Toyota Motor Sales recalled nearly 4 million cars in Nov. 2009 to change accelerator pedals, mats and software to address what was described as sudden speedup troubles. Auto dealers were affecting adjustments to the gas pedals by withdrawing inches from the underside so the throttle pedal would not be constrained by the floor mats.
Toyota has succeeded that recall with another for explosive and unbeatable acceleration on Jan. 21, 2010. On that day Toyota declared a recall of 2.3 million vehicles that involved
2005-2010 Avalon
2007-2010 Camry
2009-2010 Corolla
2010 Highlander
‘09-’10 Matrix
2009-2010 RAV4
‘08-’10 Sequoia
‘07-’10 Tundra
According to a USA item with the title “100 Toyota drivers filed complaints before recall”, “she would become one of more than 100 drivers, according to a USA TODAY search of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration complaints database, who over the past few years have had their Toyota vehicles take off when they weren’t expected to.”
If individuals believe this accleration problem is distinct to Toyota Motor Sales, they are misguided. Reported by the USA article, “Jake Fisher, senior engineer at Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center, says unintended acceleration is not a problem unique to Toyota. He pored through NHTSA’s database of complaints for 2008 and noted that every manufacturer faced similar complaints. Sometimes, the issue is driver error, he says. But sometimes, there are defects. Toyota accounted for about 40% of the 2008 unintended acceleration complaints, Fisher says. “This could happen to anybody, but Toyota was over-represented,” he says. “But the underlying message of this whole thing is that, while there are instances of this in Toyotas, it’s still very rare.” The sudden acceleration issues are not solely a Toyota Motor Sales concern, but they hold the broadest portion.
Toyota Motor Sales has published the following statement, “Our investigation indicates that 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. They also provided instructions on how to handle the situation if the acceleration issue occurs If your car begins to accelerate uncontrollably, immediately move the shift lever to neutral and firmly apply the brakes. Do not pump the brakes. And dont worry about the engine on modern vehicles, they have rev limiters to prevent damage. Once you have brought the car to a safe stop, turn off the engine.”
Toyota Motor Sales does not have a solution to deploy, and additional notifications are expected. Toyota and the producer of the gas pedal, CTS, have been working on a solution, but nothing of significance has been discharged as yet.
For more information a detailed piece on this situation from a third party read Consumer Reports report regarding the Toyota Motor Sales recall.
You can also stay advised on Toyota Motor Sales declarations at Toyotas recall page.
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