Toyota announced today that it would voluntarily initiate a recall of
2.3 million vehicles due to a problem with sticking accelerator pedals.
Over 60 percent of the vehicles Toyota sold last year are affected by
this recall.
Of the models being recalled, 1.7 million are also affected by
Toyota’s past recall, which had 4.2 million vehicles being recalled for
improperly placed floor mats that could cause pedal entrapment.
“If a driver ever feels as if the accelerator is stuck, he or she
should try pull the pedal up with a toe, put the car in neutral, shut
the car down and have it towed to the dealership,” advised Edmunds.com’s
Director of Vehicle Testing Dan Edmunds.
“Aside from the safety concerns, I think the other issue is – and we’re seeing it being discussed in the CarSpace.com
forums – is that Toyota owners’ confidence is shaken,” noted
Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Michelle Krebs. “Most consumers choose the
Toyota brand because of its reputation, but where does this prolonged
and misunderstood problem leave the company’s reputation? This situation
opens the doors for competitors to steal away their customers.”
The models most affected by this recall include 2009-2010 RAV4,
2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry,
2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra, and 2008-2010 Sequoia.
Many of Toyota’s best-selling brands, among them the Prius, Tacoma, Land Cruiser and Camry hybrid, have not been recalled.
The rare but dangerous problem presented by the sticking
accelerator pedals seems to be caused by worn pedal mechanisms that
eventually either become stuck in a depressed position, harder to
depress, or slower to return.
From Business Wire
