Recall 98V-278: 1998–1999 Toyota Avalon, 1998–1999 Toyota RAV4 and 1 more
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS recall for electrical system, reported to NHTSA on Oct 19, 1998, covering about 1,960 vehicles.
The problem
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles, mini vans and passenger vehicles equipped with a theft deterrent systems (Tds) supplied by audiovox corporation and distributed by southeast toyota distributors, inc. In the states of alabama, florida, georgia, north and south carolina. The alarm wiring harness plugs into the vehicle's ignition switch and the vehicle's ignition switch wiring harness plugs into the alarm harness to complete the circuit. A percentage of the female terminals used in the alarm connector were found to be defective, causing an 'open circuit' condition when mated to the male ignition switch terminals.
The risk
This condition can cause intermittent performance of the vehicle's electrical components such as the dash warning lights and/or HVAC fan speed controls. Also, the vehicle may not run smoothly and could stall.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the date code label on the security system harness and any displaying the manufacturing/final date code will be replaced with newly produced harnesses. The date codes are: rav4 - 6/24/98, 6/25/98, 6/26/98; sienna - 6/25/98, 6/26/98; and avalon - 6/30/98, 7/1/98, 8/31/98, 9/1/98, 9/2/98, and 9/3/98.
Notes
Owner notification is expected to begin during october/november 1998.owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southeast toyota distributor at 1-800-301-6859.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Recall details
| Manufacturer | SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS |
|---|---|
| Component | Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module |
| Recall started by | the manufacturer |
| NHTSA campaign number | 98V278000 |
Vehicles in this recall
| Vehicle | Model years | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Avalon | 1998, 1999 | All years |
| Toyota RAV4 | 1998, 1999 | All years |
| Toyota Sienna | 1998, 1999 | All years |
Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 98V-278?
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles, mini vans and passenger vehicles equipped with a theft deterrent systems (Tds) supplied by audiovox corporation and distributed by southeast toyota distributors, inc. In the states of alabama, florida, georgia, north and south carolina. The alarm wiring harness plugs into the vehicle's ignition switch and the vehicle's ignition switch wiring harness plugs into the alarm harness to complete the circuit. A percentage of the female terminals used in the alarm connector were found to be defective, causing an 'open circuit' condition when mated to the male ignition switch terminals.
How is recall 98V-278 fixed?
Dealers will inspect the date code label on the security system harness and any displaying the manufacturing/final date code will be replaced with newly produced harnesses. The date codes are: rav4 - 6/24/98, 6/25/98, 6/26/98; sienna - 6/25/98, 6/26/98; and avalon - 6/30/98, 7/1/98, 8/31/98, 9/1/98, 9/2/98, and 9/3/98.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.