A January 2010 Toyota recall has compounded the September 2009 Toyota recall. The newest Toyota Recall from January 21st, 2010 is intended to cover gas pedal problems that that the company fears could lead to a safety hazard with many of their vehicles. Under the January 2010 Toyota recall, 2.3 million vehicles are being recalled to help correct sticking accelerator pedals in specific Toyota Division models.
According to Toyota, this action is separate from the on-going recall of approximately 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles that had been issued at a prior date. 1.7 million Toyota vehicles are said to subject to both of these recalls separately now. Make sure to check both the new recall list and the attached September recall if you fear you may have one of the affected Toyota vehicles.
Toyota issued a statement about their current (January) recall, as the company tries to stay ahead of a potential danger on the road to its customers. They didn’t go as far as saying that the vehicles should not be driven, but rather that they have been recalled in order to fix the potential problem. In other words, they are expressing the belief that the problem “could” happen; but that they don’t believe that it is a “sure thing” that the problem will occur with all of the affected Toyota models. We have a full list of the Toyota vehicles that are currently being recalled for the accelerator pedal problem on page two if you feel you might have one of the affected vehicles.
This is just more (continued) bad press for Toyota right now, which has been struggling to get past the original thought that floor mats were causing the accelerators in some models to get stuck to the floorboards. The risk is that it could cause a car to hastily accelerate and take control of the vehicle out of the hands of the driver. That is a huge risk on the road, so it is a very good thing that Toyota is taking the initiative to issue a voluntary recall before something terrible could happen to more unsuspecting drivers. Toyota owners who have questions or concerns are asked to call their Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
According to the press release by Toyota, there are specific instructions to undertake in case a Toyota vehicle driver has their accelerator get stuck:
“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.”
The January 2010 Toyota Recall List
• 2009-2010 RAV4,
• 2009-2010 Corolla,
• 2009-2010 Matrix,
• 2005-2010 Avalon,
• 2007-2010 Camry,
• 2010 Highlander,
• 2007-2010 Tundra,
• 2008-2010 Sequoia
Sources:
September_Toyota_Recall
Toyota Recall Statement
