Hybrid Car Review

Toyota announced a huge recall on 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models.

The vehicles being recalled include:

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

Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids are NOT affected.

According to Toyota, there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.

The mechanism may become worn and, in certain conditions, the accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position.

ABC News reported last night as part of TONIGHT on “World News with Diane Sawyer” and on “Nightline” that there may be more to the story.  ABC News says a driver in New Jersey was able to make to a local dealership, even as the brakes were smoking and the engine continued to race.

The driver, Kevin Haggerty, was driving a 2007 Toyota Avalon.  He reported that in mid-2009, he had intermittent issues where the engine would rev and pick up speed, and he would have to 'stand on the brake' to slow it down.

But several days after Christmas, while on the highway, Kevin experienced the problem again.  The car accelerated to 90 mph.  He was able to shift the car into neutral, after realizing the brakes were not slowing the car down.  At that point, he drove his car to the dealership, shifting into neutral to slow down, then back into drive to speed up.

After getting a manager to look at the car, the driver says the local dealer replaced the sensors and assembly on Haggerty's accelerator and throttle.

ABC News also reported on the day after Christmas, four people died in Southlake, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, when a 2008 Toyota sped off the road, through a fence and landed upside down in a pond. The car's floor mats were found in the trunk of the car, where owners had been advised to put them as part of the recall.

Update: If you want to know why some cars and not others, or are interested in looking at the parts affected, follow the links.