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Toyota Crises Deepens
A string of massive recalls continued
yesterday with an additional 1.1 million popular Toyota models being
recalled as part of the the expanding floor mat and accelerator design
campaigns. This recall is related to the 4.3 million models
recalled last fall to fix floor mats that could cause the accelerator
to jam. Toyota also announced model recalls in China and Europe.
Two of the largest used car auction
companies, ADESA and Manheim, suspended all sales
of the models for a time, but that ban has since been lifted.
Toyota had stopped the sale of several models until a fix was found.
Vehicles equipped with the pedal fix are available for sale once more.
Used values will
undoubtedly be affected, but it is unclear right now to what extent
and for how long.
Affected by the recent
pedal recall are the 2005-10 Avalon, 2007-10 Camry, 2007-10 Tundra,
2008-10 Sequoia and Highlander; and 2009-10 Corolla, Matrix, RAV4, and
Venza. 2009-10 Pontiac Vibes, a joint venture with General
Motors Co., are also affected by the recall.
Investigations have been started on other
issues, including steering issues on the Corolla, and a driveshaft
problem on Tacomas. Published reports from many sources also
indicate software glitches on many models are being investigated as
well, a potentially huge problem.
For the latest information, visit Toyota's
official website. As you would expect, there is a LOT of spin in
the entire presentation.
http://www.toyota.com/recall/
Toyota's Official
Information
Frequently Asked
Questions For Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall and Suspension of
Sales
Which models are affected
by the recall(s)?
Toyota’s recalls are currently confined to the following Toyota Division
vehicles:
- 2010 Lexus HS 250h
- 2009-2010 RAV4
- 2009-2010 Corolla
- 2009-2010 Matrix/Pontiac Vibe
- 2005-2010 Avalon
- 2007-2010 Camry
- 2008-2010 Highlander
- 2007-2010 Tundra
- 2008-2010 Sequoia
- 2010 Tacoma
- 2010 Prius
- 2009-2010 Venza
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.
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.
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
Amended Recall
Potential Floor Mat Interference with Accelerator Pedal
On Wednesday, January 27, 2010, Toyota sent a letter to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration amending Toyota’s
Defect Information Report of October 5, 2009 regarding the
potential risk for floor mat entrapment of accelerator pedals in
certain Toyota and Lexus models. Toyota has decided to include
certain other models in the campaign. This action is separate from
the recall of select Toyota vehicles for sticking accelerator
pedals.
The specific model names and years
associated with the newly-expanded population of subject vehicles
for the pedal entrapment recall include:
2008-2010 Highlander
2009-2010 Corolla
2009-2010 Venza
2009-2010 Matrix
2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe
As of January 26, 2010 the total
vehicle population increased by approximately 1,093,000 vehicles.
Toyota's remedy plan is to modify or
replace the accelerator pedals on the subject vehicles to address
the risk of floor mat entrapment, even when an older-design all
weather floor mat or other inappropriate mat is improperly
attached, or is placed on top of another floor mat. Floor surface
modifications are also being considered and will be included in
the remedy plan for any model for which it is deemed appropriate.
Initially, dealers will be instructed
on how to reshape the accelerator pedal for the repair. As
replacement parts with the same shape as the modified pedal become
available, they will be made available to the dealers for the
repair. Customers who have had the pedal reshape remedy completed
will have the opportunity to receive a new pedal if they desire,
after replacement pedals become available.
In addition, Toyota will replace any
Toyota all-weather floor mat in a subject vehicle with a newly
designed mat, free of charge. For those customers who have the
previous design all-weather floor mat but do not need or want the
newly designed all-weather floor mat, Toyota will recover the
previous design all-weather floor mat and reimburse its price.
VMR Note: AS
REQUIRED BY LAW, ALL WORK RELATED TO THE RECALL WILL BE PERFORMED
FREE OF CHARGE.
NOTE TO CONSUMERS: For questions,
contact our Customer Experience Center where they will be routed to
the appropriate customer service representative for Toyota, Scion or
Lexus. You can reach our customer service representatives by
calling 1-800-331-4331. Prefer to email or chat? Simply
access our website email or live chat links for Toyota, Scion or
Lexus.
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