Toyota Recall Information
To Our Valued Customers:
Thank you for your questions and concerns relative to your vehicle and recent press on Toyota’s Safety Recall. In this we are including links to official Toyota press responses we have received from Toyota. Toyota has advised us that this condition is very rare, but fully understand your feelings and concerns. We are here to help, please call 301.733.2300 and ask for Service if you wish to speak to a representative about this situation. For 52 years Toyota has enjoyed a safety recall free existence. They build the best valued and reliable automobiles in the world.
What it means for your late model Toyota:
If you own a vehicle included in the recall, you will be notified by Toyota very soon about a remedy. Like our customers, we are hoping to know as soon as possible. We do know that engineers are working closely with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to arrive as a workable solution.
In the meantime, it is important to know that while a large number of vehicles are covered in this recall, only a very small number have ever actually experienced a safety problem. According to the most pessimistic media account, there have been 2000 cases of reported “unintended acceleration”. There are 2.3 million cars in the recall. That means only one out of every 1150 cars has ever experienced a problem. 99.91% of the covered cars on the road have not had a case of unintended acceleration.
Official Toyota Communication
*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 dealer contacted for assistance.* The number to call is 240-527-2305 and ask for Tony Curtis our Service Manager.
What we can and can not sell:
On Tuesday, January 26 2010, Toyota announced a “stop sale” on a large number of our vehicles. Many of our customers are rightly concerned about this and want to know how it affects them. Here at Younger Toyota we want you to know exactly what all of this means.
This all means that a lot of our vehicles can not be sold for the moment. The list of affected vehicles includes 2005-2010 Avalons, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2007-2010 Tundras and 2008-2010 Sequoias. In addition, certain 2007-2010 Camrys, 2009-2010 Corollas, 2010 Highlanders and 2009-2010 RAV4s are also included. Until further notice, none of these vehicles can be driven from our inventory and we can’t sell them.
There are still a number of vehicles that are unaffected by this.
Any Japanese built Camry, Corolla, Highlander or RAV4 can be sold. All Hybrid Camrys can be sold. Any Camry that has a pedal assembly that is not made by the affected supplier will be available for sale. We have all of our Camrys inspected and clearly marked.
Other vehicles that are unaffected by this recall and still available for sale include the Prius, 4Runner, Venza, Yaris, Sienna, Land Cruiser, FJ Cruiser, Tacoma and all Scion models. None of these are included in this recall.
Our commitment:
Younger Toyota is committed to satisfying our loyal customers. Toyota has built a solid reputation for quality, dependability and reliability over the last 52 years. We remain confident that they will make this right in a timely manner. Please remember as your Toyota Dealer, we are here to help you through this and set the record straight that Toyota has well earned a good reputation for quality and integrity and we will vigorously defend it. We will work with Toyota and our customers to ensure things go as smoothly as possible. As soon as further details regarding these recalls become available to us we will immediately communicate to all affected customers. We thank you for your continuing business.
Links.
Toyota’s latest release about the sticking accelerator pedals: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx
Toyota’s release about floor mat entrapment: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-announces-details-of-remedy-152140.aspx
Washington Post article calling Toyota’s move “unprecedented”: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/26/AR2010012603492.html?hpid%3Dtopnews&sub=AR
To see an Overview from Toyota Click Here. To see the Press Releases, Click Here.
Toyota Customer Assistance Line 800-654-3227
INFORMATION FROM TOYOTA ON STOP SALE:
Which models are affected by the recall/stop sale?
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
* 2008-2010 Highlander except hybrid models,
* 2007-2010 Tundra,
* 2008-2010 Sequoia
* 2009-2010 Venza
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.
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 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.
Are you continuing to investigate other models?
Toyota is confident that all models that contain the potentially sticking pedals have been identified.
Why has Toyota stopped selling the affected vehicles?
Until Toyota has finalized an appropriate remedy to address the potential for sticking accelerator pedals, a sales suspension is necessary.
How long will this stop sale be in effect?
New cars covered by this recall will not be delivered until a remedy is finalized and then implemented.
When do you expect to have a remedy?
We’re making every effort to remedy this situation for our customers as quickly as possible.
What options are you exploring for a remedy?
We are reviewing a number of different options, and we hope to announce a remedy soon.
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. What should I do?
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 the 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 stated that this did not affect new/low mileage vehicles, has the situation changed?
The law requires that the entire universe of new vehicles identified in our recall notice must be included in the stop sale.
Why are you stopping production at your factories?
Production is being stopped temporarily at five North American production facilities to assess and coordinate activities related to the recall announced on January 21.
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 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
