Toyota recalls 615,000 Sienna minivans to fix a transmission pro

ZZ Toyota recalls 615,000 Sienna minivans to fix a transmission problem

Toyota said Thursday it is recalling 615,000 Sienna minivans to fix a
transmission problem that could potentially cause them to shift out of the
park position without a driver pushing the brake pedal and start rolling.

The recall covers Siennas from model years 2004 and 2005 and 2007 to 2009.
The issue centers on the shift lever assembly. The problem has been blamed
for 21 accidents, causing two minor injuries and no deaths.

Toyota says that the shift lock solenoid, an electrical component, could be
become damaged. If it is, there is a "possibility" that the shift lever
could be moved out of the "P" position without the driver depressing the
brake pedal, causing the vehicle to roll away.

Spokeswoman Cindy Knight emphasizes, however, that the vehicle can not shift
out of park on its own. The shift lever still needs to be pushed.

Toyota has had more vehicles involved in safety-related recalls than any
other manufacturer during four of the last five years. It is on track to be
at or near the top of the list again in 2013, vying for that dubious
achievement against Honda, which also recalled several million vehicles this
year for a variety of problems.