The first shipments of parts required for the repair of Toyota's recalled cars will begin arriving in the UK next week.

 

Approxiamately 1.8 million vehicles across Europe are having to be recalled as a result of problems with the accelerator pedal.

"Toyota's policy is to put its customers first, in all circumstances," said Tadashi Arashima, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe.

"We would also like to reassure customers: the potential accelerator pedal issue only occurs in very rare circumstances.

"The recall action is a precautionary measure aimed to guarantee the highest quality standards to all customers."

The following advice is being given to drivers.

In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. 

The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure.

The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota retailer or road-side assistance should be contacted.

Toyota says it doesn't know of any accidents caused by the problem. 

The recall of eight Toyota models in Europe was announced on January 28. The involved models and production periods are as follows:

AYGO (Feb 2005 – Aug 2009)

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 problem that led to the recall

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.

In some cases, friction could increase to a point that the pedal is slow to return to the idle position or, in rare cases, the pedal sticks, leaving the throttle partially open.

The repair will see 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.