The recall of eight Toyota models that could possibly have faulty accelerator pedals has kept the telephones ringing this week at McCord’s Vancouver Toyota.
“I think it’s caused a lot of confusion for people, and that’s understandable. If they are worried, Toyota has said, we will help them,” said Greg Leonard, general manager of the local dealership.
Make and years
Rav4,2009-2010*
Corolla, 2009-2010*
Matrix, 2009-2010
Avalon, 2005-2010
Camry, 2007-2010*
Highlander, 2010*
Tundra, 2007-2010
Sequoia, 2008-2010
Not including hybrid Camrys or Highlanders, or Rav4s, Corollas, Camrys and Highlanders whose VINs begin with “J.”
Source: Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc.
Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. Headquarters: Torrance, Calif.
Recall hot line: 800-331-4331.
On the Web: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms.
Make and years
Rav4,2009-2010*
Corolla, 2009-2010*
Matrix, 2009-2010
Avalon, 2005-2010
Camry, 2007-2010*
Highlander, 2010*
Tundra, 2007-2010
Sequoia, 2008-2010
Not including hybrid Camrys or Highlanders, or Rav4s, Corollas, Camrys and Highlanders whose VINs begin with "J."
Source: Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc.
Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. Headquarters: Torrance, Calif.
Recall hot line: 800-331-4331.
On the Web:http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms.
Leonard said his staff is encouraging some car owners to bring their vehicles in for a simple inspection to see whether they are equipped with the potentially defective accelerator, made by CTS Corp., or with a trusted accelerator made by Denso Corp., a Japanese auto parts company. Mechanical problems cause some of the CTS Corp. accelerators to stick, according to Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc.
On Friday, Toyota added up to another 1.8 million vehicles, this time in Europe, to its mounting U.S. recalls ahead of what is expected to be a dismal sales report due next week. The recalls began in November when Toyota said 4.3 million cars and trucks could have a problem with the floor mat jamming the accelerator pedal.
Then this month, the automaker recalled 2.3 million vehicles, including some of its best-selling vehicles.
On Wednesday, 1.1 million cars and trucks were added to the November recall before the latest announcement extended the bad news to key overseas markets.
“We’ve identified the cause of the problem and are focusing all of our energy and resources on developing and thoroughly testing remedies,” Toyota said in a statement. The spate of recalls is nearing about 9 million vehicles worldwide.
By comparison, Ford Motor Co.’s massive recall involving cruise control switches, which took place over several years, surpassed 14 million in 2009.
Leonard said he was impressed by the way Toyota has been handling the sizeable recall, poised to be felt throughout the industry.
“It’s a ripple effect — everyone from the dealers to the suppliers. It’s encouraging that Toyota has said we will do the right thing,” Leonard said.
He added that Vancouver Toyota sells many different Toyota makes that are not affected by the recall. The dealership, at 10009 N.E. Fourth Plain Road, also sells recreational vehicles and Toyota Scions, and employs a staff of 109 employees.
