Toyota’s engineers have developed a plan to reinforce the pedal assembly to eliminate the potential risk of excess friction that has been the cause of the potential problem.

The first shipments of parts required for this fix will begin arriving in Europe next week as plans to contact the affected customers are being put into place.

In addition, the carmaker said it has already implemented a production solution for vehicles to be sold in Europe.

Toyota confirmed last week that it was to recall eight Toyota models in Europe.

At the same time it was revealed that Peugeot had also been affected by the same problem with around 6,600 107s – 10% of the 66,600 107s sold since launch in 2005 – being recalled as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, it was announced that 36 Citroen C1s will also be recalled on the same basis.

Fleets and private customers will be contacted by Toyota shortly to arrange work to be carried out to solve a potential accelerator pedal issue.

The models affected and production periods are:

  • Aygo (Feb 2005 – Aug 2009)
  • iQ (Nov 2008 – Nov 2009)
  • Yaris (Nov 2005 – Sep 2009)
  • Auris (Oct 2006 – 5 Jan 2010)
  • Corolla (Oct 2006 – Dec 2009)
  • Verso (Feb 2009 – 5 Jan 2010)
  • Avensis (Nov 2008 – Dec 2009)
  • Rav4 (Nov 2005 – Nov 2009)

 

The precise number of Toyota vehicles affected is still under investigation, but may reach up to 1.8 million vehicles.

No Lexus models and no other Toyota models are affected.

A Peugeot spokesman said that the 107 vehicles affected were the 2-Tronic models and those with ESP and any customers or fleets running these cars would be contacted this week.

"Toyota's policy is to put its customers first, in all circumstances", said Tadashi Arashima, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe.

"We understand that the current situation is creating concerns, and we deeply regret it.

"We would also like to reassure customers: the potential accelerator pedal issue only occurs in very rare circumstances.

"The announced action is a preventive measure aimed to guarantee the highest safety standards to all customers."

For affected vehicles, 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.

This issue is caused because the accelerator pedal mechanisms concerned may become worn. This progressive wear, combined with certain operating and environmental conditions, can cause friction in the mechanism to increase and intermittently result in the accelerator pedal being harder to depress, slow to return or, in the worst case, stick in a partially open position.

In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes.

The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure.

The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota retailer or road-side assistance should be contacted.

A running change in production using different parts has already been implemented model-by-model for the models on sale in Europe, as part of Toyota's continuous quality improvement policy. Therefore there is no need or intention to stop production in Europe.

Only a limited number of incidents have been reported in Europe, and Toyota Motor Europe is not aware of any accident resulting from this issue.

Toyota is making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible.

Toyota advises customers who have concerns to contact Toyota GB Customer Relations on 0800 1388 744 or to visit www.toyota.co.uk for the latest update.