On January 21, 2010, Toyota Motor Sales, (TMS), United States released a media statement of a safety recall involving 2.3 million vehicles. In some models the accelerator pedal in vehicles can stick when pushed down or return slowly to the idle position.

Following the recall Toyota owners on the island have expressed concerns over whether their own vehicles could be part of the problem.

Toyota models involved in the latest recall are as follows: 2009-10 RAV4, 2009-10 Corolla, 2009-10 Matrix, 2005-10 Avalon, 2007-10 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-10 Tundra and the 2008-10 Sequoia.
If you own one of those vehicles, Toyota says not to panic, as the possibility of the problem surfacing is “very rare.”

John Hanson, a Toyota spokesman said the problem involves a specific accelerator pedal assembly from a specific supplier. Hanson said it happened over time, not overnight.

“This is a wear issue,” he explained. “The owner will begin to feel that the accelerator is a little rough when they push it down. It doesn’t operate as smoothly as it used to.”

Owners are encouraged to call their dealers to have the problem investigated at the first sign of trouble. Not having the problem looked into can cause it to worsen. The worst case scenario is that the accelerator pedal could stick in the depressed condition.

There were also instructions for customers in the event that the accelerator stuck. “Brake firmly and steadily—no pumping—and steer the car to the nearest safe location, according to Toyota. Turn the engine off and contact a Toyota dealer.”

The recall is separate from the acceleration problems caused by floor mats jamming the accelerator, a problem for which Toyota issued a recall in November. The vehicles involved in that recall are the 2007-10 Camry, 2005-10 Avalon, 2004-09 Prius, 2005-10 Tacoma, 2007-10 Tundra, 2007-10 ES 350, 2006-10 IS 250, and 2006-10 IS 350.

It has been reported that close to 1.7 million of the 2.3 million Toyotas being recalled this month have both problems, the company says, and should be taken to a dealer.

There has been word that many Toyota dealers in the US have had to extend servicing hours and hire additional technicians to complete repairs for customers in a speedy and conveniently manner.

Toyota owners will receive a letter from the company if their vehicle is involved in the recall. After receiving the letter, owners will be asked to contact a local Toyota dealership to schedule an appointment to have their vehicle repaired.

“Nothing is more important to us than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive, and we are determined to live up to the high standards people have come to expect from Toyota over the past 50 years,” said Jim Lentz, president and Chief Operating Officer, TMS. “We’re working hard to ensure that our dealers have the resources and support they need to make sure our customers get their cars fixed quickly.

Toyota Motor chief executive Akio Toyoda apologized Friday for the problems that led to the company’s recall. But it did not announce another recall of its popular Prius Hybrid, despite reports of brake problems.

“I feel we are in stormy weather,” he said. “Under this situation, [we] must regain customer trust. Tackle the problem. My role is to carry it out. We lacked customer perspective. It’s very unfortunate.”

At least one Toyota dealership in St Lucia, Beachcomber Ltd released a letter sent from the Toyota Motor Corporation, addressed to the Latin America and Caribbean Division. The letter dated, February 2, 2010 read: “We would like to confirm that all Toyota models sold though your company are not affected by this recall exercise. The accelerator pedal components of the affected models in the US market are different from the Toyota models sold by your company. We would like to advise that there is no cause for concern on this matter.”