Published: January 21, 2010

Sticking Accelerator Causes Toyota to Recall 2.3 Million Vehicles; Edmunds.com Comments

Share This Story

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Toyota announced today that it would voluntarily initiate a recall of 2.3 million vehicles due to a problem with sticking accelerator pedals. Over 60 percent of the vehicles Toyota sold last year are affected by this recall.

Of the models being recalled, 1.7 million are also affected by Toyota's past recall, which had 4.2 million vehicles being recalled for improperly placed floor mats that could cause pedal entrapment.

"If a driver ever feels as if the accelerator is stuck, he or she should try pull the pedal up with a toe, put the car in neutral, shut the car down and have it towed to the dealership," advised Edmunds.com's Director of Vehicle Testing Dan Edmunds.

"Aside from the safety concerns, I think the other issue is -- and we're seeing it being discussed in the CarSpace.com forums -- is that Toyota owners' confidence is shaken," noted Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Michelle Krebs. "Most consumers choose the Toyota brand because of its reputation, but where does this prolonged and misunderstood problem leave the company's reputation? This situation opens the doors for competitors to steal away their customers."

The models most affected by this recall include 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra, and 2008-2010 Sequoia.

Many of Toyota's best-selling brands, among them the Prius, Tacoma, Land Cruiser, and Camry hybrid, have not been recalled.

The rare but dangerous problem presented by the sticking accelerator pedals seems to be caused by worn pedal mechanisms that eventually either become stuck in a depressed position, harder to depress, or slower to return.

Edmunds.com spokespeople are available for interviews in Edmunds.com's television studio in its Santa Monica, Calif. headquarters and in its Detroit-area satellite office.

Available spokespeople include: