Toyota recalls 700K vehicles; Chrysler, Kawasaki issue recalls, too

Toyota recalls nearly 700,000 vehicles due to safety concerns. Meanwhile, Chrysler and Kawasaki issue recalls of their own. Read on:

Manufacturer: Toyota
Vehicle model(s): 2005-09 Tacoma vehicles made from Sept. 14, 2004 through Aug. 29, 2008.
Number of units recalled: 495,470
The problem: Steering wheel vibration over time may damage the spiral cable assembly that powers the driver’s side air bag. If damage occurs, the air bag warning lamp will come on and the air bag may be deactivated, meaning the air bag may not deploy in the event of a traffic collision. This can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: Toyota will notify vehicle owners and dealers will make the repairs for free. The safety recall is to begin in early April.
For information: Call (800) 331-4331.

Manufacturer: Toyota
Vehicle model(s): 2009 Camry and 2009-11 Venza vehicles built between Oct. 20, 2008 and Jan. 4, 2011, as well as from July 1, 2008 and Feb. 28, 2009, respectively.
Number of units recalled: 186,798
The problem: Silicone grease may have come into contact with the surface of the stop lamp switch. This may cause contact resistance resulting in either the warning lamps illuminating or a no start condition. Also, the shift lever may not shift from the “park” position or the vehicle’s brakes may stop working, which could cause a crash as drivers following behind will know know that the vehicle is slowing down or coming to a stop.
The remedy: Toyota will contact vehicle owners and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch at no cost. This safety recall is to begin in early April.
For information: Call (800) 331-4331.

Manufacturer: Chrysler
Vehicle model(s): 2004-05 Jeep Liberty vehicles made from July 3, 2003 through July 14, 2005 that were either sold or are currently registered in the Salt Belt states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, west Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
Number of units recalled: 209,724
The problem: Some vehicles are equipped with rear lower control arms that may be fractured due to excessive corrosion, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and possibly resulting in a traffic collision.
The remedy: Chrysler will contact vehicle owners and dealers will replace the lower control arms for free. The recall is to begin by the end of April. The safety recall number is L27.
For information: Call (800) 853-1403.

Manufacturer: Kawasaki
Vehicle model(s): 2012 motorcycles made from Sept. 13, 2011 through Oct. 25, 2011. The models being recalled are:

Number of units recalled: 793
The problem: Engine vibration and damage caused during assembly can cause the circlips on the passenger footpeg mounting pins to break off and cause the footpeg to fall off the bike. This can create a road hazard for other vehicles on the road, as well as a distraction for the rider, thus increasing the risk of a collision.
The remedy: Kawasaki will notify vehicle owners and dealers will make the repairs at no cost to the rider. The recall is to begin this month.
For information: Call (866) 802-9381.

Information about these and other recalls are available by calling the National Highway Traffic safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 or go online to www.safercar.gov.