Driving Sports

Toyota announced today that it is instructing Toyota dealers to temporarily suspend sales of eight models involved in the recall for sticking accelerator pedal, announced on January 21.

Toyota is recalling approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota models. Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats. 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.

Older readers may recall the great "unintended acceleration" crisis that plagued Audi in the 1980s, with the 4000 and 5000 series (which later became the 90 and 100, which later became the A4 and A6). Although the Department of Transportation ultimately concluded that the problem was "pedal misapplication" by drivers, the bad press from that crisis set back Audi's appeal in the U.S. market for years.

However, with this recall, it looks like the problem is on Toyota's end.

The sticking accelerator pedal recall is separate from the on-going recall of Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats. Approximately 1.7 million Toyota Division vehicles are subject to both separate recall actions, and you know that Toyota executives are not going to be happy about that.

Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales applies to the following Toyota Division vehicles:

No Lexus or Scion models are affected. You're also good to go on a Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and some Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.

“Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company,” said Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter. “This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We’re making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible.”

With Toyota's vaunted reputation for quality above all other considerations, and the fact that this reputation accounts for their status as the world's #1 supplier of cars, minivans, and SUVs to families, the good people at Toyota have to be sweating bullets right now.