Toyota Recall – the facts

Toyota pedal recall

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Shahzad Sheikh
03 February 2010

Toyota has released a diagram and some more information about the ‘sticky pedal’ problem that is has resulted in a recall for 4.2 million vehicles worldwide and has now been extended to cover the Middle East as a service bulletin:

What exactly is the problem?
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.

What is the cause?
Some accelerator pedal mechanisms may become worn. As a result of this wear combined with certain operating and environmental conditions, friction in the mechanism may increase and intermittently result in the accelerator pedal being hard to depress, slow to return or, in the worst case, stick in a partially open position.

Does it affect cars sold in the Middle East?
According to UAE Toyota dealers, Al Futtaim: ‘Of the 8 models affected by the USA campaign only two are sold by Al-Futtaim Motors in the UAE. TMC has confirmed that the two models, Avalon and Sequoia (model years 2005-2010) are highly unlikely to experience the same potential accelerator issue due to the UAE’s climatic conditions.

‘However, in the interests of delivering the highest standards of customer care, we will undertake the same service campaign launched in the USA. We will be communicating the details of this service campaign with our Avalon and Sequoia customers. If any of our customers have concerns they can contact our customer care team on 04 206 6002 (between 8am and 8pm Saturday to Thursday)’

Are there any warnings that this condition exists?
In some cases, the driver may notice that the accelerator pedal is harder to depress or is slow to return. In some cases, the driver may notice a rough or chattering feeling when depressing/ releasing the accelerator pedal.

What is Toyota doing to address the issue?
Toyota’s engineers have developed and rigorously tested a solution that involves reinforcing the pedal assembly to eliminate the potential risk of excess friction that could, in rare instances, cause the pedal to stick.

In the USA Toyota has announced it will begin fixing accelerator pedals in recalled Toyota 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.

How will Toyota fix recalled vehicles?
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.

Why was a vehicle safety recall issued in the USA before anywhere else?
Toyota became aware of the first, isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedals in North America in late October 2009. Following an investigation, Toyota announced on 21 January 2010 that it would recall specific vehicles in North America to correct sticking accelerator pedals.

Research data from the North America investigation has assisted Toyota with its investigation into whether and how this issue might affect its models in other parts of the world.

On 1 February 2010 Toyota USA announced a comprehensive plan to fix accelerator pedals to prevent the risk of sticking on recalled vehicles, to ensure customer safety.

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.

If I notice that the accelerator pedal is hard to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation, what should I do?
In the rare event of such conditions being noticed, drivers should contact their nearest Toyota dealer.

What if I 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.

Does this recall have anything to do with the floor mat recall in the USA?
No, the floor mat recall concerns the USA only.

However, Toyota does not advise customers to use third-party aftermarket floor mats in their vehicles. Unsecured mats can cause problems by interfering with pedals in the driver’s footwell of any car from any manufacturer. Our advice is to only ever use genuine, manufacturer-supplied mats, correctly secured.

Which cars are affected?

In the Middle East:
Avalon and Sequoia (model years 2005-2010)

In the USA:
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.

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 Europe:
AYGO, Feb 2005 – Aug 2009
iQ, Nov 2008 – Nov 2009
Yaris , Nov 2005 – Sep 2009
Auris , Oct 2006 – 5 Jan 2010
Corolla, Oct 2006 – Dec 2009
Verso , Feb 2009 – 5 Jan 2010
Avensis, Nov 2008 – Dec 2009
RAV4, Nov 2005 – Nov 2009

No Lexus models and no other Toyota models - cars or light commercial vehicles - are involved.

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.

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