Toyota closer to accelerator fix

Toyota is getting closer to providing a fix for vehicles included in the recall for sticking accelerator pedals, according to an Associated Press report. The story says that government officials had no objections to a plan to begin delivering parts late next week. No formal announcement has been made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, Toyota has said that recall remedies do not need approval and that is has reviewed the plan with NHTSA.

Toyota has released a related statement:

Our highest priority is to fix the accelerator pedal problems for our existing customers, and our pedal supplier is starting to ship newly designed pedals to dealers to meet the most immediate needs. One of the main reasons we are stopping production next week is to make more of the new pedals available to dealers right away. But at the same time, we are continuing to test effective pedal modifications for existing vehicles on the road that will be available to our customers quickly. We expect to announce a comprehensive remedy program for all affected customers and new vehicles soon. 
 

Consumer Reports has temporarily suspended its "recommended" status for eight Toyota vehicle models and one Pontiac model that may have accelerator pedals that can stick and cause unintended acceleration.

We are also advising used-car buyers to avoid purchasing any of the affected vehicles until this issue is resolved.

Download the "How to cope with sudden unintended acceleration" pdf.

For more information on the Toyota recalls, see our unintended acceleration guide.

Follow this developing story in the Cars blog (RSS), under unintended acceleration. And keep up with the latest information and advice via Twitter (@CRcars).

—Jeff Bartlett

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