Recalls
Recalls happen. To all manufacturers, everywhere. We, as dealers, can't control that. What we can control is how we cope with recalls when they do happen and how we communicate with you, our customers. At Wietzes Toyota we choose to be as open and transparent about this process as we possibly can. It only makes sense. The better we deal with potential problems, the less likely they are to develop into bigger, more serious problems. We would prefer not to have any at all, but if we have to have them, we'd like our problems to be nice and small. So...
1. We will answer any and all questions regarding Toyota recalls plainly and honestly with as much information as we can access. Remember that sometimes the media gets info about recalls (whether factual or not) much faster than we do at the retail outlet. We check the Toyota bulletins daily; and when a potential problem develops, often several times a day, to get the latest information straight from the manufacturer. That information will be available on our website as we get it.
2. It is important to note that Toyota Canada is bound by Canadian law to report to Transport Canada within six days of the discovery of a problem potentially affecting the safety of its vehicles. Often times that means that these reports and the attendant voluntary recalls are made public through the media well before any solution can be established. Of course any manufacturer would prefer to defer the announcement of a problem until a solution is in place, but frankly, it just doesn't work that way. What does that mean to you? Most often, recalls deal with wear issues and if you have not experienced a problem with your car, you will be perfectly safe to continue to use your vehicle as normal. If your vehicle is affected, you will be issued a letter--specific to the Vehicle Identification Number of your Toyota-- directly from Toyota Canada. The letter will advise you of an issue and direct you to your local dealer to have it addressed. The letter might state that the condition may be corrected with your next regular maintenance. As in the recent case of the ill-fitting floor mats, the dealer may advise you to remove the affected part or device until a more permanent solution can be put in place. In some cases, more than one visit to the dealer may be required. We will always try to let you know exactly what's involved and get the issue fixed correctly and quickly.
3. Toyota Canada, and Wietzes Toyota especially, take your safety seriously. Toyota has put a stringent audit system in place and improved its communication with dealer service centres and customer hotlines to spot trends with service issues and potential problems sooner. Our warranty repairs are analysed by Toyota and bulletins are issued based on repetitive repairs.
4. Recalls reported through U.S. media, (U.S. Affiliate news agencies, television talk shows etc) and issued by Toyota U.S.A. do not necessarily (in fact, often don't) affect Canadian vehicles. Vehicles built for Canadian markets are often built in separate facilities and to separate specifications from U.S. models.
Please do not hesitate to ask our service advisors any question you may have about a recall you have heard reported or a letter you have received. We'll be happy to explain how it might affect your Toyota.
We have always held your safety foremost in mind and will continue to do so moving forward.
Click here to access current Toyota recall information
