Q&A: Toyota recall
What is wrong with the vehicles?
Toyota said the accelerator pedal on the affected models can stick in a partially depressed position. It also can be slow to rise back up when you ease off the gas. In some cases, vehicle floor mats can become entangled with the accelerator pedal, trapping it down.
What should drivers do if they find themselves in a sudden-acceleration incident?
Test-track drivers found the most effective strategy was to hit the brake pedal hard and hold it. Don’t start pumping or pounding on the brakes. That kills the vacuum assist and makes them less effective. Toyota advises stepping on the brake pedal with both feet, using firm and steady pressure.
After hitting the brakes, shift the transmission into neutral.
"We found that it is very hard to bring the car to a complete halt with just the brake pedal," said Rik Paul, automotive editor of Consumer Reports magazine. "That’s why it is important to shift into neutral."
After disengaging the engine, pull safely off the road, turn off the car and park it.
Is there some warning that lets me know my car has the problem?
Don’t expect a warning light on the dashboard. You might notice that the pedal is getting harder to depress over time or is sluggish when you ease off the gas. Some drivers might notice a rough or "chatter"-like feeling depressing the accelerator, according to Toyota.
If I think this is happening to my vehicle, what should I do?
Toyota is telling owners to drive the vehicle to the nearest safe location, shut off the engine and contact a Toyota dealer for assistance.
Which models are affected?
Toyota said it stopped sales of the following models and years:
— 2009 and 2010 RAV4
— 2009 and 2010 Corolla
— 2009 and 2010 Matrix
— 2005 to 2010 Avalon
— 2010 Highlander
— 2007 to 2010 Tundra
— 2008 to 2010 Sequoia
The company also stopped sales of certain 2007 to 2010 Camry sedans, depending on where those vehicles were manufactured; Camry owners should check with their dealer to determine whether their car is affected.
What is Toyota doing to fix the pedal issue?
The automaker says it is working on a fix but hasn’t disclosed the details or timing of the remedy. The company insists the problem is "rare and infrequent" and said dealers should deal with customers "on a case-by-case basis."
What should I do if
I have questions?
Call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at