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Toyota Motor Corporation has recalled approximately 2.3 mil-lion vehicles in the US to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota models. This action is separate from the on-going recall of approximately 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats. Approximately 1.7 million Toyota vehicles are subject to both separate recall actions. Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall is confined to the RAV4, Corolla, Matrix, Avalon, Camry, Highlander, Tundra and Sequoia. No Lexus or Scion vehicles are affected by this recall action. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and Highlander hybrids and Camry hybrids. Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with VINs that begin with "J" are not affected by the sticky accelerator pedal recall either.
While Toyota sources admit that this condition is rare, but 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, they add that the Japanese automaker is working quickly to prepare the correction remedy. As an advisory, Toyota has stated that in the event of the driver experiencing an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle 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.
A day after Toyota made news with the recalls, Honda announced the recall of 6.5 lakh Jazz and City models. The recall includes 1,40,000 vehicles in the United States and covers the models sold in North America, South America, Europe, South Africa and Asia, but not Japan. Caused by a faulty window switch, which could cause water to enter the power window switch and in some cases cause a fire, the recall is said to have been initiated by three reported cases of fires due to the defect, two in the United States and one in South Africa. In Britian, the company is likely to recall 172,000 units after a fire broke out in one last year, killing a toddler. The situation in India is not clear yet. No official statement from Honda Siel Cars India has been issued, stating if the Jazz and City cars in India would be recalled or not.
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