Voluntary Recall on Prius: Crankshaft Position Sensor
 

TORRANCE, Calif., July 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS),
U.S.A., Inc., will launch a voluntary Special Service Campaign with the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to replace the
crankshaft position sensor on certain 2001 through early 2002 model year
Echo and Prius vehicles. The connector for the crankshaft position sensor
may become disconnected.
The campaign, which does not involve any hybrid components, involves
approximately 34,700 vehicles (26,200 Echo and 8,500 Prius) in the U.S.
There have been no reported cases of accidents or injuries related to the
affected vehicles, and no cases of this condition have been reported to
Toyota in the U.S.
In certain 2001 through early 2002 model year Echo and Prius vehicles,
due to improper molding of the resin body of the crankshaft position
sensor, engine oil may penetrate the seal and enter the connector. In
addition, the shape of the locking tab to secure the sensor's wire-harness
connector may be improper. In this condition, the oil may expand due to
heat from the engine and deform the connector, as well as create pressure
on the locking tab causing the crankshaft position sensor to become
disconnected. In the worst case, if the crankshaft position sensor becomes
disconnected while the vehicle is being driven, the engine will stall and
will be unable to restart.
Toyota will notify owners of the involved vehicles via first class mail
beginning in late-July. Owners are requested to contact their local Toyota
dealer for diagnosis and repair upon receiving their notification.
Replacement will be done at no charge to the owners of the vehicle.
Customers with questions or concerns should contact the Toyota Customer
Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.