Toyota Has Fix for Sudden Acceleration Problem

Several weeks ago Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. announced its largest recall ever, after numerous consumer complaints were filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, regarding select Toyota and Lexus models experiencing sudden acceleration.

The recall affects 3.8 million vehicles: 2007-10 model year Camry, 2005-10 Avalon, 2004-09 Prius cars and 2005-10 Tacoma and 2007-10 Tundra trucks. It is also recalling 2007-10 Lexus ES 350, 2006-10 IS 250 and 2006-10 IS 350 models. At the time the recall was announced, Toyota's answer to the issue was to remove your floormats, until they were able to determine the root cause.

Ironically, ABC News did their on internal investigation, realizing that floormats weren't the issue, but possibly a computer glitch was the causing the issue. Since ABC's investigation, Toyota believes they finally have the answer. Beginning in January, Toyota will begin repairing a number of vehicles affected by this issue.

To fix the problem, NHTSA said dealers will shorten the length of the accelerator pedal on the recalled vehicles and in some cases remove foam from beneath the carpeting near the pedal. Owners of the ES350, Camry and Avalon would be the first to receive notification since officials believe the vehicles cited have the highest risk for malfunctioning gas pedals.

Toyota plans to install a brake override system on the Camry, Avalon and Lexus ES350, IS350 and IS250 models as an "extra measure of confidence," NHTSA said. The brake override system, commonly called a "smart brake," will ensure the vehicle will stop if both the brake and the accelerator pedals are applied simultaneously, according to the Detroit News.

In the meantime, while you're waiting on your vehicle to be recalled, take a moment to review the earlier posting regarding how to stop your vehicle in case your vehicle accelerates by itself.