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Toyota Accelerator Pedal Recall

 


TOYOTA EXTENDS BRAKE OVERRIDE FEATURE TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL MEASURE OF
CUSTOMER CONFIDENCE

TORRANCE, Calif., February 22, 2010 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc, today announced that it will install a brake override feature on an expanded range of customers' vehicles to provide an additional measure of confidence. This braking system enhancement will automatically reduce engine power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions.  

The following year models have been added to the list of vehicles which will receive brake override upgrade: 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2009-2010 Venza and 2008-2010 Sequoia. Toyota previously announced that the system would be installed onto the 2007-2010 Camry, 2005-2010 Avalon, and the 2007-2010 Lexus ES 350, 2006-2010 IS 350 and 2006-2010 IS 250 models.

The brake override feature is not an integral part of the recall remedy, but is instead being added as an extra measure of confidence for Toyota owners. It will be installed on Tacoma and Venza at the same time as the recall modifications are performed.

Notification to customers regarding brake override installation for Sequoia will be sent separately from the current recall campaign for sticking accelerator pedals.

In addition to upgrades on existing vehicles, this feature is scheduled to be incorporated into future new production of most models sold in the United States by the end of 2010.

"Expansion of this  brake override feature underscores Toyota's commitment to building the safest and most reliable vehicles on the road, as we have for 50 years, and to ensuring that our customers have complete confidence in the vehicles they drive." said Jim Lentz, President and Chief Operating Officer of TMS.  





This is Toyota Fast Facts, an update on breaking news, our recent recalls, and the work we are doing to make things right for our customers. Please feel free to share this information with family and friends.

March 11, 2010

1. Associated Press: 'Spike in Prius Complaints May Not Be All It Seems'

The Associated Press reported Wednesday on the spike in claims of sudden acceleration in Prius, but noted that non-vehicle factors may be driving at least part of this increase. The article reports that experts on consumer psychology think that the relentless negative media attention Toyota has received since the fall may make it more likely that drivers will mistake anything unexpected for actual danger. According to the report, there have been 272 unintended acceleration complaints in the first 10 weeks of the year, compared to 74 in all of last year.   
 
The article also points out that the government does not provide statistics on how many of the reported automotive issues are ultimately confirmed, so there's no way to know how many acceleration cases are for real.  
 
To view the full article, CLICK HERE

March 10, 2010

1. Prius Recall Reports Inaccurate

News accounts Tuesday inaccurately reported that Toyota plans to announce a new recall for the 2004-2009 Prius to address the potential risk for floor mat entrapment of accelerator pedals. To set the record straight, Toyota released the following statement: "There is no new recall being planned for the Prius to address this issue. To be clear, the 2004-2009 Prius was part of Toyota's November 2, 2009 announcement of a voluntary safety recall campaign to address floor mat entrapment in certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles."

Toyota further stated that "the remedy process for these vehicles began at the end of 2009 and is occurring on a rolling schedule during 2010." To read the company's full response, please CLICK HERE.

March 5, 2010

1. Toyota Rebuts Findings from Study Presented to Congress

Toyota rebutted Thursday the findings of Southern Illinois University professor David Gilbert. At a hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Committee last week and in an earlier interview with ABC News, Gilbert claimed that he could induce unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles. However, tests conducted by Toyota and consultant Exponent found that Gilbert's claims were inaccurate. Exponent's report noted that Gilbert's scenario "would be highly unlikely to occur naturally," and could "only be contrived in the laboratory."
 
To achieve Gilbert's results, one has to manipulate the vehicle's electronics - cutting and breaching the insulation around three separate wires, connecting them artificially and intentionally shorting the circuit in a way that is virtually impossible in the real world.
 
In addition, contrary to Gilbert's claims, manipulating the electronics as he did induces a similar reaction in nearly all cars, not just Toyotas.

 2.  Toyota Ranks Seventh on 'World's Most Admired Companies' List

Toyota took the No. 7 spot on Fortune magazine's annual "World's Most Admired Companies" list. The company ranked third in the motor vehicles category, behind BMW and Honda. Surveys were completed in the fall and winter; most were received after the pedal entrapment recall but before the sticking accelerator recall. Last year, Toyota was third overall.

March 4, 2010

1. Popular Mechanics Examines Toyota's Vehicle Electronics

An article in Popular Mechanics this week examines the use of Electronic Throttle Control systems and claims of electromagnetic interference. Writer Mike Allen dissects the inner workings of the ETCS, describing the two discrete sensors in standard gas pedals, and explains the efforts made to prevent unintended acceleration. He writes: "Bottom line: The system is not only redundant, it's double-redundant?Toyota deserves a better deal than the media and Congress are giving it."
 
To read the full article, CLICK HERE

2. Toyota Addresses Additional Complaints Filed with NHTSA

News reports on Wednesday noted that a few complaints have been filed with NHTSA alleging unintended acceleration in vehicles that have already been fixed as part of the recalls. The company has responded to press inquiries with the following statement:  "We are confident that Toyota vehicles are safe, and we're doing everything we can to ensure that our customers are satisfied with the rigorously tested recall remedies. We are making preparations to investigate these concerns and will do so quickly." 

February 22, 2010

1. Toyota Statement Regarding Documents Shared with Congressional Committees

Press reports Sunday night and today claim that Toyota saved money by convincing U.S. regulators to limit a recall related to unintended acceleration issues several years ago. The articles are based on an excerpt from one of the tens of thousands of documents that Toyota provided to a Congressional committee as part of the committee's investigation into the recent Toyota recalls. In response, Toyota provided the following statement:
 
"Our first priority is the safety of our customers, and to conclude otherwise on the basis of one internal presentation is wrong. Our values have always been to put the customer first and ensure the highest levels of safety and quality. Our recently announced top-to-bottom quality review of all company operations, along with new quality initiatives and a renewed commitment to transparency are all designed to reaffirm these values."


2. Update on Congressional Hearings this Week
 
As you know, TMC President Akio Toyoda, TMA President Yoshi Inaba and TMS President Jim Lentz are scheduled to represent the company in hearings on Capitol Hill this week. The first hearing, before the House of Representatives' Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, is scheduled for Tuesday and is expected to include Lentz along with NHTSA Administrator David Strickland.
 
On Wednesday, Toyoda and Inaba are expected to appear before the House of Representatives' Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. This hearing is also expected to include U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, NHTSA Administrator Strickland and former NHTSA Administrator Joan Claybrook.

Manufacturing team members and dealers from around the country are also in Washington this week to visit with members of Congress to discuss their work and the impact that Toyota has on communities nationwide. 
 
We will continue to update you on the hearings throughout the week.

3. Picketers Protest Loss of Jobs

This morning, several protesters holding a banner accusing Toyota of "killing California jobs" were stationed outside Toyota Motor Sales' headquarters in Torrance, Calif.

The UAW has orchestrated similar protests at Toyota dealerships as well as at Sunday's NASCAR race at California's Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. The UAW represents auto workers at the NUMMI plant in Fremont, Calif., which will cease production of Toyota vehicles at the end of March.

NUMMI was established in 1984 as an independent joint venture of TMC and General Motors to produce cars for both companies. Last spring, GM announced it would end its contract to produce the Pontiac Vibe at the plant, and last summer, it abandoned NUMMI altogether.

After the decision by General Motors to withdraw from the NUMMI joint venture, Toyota conducted a thorough review of its alternatives in light of current and anticipated market conditions. Based on this review, we have determined that over the mid- to long-term, it just would not be economically viable to continue the production contract with NUMMI. This is most unfortunate, and we deeply regret having to take this action.

4. Key Facts for Discussions with Friends and Family

  • Toyota vehicles are consistently recognized as being among the safest and most reliable on the road. An independent report from Edmunds.com pointed out that Toyota had fewer NHTSA complaints per vehicle sold in the U.S. since 2001 than almost every other automaker. Mercedes-Benz and Porsche were the only major manufacturers to rank higher. In addition, 80 percent of the vehicles we have sold in the past 20 years are still on the road.

  • Sticking accelerator pedals are rare. Among the 2.3 million vehicles we have recalled in the U.S. for this issue, we have confirmed very few cases.

  • All automakers conduct recalls. On average, NHTSA announces nearly 10 recalls per week. There have already been more than 30 recalls in 2010 that have nothing to do with Toyota.

  • We're doing everything we can, as fast as we can, to make things right for our customers. Our dealers are repairing some 2,000 customer vehicles an hour - and new vehicles coming off our assembly lines have the fixes built in.

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Acton Toyota Seeks To Clarify Toyota Safety Recalls

Unfortunately and understandably, there is much confusion surrounding Toyota's two accelerator pedal-related recalls:  1. the sticky accelerator pedal recall (A0A) and 2. the carpet floor mat height clearance recall (90L). 

With customer safety as our  number one priority, Acton Toyota of Littleton would like to clarify both of these safety recalls and, most importantly, inform on when and how we will rectify these issues for you per Toyota instructions.

Sticky Accelerator Pedal Recall (A0A)

Certain Toyota models include accelerator pedal mechanisms that can, on very rare occasions, cause the accelerator pedal to stick in a partially open position.  This unlikely issue is caused by a friction device within the pedal that is designed to provide the proper "feel" by adding resistance and making the pedal steady and stable.  Over time, this friction device could cause the surface materials 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.  In the rarest of cases, the pedal could stick, leaving the throttle partially open.

This recall (A0A) consists of placing a small, engineered shim within the friction device of the accelerator pedal mechanism.  While leaving the "feel" of the pedal unimpaired, the shim prevents the surface materials from rubbing, thereby, eliminating the chances of the accelerator pedal returning slowly to the idle position as well as sticking in an open position.

If you have a vehicle that falls under the sticky accelerator pedal recall, you will be pleased to know that Acton Toyota is now making repairs to these accelerator pedals.  You do not need to wait until you receive written notification from Toyota to have your pedal corrected at our dealership.  You can SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE, through email at SERVICE@ACTONTOYOTA.COM, or by calling our Service Department at 978-263-4049.

Carpet Floor Mat Height Clearance Recall (90L)

Toyota has also issued a recall pertaining to a conflict in height clearance between the carpet floor mat and the accelerator pedal, also known as 90L.  When "stacking" a floor mat on top of another (i.e. placing a winter/rubber floor mat over an existing carpet floor mat), there is a chance that the accelerator pedal could become wedged or lodged underneath the floor mat(s). 

The repair for this recall (90L) includes cutting a bottom portion of the accelerator pedal itself and removing excess floor material directly under the accelerator pedal.  As an additional safety measure, Toyota has also included as part of this recall a software upgrade to the vehicle's braking-system with coding to ensure brake input supersedes gas input when both are applied simultaneously. 

If you have a vehicle that falls under the carpet floor mat height clearance recall, please be advised that Toyota will remedy this recall on a rolling basis.  Toyota will notify customers when it has equipped and trained dealerships to perform the recall.  Currently, Toyota has issued repair for the Camry and Lexus ES300 models only.

Is my Toyota affected by either or both of these recalls?

Below is chart displaying which Toyota models are affected by these two recalls and whether our dealership can currently perform the specific recall.

 
You will want note that the 2007-2010 Camry is the only model where both recalls can currently be remedied.  If you possess a vehicle where only A0A can be performed now, at your option you can wait for official notification from Toyota, or if you prefer, you can schedule an appointment to have A0A done immediately.  

Again, you can SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE, through email at SERVICE@ACTONTOYOTA.COM, or by calling our Service Department at 978-263-4049.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to call and/or email us at any time.

 


Please note that Japanese built Rav4, Corolla, Camry, and Highlander vehicles are NOT affected by the accelerator pedal recall (A0A).  These Japanese built vehicles possess Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) that begin with the letter "J".

If you are not sure whether your vehicle falls under either 90L, A0A, or both, you are more than welcome to contact our Service Department.  With your vehicle's VIN, our Service Department will be happy to help you clarify your vehicle's recall situation.
 


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.

FAQ's

1.  When will dealers receive the technical description for this fix?
    Toyota expects to send the technical descriptions to dealers by mid-week and will update dealers when they are being sent.

2.  When will reinforcement bar part numbers, operation codes, and warranty reimbursement instructions be available?
    Toyota expects to provide these along with the technical instructions by mid-week.

3.  When will the reinforcement repair parts be available for dealer inventories?
    Toyota hope that all dealers will have received their first shipment of parts by the end of the week.

4.  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.

5.  When will customers be notified to bring their vehicles in for repairs?
    Toyota will begin customer mailings this week

6.  Does the reinforced pedal feel any different?
    Drivers should not notice any change in the feel of the pedal.

7.  Is the 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 for assistance

Customers who experience an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, should  know that 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.

8.  What if a vehicle is also affected by the floor mat recall?  Which will be addressed first?
    Toyota are 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.


Toyota Answers Questions About the Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall

Toyota answers questions that we see you are asking about the sticking accelerator pedal recall.
  
1. Is my car safe to drive until a fix is issued?
The condition is rare and generally does not occur suddenly. It seems to 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.
 
2. What do I do if I experience a sticking accelerator pedal before the fix is finalized?  Should I bring my car to a dealer?
If you are experiencing this condition, immediately contact your nearest Toyota Dealer for assistance. No action is required at this time unless you feel you are experiencing this condition.
  
3. What is the actual issue affecting accelerator pedals?
In rare instances, there is a possibility that the affected accelerator pedal may stick in a partially downward position or slowly return to the non-pressed position.  
 
4. Is there actually a problem with the vehicle's computer/Electronic Control Unit?
Absolutely not. Toyota has never found an incident of unintended acceleration caused by the vehicle's computer/electronic control unit.
 
5. Can I return my vehicle to Toyota if I purchased it in the five day period between the recall was announcement and Toyota stop sale on my vehicle?  What are my options?
Toyota will work with customers who have concerns about their vehicles on a case-by-case basis.
 
6. How will Toyota handle fixing all affected vehicles in a timely manner?
Toyota is currently finalizing its recall remedy plans including a rapid deployment strategy of said remedy. Please continue to visit this site for updates on the recall.
 
7. Is this different than the Floor Mat Recall?  If so, how?
There are two different recalls.  Some vehicles are affected by both.  
 
Sticking Pedal Accelerator Recall: The condition can occur in rare instances, over time, under certain environmental conditions - there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to idle position.
 
Potential Floor Mat Interference with Accelerator Pedal Recall: This condition is the potential for an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat to interfere with or entrap the accelerator pedal and cause it to get stuck in the wide open position. Toyota has determined that this condition can occur in vehicles in which the driver's side floor mat is not compatible with the vehicle and/or is not properly secured.
 
8. What if my vehicle is affected by both recalls?  Which will be addressed first? It is Toyota's intention to remedy both at the same time.
 
9. Why are mechanically similar Lexus and Scion vehicles not affected by this recall?
The recall affected pedal is confined to one of Toyota's suppliers. That supplier's pedals are not used on Lexus and Scion vehicles.
 
10. Which models are affected by the sticky 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 affected by this action and will remain for sale.
 
Further, Camry, RAV 4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with VINs that begin with "J" are not affected and will remain for sale.




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About Acton Toyota of Littleton: 

Located in Littleton, Massachusetts, Acton Toyota has won Toyota's President's Award for 18 consecutive years, and Toyota Sales, Service & Parts Excellence Awards.  Additionally, the dealership is #35 in Ward's e-Dealer 100 ranking of leading retailers of vehicles on the Internet.

Toyota Motor Sales, USA has recognized the Toyota dealership for achieving the #1 rank for Prius sales and #1 retailer of Toyota Certified Used Vehicles in the Boston Region.

DealerRater.com has named Acton Toyota of Littleton its 2009 DealerRater.com Dealer of the Year.