Following the much publicised accelerator issue affecting some Toyota vehicles, Toyota have sent us the following communication, which outlines the problem, the vehicles possibly involved and the course of action you should take, if you experience the issue whilst driving.
Toyota say, 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.
This is caused because the accelerator pedal mechanisms concerned may become worn. This progressive wear, combined with certain operating and environmental conditions, can cause friction in the mechanism to increase and intermittently result in the accelerator pedal being harder to depress, slow to return or, in the worst case, stick in a partially open position.
In case of occurrence, the driver may notice that the accelerator pedal is progressively harder to depress or is slower to return. A rough or chattered feeling may also be experienced when depressing/releasing the accelerator pedal.
Toyota will implement a recall in Europe for this matter. The details of corrective action and implementation will be communicated directly to customers with vehicles potentially affected.
As further information becomes available it will be posted atwww.toyota.co.uk
Owners of vehicles affected will be contacted by Toyota.
Toyota emphasise that NO Lexus, or Prius models are affected
OFFICIAL TOYOTA STATEMENT:-
Toyota Accelerator Pedal Concern – Advice to Fleet Customers
Whilst extremely rare, it has been identified that some accelerator pedal mechanisms may become worn. As a result of this wear, combined with certain operating and environmental conditions, friction in the mechanism may increase and intermittently result in the accelerator pedal being hard to depress, slow to return or, in the worst case, stick in a partially open position.
The involved models and production periods are as follows:
• AYGO (Feb 2005 – Aug 2009)
• iQ (Nov 2008 – Nov 2009)
• Yaris (Nov 2005 – Sep 2009)
• Auris (Oct 2006 – Jan 2010)
• Corolla (Oct 2006 – Dec 2009)
• Verso (Feb 2009 – Jan 2010)
• Avensis (Nov 2008 – Dec 2009)
• RAV4 (Nov 2005 – Nov 2009)
Toyota is currently in the process of identifying the precise vehicles which are potentially affected and will contact all drivers of these vehicles as soon as possible to arrange for their vehicles to be checked.
In the meantime, if the driver notices that the accelerator pedal is harder to depress or is slow to return or the driver notices a rough or chattered feeling when depressing/releasing the accelerator pedal, they should contact their Toyota Centre.
If a driver experiences a problem whilst driving the vehicle, Toyota is providing the following instructions.
• For vehicles with manual transmission, depress the clutch pedal and shift to Neutral and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.
• For vehicles with automatic transmission, Multi Mode Transmission or CVT: Shift the transmission gear select lever 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 you need to stop immediately, the vehicle can be controlled by stepping firmly and steadily on the brake pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal as it will deplete the vacuum utilized for the power brake assist.
• 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 and hold the button 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 a driver wants to speak to Toyota direct, please ask them to contact customer relations on 0800 1388744.
Please be assured that, whilst the occurrence is very rare, Toyota is prioritising the identification and rectification of any vehicles
We are sorry for this inconvenience and are committed to putting it right
