Earlier this month, Tokyo-based Toyota Motor Co. issued a massive recall regarding the accelerator pedal on nearly half of their model line up in the United States. According to Toyota’s Press Release, the company would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific models.
Toyota Issues Recall on Camry, Others
According to a report on USAToday’s website, Toyota has investigated the issue and has fixed the defected pedals, and is currently in the process of getting new pedals to factories. Toyota not only halted sales of their automobiles, but also halted production of new cars until the fix has been issued.
ABC News reported that Toyota’s President and CEO, Akio Toyoda, apologized publicly on January 29th for the issue. “I am deeply sorry,” Toyoda said in a brief interview with the Japanese network NHK. During the interview, Toyoda said he could not answer questions because the Toyota “was still investigating” the issue.
Toyota has linked the problem to their supplier, CTS (not related to GM’s Cadillac model). CTS, an Indiana-based global operation, supplied the pedals to Toyota. According to an article in the USA Today, “[...] CTS has become so synonymous with sticking gas pedals that a Chinese company suspended production of a commercial van because it has CTS-made pedals — but not the Toyota design.”
If you own a Toyota product between the 2007-2010 model years, please contact your local dealership for advisement about the “sticking accelerator pedal.” Also, consult Toyota’s Press Release website for details about the pedal and affected models.
Toyota’s Press Release Website: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx
