If you thought you were in the clear because you own a Toyota model that wasn’t included in last year’s mega-recalls, you’d better check your car against the company’s latest list of vehicles being recalled for stuck-accelerator issues. This time, the recall includes Rav4s, Camrys, Highlanders, Corrollas and more. So, what should you do if you own an affected car? Just be careful, since, as of now, “Toyota is working quickly to prepare the correction remedy” and won’t do anything to help you.

According to Toyota, the following models are included in the latest recall:

• 2009-2010 RAV4,
• 2009-2010 Corolla,
• 2009-2010 Matrix,
• 2005-2010 Avalon,
• 2007-2010 Camry,
• 2010 Highlander,
• 2007-2010 Tundra,
• 2008-2010 Sequoia

To stay safe while you’re waiting for that remedy, Consumer Reports says the following:

While these cases are rare, unintended acceleration is a real problem that drivers need to know how to address. If your car begins to accelerate uncontrollably, immediately move the shift lever to neutral and firmly apply the brakes. Do not pump the brakes. And don’t worry about the engine—modern vehicles have rev limiters to prevent damage. Once you have brought the car to a safe stop, turn off the engine.

Last year, Consumer Reports warned that more problems with Toyota accelerators were on the horizon:

However, Consumer Reports analysis of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety complaints database showed that Toyota and Lexus models for 2008 had a much greater incidence of sudden, unintended acceleration than other brands. (That analysis was limited to that single calendar year.)

We concluded that:
“Toyota has announced several steps it is taking to mitigate the risks of floor-mat entrapment and provide ’smart throttle‘technology (allowing the brake pedal to override the accelerator), but our analysis indicates other problems likely exist.”

This latest recall confirms that the unintended acceleration issues extend beyond floor mats.

Stay safe, and remember, Neutral is your friend.

Toyota Files Voluntary Safety Recall on Select Toyota Division Vehicles for Sticking Accelerator Pedal [Press Release]
More than floor mats: Toyota recalls 2.3 million vehicles for sticking accelerators [Consumer Reports Cars Blog]

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