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Sales and production halt for Toyota's top-selling Camry
January 2010: Sticking accelerator pedals and floor mats that could trap the pedals have led to Toyota announcing recalls of millions of its vehicles.
"When you take your foot off, it doesn't decelerate rapidly. When you accelerate, it's not responding in a timely manner. It takes longer than a normal vehicle would," explained a Toyota sales manager, Omid Hatef, in Fremont, California.
Early this month in the United States, it issued a recall for 2.3 million vehicles covering eight models: the 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2007-2010 Camry, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra and 2008-2010 Sequoia. The recall is to fix the accelerator pedals with mechanical problems that could cause them to become stuck.
A week later, it said it is recalling an additional1.09 million vehicles for five models: 2008-2010 Highlander, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Venza, 2009-2010 Matrix, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe.
In late 2009, Toyota recalled 4.2 million vehicles over concerns that floor mats could bend across gas pedals, causing sudden acceleration. That problem was the cause of several crashes, including some fatalities.
Toyota is also suspending US sales of the eight models.
Toyota is also facing a potential safety issue with the Prius. There has been a growing number of complaints that brakes on the 2010 model can malfunction unexpectedly.
What to do in an emergency
Toyota has tips for any driver when the accelerator pedal locks up:
Each circumstance may vary, and drivers must use their best judgment, but Toyota recommends taking one of the following actions:
See Toyota's FAQ
"When you take your foot off, it doesn't decelerate rapidly. When you accelerate, it's not responding in a timely manner. It takes longer than a normal vehicle would," explained a Toyota sales manager, Omid Hatef, in Fremont, California.
Early this month in the United States, it issued a recall for 2.3 million vehicles covering eight models: the 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2007-2010 Camry, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra and 2008-2010 Sequoia. The recall is to fix the accelerator pedals with mechanical problems that could cause them to become stuck.
A week later, it said it is recalling an additional1.09 million vehicles for five models: 2008-2010 Highlander, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Venza, 2009-2010 Matrix, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe.
In late 2009, Toyota recalled 4.2 million vehicles over concerns that floor mats could bend across gas pedals, causing sudden acceleration. That problem was the cause of several crashes, including some fatalities.
Toyota is also suspending US sales of the eight models.
Toyota is also facing a potential safety issue with the Prius. There has been a growing number of complaints that brakes on the 2010 model can malfunction unexpectedly.
What to do in an emergency
Toyota has tips for any driver when the accelerator pedal locks up:
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.
See Toyota's FAQ