In rare instances, there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.

 What is the likelihood that my vehicle will experience this condition?

The incidence of this condition is rare and occurs gradually over a period time. It can occur when the pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in certain conditions, the accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position. 

 What should I do if I believe my vehicle is affected by this condition?, i.e. I have noticed that my accelerator pedal is hard to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation.

The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.

 What if you experience a sticking accelerator pedal while driving?

• Each circumstance may vary, and drivers must use their best judgment, but Toyota recommends taking one of following actions:
• If you need to stop immediately, 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 as it will deplete the vacuum utilized for the power brake assist.
• Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.
• If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF. This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

 If I am an owner of one of the affected vehicles, what action do I need to take?

Toyota is working quickly to prepare a correction remedy and will issue owner notifications in the future.  No action is required at this time unless you feel you are experiencing this condition.  If you are experiencing this condition, immediately contact your nearest Toyota Dealer for assistance.        

Boston Toyota owners can schedule a service appointment with Acton Toyota by visiting https://www.autoappointments.com/actontoyota/login.html#page=login

 What should I do if I still have questions or concerns?

If you still have questions or concerns that have not been addressed here, please contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. 

The Toyota Customer Experience Center hours are:

Mon – Fri, 5:00 am – 6:00 pm PST
Sat, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm PST   

More information on the Toyota Sticky Accelerator Pedal for Boston residents is available at http://www.actontoyota.com/toyota-accelerator-pedal-recall.htm

Additionally, Acton’s 126 Toyota certified pre-owned sales for Dec. ’09 was an all-time best ever sales month for any Boston region dealer.  The Toyota Boston region is comprised of dealerships throughout most of New England with dealers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Maine.

After undergoing a 160 point quality assurance inspection by Toyota factory trained technicians, Toyota Certified used vehicles are backed directly by Toyota with a 7 year / 100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty as well as a roadside assistance plan for the same time period.  Both benefits start from the original date of first use when the Toyota vehicle was purchased as new.  For more information, please visit http://www.actontoyota.com/toyota-certified-used-vehicle-program.htm.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have had such a successful 2009 with Toyota Certified used vehicle sales.  To end the year on this note is extremely satisfying,” comments Jeff Cotran, Acton Toyota of Littleton Pre-Owned Sales Manager.

Contran adds, “Complete customer satisfaction has always been the #1 driver here at Acton Toyota.  This focus ensures that the Toyota Certified used vehicles we offer are of superior quality and that our pricing is very aggressive and appropriate.  Much time and consideration is done before any one of our Toyota Certified used vehicles are presented for sale.”

Acton Toyota looks to continue its Toyota Certified pre-owned vehicle success in 2010. 

In order to post similar achievements to those this past year, Acton Toyota of Littleton knows it must offer outstanding quality Toyota Certified used vehicles, very competitive pricing, and the exceptional customer service that has earned Acton Toyota of Littleton Toyota’s prestigious President’s Award for 18 consecutive years.

This comes in stark contrast to what the Boston Globe discovered upon investigating Boston, MA area dealerships’ adherence to the CARS program requirement for dealers to return all but $50 of the “clunker” scrap value to the customer.

“I was surprised and pleased when in addition to the “Cash for Clunkers” rebate Acton Toyota also sent me the salvage value for the minivan that I traded in.  I commend Acton Toyota for their business practice on this issue and am pleased that I chose this dealership,” writes Marshall Lee, resident of Concord, Mass and satisfied Acton Toyota customer.

Unfortunately, not all Boston, MA area “Cash for Clunkers” customers received their scrap value check like Mr. Lee.  The Boston Globe found that out of the 10 Boston, Mass area dealers it interviewed, half stated they did not return the money and two others declined to comment.  Herb Chambers remarked “…customers got the government money, which is all they were entitled to.”  A local Boston, MA Nissan dealership stated “…[we] did not return any of that money to customers because none asked for it.”

As a Boston, MA metro-west Toyota dealership, Acton Toyota of Littleton is the proud recipient of Toyota’s prestigious President’s Award for exceptional customer service for nearly 20 consecutive years.  The dealership just outside of Boston, MA and south of Nashua, NH prides itself on providing its sales, service, and parts customers a transparent, honest, and hassle-free experience.  Most importantly, the dealership strives to ensure complete customer satisfaction.

When determining which Boston, MA area Toyota dealership to visit for your next Toyota vehicle, Acton Toyota of Littleton encourages you to consider its decision to ensure all of its CARS program customers received a scrap value check. 

To learn more about Acton Toyota, consumers can visit http://www.actontoyota.com

About Acton Toyota:

Located in Littleton, Massachusetts, Acton Toyota has won Toyota’s President’s Award for 18 consecutive years, and Toyota Sales, Service & Parts Excellence Awards. Additionally, the dealership is #35 in Ward’s e-Dealer 100 ranking of leading retailers of vehicles on the Internet.
Toyota Motor Sales, USA has recognized the Toyota dealership for achieving the #1 rank for Prius sales and #1 retailer of Toyota Certified Used Vehicles in the Boston Region.

DealerRater.com has named Acton Toyota of Littleton its 2009 DealerRater.com Dealer of the Year.

http://www.toyotabostoncars.com