Until something surpasses it, I will always remember 2010 as the year of recalls. According to official NHTSA numbers, recalled vehicles for 2010 were well short of the record-breaking year of 2004, but were the 3rd most since the agency began tracking them. 20.3 million vehicles were affected by 2010′s well-publicized recalls, led by Toyota’s 7.1 million. This is roughly 2/3 of the 30.8 million recalls experienced in 2004.

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About two months ago, Ferrari issued a recall for more than 1,200 458 Italias, citing an adhesive in the wheel arch assemblies that could overheat and cause fires. The recall came after an investigation into why 458s around the world were burning up like dry straw at a firing range. In the months following its debut, 458s had burned up in the U.S., Switzerland, France and China.

Add Brazil to that list. WreckedExotics reports today that a 458 caught fire while driving down a highway in Sao Paulo.

So, did the recall fix not work? The blog doesn’t yet have any information about whether the Brazil 458 had been repaired/issued under the recall, so we’re going to guess that it wasn’t repaired, since the damage appears to be from the exact same issue. However, we’ll stay tuned to know for sure. [via WreckedExotics]

After just a week of investigation, Ferrari has identified the problem behind the well publicized 458 fires. The company explained to Autocar: “”When the car is driven to high exhaust temperatures, in hot ambient temperatures, the adhesive used in the wheelarch assemblies can overheat and allow the rear wheel housing heat shields to move around. In extreme cases, the glue can begin to smoke and even catch fire.”

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In the midst of an intensifying NHTSA investigation, Toyota issued a voluntary recall of 1.13 million 2005 to 2008 Corolla and Corolla Matrix models. The recall relates to problems with engine stalling.

Here’s Toyota’s official explanation:

On vehicles equipped with the 1ZZ-FE engine and two-wheel drive, there is a possibility that a crack may develop at certain solder points or on the electronic component used to protect circuits against excessive voltage (varistor), on the ECM’s circuit board. In most cases, if a crack occurs at certain solder points or on certain varistors, the check engine may illuminate, harsh shifting could result, or the engine may not start. In limited instances, if cracking occurs on particular solder points or varistors, the engine could stop while the vehicle is being driven.

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It looks like Toyota may have another major recall in the works for the disastrous year of 2010. According to the NY Times, the NHTSA has raised its investigation of stalling Toyotas from “preliminary evaluation” to “engineering analysis,” which is one step below a full-blown recall. The investigation applies to 1.2 million 2005 to 2007 Corolla and Matrix models.

The NHTSA began its preliminary evaluation last November, and has received 163 complaints about an issue that relates to the engine suddenly stalling without any warning–a rather different problem than the oh-so-popular “unintended acceleration.” The engine control unit is thought to be the cause of the stalling. Toyota said that it received six complaints of accidents but no injuries were reported. [ NY Times via Carscoop]

Toyota announced today that it will recall 412,000 U.S. vehicles for a steering issue beginning next month. Models affected are 2000 to 2004 Toyota Avalons and 2003 to 2007 Lexus LX 470 models.

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We knew it was coming, and today Toyota told the NHTSA that it will be recalling a total of 138,000 U.S. Lexus vehicles for a defect in the engine that can cause stalling. Toyota explains that foreign material in the valve springs of certain V8 and V6 engines can cause the engine to make noise, idle or even stall out completely while driving. Vehicles involved are the 2007-2008 GS 350,2007-2008 GS 450h, 2006 and 2008 GS 460, 2007-2008 IS 350, 2007-2008 LS 460, 2007-2008 LS 460 L, and the 2008 LS 600h L.

According to Toyota, the likelihood of a driver experiencing a complete engine stall-out while driving is less than one percent. No accidents or injuries have arisen from the problem. [via USA Today]

We’ve already had floor mat, braking, steering and fire hazard safety problems from Toyota in the past year, why not an engine issue? According to Japanese reports, that’s what’s next on the docket for the troubled automaker. Toyota will reportedly recall 270,000 vehicles next week for engine deficiencies on an unspecified list of vehicles that looks to be largely Lexus. The recall will involve the Toyota Crown and seven Lexus models, according to the Huffington Post. The LA Times lists the models as the Lexus GS 350, GS 450h, GS 460, IS 350, LS 460, LS 600h and LS 600h L, but doesn’t give specific years.

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It’s another Toyota recall, and another fire hazard. It’s also the second recall of the Lexus HS 250h this year. Toyota is recalling 17,000 2010 HS 250h models for a potential fire hazard resulting from fuel leakage. According to the NHTSA, the Lexus leaks fuel beyond acceptable levels and could be the cause of a fire should an ignition source spark the leaked fuel.

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