Toyota recall update: pedal problems fix, repairs, and apology (photos, videos)

Toyota announced that they have a fix in place for the sticking gas pedal problem that has resulted in the largest vehicle recall nationwide. Now that Toyota has pinpointed the problem, the auto giant has promised to repair vehicles quickly and conveniently. In fact, dealerships are staying open (some even for twenty-four hours) to make the repairs which will begin this week. Toyota said during a release that rigorously tested reinforced pedals will eliminate the excess friction that caused the accelerator pedals to stick.

(Click here for a photo slideshow of the affected Toyota recalled vehicles)

Toyota states that their engineers developed a solution that will reinforce the pedal assembly in a manner that will prevent it from sticking. They have also developed a fix that will be used on vehicles currently in production. The new parts are being shipped to dealers across the country and dealers will also be trained in the most effective manner to repair the Toyota accelerator pedals.

Jim Lentz, President and Chief Operating Officer TMS offered an apology on behalf of Toyota for the massive recall. He said, “Nothing is more important to us than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive. We deeply regret the concern that our recalls have caused for our customers and we are doing everything we can – as fast as we can – to make things right. Stopping production is never an easy decision, but we are 100% confident it was the right decision. We know what’s causing the sticking accelerator pedals, and we know what we have to do to fix it. We also know it is most important to fix this problem in the cars on the road."

The vehicles affected by the recall include the following:

• 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

A Toyota Matrix is seen on the floor of the 2010 Washington Auto Show in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010. Faulty gas pedals have prompted Toyota to suspend U.S. sales of eight of its most popular models including the Matrix.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Toyota recall update: pedal problems fix, repairs, and apology (photos, videos)