Toyota published a list of Top 10 Questions and Answers about their recalls. It’s posted in its entirety below, but here’s my take on it: They’re trying to stop their “good quality” karma from hemorraging. They’ve got so much negative news on them right now that it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it’ll end up costing them hundreds of millions by the time the recalls are both finished. There isn’t a lot of new information in the press release, but I think it’s important nonetheless.
Here’s the press release:
Top 10 questions (and answers) that we see you are asking about the sticking accelerator pedal recall. Please also looks at Frequently Asked Questions For Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall and Suspension of Sales on this site.
1. Is my car safe to drive until a fix is issued?
The condition is rare and generally does not occur suddenly. It seems to occur when the pedal mechanism becomes 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.
2. What do I do if I experience a sticking accelerator pedal before the fix is finalized? Should I bring my car to a dealer?
If you are experiencing this condition, immediately contact your nearest Toyota Dealer for assistance. No action is required at this time unless you feel you are experiencing this condition.
For details on what you should do if you experience a sticking accelerator pedal while driving, please review the Frequently Asked Questions For Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall and Suspension of Sales on this site.
3. What is the actual issue affecting accelerator pedals? (in layman’s terms)
In rare instances, there is a possibility that the affected accelerator pedal may stick in a partially downward position or slowly return to the non-pressed position.
4. Is there actually a problem with the vehicle’s computer/Electronic Control Unit?
Absolutely not. Toyota has never found an incident of unintended acceleration caused by the vehicle’s computer/electronic control unit.
5. Can I return my vehicle to Toyota if I purchased it in the five day period between the recall was announcement and Toyota stop sale on my vehicle? What are my options?
Toyota will work with customers who have concerns about their vehicles on a case-by-case basis.
6. How will Toyota handle fixing all affected vehicles in a timely manner?
Toyota is currently finalizing its recall remedy plans including a rapid deployment strategy of said remedy. Please continue to visit this site for updates on the recall.
7. Is this different than the Floor Mat Recall? If so, how?
There are two different recalls. Some vehicles are affected by both.
Sticking Pedal Accelerator Recall: The condition can occur in rare instances, over time, under certain environmental conditions – there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to idle position.
Potential Floor Mat Interference with Accelerator Pedal Recall: This condition is the potential for an unsecured or incompatible driver’s floor mat to interfere with or entrap the accelerator pedal and cause it to get stuck in the wide open position. Toyota has determined that this condition can occur in vehicles in which the driver’s side floor mat is not compatible with the vehicle and/or is not properly secured.
8. What if my vehicle is affected by both recalls? Which will be addressed first? It is Toyota’s intention to remedy both at the same time.
9. Why are mechanically similar Lexus and Scion vehicles not affected by this recall?
The recall affected pedal is confined to one of Toyota’s suppliers. That supplier’s pedals are not used on Lexus and Scion vehicles.
10. Which models are affected by the sticky accelerator pedal recall/stop sale?
Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:
* Certain 2009-2010 RAV4,
* Certain 2009-2010 Corolla,
* 2009-2010 Matrix,
* 2005-2010 Avalon,
* Certain 2007-2010 Camry,
* Certain 2010 Highlander,
* 2007-2010 Tundra,
* 2008-2010 Sequoia
Highlander hybrids and Camry hybrids are not affected by this action and will remain for sale.
Further, Camry, RAV 4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with VINs that begin with “J” are not affected and will remain for sale.