Frequently Asked Questions About Toyota's Voluntary Recall - Updated 2/11/10

  

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Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall

What is the solution Toyota announced to fix sticking accelerator pedals?

Toyota's engineers have developed and rigorously tested a solution that is both effective and simple.

A precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the accelerator pedal assembly, thereby eliminating the excess friction that has caused pedals to stick in rare instances.

What is the problem that could cause accelerators to stick and led to the recall?

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.

This friction 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.

How does a steel reinforcement bar solve this problem?

The steel reinforcement bar 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.

How does Toyota know that this solution will be effective?

Nothing is more important to Toyota than the safety and satisfaction of our customers, and we have high confidence in our solution for fixing our customers' vehicles.  We have confirmed the effectiveness of the newly reinforced pedals through rigorous testing on pedal assemblies that had previously shown a tendency to stick.

Is my vehicle affected by voluntary recall?

The voluntary recall only affects specific models. A list of those models and how to identify them can be found here.

Even if you do have one of these models, according to Toyota, it's unlikely you'll experience the problem at all: "The incidence of this condition is rare and occurs gradually over a period of time. 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."

However, despite how unlikely it is that you'll experience the problem, Toyota has issued this voluntary recall to make sure that all Toyotas are safe and reliable

When can I get my vehicle fixed?

We are beginning to contact customers to let them know when to bring in their vehicles for the fix, and some of them will be notified as early as this week.

At Toyota, our highest priority has been to quickly and effectively address the needs of owners of affected vehicles.  Parts to reinforce the pedals are already being shipped for use by dealers.

Let your customers know if your dealership will have extended hours to complete the recall campaign or even stay open 24 hours a day, as some dealerships are doing.

How long will it take for a dealer to repair my automobile?

The actual repair involves about 30 minutes' work.

Is the repair covered by warranty?  Will drivers have to pay any money out of pocket for this work?

Toyota will cover all repair costs associated with this work.

Does the reinforced pedal feel any different?

Drivers should not notice any change in the feel of the pedal.

Is my car safe to drive if it has not yet received this solution?

To be clear, the condition is rare and generally 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.

You should tell customers that if they experience an accelerator pedal that is hard to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation, they should drive the vehicle to a safe location, shut off the engine and contact a Toyota dealer for assistance

You can also tell the customer that if he or she  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.

What if my vehicle is also affected by the floor mat recall?  Which will be addressed first?

We are working to coordinate the pedal entrapment and the sticking pedal recalls to minimize the number of customers who will have to have two service visits.

What do I do if I experience a sticking accelerator pedal before my car receives the remedy? Should I bring my car to a dealer?

Customers who experience an accelerator pedal that is hard to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation should drive the vehicle to a safe location, shut off the engine and contact a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance

Otherwise, no action is required at this time unless you feel you are experiencing this condition.  We will begin contacting customers to let them know when to bring in their vehicles for the fix, and some of them will be notified as early as this week.

Can I return my vehicle to Toyota if I purchased it in the five-day period between when the recall was announced and Toyota stopped the sale on my vehicle?  What are my options?

Toyota will work with customers who have concerns about their new vehicles on a case-by-case basis.  Customer should also contact the Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

What is a "VIN" and how do I find it on my automobile?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character sequence of numbers and letters that is used by the automobile industry to uniquely identify motor vehicles. It can be viewed through the windshield on the driver's side at the front of the dashboard.

In addition, the VIN number is also located on a sticker located the driver's side pillar, with the tire inflation information and on the vehicle's registration.

Why are mechanically similar Lexus and Scion vehicles not affected by this recall?

The recall affected pedal is confined to one of Toyota's suppliers. That supplier's pedals are not used on Lexus and Scion vehicle

FLOOR MAT PEDAL ENTRAPMENT RECALL

Which models are involved in the floor mat pedal entrapment recall?

A list of models can be found here.

What is the condition that has prompted this floor mat pedal entrapment recall?

There is the potential for an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat to interfere with, or entrap, the accelerator pedal in the worst case, in the wide-open position.  A vehicle with an entrapped accelerator pedal may be difficult to control and/or stop.

What are the specific measures of the vehicle-based remedy you are using to address the potential for floor mats to entrap the pedal?

The remedy is as follows:

1. The shape of the accelerator pedal will be reconfigured to address the risk of floor mat entrapment, even when an older-design all-weather floor mat or other inappropriate floor mat is improperly attached, or is placed on top of another floor mat.  For the ES350, Camry, and Avalon models involved, the shape of the floor surface underneath will also be reconfigured to increase the space between the accelerator pedal and the floor.

2. Vehicles with any genuine Toyota or Lexus accessory all-weather floor mat will be provided with newly-designed replacement driver- and front passenger-side all-weather floor mats.

In addition, as a separate measure independent of the vehicle-based remedy, Toyota will install a brake override system onto the involved Camry, Avalon, and Lexus ES 350, IS 350 and IS 250 models as an extra measure of confidence. This system cuts engine power in case of simultaneous application of both the accelerator and brake pedals.

The recall remedies for accelerator pedal entrapment for the Corolla, Matrix, Venza, Highlander, Tacoma, Tundra, and Prius will occur on a rolling schedule during 2010.  No details have been provided to this point.  Please note that the Prius, and all hybrids for that matter, already have a version of the override system.  The override system will be standard by the end of 2010.

What is the function of "brake override system"

When the vehicle is moving and both the gas and brake pedal are pushed at the same time, this software forces the vehicle to respond to the brake only. The brake takes precedence over the gas pedal.

Is Toyota implementing the brake override system because there is an electronic control unit (ECU) defect?

Toyota is confident that no defect exists in the ECU.

What vehicles has Toyota begun notification on for the floor mat recall?

Toyota has begun issuing notification for the Lexus division involved models - ES350 and IS250 and IS350, and the Toyota Camry and Avalon.  The recall remedies for other involved vehicles will be rolled out through 2010.
 
In the meantime, if you are an owner of a vehicle involved in this recall, as a precaution, to help reduce the risk of incorrect floor mat installation and/or application, Toyota requests that customers take out any removable driver's floor mat and NOT replace it with any other floor mat until the safety recall remedy has been completed on the vehicle. After the recall remedy has been completed, only floor mats designed specifically for the vehicle and which are properly secured should be installed on the driver's floor.

What is the likelihood that my vehicle will experience this condition?

Pedal entrapment can occur in vehicles in which the driver's side floor mat is not compatible with the vehicle and/or is not properly installed and secured. It can also occur when there is a loose item or debris on the driver's side floor. As a precaution, to help reduce the risk of incorrect floor mat installation and/or application, Toyota requests that customers take out any removable driver's floor mat and NOT replace it with any other floor mat until the safety recall remedy has been completed on the vehicle. After the recall remedy has been completed, only floor mats designed specifically for the vehicle and which are properly secured should be installed on the driver's floor.

What should I do if I experience floor mat pedal entrapment while driving?

Should the vehicle continue to accelerate rapidly after releasing the accelerator pedal, this could be an indication of floor mat interference.  If this occurs, Toyota recommends the driver take the following actions:

• First, if it is possible and safe to do so, pull back the floor mat and dislodge it from the accelerator pedal; then pull over and stop the vehicle.
  
  
• If the floor mat cannot be dislodged, then firmly and steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet. Do NOT pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to slow the vehicle.
  
  
• 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 you are unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF, or to ACC. 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.

What if I don't want to remove my floor mat?

Toyota strongly recommends that you remove the driver's side floor mat and that you not disregard this advice. If you choose to disregard our recommendation, please be sure that your vehicle has the correct floor mat and that it is properly installed and secured. Do not stack floor mats and do not turn them over. While there are instructions on www.toyota.com for proper floor mat installation in unaffected vehicles, again, Toyota strongly recommends that you remove the floor mat out of recalled vehicles.

Are the all-weather floor mats being replaced in involved vehicles?

Yes.  Toyota will be replacing the front driver and passenger-side floor mats.

Is Toyota recalling the old style floor mats and what are you doing with them?

Yes, Toyota is recalling the old style floor mat as part of this recall to completely remove them from the market. At some point in time, in the future, these mats will be recycled into other products such as road surfaces. Toyota has not completed the details of the recycling actions.