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Recall Information Schedule Your Recall Appointment: 775-827-8300 |
Latest Updates:
Reno Gazette Journal
February 4, 2010
Reno Toyota dealer has fixed about 40 recalled Toyotas so far
STAFF REPORT
About 40 Toyota vehicles at risk of sticking gas pedals have been fitted with the new parts at Reno Toyota, General manager Ryan Dolan said today.
“We got the parts in yesterday, and went to work,” he said. “We’re taking appointments, drive-ins, as long as we have parts, we can take customers.”
About 2.3 million vehicles involving eight models were recalled by Toyota for the sticking accelerators. More than 4 million worldwide were recalled.
The affected models included the 2009-2010 RAV4, the 2009-2010 Corolla, the 2007-2010 Camry, the 2009-2010 Matrix, the 2005-2010 Avalon, the 2010 Highlander, the 2007-2010 Tundra and the 2008-2010 Sequoia.
The main new part comes in six different sizes, which will determine how many vehicles can be repaired a day.
“We can do up to 100 cars on a given day,” Dolan said. “We’re just playing it by ear and will help as many customers as we can.”
He said the service is free and anyone with one of the recalled models can bring the vehicle in for repair, regardless of where it was purchased.
To make an appointment, call Reno Toyota’s service department at 826-2750. The dealership is at 2100 Kieztke Lane.
Dear Toyota Customers:
For more than 50 years, Toyota has provided you with safe, reliable, quality vehicles and fi rst-rate service. I am truly sorry for the concern our recalls have caused, and want you to know we’re doing everything we can – asfast as we can – to make things right. We have launched a comprehensive plan to permanently fi x the vehicles we’ve recalled because in rare instances, accelerator pedals can, over time, become slow to release or get stuck. We know what’s causing this and what we have to do to fi x it. We’ve tested our solution rigorously, and we are confi dent that it works. We’re working day and night with Toyota dealers to make our recalls simple and trouble-free. Here are some of the things we’re doing: 1. The precision parts we’ve engineered to reinforce the pedals are already being shipped and dealers are being trained to make the repair. 2. We’re writing to all customers affected by the Pedal recall, as well as the Floor Mat recall, to let them know how to schedule a convenient appointment with their local dealer. 3. Many of our dealers will be working extended hours – some of them 24/7 – and adding staff to get through the repairs as quickly as possible. 4. We’ve temporarily halted production of these models to focus fully on fi xing this problem in the vehicles that are on the road. Our entire organization of 172,000 North American employees and dealership personnel is committed to you. Some of the actions we’ve taken are unprecedented. Stopping production is never an easy decision – but we’re confi dent it’s the right thing to do for our customers. Ensuring your safety is our highest priority. We’ll continue to do everything we can to meet – and exceed – your expectations, and justify your continued trust in Toyota. Sincerely, Jim Lentz President and Chief Operating Offi cer Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
FOR RELEASE AT 6:30 AM EST ON MONDAY, FEB. 1, 2010
Toyota Announces Comprehensive Plan to Fix Accelerator Pedals on Recalled Vehicles and Ensure Customer Safety
Rigorously Tested Reinforced Pedals Will Eliminate the Excess Friction that Caused Sticking
Toyota Will Make Concerted Effort to Repair Recalled Vehicles as Quickly and Conveniently as Possible
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.
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MEDIA CONTACTS: Toyota Motor Sales, Corporate Communications
(310) 468-5297 (310) 468-7359
Media Web site: http://www.toyotanewsroom.com
Public Web site: http://www.toyota.com
1/28/2010 @ 5:23pm
Latest News About Toyota's Safety Recall Campaign
1/27/2010
Toyota Amends Recall on Potential Floor Mat Interference with Accelerator Pedal
On Wednesday, January 27, 2010, Toyota sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration amending Toyota’s Defect Information Report of October 5, 2009 regarding the potential risk for floor mat entrapment of accelerator pedals in certain Toyota and Lexus models. Toyota has decided to include certain other models in the campaign. This action is separate from the recall of select Toyota vehicles for sticking accelerator pedals.
The specific model names and years associated with the newly-expanded population of subject vehicles for the pedal entrapment recall include:
2008-2010 Highlander
2009-2010 Corolla
2009-2010 Venza
2009-2010 Matrix
2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe
As of January 26, 2010 the total vehicle population increased by approximately 1,093,000 vehicles.
Toyota's remedy plan is to modify or replace the accelerator pedals on the subject vehicles to address the risk of floor mat entrapment, even when an older-design all weather floor mat or other inappropriate mat is improperly attached, or is placed on top of another floor mat. Floor surface modifications are also being considered and will be included in the remedy plan for any model for which it is deemed appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions For Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall and Suspension of Sales
Which models are affected by the recall/stop sale?
Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:
- 2009-2010 RAV4,
- 2009-2010 Corolla,
- 2009-2010 Matrix,
- 2005-2010 Avalon,
- Certain 2007-2010 Camry
- 2010 Highlander except hybrid models,
- 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 select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.
What is the condition that has prompted Toyota to take this action?
In rare instances, there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.
What is the likelihood that my vehicle will experience this condition?
The condition is rare and 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.
Are you continuing to investigate other models?
Toyota is confident that all models that contain the potentially sticking pedals have been identified.
Why has Toyota stopped selling the affected vehicles?
Until Toyota has finalized an appropriate remedy to address the potential for sticking accelerator pedals, a sales suspension is necessary.
How long will this stop sale be in effect?
New cars covered by this recall will not be delivered until a remedy is finalized and then implemented.
When do you expect to have a remedy?
We’re making every effort to remedy this situation for our customers as quickly as possible.
What options are you exploring for a remedy?
We are reviewing a number of different options, and we hope to announce a remedy soon.
What should I do if I believe my vehicle is affected by this condition, i.e. I have noticed that my accelerator pedal is hard to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation. What should I do?
The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.
What if you experience a sticking accelerator pedal while driving?
Each circumstance may vary, and drivers must use their best judgment, but Toyota recommends taking 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.
If I am an owner of one of the affected vehicles, what action do I need to take?
Toyota is working quickly to prepare a correction remedy and will issue owner notifications in the future. No action is required at this time unless you feel you are experiencing this condition. If you are experiencing this condition, immediately contact your nearest Toyota Dealer for assistance.
Toyota stated that this did not affect new/low mileage vehicles, has the situation changed?
The law requires that the entire universe of new vehicles identified in our recall notice must be included in the stop sale.
Why are you stopping production at your factories?
Production is being stopped temporarily at five North American production facilities to assess and coordinate activities related to the recall announced on January 21.
What should I do if I still have questions or concerns?
If you still have questions or concerns that have not been addressed here, please contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
The Toyota Customer Experience Center hours are:
Mon - Fri, 5:00 am - 6:00 pm PST
Sat, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm PST
Latest Updates:
1/27/2010
STATEMENT FROM RENO TOYOTA
“Reno Toyota received the recall information yesterday afternoon and as you can imagine we have been working around the clock trying to gather more facts and information regarding how Toyota would like us to handle this at the dealership level. With that in mind, our first concern is our customers. We want to make sure that they are safe and that we are as responsive as possible.”
“As we continue to gather information, we will update our website (www.RenoToyota.com) as we receive new information. We also want our customers to know that they can call the dealership or me personally at (775) 826- 2750 to discuss the current situation. If I’m not immediately available, I or someone from the dealership will return the call within 24-hours.
“Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:
2009-2010 RAV4
2009-2010 Corolla
2009-2010 Matrix
2009-2010 Avalon
Certain 2007-2010 Camry
2010 Highlander
2007-2010 Tundra
2008-2010 Sequoia
“No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runer, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain on sale.”
“Once again, we want to assure our customers they can expect our full attention and responsiveness as Toyota Motor Corp works through this situation quickly and in the same quality manner that has made them the number one automotive brand in the world.”
Ryan Dolan, General Manager
Reno Toyota
775-826-2750
Click here to see the first Floor Mat Issue Press Release from Toyota.
