Toyota Recall: Gas Pedals To Blame
By Chris Weiss
It’s looking like Toyota isn’t going to have much to be thankful for this year. In a follow-up to a recall of 3.8 million vehicles that was issued two months ago, Toyota has determined that the engineering of the gas pedal and driver cockpit is to blame for sticky gas pedals that result in unintended acceleration. The problem was previously blamed on the floor mats.
Toyota’s solution to the sticky pedal problem is to shorten the gas pedal, restructure the floor area to provide more clearance and install a brake override system. Models in question include the 2005 through 2010 model year Toyota Avalons, 2007 through 2010 Camry and Lexus ES350.
Looking ahead, Toyota also plans a brake override system that will automatically brake the car when both the accelerator and brake pedal are engaged. The new system will be standard for Toyota and Lexus models beginning in 2010. Drivers have previously reported that they were unable to brake when the faulty acceleration took place.
Dealer repairs will begin in January, with shorter, replacement pedals becoming available in April. In the meantime, Toyota continues to urge owners of the affected vehicles to remove the floor mats.
Just yesterday, Toyota also recalled over 100,000 Tundra trucks. [via Detroit Free Press]
