Here is the latest information from Toyota regarding the accelerator pedal
mechanism recall:
Toyota Announces Comprehensive Plan to Fix Accelerator Pedals on Recalled
Vehicles and Ensure Customer Safety
Rigorously Tested Reinforced Pedals Will Eliminate the Excess Friction that
Caused Sticking
Toyota Will Make Concerted Effort to Repair Recalled Vehicles as Quickly and
Conveniently as Possible
TORRANCE, Calif., February 1, 2010 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc.,
today announced it will begin fixing accelerator pedals in recalled Toyota
Division vehicles this week. Toyota's engineers have developed and rigorously
tested a solution that involves reinforcing the pedal assembly in a manner that
eliminates the excess friction that has caused the pedals to stick in rare
instances. In addition, Toyota has developed an effective solution for vehicles
in production.
Parts to reinforce the pedals are already being shipped for use by dealers,
and dealer training is under way. Many Toyota dealers will work extended hours
to complete the recall campaign as quickly and conveniently as possible, some
even staying open 24 hours a day. The company has also taken the unprecedented
action of stopping production of affected vehicles for the week of February 1.
"Nothing is more important to us than the safety and reliability of the
vehicles our customers drive," said Jim Lentz, president and Chief Operating
Officer, TMS. "We deeply regret the concern that our recalls have caused for our
customers and we are doing everything we can - as fast as we can - to make
things right. Stopping production is never an easy decision, but we are 100%
confident it was the right decision. We know what's causing the sticking
accelerator pedals, and we know what we have to do to fix it. We also know it is
most important to fix this problem in the cars on the road."
Lentz added: "We are focused on making this recall as simple and trouble-free
as possible, and will work day and night with our dealers to fix recalled
vehicles quickly. We want to demonstrate that our commitment to safety is as
high as ever and that our commitment to our customers is unwavering."
On January 21, Toyota announced its intention to recall approximately 2.3
million select Toyota Division vehicles equipped with a specific pedal assembly
and suspended sales of the eight models involved in the recall on January 26.
Toyota vehicles affected by the recall include:
- Certain 2009-2010 RAV4
- Certain 2009-2010 Corolla
- 2009-2010 Matrix
- 2005-2010 Avalon
- Certain 2007-2010 Camry
- Certain 2010 Highlander
- 2007-2010 Tundra
- 2008-2010 Sequoia
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not
affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ
Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and certain Camry models, including
Camry hybrids, all of which remain for sale.
Further, Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with Vehicle
Identification Numbers (VIN) that begin with "J" are not affected by the
accelerator pedal recall.
In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a
partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle
can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes
should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist,
requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. The vehicle should be driven to the
nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for
assistance.
Detailed information and answers to questions about issues related to this
recall are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota
Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
How Toyota Will Fix Recalled Vehicles
Toyota has pinpointed the issue that could, on rare occasions, cause
accelerator pedals in recalled vehicles to stick in a partially open position.
The issue involves a friction device in the pedal designed to provide the proper
"feel" by adding resistance and making the pedal steady and stable. The device
includes a shoe that rubs against an adjoining surface during normal pedal
operation. Due to the materials used, wear and environmental conditions, these
surfaces may, over time, begin to stick and release instead of operating
smoothly. In some cases, friction could increase to a point that the pedal is
slow to return to the idle position or, in rare cases, the pedal sticks, leaving
the throttle partially open.
Toyota's solution for current owners is both effective and simple. A
precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the assembly that
will reduce the surface tension between the friction shoe and the adjoining
surface. With this reinforcement in place, the excess friction that can cause
the pedal to stick is eliminated. The company has confirmed the effectiveness of
the newly reinforced pedals through rigorous testing on pedal assemblies that
had previously shown a tendency to stick.
Separately from the recall for sticking accelerator pedals, Toyota is in the
process of recalling vehicles to address rare instances in which floor mats have
trapped the accelerator pedal in certain Toyota and Lexus models (announced
November 25, 2009), and is already notifying customers about how it will fix
this issue. In the case of vehicles covered by both recalls, it is Toyota's
intention to remedy both at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions For Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall and
Suspension of Sales
Which models are affected by the recall/stop
sale?
Toyota's accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to
the following Toyota Division vehicles:
- Certain 2009-2010 RAV4,
- Certain 2009-2010 Corolla,
- 2009-2010 Matrix,
- 2005-2010 Avalon,
- Certain 2007-2010 Camry,
- Certain 2010 Highlander,
- 2007-2010 Tundra,
- 2008-2010 Sequoia
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not
affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ
Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and Camry hybrids, which will remain
for sale.
Further, Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with VINs that begin
with "J" are not affected by the sticky accelerator pedal recall.
What is the condition that has prompted Toyota to take this
action?
In rare instances, there is a possibility that certain
accelerator pedal mechanisms may, mechanically stick in a partially depressed
position or return slowly to the idle position.
What is the likelihood that my vehicle will experience this
condition?
The condition is rare and does not occur suddenly.
It can occur when the pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in certain conditions,
the accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the
worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position.
Are you continuing to investigate other
models?
Toyota is confident that all models that contain the
potentially sticking pedals have been identified.
Why has Toyota stopped selling the affected vehicles?
Until Toyota has finalized an appropriate remedy to address
the potential for sticking accelerator pedals, a sales suspension is necessary.
How long will this stop sale be in effect?
New
cars covered by this recall will not be delivered until a remedy is finalized
and then implemented.
When do you expect to have a remedy?
Toyota
is making every effort to remedy this situation for customers as quickly as
possible.
What options are you exploring for a
remedy?
Toyota is reviewing a number of different options,
and the company hopes to announce a remedy soon.
What should I do if I believe my vehicle is affected by this
condition, i.e. I have noticed that my accelerator pedal is hard to depress,
slow to return or is unsmooth during operation. What should I do?
The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the
engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.
What if you experience a sticking accelerator pedal while
driving?
Each circumstance may vary, and drivers must use their
best judgment, but Toyota recommends taking one of the following actions:
- If you need to stop immediately, the vehicle can be controlled by stepping
on the brake pedal with both feet using firm and steady pressure. Do not pump
the brake pedal as it will deplete the vacuum utilized for the power brake
assist.
- Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the
brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the
engine.
- If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF. This will not
cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems
will be lost.
- If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly and
steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off the engine. Do
NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button.
- If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key-ignition, turn the
ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do NOT remove the key
from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.
If I am an owner of one of the affected vehicles, what action
do I need to take?
Toyota is working quickly to prepare a
correction remedy and will issue owner notifications in the future. No action
is required at this time unless you feel you are experiencing this condition.
If you are experiencing this condition, immediately contact your nearest Toyota
Dealer for assistance.
Toyota stated that this did not affect new/low mileage
vehicles, has the situation changed?
The law requires that the
entire universe of new vehicles identified in the recall notice must be included
in the stop sale.
Why are you stopping production at your
factories?
Production is being stopped temporarily at five
North American production facilities to assess and coordinate activities related
to the recall announced on January 21.
What should I do if I still have questions or concerns?
If you still have questions or concerns that have not been
addressed here, please contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at
1-800-331-4331.
The Toyota Customer Experience Center hours are:
Mon -
Fri, 5:00 am - 6:00 pm PST
Sat, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm PST
