Parts for Toyota accelerators expected for local dealers soon

PHOTOGRAPHER: Ameerah Cetawayo

The parts necessary to fix the Toyota vehicles with faulty accelerator pedals are expected to hit the service departments of Capital Region dealers soon.

To keep up with demand, Lia Toyota of Colonie plans to expand service hours, company President Michael Lia said. “We are making every effort to accommodate quick and safe repairs.”

The company said vehicle inspections to confirm a car has been recalled are free and car owners can bring their car in regardless of where they purchased it.

Dealers will install steel reinforcement bars that are expected to reduce the tension and solve the problem caused by excess friction, which causing the pedal to stick.

Other Capital Region dealers were mostly mum about the recall situation as criticism of Toyota’s response and backlash from consumers cast a shadow over its image.

Affected car owners should expect a letter advising them to see their local dealer for service work. The recall affects 2.3 million U.S. vehicles and millions abroad.

Drivers who have a vehicle with an accelerator pedal that sticks should give a firm and steady application of the brakes, according to Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A.

“The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure,” Toyota said on its Web site Monday. The company also said the driver should go to the nearest safe location, shut the engine off and contact a Toyota dealer.

More information about the recalls can be found at www.toyota.com/recall and or by calling 1-800-331-4331.

Recalled models include: 2009-2010 RAV4; 2009-2010 Corolla; 2009-2010 Matrix; 2005-2010 Avalon; 2007-2010 Camry (certain models); 2010 Highlander (except hybrid models); 2007-2010 Tundra; and 2008-2010 Sequoia.

Not included are Camry hybrids and Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers that begin with J.