At the time the recall and sales suspension was announced Toyota stated, "Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats. There is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position."

Toyota announced today that it has a plan to fix all vehicles covered by the accelerator pedal recall. The cause of the sticking pedals has been identified. Toyota reports that the issue with sticking pedals involves a friction device used in the pedal design to provide the proper pedal feel by introducing more resistance and making the pedal steady and stable in use. The friction device includes a shoe that rubs against an adjoining surface during normal operation. However, Toyota has determined that in some instances and environments the materials that the surfaces of the friction device can wear, and in some instances lead to the pedal being slow to return to idle or leaving the throttle partially open.

“Nothing is more important to us than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive,” said Jim Lentz, president and Chief Operating Officer, TMS.  “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 solution to the problem according to Toyota is a precision-cut steel reinforcement bar that will be installed into the friction assembly reducing the surface tension between the two surfaces of the device, eliminating excess friction that can cause the pedal to stick. Toyota says that it has confirmed the effectiveness of the new reinforced pedal assemblies through rigorous testing of pedals that were prone to stick before.

Lentz added, “We are focused on making this recall as simple and trouble-free as possible, and will work day and night with our dealers to fix recalled vehicles quickly. We want to demonstrate that our commitment to safety is as high as ever and that our commitment to our customers is unwavering.”

Toyota is suspending production of all affected vehicles for the week starting February 1 and is working with its dealer network to provide additional hours for consumers to get affected vehicles fixed. Toyota reports that some of its dealers will be operating 24 hours a day to fix affected vehicles covered under the recall.