Toyota recalls eight models

Eight Toyota models in Europe are being recalled because of a potential accelerator pedal issue that, at worst, can cause the gas pedal to become stuck in the depressed position, causing involuntary acceleration.

Toyota Motor Corporation, which has a manufacturing plant in Kolín under a joint venture with PSA Peugeot Citroen of France, was in the midst of planning a country-specific recall as of press time. The daily Hospodářské noviny reported Feb. 1 that 150,000 vehicles made at the Kolín plant have been recalled, and 10,000 of those vehicles were sold in the Czech Republic.

Tomáš Vaněk, spokesman for Toyota Motor Czech, would not confirm the reported numbers, as the company is still in the process of gathering information.

"We are still waiting for the result of an investigation," he said, but added there have been no reports of the faulty pedal causing any accidents or incidents in the Czech Republic. "There have been 26 reports of incorrect function in Europe, but no accidents."

Toyota Motor Europe announced in a press release that the company reckons 1.8 million cars are affected by the recall, which was announced Jan. 28. The affected models include the Toyota AYGO, iQ, Yaris, Auris, Corolla, Verso, Avensis and RAV4.

A fix was announced Feb. 1, a relatively simple 30-minute process that involves a steel reinforcement bar installed into the assembly that will "reduce the surface tension between the friction shoe and the adjoining surface. With this reinforcement in place, the excess friction that can cause the pedal to stick is eliminated."

Because of the materials used in the eight models, wear and tear caused surfaces to "stick and release" rather than operating smoothly. In the United States, 2.3 million vehicles were affected, on top of a separate recall of floor mats that could jam the accelerator. The floor mat is not an issue in the European market, however, a press release from Toyota Motor Europe said. Toyota's reputation took a hit after the motor company initially blamed the floor mat issue for all sticking problems, before identifying the pedal assembly as a second cause.

Consumers have filed a total of four class-action lawsuits in the United States over the malfunction, with allegations of fatal accidents caused by the problem. A Michigan lawsuit filed in August by the family of Guadalupe Albert alleged that she was killed when her 2005 Toyota Camry sped through an intersection and hit a tree at 80 mph in April 2008, according to a report by Bloomberg Feb. 2.

Tadashi Arashima, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe said the company is trying to respond to concerns.

"The potential accelerator pedal issue only occurs in very rare circumstances," he said.

Claire Compton can be reached at
ccompton@praguepost.com