiences here, FreshAirGuy. I'm sorry that you were given information that was confusing and not very consistent with what we have been saying here.

We do have sufficient parts on hand in our system to complete the campaign repairs. Our dealers also as a matter of course get overnight or during the night delivery of needed parts. There is no such thing as a required "inspection." You either have a Prius that is affected or you do not. Without going into more detail, which probably would be worse than a dentist visit, roughly half of the Prius involved in the SSC will require replacement of one part; The other half will need two parts. A handful will need one other part. If your VIN is on the list of impacted vehicles, you will, at a minimum, have one part replaced. There is no such thing as an inspection to determine if you need a part or do not need a part.

Hope this helps. Your comments are being forwarded to our Gulf States Toyota offices for follow-up.
[/b]
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Your response is appreciated!

johnnieliu · Jun 20, 2006

Hmmmm....my VIN is JTDKB20UX6314.... . Manufacture date: 12/05

I called up the Toyota "Customer Experience" line and they stated that my vehicle isn't on the recall list.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(unruhly @ Jun 16 2006, 03:17 PM) [snapback]272437[/snapback]</div>

I just got home and my notice was waiting for me. I had been thinking all this time that my VIN was not included in the recall, but in fact it is. There are two additional digits between the KB20U and the last 7 digits that are in the VIN range listing. I wonder if the dealer you called made the same mistake I did by looking at the first 2 digits after the KB20U and simply not looking any further. :blink:

My VIN: KB20U86(3128270) Mfg Dt: 12/05
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fcm7a · Jun 21, 2006

I need some help with this VIN decoding. I had called the Customer Experience Center and 2 seperate employees had verified that I am in the VIN range for this recall. They are sending me a letter- but I just moved and so they said that they would send another letter to my new address. I went ahead and called the nearest Toyota place to my new house and they scheduled an appointment for today. They kept my Prius all morning and just called and said that my car is not involved in this recall. I found the VIN table and I agreed with them until I saw the posts that say you should ignore the first two digits after the KB20U and only look at the last seven digits. Can someone please confirm that you use the last seven digits and ignore those two that cause all the problems? I didn't get the impression that the service advisor will just take my word for it that he is wrong so I want a bit of proof. The relevant parts of my VIN are KB20U65306
Thanks very much for your assistance!

Christy
05 Prius

FreshAirGuy · Jun 21, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TMS USA @ Jun 19 2006, 10:08 PM) [snapback]273757[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for sharing your experiences here, FreshAirGuy. I'm sorry that you were given information that was confusing and not very consistent with what we have been saying here.

We do have sufficient parts on hand in our system to complete the campaign repairs. Our dealers also as a matter of course get overnight or during the night delivery of needed parts. There is no such thing as a required "inspection." You either have a Prius that is affected or you do not. Without going into more detail, which probably would be worse than a dentist visit, roughly half of the Prius involved in the SSC will require replacement of one part; The other half will need two parts. A handful will need one other part. If your VIN is on the list of impacted vehicles, you will, at a minimum, have one part replaced. There is no such thing as an inspection to determine if you need a part or do not need a part.

Hope this helps. Your comments are being forwarded to our Gulf States Toyota offices for follow-up.
[/b]
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Yesterday I called a fourth dealer in the DFW area. They had the part. I took the car in this morning and got it back early this afternoon. The inspection revealed my Prius does not need the extra parts. It apparently also revealed it needs an air filter and the tires rotated even though they were taken care of less than 3000 miles ago. I declined the filter and the rotation but graciously accepted the car wash.

Toyota Prius - Special Service Campaign (Steering Shaft Assembly Issue)

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Toyota Prius - Special Service Campaign (Steering Shaft Assembly Issue)

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