Ombudsman to monitor Toyota recall

He said the office of the MIO has been promised “full and detailed” reporting on the recall service action.

“It is the duty of the MIO to act as independent watchdog and mediator in instances where the vehicle owner and the manufacturer of the vehicle in question cannot reach a resolution to a specific problem or complaint.

“Given the nature of the recall service campaign initiated by Toyota, we are of the opinion that the company has taken all the necessary steps to ensure that each and every owner of an affected vehicle is contacted and that the corrective action will be carried out at the least possible inconvenience to them,” he said.

Being recalled

The recalled models are:
• Toyota Corolla (February 2007 to January 2010),
• Toyota Auris (June 2006 to January 2010),
• Toyota Verso (October 2008 to January 2010),
• Prius (August 2009 to February 2010).

“It is the understanding of the office of the Motor Industry Ombudsman (MIO) that TSAM will be in contact with each and every owner of an affected vehicle and that they will be given the opportunity to bring their vehicle to their nearest dealer for the preventative maintenance action.

“We have been informed that this action will take place from 23 February onwards and that Toyota is already contacting the owners of these vehicles,” he said.

Van Vreden said Toyota fully subscribed to the code that governs the Motor Industry Ombudsman and they have promised the office of the Ombudsman their full cooperation in both this campaign and any concern that a Toyota-owner might have that would require arbitration.