There are two separate Toyota acceleration problems at this moment in time: the Sticking Accelerator Pedal recall, and the Floor Mat Pedal Entrapment recall. Both issues can be deadly, and some vehicles are involved in both recalls. If your vehicle is involved in either of these recalls, you should have received a recall notice in the mail from the Toyota Motor Corporation. Complete lists of affected vehicles are provided below.

What is the Toyota Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall?

The Toyota Sticking Accelerator pedal recall was announced at the beginning of 2010. Several vehicles were involved in accidents where the accelerator pedal ‘stuck’ in a depressed position, causing the driver to be unable to control the vehicle’s speed.

The problem lies in a faulty friction device in the pedal. The friction device makes the pedal stable and adds the proper ‘feel’ resistance. However, due to wear and tear, the materials used, and environmental conditions, the throttle may begin to stick instead of operating as normal. After time, an accelerator pedal with this problem may become a hazard and stick so that the vehicle continues to accelerate even after the pedal is released.

Which Vehicles are Affected?

The following Toyota vehicles are affected in the Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall:

2005-2010 Avalon
2007-2010 Tundra
2008-2010 Sequoia
2009-2010 Matrix
Certain 2007-2010 Camry
Certain 2010 Highlander
Certain 2009-2010 RAV4
Certain 2009-2010 Corolla

It is important to note that Camry, Highlander, RAV4, and Corolla vehicles whose VINs start with “J” are not affected. The VIN is the 17-character identification which is unique to every vehicle. You can find your VIN on the driver’s side, outside your vehicle at the very bottom of the windshield.

How is the Problem Fixed?

A steel reinforcement bar is installed into the accelerator pedal assembly, which reduces the surface tension in the pedal assembly. This eliminates the excess friction which causes certain pedals to stick. Toyota has thoroughly tested and confirmed that the steel reinforcement bars reinforce the pedal assemblies which had tendencies to stick. All costs of repairs are covered by Toyota.

What is the Toyota Floor Mat Pedal Entrapment Recall?

The Toyota Floor Mat Pedal Entrapment recall was announced at the end of 2009, following some reports that certain vehicles had been involved in accidents following unintended acceleration. Investigation showed that floor mats in some vehicles were incompatible, or were improperly installed or secured, causing the floor mat to interfere with the accelerator pedal and sometimes cause unintended acceleration.

Which Vehicles are Affected?

The following vehicles are involved in the Toyota Floor Mat Pedal Entrapment recall:

Toyota
2004 – 2009 Prius
2005 – 2010 Avalon
2005 – 2010 Tacoma
2007 – 2010 Camry
2007 – 2010 Tundra
2008 – 2010 Highlander
2009 – 2010 Corolla
2009 – 2010 Matrix
2009 – 2010 Venza

Lexus
2006 – 2010 IS 250
2006 – 2010 IS 350
2007 – 2010 ES 350

How is the Problem Fixed?

As a precaution, if you are an owner of one of the affected vehicles listed above, remove the driver’s side floor mat and do not install another one until Toyota has completed the recall work on your vehicle. When you take your vehicle to be repaired, you should expect one of two solutions.

1. Your vehicle’s accelerator pedal will be reconfigured regardless of the type of floor mat installed, and regardless of whether the floor mat is improperly secured. The Avalon, Camry, and ES350 models involved will require the floor surface underneath the floor mats to be reconfigured in order to optimize the space between the floor and the accelerator pedal.
2. If you have genuine Toyota or Lexus floor mats, you will be given newly-designed replacement floor mats which do not risk entrapment.

Additionally, Toyota will install a brake override system into involved Avalon, Camry, and Lexus IS250, IS350, and ES350 models. This is a separate precaution which forces the vehicle to respond to the brake only if both the gas and brake pedals are depressed at the same time.

Which Vehicles are Involved in Both Recalls?

Some vehicles are involved in both the Floor Mat Pedal Entrapment and Sticking Accelerator Pedal recalls:

Certain 2007-2010 Camry
Certain 2009-2010 Corolla
Certain 2010 Highlander
2005-2010 Avalon
2009-2010 Matrix
2007-2010 Tundra

Hybrid Camry and Highlander vehicles are not affected by either recall. Additionally, Camry, Corolla, and Highlanders with VINs which begin with “J” are not affected.

T3 Atlanta

If your vehicle is on either of these lists, and you suspect your vehicle may be affected by one of these recall notices, T3 Atlanta is more than happy to diagnose your vehicle’s problem. Your safety comes first! While we do not perform warranty work, we can answer any questions or concerns that you may have about the Toyota Floor Mat Pedal Entrapment and Sticking Accelerator Pedal recalls.