Toyota issues another huge recall over potential for stuck accelerators

Yesterday, word came down from Toyota headquarters that 2.3 million Toyota-brand cars, trucks, and SUVs (as well as the 2009 Pontiac Vibe) are part of a new voluntary recall (NHTSA Campaign ID number: 10V017000) to address a mechanical problem that could lead to stuck accelerators. Be advised that yesterday's recall is entirely separate from the even larger November floormat-related recall affecting over 4 million vehicles, which was issued in response to a nationally-publicized unintended acceleration problem.

Owners take note: According to Toyota, 1.7 million vehicles are affected by both recalls, so if you were in for the floormat recall, you may well need to go back in again for this new issue, which is mechanical in nature and can, once again, result in unintended acceleration. Note also that the present time, Toyota has not yet determined what the exact repair solution will be, saying only that they are "working quickly to prepare the correction remedy."

Toyota's recall statement says, "The condition is rare, but can 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."

The affected models are:

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

The Pontiac Vibe is the Toyota Matrix's mechanical twin, and thus NHTSA added it to the list of vehicles affected by the new recall. No Lexus or Scion models are part of this new recall. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is also not included in the recall.

In the event that you experience a stuck accelerator, Toyota says that you can control your vehicle by firmly and steadily applying the brakes (don't pump them), after which you should drive to the closest safe place, stop, shut off the car, and contact Toyota for assistance.

If you're a Toyota owner looking for complete details, visit Toyota's online newsroom, SaferCar.gov's defects and recalls website (search for campaign ID number 10V017000) or call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. Be aware that those phone lines appear to be swamped today -- we tried calling and were told by a recording to try again later -- so you may need to call more than once and/or prepare for long hold times before you actually get to speak to a representative.