Defect
Toyota Canada, through its network of dealerships, offered for sale an accessory cruise control unit manufactured by Rostra Precision Controls, Inc., Model AP800 for 2006-2010 Yaris models. The Rostra accessory cruise control unit is mounted to the left of and below the steering wheel, behind the dashboard (below the cup-holder) with a switch on the steering column to enable the driver to activate it. Rostra has confirmed that, in very rare circumstances, when a mobile two-way radio (licensed for use by emergency personnel, under specific regulatory conditions and frequencies in Canada) is operated in the vehicle, the engine speed (RPM) can fluctuate or vary mildly, and for a short period of time. This can occur when the mobile handheld two-way radio is operated in the "transmit" mode at certain specific frequencies in very close proximity to the Rostra accessory cruise control unit under the dashboard. Also, if this condition does occur, the driver may notice a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the dash and a reduction of engine power, allowing the operator to drive the vehicle to the shoulder or another safe location. Toyota has confirmed that this problem is not due to a defect in the vehicle's original equipment nor does this condition occur where a handheld Citizens' Band (CB) radio, cell phone or Bluetooth transceiver is operated in the vehicle.
Remedy
To ensure continued customer confidence in the safety and quality of their vehicle, Toyota Canada recommends that the Rostra accessory cruise control unit be removed from the vehicle. The removal of the Rostra cruise control unit will be performed at no cost and the original purchase price of the system will be reimbursed to owners. This action is a Customer Satisfaction Campaign and is not being conducted as per the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
