Premier Toyota Scion

On December 13, 2010, Toyota filed a Defect Information Report (DIR) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) informing the agency of the intent to conduct a voluntary Safety Recall on certain 2011 model year Sienna vehicles to replace the brake light (stop lamp) switch bracket.

In certain Sienna vehicles, the stop lamp switch is mounted on a small bracket welded on the left side of the brake pedal support assembly. The bracket is relatively close to the parking brake pedal when the parking brake is fully applied. Due to its proximity to the parking brake pedal, in limited circumstances the stop lamp switch bracket could be deformed (bent) by the driver?s foot during parking brake application. Depending on the amount of bracket deformation, this condition could result in the stop lamp switch engaging and causing the brake lights to remain on. If the deformation is significant, the service brake could become partially engaged due to contact from the bracket, resulting in brake drag with associated brake noise, vibration, and/or illumination of the brake warning light. If the driver does not notice these conditions and continues to drive the vehicle, braking effectiveness could be reduced.

Q1: What is the function of the Stop Lamp Switch?
A1: The stop lamp switch provides a signal to the vehicle?s Electronic Control Unit that indicates the service brake pedal has been pressed and illuminates the brake lights.

Q2: Are there any warnings that this condition has occurred?
A2: Depending on the amount of stop lamp switch bracket deformation, the driver may notice the rear brake lights remaining ?ON? and/or the brakes could remain slightly applied, resulting in brake drag with associated brake noise, vibration, and/or illumination of the brake warning light. The driver may feel the vehicle is dragging.

Q3: What can I do to prevent this condition from occurring?
A3: We can provide a diagram of the stop lamp switch bracket to inform you of what it looks like to help minimize the possibility of contacting the stop lamp switch bracket. We will also request drivers to periodically verify that the brake lights on the vehicle are not illuminated while the brake pedal is not depressed and the position of the stop lamp switch bracket. Toyota will provide instructions in the interim owner notification letter.

If you are not comfortable conducting the periodic inspection, any Premier Toyota will be happy to perform the inspection at no cost.

Q4: What is Toyota going to do?
A4: Toyota will replace the bracket assembly which includes the stop lamp switch bracket with one of a different shape. The shape of the new stop lamp switch bracket has been changed, taking into account the proximity to the parking brake pedal and possibility of being contacted by the driver?s foot when operating the parking brake pedal.

These repairs are available at Premier Toyota. Feel free to call and make your appointment at 440-985-6100 or by logging into our service scheduler.

Q5: Which and how many vehicles are covered by this Safety Recall?
A5: There are approximately 94,000 Sienna (2011 model year) vehicles covered by this Safety Recall.

Q6: What is the production period of the covered vehicles?
A6: The covered vehicles were produced from late December 2009 to early November 2010.

Q7: Are there any other Toyota or Lexus vehicles covered by the Safety Recall?
A7: This condition is only limited to 2011 model year Sienna vehicles produced prior to early November, 2010.

Q8: Have there been any accidents or injuries reported?
A8: Toyota is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition.

Q9: What if I have additional questions or concerns?
A9: Owners with questions or concerns are asked to please contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 Monday through Friday, 5:00 am to 6:00 pm, or Saturday 7:00 am through 4:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.

RECALL: A0P (A1P) - Sienna Brake Light