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Readers Write: PhillyCarShare And Zipcar, Why Have Ye Not Recalled The Toyota DeathBox?


I have not received a response from PhillyCarShare or ZipCar on how they are handling Toyota’s recent recall of Corollas and Matrix vehicles, which both companies have in their fleets. This should be information that members of both companies should be aware of as they make reservations.

Whoops! OK, maybe “deathbox” is a little strong. Maybe it’s more more like “wheezy stallbox.” Either way, we’re not seeing any official word on this yet, either. Our advice? Rent the Yaris. That way, you at least know you’re gonna die.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 12:05 pm.

  • Nate

    Might wanna check on the Pontiac Vibe too, if there are any in either fleet, since the Vibe and the Matrix are more the same car than not, and GM is also recalling a bunch of them.

  • http://eagleapex.com eagleapex

    So it stalls? Really. I’m not an idiot. I know how to stop a stalled car going 65mph down a highway and every other driver should too. Not a big deal.

  • Nate

    Well the issue is if it stalls as you are starting to make a left turn across traffic. Or somewhere with fast traffic and no shoulder. The NHTSA only gets involved in things like this if it has caused accidents, which it has.

  • BovineJoni

    Hooray! One more thing for PhillyCarShare to NOT do!

  • barryg

    I think PhillyCarShare has a total of 4, maybe 5 or 6, of these in their fleet.

  • expert answer

    There are not just 4, 5, or 6 cars. It is closer to 8 1/2 % of their entire fleet. You can check these numbers out on their web site.

  • gregwinter

    The safety of our members – Zipsters – is our highest priority. Zipcar is working closely with Toyota to determine the actual vehicles impacted by the recall.

    Presently, there are 58 vehicles that could potentially be affected, out of our fleet of more than 7,000 vehicles.

    Zipcar expects to receive a list of VINs (vehicle identification numbers) of impacted vehicles from Toyota shortly. Once we receive this list we will immediately schedule the recommended service with local Toyota dealers and service agencies.

    We will continue to monitor the recall closely and follow Toyota’s recommendations.

    Questions about upcoming Zipcar reservations should be directed to Zipcar Member Services at 1-866-4ZIPCAR (1-866-494-7227).

    Additional information about Toyota’s recall is available here:
    http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/customer-faqs-for-corolla-corolla-168496.aspx?link_page_rss=168496&siteid=DMG_rss_201008_RLA_explan_toynew_Toyota+Vehicles:+Customer+FAQs+for+Corolla/Corolla+Matrix+Recall

    – Greg Winter, VP of Communications, Zipcar

  • expert answer

    I would like to thank ZipCar for updating us on their handling of the new Toyota recall.

    Unfortunately PhillyCarShare, with their usual lack of communication to their members, has not bothered to tell its members how they are solving this very serious problem. If any of these vehicles should stall getting on or off a high speed ramp or changing lanes on I 95, there could be a very serious problem for the driver. Is PhillyCarshare concerned about this at all?

    In addition, PhillyCarShare has recently made a major announcement:

    “PhillyCarShare We have exciting news! Our plans to renew our fleet are now underway. PhillyCarShare is proud to announce that we are adding 25 new vehicles this month. Look out for and reserve the new Mazda 5, Toyota Matrix, and Toyota Camry.”

    Not only has PhillyCarShare not addressed the original problem of the recall, it is adding additional Matrix vehicles to its fleet, thus raising the percentage of known problem vehicles available to its members.

    PhillyCarShare still manages its operations, no matter how dangerous to its members, with total secrecy. Raise fees, close PODs, disregard recalls. If they just don’t tell anyone, no one will notice all the problems.

    News Flash: Everyone has noticed!