New Toyota FJ Cruiser recall due to headlights that may blind drivers
Toyota is issuing another recall of FJ Cruiser SUVs. This time, the automaker is recalling 11,489 of its model year 2007-2013 Cruisers because of a headlight problem that could blind oncoming drivers.
In March, Toyota recalled 209,000 Cruisers because of a problem with seatbelt retractors that could become detached from the vehicle frame.
The Cruisers in the newly issued recall were manufactured from Jan. 25, 2006, through Feb. 23 of this year, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
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They are equipped with the automaker’s “Auxiliary Driving Lamp Kits,” which are mounted to the front bumpers of the vehicles.
Documents filed with NHTSA say that the lamp assemblies include 55-watt bulbs and “due to this wattage, the combination of the upper beam headlamps plus the auxiliary lamps are too bright and exceed the maximum light output allowed for an upper beam headlamp.”
The “excessively bright” lights “may temporarily blind oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash,” NHTSA says.
Toyota reported the problem to NHTSA on April 25 and says that it will notify owners, and dealers will replace the 55-watt bulbs with 35-watt bulbs free of charge.
The recall is expected to begin in late May. Owners may also contact Toyota at (800) 331-4331 for more information.
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