Toyota recalls Aygo, Yaris, IQ and more for accelerator pedal problem
29/01/2010
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Toyota Motor Europe announced today the recall of 8 Toyota models in Europe, to solve a potential accelerator pedal issue.
The involved models and production periods are as follows:
•AYGO (Feb 2005 – Aug 2009) - Automatics only
•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)
The precise number of involved units is still under investigation, but may reach up to 1.8 million vehicles. No Lexus models and no other Toyota models are affected.
"Toyota's policy is to put its customers first, in all circumstances", said Tadashi Arashima, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe. "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."
For subject vehicles, there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.
This issue is caused because the accelerator pedal mechanisms concerned may become worn. This progressive wear, combined with certain operating and environmental conditions, can cause friction in the mechanism to increase and intermittently result in the accelerator pedal being harder to depress, slow to return or, in the worst case, stick in a partially open position.
On 1 February 2010 Toyota confirmed a comprehensive fix for the accelerator pedals of the eight Toyota models planned for recall in Europe. Toyota’s engineers have developed and tested a solution that involves reinforcing the pedal assembly to eliminate the potential risk of excess friction that could, in rare instances, cause the pedal to stick. The first shipments of parts required for this fix will begin arriving in Europe in mid-February. In parallel, plans to contact the affected customers are being put into place
A running change in production using different parts has already been implemented model-by-model for the models on sale in Europe, as part of Toyota's continuous quality improvement policy. Therefore there is no need or intention to stop production in Europe.
Only a limited number of incidents have been reported in Europe, and Toyota Motor Europe is not aware of any accident resulting from this issue.
Toyota advised customers who have concerns to contact Toyota GB Customer Relations on 0800 1388 744 for assistance.
For newer cars, particularly if you are the first owner, you can expect to receive a recall notice from Toyota in the post. But if you are not, then contacting Toyota GB or your local dealer will get on the list to get your car updated with the new parts.
Peugeot Citroen have now announced that they will recall some 107 and C1 models as they are mechanically identical to the Aygo and so have the same accelerator pedal fitted. Apparently they don't need to recall all 107s and C1s as “The faulty component isn’t used in all the vehicles. It represents about 10 percent of C1s and 107s in circulation.” This is probably the proportion of automatic 107s and C1s but it would be good if Peugeot Citroen would confirm this....
