Special Coverage
Toyota's Safety Crisis
Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. says it is voluntarily recalling 2.3 million vehicles with potentially sticking accelerator pedals.
Toyota last fall recalled 4.2 million vehicles because it found the clearance space too small between the bottom of accelerator pedals and floor mats, which could cause the accelerator to become jammed.
The new recall is prompted by pedals that stick halfway open or slowly return to the idle position.
The new batch of recalled vehicles are all Toyota models, unlike the recall that included Toyota and Lexus models.
Affected by the new recall are ’09-’10 Toyota RAV4 cross/utility vehicles, Corolla compact cars and Matrix compact hatchbacks; ’05-’10 Avalon sedans; ’07-’10 Camry models; ’10 Highlander CUVs; ’07-’10 Tundra fullsize pickup trucks; and ’08-’10 Sequoia large SUVs.
“In recent months, Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats,” TMSUSA Group Vice President Irv Miller says in a statement.
“Our investigation indicates 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 says it is working on a correction and advises drivers whose pedals stick partially open, or return slowly to idle, to apply brakes firmly and steadily and pull over to a safe spot, shutting off the car’s engine.
