The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Yaris. While the vehicle was parked, the hand brake would not release. The failure recurred constantly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

- Secaucus, NJ, USA

Toyota motor Corp. Has confirmed to me that the 2007 manual-transmission Toyota Yaris engine has insufficient compression to hold the car on an incline when the engine is off and the transmission is in first gear. I experience a continual bumping-back on a slight hill. (I discovered this only when I hadn't set the parking brake because I was sitting in the car.) I've driven stick-shifts all my life and every independent mechanic I've shown this to has agreed that it is a tragedy waiting to happen. Several noted that it is called "reverse dieseling". problem #1: consumers are not being informed of this situation. I'd never have purchased the car if I'd known. Solution: A letter must be sent to all Yaris owners immediately, informing them of this. Problem #2: at the bare minimum, why is there no warning system which is activated when the parking brake is not set? an automatic transmission when turned off will not release the key when not in park. Solution: At the very least Toyota must retrofit the cars with an audio/visual signal when the parking brake is not set. Upcoming models must include a quality safeguard. Problem #3: page 129 of the owner's manual mildly states, "when parking, firmly apply the parking brake to avoid inadvertent creeping." Please note that the identical verbiage is used in the manual for both types of transmission. Solution: Obvious. Problem# 4: parking brakes are notoriously unreliable for many reasons. Ideal solution: Engine should be re-engineered with sufficient compression. Updated 10/11/07

- Laguna Beach, CA, USA