Toyota has recently issued a recall, which will affect some UK cars and drivers, because some cars may have a problem with their accelerator pedals sticking.
Toyota's official statement says, '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 is caused because the accelerator pedal mechanisms concerned may become worn.'
Toyota advise that there are symptoms drivers may be able to spot: 'In case of occurrence, the driver may notice that the accelerator pedal is progressively harder to depress or is slower to return. A rough or chattered feeling may also be experienced when depressing/releasing the accelerator pedal.'
Toyota is unable to say at present exactly which cars have problems, but it relates to 200,000 models in the UK made since February 2005. There are 8 affected models: Aygo, IQ, Yaris, Auris, Corolla, Verso, Avensis, and RAV4.
The details will be communicated directly to customers with vehicles potentially affected.
Toyota advise that whilst this condition is rare, customers who have concerns should contact Toyota GB Customer Relations (0800 1388744) for assistance ahead of the recall instructions being issued.
Used Car Expert Editor Matt Tumbridge commented, "While this is potentially very dangerous and needs to be dealt with efficiently, consumers should not panic. Recalls are very common across the car industry, with over 300 of the 400 cars we have researched having had at least one recall. The vast majority of cars will be found and repaired."
"For buyers, it underlines the need to check that a car has a good service history and that all outstanding recalls have been carried out. Which is why we have always published recalls in our buyers guides and advise car buyers to call main dealers and enquire about recalls before purchasing a used car."
"The frightening part of this recall is that if a driver panics when the throttle is stuck open, the brakes cannot stop the car because they are fighting the engine. So in the unlikely event that you find yourself in a car with an accelerator pedal stuck open, remember one word: NEUTRAL. In a manual car, depress the clutch and knock the car out of gear, in an auto, simply move the gear lever up from 'DRIVE' to neutral. This will ensure you can brake as normal."