Toyota Halts Sales of Eight Models, Not Hybrids
In an unprecedented move, Toyota said Tuesday it was halting sales and production of eight car and truck models accounting for more than half its US sales until it finds a fix for sticking accelerator pedals.
Hybrid models are not affected by the sales and production stoppage. Toyota said the problematic pedals are provided by CTS Automotive Products, a different supplier than the one providing pedals for Toyota’s hybrids. The assembly line for the Camry Hybrid remains online at Toyota’s Kentucky plant, while the non-hybrid Camry in the same plant has been idled.
The Toyota Prius, model years 2004 to 2009, was included in a recall in Nov. 2009, in which Toyota said it will reshape or replace accelerator pedals. That recall affected the Camry, Avalon, Tacoma and Tundra, as well as Lexus models ES 350, IS 250, and IS 350.
Toyota says the problem is rare, but it hasn’t determined what conditions cause sticking pedals. If a pedal sticks, Toyota recommends shifting into neutral and shutting off the engine.
Models currently on hold:
2009-2010 RAV4 2009-2010 Corolla 2009-2010 Matrix 2005-2010 Avalon Certain 2007-2010 Camry (excluding hybrid) 2010 Highlander (excluding hybrid version) 2007-2010 Tundra 2008-2010 Sequoia
