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Following a massive recall in September of this year, Toyota has announced plans to replace gas pedals on the 3.8 million vehicles involved in the recall. The vehicles that are a part of the recall have gas pedals that could potentially become jammed in the floor mat. Owners of these vehicles have been advised to remove the drivers side floor mat to reduce the chances of this occurring and should look for further recall information in the mail soon.

Until the gas pedals have been replaced, Toyota has advised dealerships to begin shortening the length of accelerator pedals beginning in January of 2010. This is a precautionary measure that will be implemented until new replacement pedals become available in April. The Transportation Department and Toyota have said that some vehicles may need to have a brake override system installed as an additional precautionary measure.

The following vehicles are included on gas pedal recall list:

  • Camry model years 2007-2010
  • Avalon model years 2005-2010
  • Prius model years 2004-2009
  • Tacoma model years 2005-1010
  • Tundra model years 2007-2010
  • Lexus ES350 model years 2007-2010
  • Lexus IS250/350 model years 2006-2010

This recall was originally prompted by a crash in August which involved a 2009 Lexus ES350. There was a 911 call from a family member inside this runaway vehicle citing the driver was unable to stop the car. Sadly a California Highway Patrolman and three of his family members were killed in this accident. In addition to this crash, at least five additional deaths as well as two injuries have been linked to accidental or unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.

Owners of the Toyota Camry(the top selling passenger car), Avalon and Lexus ES350 will be the first to receive notification for replacement pedals or precautionary actions as they are the vehicles believed to have a greater risk of gas pedals that “stick”.

In addition to fixing this problem, Toyota intends to make a brake override system available on some of the cars involved in this recall. This will ensure that once a driver applies pressure to the brake and gas pedals at the same time, the car will stop. To avoid future catastrophes, Toyota will also be making this brake override system standard equipment in all Toyota and Lexus vehicles by the end of next year.

The gas pedal is not the only issue Toyota is dealing with right now. Over 100,000 Tundra trucks have also been recalled due to excessive rust on the frames of 2000-2003 model years.

Anyone seeking more information on this or other Toyota recalls can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.



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