MARCH 2010

SPECIAL EDITION

Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall

Your Customers Have Questions
Here Are the Answers
No doubt you are aware that Toyota recently announced two
safety recalls related to accelerator pedals in some of its models.
The first campaign focused on floor mat entrapment and is
covered in detail in a previously released Hot Sheet.
This special edition provides background information on the sticking accelerator
pedal recall. Its purpose is to answer your questions on this matter so that
you, in turn, will be empowered to address your customers concerns.
Be assured that the safety and reliability of its vehicles is of the utmost
importance to Toyota. And Toyota is taking steps to regain and reinforce
our customers confidence in our company and its products.

Which Vehicles Are Included?

What Is The Problem?

Toyota equips its vehicles with accelerator pedals

manufactured by several suppliers. This recall applies to
pedals made by just one of those suppliers. To confirm
if your customers vehicle is affected, simply check its
vehicle identification number (VIN):

The issue involves a friction device in the pedal designed

to provide the proper feel by adding resistance and
making the pedal steady and stable. The device includes a
shoe that rubs against an adjoining surface during normal
pedal operation. Due to the materials used, wear and
environmental conditions, these surfaces may, over time,
begin to stick and release instead of operating smoothly.

Vehicle

Model Year

VIN begins with

Avalon

2005-2010

4T1

Matrix

2009-2010

2T1

Tundra

2007-2008

5TB

Tundra

2007-2010

5TF

Sequoia

2008-2010

5TD

Camry

2007-2010

4T4

Camry

2007-2010

4T1 (with CTS pedal)

Corolla

2009-2010

1NX and 2T1

Highlander

2010

5TD

RAV4

2009-2010

2T3

What Is The Remedy?

Toyotas engineers developed a solution that is simple and
effective. It involves the installation of a precision-cut steel
reinforcement bar into the accelerator pedal assembly
of the affected vehicles. This reinforcement reduces the
surface tension between the friction shoe and the adjoining
surface. When in place, the excess friction that can cause
the pedal to stick is eliminated.
This fix has been rigorously
tested by Toyota and has been
reviewed by the National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration. The installation
takes about 30 minutes to
complete. Toyota covers all of
the costs.

What Is Toyota And Your Dealership Doing to Make This Easier For Your Customers?
Working in partnership, Toyota and its dealers are providing owners of vehicles affected by this recall with
additional services to address their concerns and minimize their inconvenience. This includes campaigns related
to floor mat pedal entrapment, anti-lock brake system software updates and, in the case of Tacoma, front drive
shaft inspection. Customers who are uncomfortable driving their vehicles before the repair is completed can
receive these additional services at no cost, tailored to their individual circumstances.
This may include:
Expediting scheduling of the repair.
Pick up and return of the vehicle by a dealership representative.
Driving the customer to the dealership or to his or her place of work.
Where necessary, providing other alternate transportation for the customer, such as a rental car,
loaner vehicle, or taxi reimbursement for the reasonable period that the customer is unable or
unwilling to use his or her car.

What Should I Tell My Customers?

Customers are concerned. As a sales consultant, you are well positioned to address those concerns and assure
your customers that Toyota vehicles are safe and reliable. Familiarize yourself with these possible scenarios and
how you can best respond.

Customer Type

Possible Concern

Your Response

Concerned Shopper

Im interested in buying a Toyota, but

Im worried about the recall.

Acknowledge the customers well-founded concerns.

Clearly explain the recall and the remedy.
Make it clear that only vehicles that have been already repaired
are available for sale.
Emphasize that nothing is more important to Toyota than the
reliability of its vehicles and the safety of its customers.

Concerned Owner

Is my recalled Toyota safe to drive if it

has not yet been repaired?

Acknowledge the owners well-founded concerns.

Explain that the condition is rare and generally does not
occur suddenly.
Explain that it can occur when the pedal mechanism becomes
worn and that, 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.
Instruct owners who experience these issues to drive the vehicle
to a safe location, shut off the engine and contact a Toyota
dealer for assistance.

Curious Person

I saw the news about the recall.

Whats going on?

Acknowledge the persons well-founded interest.

Clarify that Toyota has announced two separate recalls regarding
accelerator pedals, one that covers sticking pedals and one that
covers the potential for floor mat entrapment.
Stress that while the occurrence of these issues is very rare, Toyota
is taking steps to address customer concerns with its vehicles.

What Questions Are Customers Asking?

Q. How does Toyota know that the recall will

be effective?

Q. What if I experience a sticking accelerator pedal

while driving?

A. Toyota confirmed the effectiveness of the newly

reinforced pedals through rigorous testing on pedal
assemblies that had previously shown a tendency to
stick. We have high confidence in our solution for
fixing our customers vehicles.

A. Each circumstance may vary, and drivers must use

their best judgment.

Q. What if a vehicle is also involved in the floor mat

recall? Which will be addressed first?
A. Toyota is working to coordinate the pedal
entrapment and the sticking pedal recalls to minimize
the number of customers who will have to have two
service visits.

If you experience an accelerator pedal that is hard

to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during
operation, you should drive the vehicle to a safe
location, shut off the engine and contact a Toyota
dealer for assistance. Otherwise, no immediate
action is required at this time unless you feel you are
experiencing this condition.
If you need to stop immediately, Toyota recommends
taking the following actions:

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.

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.

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.

Q. Is there a problem with the vehicles computer/

Electronic Control Unit?
A. Toyota is confident that no defect exists in the
vehicles computer/Electronic Control Unit (ECU).

Q. Is there a problem with the vehicles electronic

throttle control?
A. The electronic throttle control system has
multiple fail-safe mechanisms to shut off or
reduce engine power in the event of a system
failure. Toyota has done extensive testing of
this system and has never found a malfunction
that caused unintended acceleration.

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.

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.

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PROHIBITED. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., by the publication and/or dissemination of this publication does not create any warranties, either expressed or implied, as to Toyota products. The information contained herein was up-todate at the time of publication, but may subsequently be changed or added to without notice and without incurring any obligation. Reliance on this information creates no
liability for Toyota. This publication is produced for use as an information sales aid. Toyota Motor Sales,
U.S.A., Inc., its employees, representatives, and/or agents shall not be held liable for any omission of data
or inclusion of erroneous data even where said omission is alleged to have been relied upon by a buyer
of Toyota Products.

Information accurate as of 3/4/10

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