According to the UK Toyota Blog “The recall is being taken in response to reports of inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady braking on bumpy or slick road surfaces when the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is actuated.”. To fix the problem the installed software needs an upgrade, which is only a 40 minute task to be carried out at authorised Toyota service centres. Toyota will be contacting customers shortly once the correct details have been gathered from the DVLA to arrange the free of charge procedure.

Toyota want to assure customers that “In the meantime, the cars are safe to drive. At no time are drivers without brakes. Toyota GB guarantees to every customer its utmost attention to making this upgrade as quickly and efficiently as possible.”.

Last week another recall affecting other models within the Toyota range was issued after problems with the accelerator becoming stuck came to light. Again the manufacturer has reacted quickly and produced a fix for the problem and is currently resolving the problem for all of it’s customers.

To allay any fears about liability and insurance Toyota have checked with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to confirm that cars currently under recall are still covered by existing insurance policies. The Association said “The ABI confirms that motor insurance policies will continue to cover Toyota owners affected by the recall of certain models. Any claims will be dealt with in the normal way, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the policy. If they have not already done so, anyone who thinks they may be affected should contact their local Toyota dealer and follow their advice.”.

The Japanese manufacturer has also launched a VIN checker on their site to help customers with cars that have been recalled due to accelerator problems, the checker can be found here.

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1. Toyota Accelerator Pedal Recall in Europe
2. Ferrari’s New Car is so Hot it Needs a Recall
3. Heavy Feet Will Lighten Your Wallet

The Toyota Auris: One of the models affected by the recall.

According to Toyota’s blog “This is caused because the accelerator pedal mechanisms concerned may become worn. This progressive wear, combined with certain operating and environmental conditions, can cause friction in the mechanism to increase and intermittently result in the accelerator pedal being harder to depress, slow to return or, in the worst case, stick in a partially open position.”

Toyota have identified a fix to the problem and the new parts are in production at the moment and whilst the parts are being made Toyota are in the process of obtaining the contact details for the affected vehicles from the DVLA. The manufacturer is keen to stress that for the majority of owners this problem will never happen and that there has been no cases of this occuring within the UK.

For cars currently in production though the changes in manufacturing have already been implemented and there should be no similar issues in the future. The affected models and their production dates are:

• Auris (Oct 2006 – 5 Jan 2010)
• AYGO (Feb 2005 – Aug 2009)
• Corolla (Oct 2006 – Dec 2009)
• iQ (Nov 2008 – Nov 2009)
• Avensis (Nov 2008 – Dec 2009)
• RAV4 (Nov 2005 – Nov 2009)
• Verso (Feb 2009 – 5 Jan 2010)
• Yaris (Nov 2005 – Sep 2009)

If you do need a replacement vehicle if your car has to go into a Toyota dealership then you could select a vehicle from our extensive car hire range.

To ensure that our customers and staff are aware of this problem and to offer advice for drivers who may be in any car when the accelerator becomes stuck we have created the guide below:

Coping with a stuck accelerator

1. Don’t panic and keep calm

If your accelerator is stuck and you find your car is building up speed then the most important thing to do is remain calm.

2. Don’t switch off your engine straight away

Many people will just simply turn their key to stop their engine from running and try to use the breaks to slow their car down. However, the problem with this plan is that it will also turn off your power steering and can affect the power of your braking.

3. Check your mirrors

You will be bringing your car to a sudden stop and moving to a safe place off the road, so you need to ensure that there is nobody behind you that could cause an accident.

4. Brake and shift your car into neutral

Now that you have ensured that it is clear for you to stop, indicate clearly and brake hard. As you come to a stop you should put your car into neutral gear. If you find that braking hard does not slow the car down then you should put your car into neutral earlier and apply the brakes then.

5. Switch off the engine

Once the car has come to a complete stop you should turn off your car at the ignition as quickly as possible to prevent any further wear to the engine.

Related posts:

1. Toyota issues another recall and reassures customers
2. Heavy Feet Will Lighten Your Wallet
3. Ferrari’s New Car is so Hot it Needs a Recall