Toyota Fix: One Small Part for One Big Problem

There is no better illustration of just how small the part is that Toyota says will fix the 2.3 million vehicles recently recalled for sticking accelerator pedals. The Boston Globe shot the photo above at a Norwood, Mass., dealership, and it looks awfully small to us. Of course, we saw the illustration of the fix (posted below), and it makes sense that in real life the part would be this small. But will the real-life size satisfy disgruntled owners?

The Globe also interviewed a mechanic at the dealership who said, “Something like this here, easiest fix ever.” We’re thinking the executives at Toyota do not agree.

Close-up: The metal stamping to save Toyota? (Boston Globe)

Comments

Just had my 2007 Toyota Hybrid Camry serviced for an oil change and fluids topped off,(VIN begins with JT). After driving about 3 miles I lost all acceleration. Towed back to dealership and the problem stopped. Ran diagnostics and they could not find the problem???

Sharon-
Welcome to car ownership

Dave,

I have read about this recall on multiple websites. It was also explained why Lexus and some Toyota models are not included in the recent recall (Denso vs CTS). What I am unabe to understand is, how come they did not include a vehicle that was one of the reason for this huge recall and federal investigation (Lexus ES350 which had unintended acceleration in San Diego few months ago). I have read some consumers experiencing same issues with IS and ES vehicles. I don't get this and hope you can explain to me and others who are following this recall that why ES and IS are not included in this recall even though there are instances of these cars having unintended acceleration. Thanks in advance for your explanation.

All major automakers experience some complaints of unintended acceleration. It is unclear how the rate of complaints and crashes in Toyota vehicle compares to that of other major automakers.

Who sold a car to a woman? How can this be?

I’m confused why my 07 RAV-4 isn’t in a recall status? Was it manufactured with a different gas pedal assembly that differs from the 09/10 models? Was it because it was assembled in Japan rather than elsewhere?

Sanish,

The ES wasn't included because Toyota claims that floor mats are the problem there. Though many consumers are saying that's not the problem, in the wreck you're referring to, there's solid evidence a floor mat was the problem. Like all Lexus models, the ES is made in Japan and has a Denso pedal and those pedals aren't included in the shim campaign.

Sanish,
Derrick G above is correct. Toyota is saying that is a floormat issue and its covered as part of that recall from last fall.

Derrick and Dave,

Thanks.

They said the problem was wear and moisture. Okay, so this could prevent wear? How does it prevent moisture

Looks to me like this reinforcement bar would fix the problem by limiting the pedal travel to about 98% full-throttle.

Wouldn't that affect the performance?

This diagram is worth its weight in mud.

I agree with bob l, looks like it'll simply restrict pedal travel slightly. Why not put some high quality grease on the friction points?

SO, to summarize, toyota made a shim.

I just make sure the Mat is fastened down and I have never had another problem with it

Light hearted comment I say on an OLD rusty Toyota about 40 years ago. The ad I believe said "something to the affect of "If you buy a Toyota you'll never let go" Well The bumper sticker said "IF I EVER GET MY HANDS ON A TOYOTA DEALER I'LL NEVER LET GO!".

I Love my Toyota and plan on another 125k miles (double what it has now) before I let it go, if then.

Hope all goes well for you that are involved iI own a Toyota Camry (1996), I Had a throttle problem but it was always due to the Floor mat coming undone from the hook on the back left corner of the mat. Now n the recall.

Dave
Toyota Lover

After only 112392 miles on my 2001 Tundra I have experienced NO (that is ZERO) breakdowns, unexpected behavior, or any other "problems". Regular service at about 4K mile intervals and the ride is still quiet and comfortable, especially when driving smartly on the highway.

Toyota....
If the gas petal sticks in full down position, then the driver is petal to the metal driving or the cruse control is putting the control to full throttle. Maby an electronic problem?

how to build a car that talks?

Hehehehehe.. :)

Amen! :)

" Dan
Feb 3, 2010 6:44:50 PM

Sharon-
Welcome to car ownership"