More than floor mats: Toyota recalls 2.3 million vehicles for sticking accelerators

In the ongoing saga of Toyota recalls, the company last night recalled another 2.3 million vehicles for potentially sticking accelerators. This recall is separate from, but in addition to, the company’s recall of 3.8 million vehicles last fall for issues that could result in uncontrolled acceleration.
 
Notably, this recall adds models not included in the original advisory, including the Highlander, RAV4, and Sequoia. No Lexus or Scion models are included with this recall. (There are approximately 1.7 million vehicles that are impacted by both recalls.)

Toyota Motor Sales Group Vice President Irv Miller has stated in a company release, “Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.”

Toyota does not yet have a remedy to deploy, and further notification is expected.

In the ongoing saga of Toyota recalls, the company last night recalled another 2.3 million vehicles for potentially sticking accelerators. This recall is separate from, but in addition to, the company’s recall of 3.8 million vehicles last fall for issues that could result in uncontrolled acceleration.
 
Notably, this recall adds models not included in the original advisory, including the Highlander, RAV4, and Sequoia. No Lexus or Scion models are included with this recall. (There are approximately 1.7 million vehicles that are impacted by both recalls.)

Toyota Motor Sales Group Vice President Irv Miller has stated in a company release, “Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.”

Toyota does not yet have a remedy to deploy, and further notification is expected.

In the ongoing saga of Toyota recalls, the company last night recalled another 2.3 million vehicles for potentially sticking accelerators. This recall is separate from, but in addition to, the company’s recall of 3.8 million vehicles last fall for issues that could result in uncontrolled acceleration.
 
Notably, this recall adds models not included in the original advisory, including the Highlander, RAV4, and Sequoia. No Lexus or Scion models are included with this recall. (There are approximately 1.7 million vehicles that are impacted by both recalls.)

Toyota Motor Sales Group Vice President Irv Miller has stated in a company release, “Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.”

Toyota does not yet have a remedy to deploy, and further notification is expected.

In the ongoing saga of Toyota recalls, the company last night recalled another 2.3 million vehicles for potentially sticking accelerators. This recall is separate from, but in addition to, the company’s recall of 3.8 million vehicles last fall for issues that could result in uncontrolled acceleration.
 
Notably, this recall adds models not included in the original advisory, including the Highlander, RAV4, and Sequoia. No Lexus or Scion models are included with this recall. (There are approximately 1.7 million vehicles that are impacted by both recalls.)

Toyota Motor Sales Group Vice President Irv Miller has stated in a company release, “Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.”

Toyota does not yet have a remedy to deploy, and further notification is expected.

In the ongoing saga of Toyota recalls, the company last night recalled another 2.3 million vehicles for potentially sticking accelerators. This recall is separate from, but in addition to, the company’s recall of 3.8 million vehicles last fall for issues that could result in uncontrolled acceleration.
 
Notably, this recall adds models not included in the original advisory, including the Highlander, RAV4, and Sequoia. No Lexus or Scion models are included with this recall. (There are approximately 1.7 million vehicles that are impacted by both recalls.)

Toyota Motor Sales Group Vice President Irv Miller has stated in a company release, “Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.”

Toyota does not yet have a remedy to deploy, and further notification is expected.

In the ongoing saga of Toyota recalls, the company last night recalled another 2.3 million vehicles for potentially sticking accelerators. This recall is separate from, but in addition to, the company’s recall of 3.8 million vehicles last fall for issues that could result in uncontrolled acceleration.
 
Notably, this recall adds models not included in the original advisory, including the Highlander, RAV4, and Sequoia. No Lexus or Scion models are included with this recall. (There are approximately 1.7 million vehicles that are impacted by both recalls.)

Toyota Motor Sales Group Vice President Irv Miller has stated in a company release, “Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.”

Toyota does not yet have a remedy to deploy, and further notification is expected.

In the ongoing saga of Toyota recalls, the company last night recalled another 2.3 million vehicles for potentially sticking accelerators. This recall is separate from, but in addition to, the company’s recall of 3.8 million vehicles last fall for issues that could result in uncontrolled acceleration.
 
Notably, this recall adds models not included in the original advisory, including the Highlander, RAV4, and Sequoia. No Lexus or Scion models are included with this recall. (There are approximately 1.7 million vehicles that are impacted by both recalls.)

Toyota Motor Sales Group Vice President Irv Miller has stated in a company release, “Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.”

Toyota does not yet have a remedy to deploy, and further notification is expected.

In the ongoing saga of Toyota recalls, the company last night recalled another 2.3 million vehicles for potentially sticking accelerators. This recall is separate from, but in addition to, the company’s recall of 3.8 million vehicles last fall for issues that could result in uncontrolled acceleration.
 
Notably, this recall adds models not included in the original advisory, including the Highlander, RAV4, and Sequoia. No Lexus or Scion models are included with this recall. (There are approximately 1.7 million vehicles that are impacted by both recalls.)

Toyota Motor Sales Group Vice President Irv Miller has stated in a company release, “Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.”

Toyota does not yet have a remedy to deploy, and further notification is expected.

In the ongoing saga of Toyota recalls, the company last night recalled another 2.3 million vehicles for potentially sticking accelerators. This recall is separate from, but in addition to, the company’s recall of 3.8 million vehicles last fall for issues that could result in uncontrolled acceleration.
 
Notably, this recall adds models not included in the original advisory, including the Highlander, RAV4, and Sequoia. No Lexus or Scion models are included with this recall. (There are approximately 1.7 million vehicles that are impacted by both recalls.)

Toyota Motor Sales Group Vice President Irv Miller has stated in a company release, “Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.”

Toyota does not yet have a remedy to deploy, and further notification is expected.

In the ongoing saga of Toyota recalls, the company last night recalled another 2.3 million vehicles for potentially sticking accelerators. This recall is separate from, but in addition to, the company’s recall of 3.8 million vehicles last fall for issues that could result in uncontrolled acceleration.
 
Notably, this recall adds models not included in the original advisory, including the Highlander, RAV4, and Sequoia. No Lexus or Scion models are included with this recall. (There are approximately 1.7 million vehicles that are impacted by both recalls.)

Toyota Motor Sales Group Vice President Irv Miller has stated in a company release, “Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.”

Toyota does not yet have a remedy to deploy, and further notification is expected.

In the ongoing saga of Toyota recalls, the company last night recalled another 2.3 million vehicles for potentially sticking accelerators. This recall is separate from, but in addition to, the company’s recall of 3.8 million vehicles last fall for issues that could result in uncontrolled acceleration.
 
Notably, this recall adds models not included in the original advisory, including the Highlander, RAV4, and Sequoia. No Lexus or Scion models are included with this recall. (There are approximately 1.7 million vehicles that are impacted by both recalls.)

Toyota Motor Sales Group Vice President Irv Miller has stated in a company release, “Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.”

Toyota does not yet have a remedy to deploy, and further notification is expected.

Models involved in this new action include:

• 2005-2010 Avalon
• 2007-2010 Camry
• 2009-2010 Corolla
• 2010 Highlander
• 2009-2010 Matrix
• 2009-2010 RAV4
• 2008-2010 Sequoia
• 2007-2010 Tundra

While these cases are rare, unintended acceleration is a real problem that drivers need to know how to address. If your car begins to accelerate uncontrollably, immediately move the shift lever to neutral and firmly apply the brakes. Do not pump the brakes. And don’t worry about the engine—modern vehicles have rev limiters to prevent damage. Once you have brought the car to a safe stop, turn off the engine. (Read: “Putting a car in Neutral might save your life.”)

The previous safety advisory/recall declared that “No defect exists in vehicles with properly installed floor mats.”

However, Consumer Reports analysis of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety complaints database showed that Toyota and Lexus models for 2008 had a much greater incidence of sudden, unintended acceleration than other brands. (That analysis was limited to that single calendar year.)

We concluded that:
“Toyota has announced several steps it is taking to mitigate the risks of floor-mat entrapment and provide ’smart throttle‘technology (allowing the brake pedal to override the accelerator), but our analysis indicates other problems likely exist.”
Read: "Analysis shows over 40 percent of sudden-acceleration complaints involve Toyotas."

This latest recall confirms that the unintended acceleration issues extend beyond floor mats.

Corrective measures previously announced for the original recalled models included modifying the accelerator pedals of certain Toyota Avalon, Camry, Prius, Tundra and Tacoma, and certain Lexus ES 350, IS 250, and IS 350 models to reduce the likelihood that they can become trapped under floor mats. Dealers will cut about 3/4 of an inch off the bottom of the gas pedals. Starting in April, replacement pedals will become available to all owners of these models, whether they have had the modification performed or not.

On the Avalon, Camry, and Lexus models, Toyota will also modify the engine software to include a brake override system that will cut the throttle if the brakes and throttle are applied simultaneously. The brake override system will be standard on all Toyota products for the 2011 model year.

For more information on this recall, contact Toyota at 800-331-4331.

—Eric Evarts and Jeff Bartlett

Related:

Consumers Union calls for changes to strengthen U.S. car-safety net
Toyota reportedly worked with feds to save $100 million in recalls
Eight things that can dramatically improve auto safety
Five key fixes automakers should make now to reduce unintended acceleration
Unintended acceleration stories wanted
How to tell if your Toyota is affected by the recent recalls
Consumer Reports suspends recommendations for recalled Toyotas
Toyota suspends sales, production of recalled vehicles
More than floor mats: Toyota recalls 2.3 million vehicles for sticking accelerators
Analysis shows over 40 percent of sudden-acceleration complaints involve Toyotas
Toyota recalls 3.8 million cars to modify gas pedals, carpets, and software
More than floor mats: NHTSA report gives more details on Lexus crash
Putting a car in Neutral might save your life
Putting stuck floor mat survival strategies to the test
Floor mat survey reveals problem with all-weather mats
Toyota and Lexus floor mat recall is official
Toyota advises 3.8 million Lexus and Toyota owners to remove floor mats

Comments

[larry]

They are not going far enough! It's not just the linkage. If it was JUST a linkage issue they would not have the "runaway" effect. This is happening because the software is faulty on these drive by wire systems and it is fully flooring the accelerator and perhaps without the actual pedal even moving. They have even admitted the fault themselves by installing the over ride system.
Once again the big T sweeps a glaring safety fault under the........."rug?"
These cars with drive by wire should be forcefully removed from the road by the NHTSA (though someone there is most likely being paid off) and all monies returned to the owners in FULL. TOyota should than not be allowed to sell this system until if/when they can prove the issues are corrected!

[Marty Krogh]

Gee, even though Toyota had initially denied there was a problem and they have taken forever to implement corrective actions, I wonder if you will still rate the Toyota cars over the American brands.

[cabjf]

The LA Times reports that the 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe is included too.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-nutoyota-recall22-2010jan22,0,6915909.story

[David]

Frankly I am extremely disappointed that CR has not performed their own research into this very issue with Toyota vehicles which has been on-going now for over a year.

I used to respect and expect CR to be the watch dog for consumers instead you are now content to waddle on the sidelines.

Pity.

[Ken]

What is the reason that during the video, the power braking was lost because the brakes were pumped during full throttle? This should not have been glossed over. Braking systems should not just lose power because you pumped them regardless of throttle position.

[Jeff Bartlett - Consumer Reports]

@ David. Rest assured, we have not been on the sidelines. We have covered Toyota SUA as the story developed, providing our own analysis and safety advice via ConsumerReports.org and through the media.

If you hadn't seen our analysis:
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2009/12/sudden-unintended-acceleration-sua-analysis-2008-toyota-lexus-ford-gm.html

[Jeff Bartlett - Consumer Reports]

@ Ken - Yes, power braking was lost in our tests due to pumping the pedal at wide-open throttle.

For more information, check out:
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2009/10/putting-a-car-in-neutral-might-save-your-life.html

[Jon]

all vehicles in those model years should no longer be recommended, at least until Toyota finds a fix (which they have not done). used vehicles in those model years should never be recommended again, because there is no legitimate way to make sure that a fix was retrofitted, especially to the older models such as the Avalon, Camry and Tundra.

I have a feeling that the rest of the Highlander's model years will soon join the list, as will the Sequoia, Solara, and the rest of the Rav4's model years.

[Mike]

I wish that I knew about this problem @ two weeks ago. I might have looked a little deeper before I bought a new 2010 Rav4. I might have looked more at the Ford Escape. With this being a accelerate by wire, (electrical impulse), the problem has to be in the software or the speed control operation.

[Ken]

@Jeff Bartlett. Thank you for your reply, but the original question is why was power braking lost during the test at wide-open throttle? The link you provide does not provide further information about that question.

Surely cars are not designed to lose power braking because you pumped the brakes while at WOT. Was that a defect on that particular car? Is there an explanation for this? Is this behavior to be expected on any vehicle and if so why? What went wrong with the braking system or the vehicle in general that caused the loss of power braking?

It seems that the manufacturer/highway safety folks should be made aware of this particular problem you found here.

[David]

Jeff thank you for providing the links. I have read them all completely. I believe CR did a very good job at explaining the issue but yet I am perplexed by the fact that the affected Toyota models still appear on your recommended list?

I would like to make a suggestion as it applies to your future recommended vehicles, please list the number of recalls and the specific types of recalls that have been associated with a make or model of vehicle. For example, in the case of the ongoing issue with Toyota's Sudden Unintended Acceleration.

I also agree with Jon's comments regarding CR NOT recommending any affected Toyota models until this issue has been fully resolved by Toyota. The magnitude and seriousness of this issue cannot be under emphasized due to the death and injuries that have already occurred.

[Mike Devine]

Why hasn't CR revised its’ recommendation of the Toyota models in question and advised your subscribers (readers) that these vehicles pose a danger? CR should immediately (in-print & on-line) state that due to the on-going problems (describe in full detail) with Toyota (list models & years) that we can no longer recommended them.

Since, you are always emphasizing that the testing you do and reviews are “independent /not favoring any brand since you do not except advertising”. If you do not do this it would appear that you are showing some sort of favoritism towards Toyota for some unknown reason.

That would place CR’s editorial in question, along with your testing methods.

[Steveee]

Wow!!!
So much hate for Toyota. I am sure that these comments were posted by those who do not own Toyotas. I own one and it is a great vehicle. I know dozens of people who own Toyotas and none of them experienced any problem of this type. Moreover, Toyota was investigated for many years and NHTSA never found it at fault. As for paying off alleged by Marty Krogh it was GM and Chrysler who got paid off from taxpayers money for years of manufacturing cars that were unsafe to drive.

[Elizabeth]

I own a 2007 Camry (affected by both recalls) and have yet to hear anything from Toyota about the initial recall despite their own website saying that notices would be sent out at the end of 12/09 and at the latest by the beginning of Jan. I really feel that CR should stop rating the Camry, or any of these affected vehicles, as recommended. To do otherwise really hurts CR's image with the very public they are supposed to be representing.

[larry]

The reason pumping the brakes at full throttle is valid on ANY car with vacuum assisted power brakes (which is almost any gasoline engine vehicle). Your brakes are assisted by engine vacuum (directly and though a reservoir). When your engine is at/near full throttle no engine vacuum is produced and within one or two brake applications power assist is lost completely. The brakes will still work but ad in the panic of a runaway vehicle along with the extreme pedal effort required to overcome sudden lack of assist and you now have an even more dangerous situation.
To the person who believes you cannot find out if the mods were done..wrong. You can. Whether or not they will help is doubtful as Toyota is sweeping this whole thing under the rug doing only enough to make people "believe" they are doing the right thing. they are NOT! Not until they actually fix the electronics that are causing the issues in the first place. This is NOT a worn linkage issue.

[Ken]

The car in the video has ABS. I do not think that most cars with ABS use engine vacuum to provide braking power. "On vehicles with integral anti-lock brake systems where the master cylinder is part of the hydraulic control assembly (Teves Mark 2 ABS, Bosch III ABS, Delco Powermaster 3 ABS, Bendix 10 and Jeep ABS), an electric pump with a nitrogen pressurized accumulator is used to provide power assist. With these systems, power assist is provided by pressure stored in the accumulator. We're talking LOTS of pressure here, from 675 up to 2600 psi depending on the system and application" found at http://www.aa1car.com/library/pwrsteer.htm

[larry]

To Ken,
The system you're referring to was fraught with VERY serious issues (complete loss of braking not the least). This system is no longer in use by any automaker I am aware of or have seen. It has not been used since the early 90's. The new systems use hydraulic assist.

[Mark]

As a college level instructor, my students and I have tried for years to induce faults into these systems that would produce UA. The failsafes have worked every time. If anyone has produced this problem, it is a very well kept secret. Simplistic accusations are not helpful to anyone. I congratulate CR on thoughtful, reasoned reporting.

[tun]

All these people who had problems with the accelerators are just like those women who complained about Audi's driving backward when the gear was in "D" back in the 80's.
Toyotas are great cars. No question about it.

[larry]

>The car in the video has ABS. I do not think that most cars with ABS use engine vacuum to provide braking power. "On vehicles with integral anti-lock brake systems where the master cylinder is part of the hydraulic control assembly (Teves Mark 2 ABS, Bosch III ABS, Delco Powermaster 3 ABS, Bendix 10 and Jeep ABS), an electric pump with a nitrogen pressurized accumulator is used to provide power assist.<

This system was fraught with HUGE issues. Not the least of which complete loss of braking and or ABS control. Because of this they have not been installed on any car I have seen or worked on since the early 90's (93 being the last year I have seen them on)
Newer vehicles DO use vacuum assist. But you're right if/when the electrically boosted system is working (not too often) they are not vacuum dependent so will work (even at full throttle) providing the power source is on. Of course turning off the ignition on such a vehicle means all bets are off.

[Justin]

Hey my name is Justin and I work for a Toyota store as a service advisor I've worked here for 7 years and only remember of twice someone coming in with this problem. I think the news is blowing it completley out of proportion. The only proof everyone is going off is what happend with that family in california. From what I've got from my managers and toyota rep is that it is a super rare thing to happen out of over a million cars that claimed this was happening to them only 9 were able to be reproduced. So I just wanna let everyone know your car is fine toyota will handle it. I think everyone who drives a Toyota knows our quailty is better then anyone elses, and if you say diffrent your stubbourn or just telling yourself a lie. So again don't worry about anything no matter what these other people tell you on here unless they work for Toyota they don't know Jack about anything except how to google Toyota recall info. There should be a notice for your car if it applies within 1 to 2 weeks

[larry]

>As a college level instructor, my students and I have tried for years to induce faults into these systems that would produce UA. The fail safes have worked every time. If anyone has produced this problem, it is a very well kept secret. Simplistic accusations are not helpful to anyone. I congratulate CR on thoughtful, reasoned reporting.<

Sorry but with all due respect until you have witnessed this (or have it happen to you as I have) you can "try and induce" all you want.
It has happened to me (not on a Toyota in all fairness) on a test drive. The car in question decided on it's own to begin accelerating. Having clear road in front of me I just let it go to see what would happen. Sure enough that vehicle kept the pedal to the floor for about 2 miles. Than with the car at top speed the pedal suddenly released itself. Slowing from about 100 mph to 30. Than as quick as it did that it slammed the pedal right back to the floor again, ran up to about 80 than off than back to the floor and about 80 again, by this time I'd had enough and on it's final slow down I pulled off the road. Turned the engine off, restarted it and it did not happen again the rest of the time I tried working with it.
So it's not hard to believe you could not "induce it". But believe me it can and does happen. If it does it is scary! Some people panic in the face of this phenomenon, some don't. Those poor souls in CA did.
Toyota has a SERIOUS issue here. It needs to be fixed. Until it is fixed people who own them should drive them ONLY with extreme caution. Older or infirm drivers should not drive them at all. And everyone who owns these models with fly by wire should be prepared they have a vehicle that can go from 0-60 before they know it.

[Fred Garcia]

There was a recall dated 11Jul06 for 2005 Highlanders with an accelerator issue. Toyota's answer was at that time was the floormats. Thier current 22Jan10 recall reflects evidence that the matter is much more serious than floormats. Despite this, Toyota's National Customer Experience Center maintains that the 22Jan recall and the 06 recall are separate matters. When I spoke to our local Toyota serviceman about this he said that he knows there is a specific pedal manufacturer involved, implying that the 06 accelerator issue is less serious than the Jan 2010 issue. Is it true that there is a particular pedal manufacturer involved with this?

[Sean]

i would like to know which "certain camry's" they are eluding to.(other than the hybrids) i just leased a 2010 camry last Tuesday 1-19-10 and no one at the dealership mentioned the recall. i did turn in a 2007 camry, and had no problems with it. but feel it was a deceptive move on there part. can i return the car to the dealership and wipe my hands of it. i'll go buy a nissan altima.

[Mary]

My husband and I have two different models of 2007 of Toyotas, and we are both very happy with them. This is my third toyota. I was DRIVEN AWAY by Chrysler when, after my transmission was replaced for the third time, they told me to try not to back the car up! My husband was driven away from Mercedes the minute the warranties expired by constant, I mean constant, repairs. The simplest thing would cost $800. I spent more time on the road taking him to the Mercedes dealer than going to the grocery store. So, its all about quality in one's long-run experience, not just one incident. Its up to all manufacturers to prove quality over the years, and we do welcome competition.