Berlin City Toyota NH

Frequently Asked Questions for the Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall

What is Berlin City Toyota doing to help all the Toyota Recall customers?

• Extended Hours - our service center is staffed with Toyota-certified technicians
  
• Expanded Shuttle Service
  
• Courtesy Wash and Vacuum
• 24-point inspection
• Next oil and filter change on Berlin City Toyota
• Free refreshments and fresh baked goods while you wait

What is the condition that has prompted Toyota to take this action?
In rare instances, there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.
 
What is the likelihood that my vehicle will experience this condition?
The incidence of this condition is rare and occurs gradually over a period time. It can occur when the pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in certain conditions, the accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position.
 
What should I do if I believe my vehicle is affected by this condition?, i.e. I have noticed that my accelerator pedal is hard to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation.
The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.
 
What if you experience a sticking accelerator pedal while driving?

• Each circumstance may vary, and drivers must use their best judgment, but Toyota recommends taking one of following actions:
• If you need to stop immediately, the vehicle can be controlled by stepping on the brake pedal with both feet using firm and steady pressure.  Do not pump the brake pedal as it will deplete the vacuum utilized for the power brake assist.
• Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.
• If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF. This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.
• If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off the engine.  Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button. 
• If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key-ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine.  Do NOT remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.

 
If I am an owner of one of the affected vehicles, what action do I need to take?
Toyota is working quickly to prepare a correction remedy and will issue owner notifications in the future.  No action is required at this time unless you feel you are experiencing this condition.  If you are experiencing this condition, immediately contact your nearest Toyota Dealer for assistance.     

Toyota's accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:
 
2009-2010 RAV4
2009-2010 Corolla
2009-2010 Matrix
2005-2010 Avalon
Certain 2007-2010 Camry
2010 Highlander
2007-2010 Tundra
2008-2010 Sequoia

For more information on the temporary suspension of sales of selected vehicles: click here
For more information on the recall: click here 
 
What should I do if I still have questions or concerns?
If you still have questions or concerns that have not been addressed here, please contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. 
The Toyota Customer Experience Center hours are:
Mon - Fri 5:00 am - 6:00 pm PST
Sat 7:00 am - 4:00 pm PST

News Updates:

Toyota Announces Voluntary Recall on 2010 Model-Year Prius to Update ABS Software

FAQs About the 2010 Prius Voluntary Recalls

1. What is the problem with the 2010 Prius?

The anti-lock brake system (ABS) in the 2010 model-year Prius, in normal operation, engages and disengages rapidly (many times per second) as the control system senses and reacts to tire slippage. Some owners have reported experiencing inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady application of the brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the anti-lock brake system (ABS) is activated in an effort to maintain tire traction.

2. How is Toyota responding to this Prius issue?

Toyota has responded to owner concerns with a running production change for the 2010 Prius that was introduced last month, improving the ABS system's response time, as well as the system's overall sensitivity to tire slippage. 

The recall will allow Toyota dealers to perform this software update in the anti-lock brake systems of 2010 Prius vehicles sold prior to this production change.

3. Why does this only impact 2010 Prius models?

First- and second-generation Prius vehicles use a different ABS system and are not involved in this campaign.

4. How many vehicles are impacted?

This recall involves approximately 133,000 2010 model year Prius vehicles.

5. What should 2010 Prius customers do if they experience this braking issue?

If a Prius owner were to experience this condition, pressing hard on the brake pedal will stop the vehicle safely.

6. Are these vehicles safe to drive until they get their update?

The vehicles are safe to drive because pressing hard on the brake pedal will stop the vehicle.

7. When can I get my vehicle fixed?

Toyota will begin sending letters to Prius owners included in this recall by mail next week to let them know when to bring their vehicles into a dealership. Owners will only receive a letter if their vehicle is involved in the recall.

8. How long will it take for a dealer to repair my vehicle?

The software update should only take approximately 30 minutes to install, depending on technician workflow.

9. Is the repair covered by warranty? Will drivers have to pay any money out of pocket for this work?

Toyota will cover all repair costs associated with this work.

10. Is this recall related to the ongoing Toyota recalls associated with sudden unintended acceleration?

No, this recall is unrelated to the ongoing recall of Toyota vehicles for sticking gas pedals and floor mat entrapment issues.

Toyota Corolla Steering Recall

February 17th, 2010

According to an article on Yahoo News,  Toyota is considering a recall of certain models of the Toyota Corolla after consumers posted many complaints about power steering problems. 

 The news continues to get worse for this troubled car maker.  The question to be seen is if these mounting problems will hurt the brand long term.

According to a survey of car dealers we conducted over the weekend, many dealers feel that Toyota will bounce back from their recall woes.  Many said that they would not count Toyota out and that the brand loyalty among Toyota owners was very strong.

An excerpt from the Yahoo News story also added this interesting twist:

Despite pressure from some lawmakers, President Akio Toyoda said he won't be attending the U.S. congressional hearing on the automaker's quality lapses, entrusting the job to U.S.-based executives - though would consider an appearance if the committee requests it. He said he wanted to focus on improving quality worldwide.

"I trust that our officials in the U.S. will amply answer the questions," Toyoda said Wednesday in his third news conference in two weeks. "We are sending the best people to the hearing, and I hope to back up the efforts from headquarters."

He said Yoshi Inaba, who heads Toyota Motor Corp.'s North American unit, was more familiar with the U.S. situation and was the best executive to deal with the hearing. Toyoda said he was still making plans to go to the U.S. and dates have yet to be set.

Related Video:
Prius Anti-Lock Brake System Video
Stopping Procedure Video
Pedal Assembly Video