Toyota: Recall campaign in Europe for potential accelerator pedal issue

Toyota Motor Europe has announced that the brand will recall 8 of its models in Europe, in order to solve a potential accelerator pedal issue, which has also been identified in the United States of America, previously this week. 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 – 5 Jan 2010)

Corolla (Oct 2006 – Dec 2009)

Verso (Feb 2009 – 5 Jan 2010)

Avensis (Nov 2008 – Dec 2009)

RAV4 (Nov 2005 – Nov 2009)

According to Toyota no Lexus modes and other models from the brand are affected. The total number of involved units is still being investigated, but it may reach 1.8 million vehicles.

Tadashi Arashima, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe says Toyota is putting its customers first and says "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 announced action is a preventive measure aimed to guarantee the highest safety standards to all customers."

The problem that might occur in these subject vehicles is that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the still position.

This situation is caused by the accelerator pedal mechanisms concerned becoming worn. Combined with some kind of usage and environmental conditions, a friction mechanism might be caused, which would increase and occasionally result in the accelerator pedal being harder to depress, slow to return or, in the worst case, stick in a partially open position.

The solution for this problem has already been identified by Toyota. The brand is currently searching for a final evaluation and confirmation procedure. The correct action and procedure will be informed to the customers and concerned parties, as soon as the brand has confirmed countermeasure.

Although this condition is rare Toyota is advising customers who have concerns, to contact Toyota Customer Relations for assistance ahead of the recall instructions being issued.