Toyota recalling 76k minivans in Japan
Toyota of Japan is calling over 73,000 minivans and 3,000 ambulances back to its dealerships to rectify a brake problem. The recall, which covers some nine different models stems from potentially defective front propeller shafts (inadequate heatproofing) to brake booster issues.
The minivan recall affects the Granvia, Grand Hiace and Hiace Regius assembled between last September and October.
[Source: Mainichi Daily News via the Associated Press]













Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sebastian 4:33PM (4/05/2006)
they should recall the hiace's in south africa where the cab drivers use cotton balls as brakes, im sure that brakes a few laws somewhere!
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Richard Warren 4:39PM (4/05/2006)
Oh, Paul!!! Oh Paul!!!
What is that you were saying about Japanese engineers earlier in the day?
And how about that fast service? Only covers from September 1995 and October 2005
Thought Toyota never had recalls?
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Emperor Hirohito 4:39PM (4/05/2006)
Paul? Are you around?
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tbyron 4:56PM (4/05/2006)
Tell me why we should care about this?
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Leo 5:20PM (4/05/2006)
1)Toyota has become the king of recalls over the past year.
2)Anytime the defect involves brakes it's a serious recall- no matter who the mfr. is, okay USA flaf wavers?
3)This is obviously a supplier issue, Richard, so for all we know the brakes could have been designed or made anywhere.
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Richard Warren 5:46PM (4/05/2006)
Uh, number 5 maybe you need to read a little farther
"The recall, which covers some nine different models stems from potentially defective front propeller shafts (inadequate heatproofing) to brake booster issues." It's not just brakes.
And regarding the supplier issue, use that excuse in a domestic situation and you'll be told it does not matter.
So applying equal weight to Toyota, it does matter. And it appears they ignored it or covered it up, and used the same design and possibly supplier for 10 years.
I could really care less if any maker recalls it's product, S**T happens just apply equal weight to all.
Got a problem, step up to it recall it domestic or import
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Howard Kerr 5:51PM (4/05/2006)
Wow, wouldn't that be a bitch? You are in an accident and the ambulance taking you to the hospital crashes...because of bad brakes.
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Nick 5:56PM (4/05/2006)
That's a mini van!?!!
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caffee 6:24PM (4/05/2006)
Toyota has lots of recalls and the press turns a blind eye. Toyota makes the most overated automobiles on the market. Honda'a are much better cars and so are the new GM and Ford products.
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Jason Boston 6:26PM (4/05/2006)
Ouch! That gives Toyota 3 of the 8 articles about Recalls on this website. Hate to read they tried to cover it up, too. But, now they're doing the right thing and should be applauded for stepping up to the plate!
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SaveGas 6:30PM (4/05/2006)
The Hiace is a pimp looking Japanese van, looks like an XB on steriods.
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Mitsufan 8:09PM (4/05/2006)
Ha!
Take that, Mr. Perfecto Toyota-man!
Toyota owns more than half the Japanese market, so as a former (let's hope) media whipping boy I always like to see goliath brought down to size.
On the other hand, every manufacturer has recalls. Period. As long as you step up and clean up your mess, I don't think there's that much else a customer can ask. Besides, of course, that there be less mistakes in the first place.
//The Toyota Camry has no soul
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Carpenter 8:32PM (4/05/2006)
I read the entire thing, didn't see ANYTHING about cover-ups. Who's imagining this part, and why do you think you need to make stuff up?
The only reason I can see to put this on autoblog (since not one of this type of vehicle was sold outside Japan or a few world-markets) is to put "Toyota" and "recall" in the same headline.
Not that Toyota are perfect, but, come on guys.
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Sal 8:49PM (4/05/2006)
When I first saw that barge I said, "uh oh, here comes the 2009 Camry."
Hey it makes sense.... they get significantly bigger each generation, and they appeal mostly to old timers - so why not just add gthe wheel chair ramp? LOL
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JGN 9:08PM (4/05/2006)
People love to hate Toyota these days. You're the ones missing out on a great car.
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GrowUp 11:15PM (4/05/2006)
#8, No, it's not a minivan, that's just what the Americentric folk say because they don't realize it's a large van by standards pretty much everywhere else on the globe.
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Puff Chippy 9:00AM (4/06/2006)
If "xenophobic" was word of the day yesterday then I guess "Americentric" is going to be WOTD today (sigh). All these black tie words you guys throw around to put down America and Americans make my head hurt.
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RayRay 12:33PM (4/06/2006)
Didn't I just read an article stating GM recalling between 1 and 2 million vehicles in the U.S.?
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Paul 3:09PM (4/06/2006)
Iknow think that japanese companys are so overrated and that they have just as many recalls as any other company.
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far jr 12:27AM (4/09/2006)
If this vehicle chassis isn't used in the US, this article is irrelevant on Autoblog USA. GM is well known for brake problems, recalled or not.
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