On January 21, 2010 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. announced that it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles, broadening its largest such action ever, to fix sticking accelerator pedals on a number of Toyota Division models. This action from the world’s top auto-maker is separate from the on-going recall of 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles to minimize the risk of pedal entrapment due to incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats.
Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall 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
The recall does not affect any Lexus Division or Scion vehicles. Also not affected are other Toyota models such as the Toyota Yaris, Tacoma, Prius, Sienna, Solara, Venza, FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Camry hybrids and Highlander hybrids. In addition, the Camry, Corolla, RAV4 and Highlander vehicles with VINs that start with “J” are not affected by the sticky accelerator pedal recall.
The condition is quite rare, but can take place once the pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in some instances, the accelerator pedal can become harder to depress, return slowly to the idle position, or in the worst case scenario, stuck in a partially depressed position. In case such problems occur, the driver can control the vehicle with firm and steady application of the brakes. Drivers should not repeatedly pump the brakes because it could deplete vacuum assist, resulting into stronger brake pedal pressure.
Toyota has put the blame on the condensation in the pedal assembly, which includes the pedal, a curved arm that goes into the engine compartment, and springs that push the pedal back to its idle position when the driver eases up on the gas. The condensation generates friction that results into the aforementioned problems.
On January 26, Toyota announced that it is instructing Toyota dealers to temporarily halt sales of eight models involved in the recall for sticking accelerator pedals. Due to the sales suspension, Toyota is expected to stop manufacturing vehicles on the following production facilities for the week of February 1 to analyze and coordinate activities. The affected production facilities in North America are:
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada (Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4)
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (Sequoia and Highlander)
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky – Line 1 (Camry and Avalon)
- Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (Camry)
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (Tundra)
Two days later, Toyota extended its safety recall to Europe and China in what was perceived as another huge blow to the company’s reputation. The company said it had not yet determined the number of vehicles in Europe that would be recalled, or when, but analysts believe the figure could be 2 million on top of the 6 million in North America.
In China, the world’s biggest auto market in 2009, Toyota said it had submitted an application to recall some 75,000 RAV4 vehicles. All the vehicles subject to the recall in North America, Europe and China have gas pedals produced by supplier CTS Corp. of Elkhart, Indiana.
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