Toyota and Lexus Recalls: Is Your Hybrid Affected?

John Voelcker

6 Jan 29, 2010

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2010 Toyota Prius

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So much has happened around the Toyota and Lexus accelerator safety recalls over the last week that it's hard to keep it all straight. So we're taking our first stab at it by sorting out the impact of the recall on the many hybrids offered by Toyota and Lexus.

The full scope of the latest recall encompasses eight Toyota models, as well as one lone Pontiac model built by Toyota (NYSE:TM). But the latest recall does not affect any hybrid models.

Loose all-weather floor mat jams accelerator pedal. Photo: NHTSA

Toyota's diagram showing how to properly install floor mats

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2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid

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Hybrids: First recall, yes ...

However, certain Toyota and Lexus hybrid models were subject to the first recall in September, for floor mat problems that could trap the accelerator pedal.

That action encompassed 3.8 million cars among five Toyota and two Lexus models, including the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius and the hybrid models of the 2007-2010 Toyota Camry sedan.

The list of vehicles subject to that first recall was expanded beyond the initial list issued in late September, adding several new Toyota models, but no hybrids were added.

... but for the latest recall, no

Not one single Toyota or Lexus hybrid is included in the new recall. The latest safety alert is for a potentially sticking throttle pedal, caused by corrosion in the accelerator mechanisms provided by one of the two companies that manufactured the part for Toyota.

This latest recall affect no Toyota hybrids at all, neither the second-generation Prius nor the Camry Hybrid sedans. And while it does include the 2010 Toyota Highlander crossover, the 2010 Highlander Hybrid models are specifically exempted from the list.

Overall, the sticking-accelerator-pedal recall covers 2.3 million vehicles, 1.7 million of which are also affected by the first recall.

Here are the full lists of vehicles affected by both recalls:

NEW (January 2010): Models affected by sticking-accelerator-pedal recall

• 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla (sedan)
• 2007-2010 Toyota Camry (sedan) - only some, but not Camry Hybrid models
• 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon (sedan)
• 2010 Toyota Highlander (crossover), but not Highlander Hybrid models
• 2009-2010 Toyota RAV4 (crossover)
• 2008-2010 Toyota Sequoia (sport utility)
• 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra (pickup truck)
• 2009-2010 Toyota Matrix (hatchback)
• 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe (hatchback)

PREVIOUS (September 2009): Models affected by pedal-entrapment recall (floor mats):

• 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla (sedan)
• 2007-2010 Toyota Camry (sedan)
• 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon (sedan)
• 2004-2009 Toyota Prius (hatchback)
• 2008-2010 Toyota Highlander (crossover)
• 2009-2010 Toyota Venza (crossover)
• 2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma (pickup truck)
• 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra (pickup truck)
• 2009-2010 Toyota Matrix (hatchback)
• 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe (hatchback)
• 2007-2010 Lexus ES350 (sedan)
• 2006-2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350 (sedan)

What to do: If your accelerator sticks while driving

• If you need to stop immediately, step 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 to Neutral (N), and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road.
• After you stop the car, turn off the engine.
• If you can't put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF--even while moving. Your steering and brakes will continue to work, but they will require more effort because power assist will be lost.
• If your car has an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly push the button for at least 3 seconds to turn off the engine. Do NOT tap the button.
• If the vehicle has a conventional key-ignition, turn the 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.

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