Pocono News Section

Toyota Begins Fixing Recalled Cars

Toyota Begins Fixing Recalled Cars - Sunday, February 7, 2010 at 6:20PM EST

Reported by: Jeff Chirico
Sunday, Feb 7, 2010 @ 06:20pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- We could be just days away from yet another Toyota recall. This time the problem is with the 2010 Prius. Federal investigators are looking into claims of faulty brakes.

The Kyodo News Agency in Japan reported that Toyota will announce this week how it plans to handle the brake problem. It will either issue a recall or a voluntary repair.

This comes as Toyota dealerships around the world and here in Scranton work the weekend to fix problems that led to the recall of more than 8 million vehicles.

Toyota Master Technician Al Luberto can't remember the last time he worked a Sunday. "We do what we need to do. Gotta get customers on the road. Gotta get products fixed and driveable for people," he told Eyewitness News.

Dealerships can't sell or inspect cars on Sundays. But acceleration problems with some models are forcing the staff at Toyota of Scranton to work till midnight Sunday. Operations Director Vito Sampogne said, "We're trying to accommodate as many people as we can."

But Toyota dealerships are also trying to improve their image after two major recalls. They're offering free food, car wash, oil change and shuttle service. "We'll take you to the mall, take you to a Super Bowl party if you need. I know today is a big day", said Sampogne.

While the folks at Toyota of Scranton work around the clock to fix one big problem, they may have more on their plate. Toyota said Sunday it will announce this week whether or not it will recall the 2010 Prius.

The gas-electric hybrid has come under fire recently for momentary brake failure. Reports say Toyota wants to issue a voluntary repair, but realize a recall may be needed to regain the public's trust. About 100,000 have been sold in the U. S.

Meanwhile, Toyota of Scranton says it's doing what it can -- even on a rare Sunday -- to keep at least its customers happy. "You have guys working during the Super Bowl? Yes we do. Not happy? Maybe we'll put the game on in waiting room, to watch some of it, sure," said Sampogne.

The folks at Toyota of Scranton say you don't have to have an appointment to get your car fixed under the recall. As for the Prius -- Toyota says it does have a fix for the brake problem. That too will be announced this week.