Toyota issues new voluntary recall for sticking accelerator pedals, 2.3 million vehicles affected

Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. said today that it would recall 2.3 million vehicles for sticking accelerator pedals, in addition to the 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles already being recalled. This recall is entirely separate from the one Toyota announced last September, its largest ever at approximately 4.2 million vehicles, involving pedal entrapment by floor mats that could cause unintended acceleration. That said, about 1.7 million vehicles out there on the roads are involved in both recalls, though no Lexus or Scion models are involved in the one announced today.

A class action law suit filed against the automaker last November alleges that Toyota has known about this problem for four years and received 2,000 complaints. It also alleges that sticking accelerator pedals have resulted in 16 deaths and 243 injuries.

Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:
• 2009-2010 RAV4,
• 2009-2010 Corolla,
• 2009-2010 Matrix,
• 2005-2010 Avalon,
• 2007-2010 Camry,
• 2010 Highlander,
• 2007-2010 Tundra,
• 2008-2010 Sequoia

Press Release

Toyota Files Voluntary Safety Recall on Select Toyota Division Vehicles for Sticking Accelerator Pedal

• Lexus and Scion Models Not Affected
• Filing Addresses Isolated Customer Complaints
• Separate From On-Going Recall Involving Floor Mat Pedal Entrapment Issue

TORRANCE, Calif., January 21, 2010 — Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc, today announced it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models. This action is separate from the on-going recall of approximately 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats. Approximately 1.7 million Toyota Division vehicles are subject to both separate recall actions.
“In recent months, Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats,” said TMS Group Vice President Irv Miller. “Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position. Consistent with our commitment to the safety of our cars and our customers, we have initiated this voluntary recall action.”
Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:
• 2009-2010 RAV4,
• 2009-2010 Corolla,
• 2009-2010 Matrix,
• 2005-2010 Avalon,
• 2007-2010 Camry,
• 2010 Highlander,
• 2007-2010 Tundra,
• 2008-2010 Sequoia
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by this recall action. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids.
The condition is rare, but 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. Toyota is working quickly to prepare the correction remedy.
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.
Toyota will continue to investigate incidents of unwanted acceleration and take appropriate measures to address any trends that are identified.
Toyota owners who have questions or concerns should contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
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The latest news about Toyota’s consumer safety advisory for potential floor mat interference with the accelerator pedal in certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles:
Setting the Record Straight (Dec. 23, 2009)
A Healthy Discussion on Safety (Dec. 10, 2009)
Toyota Announces Details of Remedy to Address Potential Accelerator Pedal Entrapment (Nov. 25, 2009)
Unintended Acceleration: Toyota Addresses the Issues (Nov. 6, 2009)
Toyota’s Statement Regarding NHTSA News Release (Nov. 4, 2009)
Toyota USA Update on Safety Advisory – Video (Nov. 2, 2009/Updated Nov. 5, 2009)
Toyota Begins Interim Notification to Owners Regarding Future Voluntary Safety Recall Related to Floor Mats (Nov. 2, 2009)

NHTSA report (Nov. 2, 2009)
Toyota owner letter (Nov. 2, 2009)
Toyota Consumer Safety Advisory: Potential Floor Mat Interference with Accelerator Pedal (Sept. 29, 2009)
Toyota/Carpeted/All-Weather Floor Mat Inspection, Application & Installation Instructions (Sept. 29, 2009)
Toyota Carpet Floor Mat Application Information Chart (Sept. 29, 2009)
Toyota All-Weather Floor Mat Quick Reference Chart (Sept. 29, 2009)