Toyota Announces Fix for Pedal Recall
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Almost immediately after Toyota put a halt on sales and production of the 2.3 million vehicles involved in the latest recall, we brought you news that part supplier CTS had a solution. Now we have more information on just what the fix is, as Toyota has now officially said it has both temporary and permanent solutions.
In a statement Toyota has said that, “Pedals featuring the revised design are now in full production at CTS to support Toyota’s needs. Meanwhile, we are also working with them to test effective modifications to existing pedals in the field that will be rolled out as quickly as possible.”
According to Automotive News the “modifications” include a metal shim inserted in a gap on the pedal assembly that will reduce friction and thereby prevent the possibility of a pedal sticking. Toyota representatives have said that the new parts are being manufactured and some have already been sent to Toyota’s manufacturing facilities, while the “fix” for vehicles already on the road should be available to dealers starting next week.
Toyota continues to comment on the rarity of a gas pedal actually sticking in one of its vehicles and insists that owners continue to drive their car. Those worried about driving one of the eight recalled vehicles (including the Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Matrix, Avalon, Highlander, Tundra and Sequoia) should know that the best way to stop a car with a sticking gas pedal is to apply the brakes and put the transmission into neutral. Then, once the vehicle is stopped, turn off the engine.
Official Toyota statement after the jump:
PRESS RELEASE
Statement from Toyota on Supplier CTS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA) has been working closely with supplier CTS on a revised design that effectively remedies the problem associated with accelerator pedals. Pedals featuring the revised design are now in full production at CTS to support Toyota’s needs. Meanwhile, we are also working with them to test effective modifications to existing pedals in the field that will be rolled out as quickly as possible.
“We commend CTS for working diligently and collaboratively to find a solution to the potential problem and in developing a new design,” said Chris Nielsen, TEMA’s Vice President of Purchasing. “CTS is a long-term and valued supplier to us.”
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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Toyota received top marks as the car with the overall best brand perception in the Consumer Reports Car Brand Survey this year; it will be interesting to see if they can hold their ground in next year's survey after their recent recalls. This free article from Consumer Reports lists all the best and worst brands in multiple categories, according to consumer perception: www.crautobrandsurvey.com.