Toyota recalls 615,000 Sienna minivans for rollaway risk

(September 27, 2013) TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota has announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall involving approximately 615,000 Sienna minivans from model years 2004-2005 and 2007-2009 to address problems with the shift lever assembly.
 
Because of the potential for damage to the shift lock solenoid installed in involved vehicles, there is a possibility that the shift lever could be moved out of the “P” position without the driver depressing the brake pedal. This could result in a vehicle roll-away.

Toyota spokeswoman Cindy Knight said the automaker is aware of 21 minor accidents in the United States, including two minor injuries, related to the recall.

Vehicles are required to have shift interlocks that prevent them from being shifted out of park unless the brake pedal is depressed. Toyota said the same shift lever assembly is used on 2006-2009 Lexus RX vehicles, but no incidents have been reported and the shift lever is in a different place.

All known owners of the subject vehicles will be notified by first class mail to return their vehicles to a Toyota dealer for replacement of the shift lock solenoid with a new one.
 
Detailed information is available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and by calling the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Sources: Toyota, The Detroit News