Toyota Avalon Recall

In an expansion to the recall notice put out on several models of Toyota automobiles, the Toyota Avalon recall has now been put into place.  Thanks to this recall, owners of a Toyota Avalon made between 2005 and 2010 may have an issue with both their accelerator pedal and the floor mat on the drivers side.  Each of these issues have been discovered to cause the accelerator pedal to stick in the full open or in a partially depressed state, preventing the car from stopping.  Each recall is being issued separately, but both can be fixed in one visit. 

At the current time, Toyota has suspended production of these models until the problem can be remedied. 

The Floor Mat Recall

While this may seem like a very minor matter, the Toyota Avalon recall is a very serious one.  The issue is the size of the opening where the accelerator enters the drivers side of the vehicle.  This opening was made too large, and because of its increased size, floor mats may become trapped in the opening, causing the accelerator to become stuck when depressed to a certain point.  Toyota has issues suggestions for owners safety while they await the problem being fixed.  To start, remove any extra floor mat from the drivers side of your vehicle immediately.  This will prevent it from becoming lodged in the gap, eliminating the problem

If you receive a letter issues a recall for your Toyota Avalon, then you will be responsible for taking it to a certified Toyota dealership or auto shop to have the problem corrected.  Current plans from correcting the issue include the installation of a larger accelerator pedal to help fill in the gap, eliminating the problem. 

Pedal Recall

This has only been an issue in rare instances, but it is an issue none-the-less.  Toyota has now issued a Toyota Avalon recall to cover the replacement of the accelerator pedal, which has a specific mechanism that sticks when it becomes too hot.  When this particular mechanism becomes too hot, the accelerator may be difficult to depress, take more time than needed to pop back up, or may move in jerked motions.  This is in only extreme cases where the accelerator has developed an issue with the mechanism.  Should you experience any issue with this, you are advised by Toyota to pull into the nearest safe location and contact one of their dealerships for assistance.

Luckily, the engineers are Toyota have devised a very simple solution.  Installing a steel cut bar into the failing mechanism will help eliminate the pedal from sticking.  The mechanism in question is a friction device that is provides a more realistic feel for the accelerator pedal, only the amount of friction on the pedal was too much in certain cases, causing the device's shoe (the part the provided the friction against the pedal) to cause too much friction. 

If your Toyota Avalon is involved in the recall, then you will receive a letter in the mail regarding where and when you can take your vehicle in to be fixed.  While instances of this happening are still rare, Toyota has issued some guidelines to help those who experience the problem.

• Your primary goal is to stop the vehicle.  Using your brakes will bring the vehicle to a sudden stop.  Using both feet, apply steady pressure to the brake pedal.  Don't pump, as this does not work when the accelerator is still depressed.
  
  
• Turning the engine off will stop the acceleration.  If you have a standard key ignition and starter, turn the key to the AC session, where the car remains on but the engine is stopped.  This will provide you with steering capabilities.  The steering locks when the car is completely turned off.  If you have a push button ignition, then you should hold the button down firmly for a few seconds, turning off the engine.
  
  
• Shift the car into neutral.  This will keep the acceleration from moving the car forward, allowing you a better opportunity to stop.

Once again, if you encounter any of issues associated with the Toyota Avalon recall, then you should pull into the nearest safe place, come to a complete stop, and turn off the car.  Then, contact your nearest authorized Toyota dealer for assistance.

 

Add Your Comments about Toyota Avalon Recall :