The problem
Southeast toyota is recalling 3,499 stainless steel exhaust tips sold by southeast toyota as an optional accessory for use on my 2008 highlander and highlander hybird vehicles. Due to improper heat treatment during the manufacturing process, the original clamp used to secure the stainless steel exhaust tip to the exhaust pipe may develop microscopic cracks. Eventually the crack may expand causing the clamp to break.
The risk
The original clamp and the toyota stainless steel exhaust tip may fall off the vehicle's exhaust pipe and become a road hazard which would increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix
Southeast toyota will notify owners and replace the clamp free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during may/june 2009. Owners may contact southeast toyota customer loyalty department at 1-800-301-6859.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.Safercar.Gov>http://www.Safercar.Gov</a> .
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Toyota dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 09E028000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.