A very select grouping of Toyota hauling machines are being recalled for an issue with an aftermarket part. A number of Sienna minivans and 4Runner SUVs which reside in the Gulf States may have an issue with a non-original equipment remote starter. Built by Audiovox Electronics, the starter module can interfere with part of the vehicles’ ECU in a rather odd manner. There is a chance that the communication with the Controller Area Network will be lost which would lead to a loss of antilock braking and stability control.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administratin (NHTSA), drivers should be made aware of this issue by the proper warning lights on the dashboard. So far, just 363 Sienna and 4Runner vehicles are at risk, all of which are 2012 model years. The Gulf States Toyota dealers have been made aware of the affected vehicles and will begin notifying owners early April of this year. In order to remedy the problem, technicians will replace the Audiovox remote starter with a new unit and do so at no extra cost to drivers.
Source: NHTSA
