County freeholders urge Toyota drivers to use caution in wake of recall
By Staff Report
OCEAN COUNTY’S Freeholders are urging the owners and drivers of eight different popular Toyota vehicles to use extreme caution in wake of a recall of some of the companies best selling cars.
“These cars are being recalled because in some instances the gas pedal can stick and cause the vehicle to fly out of control,” said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, liaison to the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs.
Vicari said the Consumer Affairs office has already received numerous phone calls from Toyota owners questioning what they should do if their vehicle is on the recall list.
According to Toyota, the problem stems from a worn accelerator and generally does not strike a vehicle without some warning.
“Right now we are telling people to be extremely cautious and look for any change in the way the gas pedal is operating,” Vicari said. “If you notice the gas pedal is difficult to depress or slow to return, do not drive the car and contact your dealer.”
Deputy Freeholder Director John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety for the county, said if a gas pedal does suddenly stick, there are several things a driver can do to bring the car back under control.
“First of all, don’t panic and try to stay calm,” he said. “The vehicle can be brought back under control.”
Toyota officials recommend the following steps:
o The vehicle can be controlled by stepping on the brake pedal with both feet using firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brake pedal.
o Shift into neutral (N) and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.
o If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF.
o If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off the engine. Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button.
o If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key-ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do NOT remove the key from the ignition, as this will lock the steering wheel.
The following vehicles are being recalled and will not be sold until the problem is rectified:
Model year 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, some 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander except hybrid models, 2007-2010 Tundra and 2008-2010 Sequoia.
Posted by Staff Report
on Jan 29 2010. Filed under Opinions.
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