Toyota announced on Thursday that they will be recalling more than 2.5 million cars around the world in order to fix various accelerator pedals that are becoming "stuck" more frequently. The recall effects the various new models Toyota has recently unleashed: these include the 2010 versions of the Rav4, Matrix, Corolla, Avalon, Camry, Sequoia, and the Tundra. The recall will affect Toyota dealerships and automobile warehouses worldwide.
Toyota's Recent Problems
This problem is part of many setbacks the struggling Japanese automakers at Toyota have struggled with recently. Months ago, Toyota had to recall 4.2 million vehicles due to a different concern with the accelerator pedal. The problem that many Toyota owners faced was that the pedal would frequently get lodged under the floor mat, causing a sudden burst of acceleration. This was stated as a cause for many crashes, including an accident in San Diego where four people were killed after accidentally accelerating their car to 120 MPH.
When the recall was announced early this Thursday, many reporters assumed this past problem was the same reason for this second recall. However, the company stated that this recall was issued to fix the actual gas pedal mechanism itself, rather than problems with the floor mats. A spokesperson for Toyota also added that the problem is related to the potential build-up of condensation in the accelerator system, which helps drivers push down or release the gas pedal.
Figuring Out the Solution
Toyota spokesman John Hanson said that although they don't have a solution for this problem yet, they are working hard to have one by the end of next week. The recall will also require various customer service reps calling Toyota owners to inform them of the situation. As of the recall, the company is unaware of any accidents caused by gas pedal problems, but couldn't rule it out for sure. Hanson also stated that all of the gas pedals were purchased from a single manufacturer, but declined to say the company's name.
Although Toyota has had a past of reliable cars, their recent problems have cost the company's reputation to slip. The previous recall ended up becoming the sixth largest ever in the United States. Toyota predicted that 1.7 million customers will be affected by both recalls. The company has suggested to its customers that if their gas pedal ever malfunctions, they should firmly apply pressure to the brake rather than "pump them", then call the nearest Toyota dealership after parking in a safe location.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100201/bs_afp/japanusautocompanyrecalltoyotaannouncement_20100201120059
Jonathan Locke - Hello to all. Welcome to the profile of Jonathan Locke. A little about me: I recently graduated from Cal State Fullerton (go titans!) with ...
