As you are probably aware, there are several recalls involving certain Toyota models and the potential for accelerator pedals not returning to the idle position when the driver's foot is lifted. We want to make sure that our customers have all of the information they need, so we've created this page. Below are links to more information. If you don't see what your looking for, or need further information, please give us a call.
There are two different issues that are involved. One is related to what is called pedal entrapment, which is caused by out of position or improper floor mats. The other is related to a rare, but potential issue with accelerator pedal mechanisms themselves, which were made by one specific supplier on certain North American built vehicles. This second recall is the one that also involves the temporary halt of sales and production of certain models, which occurred on 1/27.
For more information on the accelerator pedal mechanism recall, please click here.
For more information on the floor mat related recall, please click here.
Also visit www.toyotarecall.org/ for a website dedicated to informing the public about these recalls.
Toyota Announces Comprehensive Plan to Fix Accelerator Pedals on Recalled Vehicles and Ensure Customer Safety
Rigorously Tested Reinforced Pedals Will Eliminate the Excess Friction that Caused Sticking
Toyota Will Make Concerted Effort to Repair Recalled Vehicles as Quickly and Conveniently as Possible
TORRANCE, Calif., February 1, 2010 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc., today announced it will begin fixing accelerator pedals in recalled Toyota Division vehicles this week. Toyota's engineers have developed and rigorously tested a solution that involves reinforcing the pedal assembly in a manner that eliminates the excess friction that has caused the pedals to stick in rare instances. In addition, Toyota has developed an effective solution for vehicles in production.
Parts to reinforce the pedals are already being shipped for use by dealers, and dealer training is under way. Many Toyota dealers will work extended hours to complete the recall campaign as quickly and conveniently as possible, some even staying open 24 hours a day. The company has also taken the unprecedented action of stopping production of affected vehicles for the week of February 1.
"Nothing is more important to us than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive," said Jim Lentz, president and Chief Operating Officer, TMS. "We deeply regret the concern that our recalls have caused for our customers and we are doing everything we can - as fast as we can - to make things right. Stopping production is never an easy decision, but we are 100% confident it was the right decision. We know what's causing the sticking accelerator pedals, and we know what we have to do to fix it. We also know it is most important to fix this problem in the cars on the road."
Lentz added: "We are focused on making this recall as simple and trouble-free as possible, and will work day and night with our dealers to fix recalled vehicles quickly. We want to demonstrate that our commitment to safety is as high as ever and that our commitment to our customers is unwavering."
On January 21, Toyota announced its intention to recall approximately 2.3 million select Toyota Division vehicles equipped with a specific pedal assembly and suspended sales of the eight models involved in the recall on January 26.
Toyota vehicles affected by the recall include:
- 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
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and certain Camry models, including Camry hybrids, all of which remain for sale.
Further, Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) that begin with "J" are not affected by the accelerator pedal recall.
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.
Detailed information and answers to questions about issues related to this recall are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
How Toyota Will Fix Recalled Vehicles
Toyota has pinpointed the issue that could, on rare occasions, cause accelerator pedals in recalled vehicles to stick in a partially open position. The issue involves a friction device in the pedal designed to provide the proper "feel" by adding resistance and making the pedal steady and stable. The device includes a shoe that rubs against an adjoining surface during normal pedal operation. Due to the materials used, wear and environmental conditions, these surfaces may, over time, begin to stick and release instead of operating smoothly. In some cases, friction could increase to a point that the pedal is slow to return to the idle position or, in rare cases, the pedal sticks, leaving the throttle partially open.
Toyota's solution for current owners is both effective and simple. A precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the assembly that will reduce the surface tension between the friction shoe and the adjoining surface. With this reinforcement in place, the excess friction that can cause the pedal to stick is eliminated. The company has confirmed the effectiveness of the newly reinforced pedals through rigorous testing on pedal assemblies that had previously shown a tendency to stick.
Separately from the recall for sticking accelerator pedals, Toyota is in the process of recalling vehicles to address rare instances in which floor mats have trapped the accelerator pedal in certain Toyota and Lexus models (announced November 25, 2009), and is already notifying customers about how it will fix this issue. In the case of vehicles covered by both recalls, it is Toyota's intention to remedy both at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions For Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall and Suspension of Sales
Which models are involved in the sticking accelerator pedal recall/stop sale?
Toyota's accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales 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
*Highlander hybrids and Camry hybrids are not involved in this action and will remain for sale. Further, Camry, RAV 4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with VINs that begin with "J" are not involved.
What is a "VIN" and how do I find it on my automobile?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character sequence of numbers and letters that is used by the automobile industry to uniquely identify motor vehicles. It can be viewed through the windshield on the driver's side at the front of the dashboard.
In addition, the VIN number is also located on a sticker on the driver's side pillar, with the tire inflation information and on the vehicle's registration.
Why are mechanically similar Lexus and Scion vehicles not involved in this recall?
The recall involved pedal is confined to one of Toyota's suppliers. That supplier's pedals are not used on Lexus and Scion vehicles.
What is the problem that could cause accelerators to stick and led to the recall?
The issue involves a friction device in the pedal designed to provide the proper "feel" by adding resistance and making the pedal steady and stable.
This friction device includes a "shoe" that rubs against an adjoining surface during normal pedal operation. Due to the materials used, wear and environmental conditions, these surfaces may, over time, begin to stick and release instead of operating smoothly. In some cases, friction could increase to a point that the pedal is slow to return to the idle position or, in rare cases, the pedal sticks, leaving the throttle partially open.
What is the solution Toyota announced to fix sticking accelerator pedals?
Toyota's engineers have developed and rigorously tested a solution that is both effective and simple. A precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the accelerator pedal assembly, thereby eliminating the excess friction that has caused pedals to stick in rare instances.
How does a steel reinforcement bar solve this problem?
The steel reinforcement bar will reduce the surface tension between the friction shoe and the adjoining surface. With this reinforcement in place, the excess friction that can cause the pedal to stick is eliminated.
How does Toyota know that this solution will be effective?
Toyota has confirmed the effectiveness of the newly reinforced pedals through rigorous testing on pedal assemblies that had previously shown a tendency to stick. Nothing is more important to Toyota than the safety and satisfaction of our customers, and Toyota has high confidence in its solution for fixing our customers' vehicles.
When can I get my vehicle fixed?
Toyota will begin contacting customers to let them know when to bring in their vehicles for the fix, and some of them will be notified as early as this week (Week beginning, Monday, February 1). Because of the number of vehicles involved, it will take time to process and mail the instructions to all involved vehicle owners, and Toyota appreciates its owners' patience during this time. Owners will only receive a letter if their vehicle is involved in the recall. Upon receipt of an owner notification letter that their vehicle is involved, owners will be asked to please contact a local Toyota dealership to schedule an appointment to have their vehicle fixed.
At Toyota, our highest priority has been to quickly and effectively address the needs of owners of involved vehicles. Parts to reinforce the pedals are already being shipped for use by dealers, and many Toyota dealers will work extended hours to complete the recall campaign as quickly and conveniently as possible -- some even staying open 24 hours a day.
Does the reinforced pedal feel any different?
Drivers should not notice any change in the feel of the pedal.
How long will it take for a dealer to repair my automobile?
The actual repair involves about 30 minutes' work.
Is the repair covered by warranty? Will drivers have to pay any money out of pocket for this work?
Toyota will cover all repair costs associated with this work.
Is my car safe to drive if it has not yet received this solution?
To be clear, the condition is rare and generally 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.
Customers who experience an accelerator pedal that is hard to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation should drive the vehicle to a safe location, shut off the engine and contact 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 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.
What do I do if I believe I am experiencing a sticking accelerator pedal before my car receives the remedy? Should I bring my car to a dealer?
Customers who experience an accelerator pedal that is hard to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation should drive the vehicle to a safe location, shut off the engine and contact a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.
Otherwise, if you are not experiencing any of these issues with your accelerator pedal, Toyota is confident that your vehicle is safe to drive, and no action is required at this time. Toyota will begin contacting customers to let them know when to bring in their vehicles for the fix, and some of them will be notified as early as this week.
What if my vehicle is also involved in the floor mat recall? Which will be addressed first?
Toyota is working to coordinate the pedal entrapment and the sticking pedal recalls to minimize the number of customers who will have to have two service visits.
Are you continuing to investigate other models for this sticking pedal issue?
Toyota is confident that all models that contain the potentially sticking pedals have been identified.
Why has Toyota stopped selling the involved vehicles? When will those vehicles go on sale again?
The law requires that dealers stop delivering all new vehicles identified in our recall notice. As the dealer modifies vehicles, the dealers may sell and deliver the vehicles on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis. In other words, once a dealer modifies a vehicle, the dealer may sell and deliver it even though similar, unmodified vehicles at the dealership may not be delivered to customers.
However, Toyota's priority is providing the remedy to current vehicle owners first.
Floor Mat Recall Information
Here is information from Toyota regarding the recall related to pedal entrapment caused by out of position or improper floor mats.
Potential Floor Mat Interference with Accelerator Pedal [Update 01-27-2010]
Q1: What is the condition?
A1: The defect is the potential for an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat to interfere with the
accelerator pedal and cause it to get stuck in the wide open position. A stuck open accelerator pedal
may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a
crash, serious injury or death. Toyota has determined that this defect does not exist in vehicles in
which the driver's side floor mat is compatible with the vehicle and properly secured.
Q2: Which Toyota or Lexus vehicles are involved?
A2: On January 27, 2010, Toyota amended the Defect Information Report (DIR) filed with the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) to include the following vehicles:
Toyota (DIR Update)
2009 - 2010 Corolla
2009 - 2010 Matrix
2009 - 2010 Venza
2008 - 2010 Highlander
- There are approximately 1,090,000 additional vehicles involved.
Toyota
2005 - 2010 Avalon
2007 - 2010 Camry
2004 - 2009 Prius
2005 - 2010 Tacoma
2007 - 2010 Tundra
Lexus
2007 - 2010 ES
2006 - 2010 IS
Q2a: Why were these additional models added?
A2a: Toyota has determined that there is a potential for an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor
mat to interfere with the accelerator pedal and cause it to get stuck in the wide open position on
those vehicles.
Q3: How will Toyota remedy the vehicles? What is the campaign remedy?
A3: Toyota is currently in the process of developing a remedy. We will notify owners as soon as it is
available.
Q4: When will the remedy be completed?
A4: Toyota is currently in the process of developing the remedies. We anticipate it will take several months to develop the remedy for all of the models.
Q5: What should customers do until they have the recall remedy performed?
A5: Toyota has determined that the pedal entrapment can only occur in vehicles in which the driver's side floor mat is not compatible with the vehicle and/or is not properly secured.
To help reduce the risk of incorrect floor mat installation and/or application, we request that customers take out any removable driver's floor mat and NOT replace it with any other floor mat until the safety recall remedy has been completed on the vehicle. After the recall remedy has been completed, only floor mats designed specifically for the vehicle and which are properly secured should be installed on the driver's floor.
Q6: What if a customer disposed of his/her Toyota genuine All Weather Floor Mat (AWFM)? Will he/she still receive a newly designed one?
A6: Once the remedy for the specific model is launched, if a customer has disposed of an older design Toyota genuine All Weather Floor Mat (AWFM), he/she may receive the replacement AWFMs for the driver and front passenger seating positions upon proof-of-purchase of the original set.
Q7: What if a customer chooses not to remove the floor mat currently installed in his/her vehicle, but would like to verify the installation and applicability?
A7: To help reduce the risk of incorrect floor mat installation and/or application, we request that customers take out any removable driver's floor mat and NOT replace it with any other floor mat until the safety recall remedy has been completed on the vehicle. If the customer chooses not to take out the floor mat, please direct the customer to his/her local Toyota dealership's Parts or Service Department to verify whether the Toyota floor mat is designed specifically for the vehicle and to ensure that it is correctly installed. The floor mat should be removed before driving to the dealership. The dealership will ensure that the vehicle is equipped with the proper floor mat and that it is properly installed. After the recall remedy has been completed, only floor mats designed specifically for the vehicle and which are properly secured should be installed on the driver's floor.
Q8: What if a floor mat is an aftermarket rubberized floor mat?
A8: Driver's floor mat interference is possible if the floor mat is incompatible or incorrectly installed.
Therefore, consumers need to make sure the floor mats are compatible for his/her model and model
year. Also, they need to be sure they are properly secured using the appropriate retention device
(clips). Driver's floor mats should never be stacked. Consumers should never place any floor mat -
aftermarket or not on top of another driver's floor mat. Floor mats should also not be flipped over with
the bottom-side up.
Q8a: When will Toyota genuine All Weather Floor Mats (AWFM) be available for purchase?
A8a: The newly designed Toyota genuine All Weather Floor Mats (AWFM) will become available for
purchase again in a few months. Please check with your Toyota dealership regularly for specific
availability dates.
Q9: What if a driver experiences accelerator pedal interference. What should they do?
A9: Should the vehicle continue to accelerate rapidly after releasing the accelerator pedal, this could be an indication of floor mat interference. If this occurs, Toyota recommends the driver take the following actions:
- First, if it is possible and safe to do so, pull-back the floor mat and dislodge it from the accelerator pedal; then pull over and stop the vehicle.
- If the floor mat cannot be dislodged, then firmly and steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet.
- Do not pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to slow the vehicle.
- 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.
Q10: What if an owner has additional questions or concerns?
A10: Owners with questions or concerns are asked to please contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center [1 (800) 331-4331], or consult the information posted at http://www.toyota.com/floormats.
Q10a: What if an owner/operator has experienced unintended acceleration and his/her vehicle is not involved in either of these safety recalls?
A10a: If an owner/operator of a Toyota vehicle that is not covered by these recalls believes that he/she has experienced unintended acceleration in a Toyota vehicle, request that the owner/operator
immediately contact an authorized Toyota dealer. The Toyota dealer will evaluate the consumer's complaint.
Q11: Will Toyota clean the vehicle carpet for those owners that followed the Consumer Safety Advisory and removed his/her floor mats?
A11: Your local Toyota dealership will inspect and clean the driver's carpet and floor mat as appropriate.
Torrance, Calif., November 25, 2009 - - Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS) announced today details of the vehicle-based remedy to address the root cause of the potential risk for floor mat entrapment of accelerator pedals in certain Toyota and Lexus models. Toyota issued a consumer safety advisory on September 29 on this issue and has, as an interim measure, commenced the mailing of safety notices to certain Toyota and Lexus owners on October 30.
The models involved are: 2007 to 2010 MY (model year) Camry, 2005 to 2010 MY Avalon, 2004 to 2009 MY Prius, 2005 to 2010 MY Tacoma, 2007 to 2010 MY Tundra, 2007 to 2010 MY ES 350, 2006 to 2010 MY IS 250, and 2006 to 2010 MY IS 350.
The specific measures of the vehicle-based remedy are as follows:
1. The shape of the accelerator pedal will be reconfigured to address the risk of floor mat entrapment, even when an older-design all-weather floor mat or other inappropriate floor mat is improperly attached, or is placed on top of another floor mat. For the ES350, Camry, and Avalon models involved, the shape of the floor surface underneath will also be reconfigured to increase the space between the accelerator pedal and the floor.
2. Vehicles with any genuine Toyota or Lexus accessory all-weather floor mat will be provided with newly-designed replacement driver- and front passenger-side all-weather floor mats.
In addition, as a separate measure independent of the vehicle-based remedy, Toyota will install a brake override system onto the involved Camry, Avalon, and Lexus ES 350, IS 350 and IS 250 models as an extra measure of confidence. This system cuts engine power in case of simultaneous application of both the accelerator and brake pedals.
Toyota is in the process of completing development of these actions and for the ES 350, Camry, and Avalon will start notifying owners of the involved vehicles via first-class mail by the end of this year. The remedy process regarding the other five models will occur on a rolling schedule during 2010.
Dealers will be trained and equipped to make the necessary modifications to these models starting at the beginning of 2010. 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 dealers for the repair, beginning around April 2010. Customers who have had the remedy completed will have the opportunity to receive a new pedal if they desire.
In the meantime, owners of the involved vehicles are asked to take out any removable driver's floor mat and not replace it with any other floor mat until they are notified of the vehicle-based remedy, as notified in the consumer safety advisory and the interim notice.
The brake override system will be made standard equipment throughout the Toyota and Lexus product lines starting with January 2010 production of ES 350 and Camry and is scheduled to be incorporated into new production of most models by the end of 2010.
The safety of our owners and the public is our utmost concern and Toyota has and will continue to thoroughly investigate and take appropriate measures to address any defect trends that are identified.
Owners who have further questions are asked to visit www.toyota.com or www.lexus.com or contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Assistance at 1-800-255-3987.
Also, visit www.toyotarecall.org for a website dedicated to informing the public about these recalls.
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