Official Statement via finchannel.com — Toyota’s engineers have developed and rigorously tested a solution that involves reinforcing the pedal assembly to eliminate the potential risk of excess friction that could, in rare instances, cause the pedal to stick. The first shipments of parts required for this fix will begin arriving in Europe, including Georgia, next week. In parallel, plans to contact the affected customers are being put into place. In addition, Toyota has already implemented an effective production solution for vehicles to be sold in the future.
Official Statement via finchannel.com — Toyota’s engineers have developed and rigorously tested a solution that involves reinforcing the pedal assembly to eliminate the potential risk of excess friction that could, in rare instances, cause the pedal to stick. The first shipments of parts required for this fix will begin arriving in Europe, including Georgia, next week. In parallel, plans to contact the affected customers are being put into place. In addition, Toyota has already implemented an effective production solution for vehicles to be sold in the future.
Toyota's policy is to put its customers first, in all circumstances", said Tadashi Arashima, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe. "We understand that the current situation is creating concerns, and we deeply regret it. We would also like to reassure customers: the potential accelerator pedal issue only occurs in very rare circumstances. The recall action is a precautionary measure aimed to guarantee the highest quality standards to all customers." Arashima added: “At Toyota, we are fully committed to safety, we know what the problem is and how to fix it, so now our focus is to make that fix as quickly as possible. We will make the necessary checks to ensure future customers do not receive an affected vehicle”.
In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota retailer or road-side assistance should be contacted.
It should be noted, that Toyota is not aware of any accidents resulting from this condition in Europe. On the Georgian market recall involves only several dozen of the following models and production periods:
· Corolla (Oct 2006 – Dec 2009)
· RAV4 (Nov 2005 – Nov 2009)
No Lexus models and no other Toyota models fall under recall criteria.
Whilst this condition is extremely rare Toyota will contact the customers and invite them to its authorized service center to conduct the corrective action.
How Toyota Will Fix Recalled Vehicles
Toyota has pinpointed the issue that could, on rare occasions, cause accelerator pedals in recalled vehicles to stick in a partially open position. The issue involves a friction device in the pedal designed to provide the proper “feel” by adding resistance and making the pedal steady and stable. The device includes a shoe that rubs against an adjoining surface during normal pedal operation. Due to the materials used, wear and environmental conditions, these surfaces may, over time, begin to stick and release instead of operating smoothly. In some cases, friction could increase to a point that the pedal is slow to return to the idle position or, in rare cases, the pedal sticks, leaving the throttle partially open.
Toyota’s solution for current owners is both effective and simple. The company fully confirms the effectiveness of the newly reinforced pedals through the repeated investigations and rigorous testing.
Q&A: Safety Recall
Q1: What is the condition?
A1: 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.
Q2: What is the cause?
A2: 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.
Q3: Are there any warnings that this condition exists?
A3: In some cases, the driver may notice that the accelerator pedal is harder to depress or is slow to return.
In some cases, the driver may notice a rough or chattering feeling when depressing/ releasing the accelerator pedal.
Q4. What is the likelihood that my vehicle will experience this condition?A4: The condition is rare and does not occur suddenly. 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.
Q5: Which vehicles are involved in Georgian market?
A5: The models involved and production periods of the several dozen of the vehicles that are potentially affected are as follows.
Corolla (Oct 2006 – Dec 2009)
Rav4 (Nov 2005 – Nov 2009)
Q6: Are there any other Toyota or Lexus vehicles involved?
A6: No Lexus models and no other Toyota models are involved.
Q7: How many reports of this condition have been received?
A7: We have received 26 reports in Europe.
Q8: Have there been any accidents reported?
A8: No.
Q9: Has there been a running change in production to address these cases in Europe? And if so, when and which vehicles?
A9: Yes, starting from August 2009, a running change in production has been implemented model by model.
Q10: In US a Production Stop has been issued for the involved vehicles. Is same action taken in Europe?
A10: No, starting from August 2009, a running change in production has been implemented model-by-model. Current production is counter measured. Also, “Toyota Center Tbilisi” imports to the Georgian market only those vehicles which are manufactured in Japanese factories.
Q11: I have purchased my vehicle from an unauthorized dealer. How can I find out if my vehicle participates in the recall campaign?
A11: Please inform us your vehicles’ VIN number. We will let you know weather or not your vehicle falls under the recall criteria by checking the Toyota Motor Corporation unified database.
Q12: Will you have to stop the delivery of vehicles to Europe?
A12: We will make the necessary checks to ensure future customers do not receive an affected vehicle.
Q13: How should I find out weather or not my vehicle is involved in the recall campaign?
A13: This condition is very rare, but in case your vehicle needs a corrective action, you will be contacted by the Toyota official dealership representative and invited to the service center
Q14: I have noticed that my accelerator pedal is hard to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation. What should I do?
A14: Please contact the “Toyota Center Tbilisi” for assistance on the following numbers: 522022 or 531963
Q15: What if you experience a sticking accelerator pedal while driving?
A15: In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and the “Toyota Center Tbilisi” should be contacted for further assistance.
Q16: Who supplies the affected pedals and who supplies the non-affected vehicles? Is it the supplier’s fault?
A16: Toyota takes the responsibility for the quality of its vehicles!
Q17: What time is needed for the corrective action?
A17: Not more than 30 minutes!
Q18: Who will reimburse the incurred expenses?
A18: All expenses will be covered by Toyota Motor Corporation
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