What to Do If Your Car Has a Sticking Gas Pedal or Unintendedly Accelerates

With Toyota insisting that it’s safe to keep driving your recalled car, while other folks advise against it, owners are no-doubt confused about risking the trip to the office or finding another way to get around. Toyota insists the instances of sticky accelerator pedals are rare, but if you do choose to keep driving you recalled Toyota, you should know what to do in case you do experience, “unintended acceleration.”

In case of unintended acceleration or a sticky gas pedal, follow the five steps below:
1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Once the vehicle is safely stopped, contact your local Toyota dealership to make an appointment to have the recalled part fixed.

The Recall for sticking accelerator pedals affects 2.3 million cars and trucks including: the 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra and 2008-2010 Sequoia.