Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced that it is instructing Toyota dealers to temporarily suspend sales of eight models involved in the recall for a sticking accelerator pedal.  This extraordinary step follows a recall last week of 2.3 million vehicles in the U.S., and an earlier recall of 4.2 million vehicles — both due to similar issues.  The sticking accelerator pedal recall is separate from the on-going recall of Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats, which the Kane Law Firm previously blogged about HERE.  Approximately 1.7 million Toyota Division vehicles are subject to both recall actions.The vehicles are:

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

No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.

Toyota says drivers who experience their throttles sticking should shift into neutral, pull off the road and call the nearest Toyota dealer. Dealers have been instructed to deal with calls on a case-by-case basis until the problem is fixed. Toyota has not commented on how much leeway dealers have in helping owners of vehicles with the problem, whether it be installing new pedal assemblies, or issuing long term loaner cars.

The first sign of a problem with the throttle is when the driver goes to accelerate, and the gas pedal feels rough instead of smooth. The next is when the throttle doesn’t return properly upon foot removal; and also, when the pedal doesn’t return at all and the throttle stays open. Toyota encourages drivers to report to dealers immediately upon experiencing the first sign.