CHICAGO, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The editors at Cars.com have been covering the Toyota recalls from the beginning and offer some consumer advice to current Toyota owners and prospective buyers.
"While the news regarding the Toyota recalls is evolving, we wanted to get some basic information that we've gathered to consumers who might be affected by the recall," said Cars.com Editor in Chief Patrick Olsen.
The editors at Cars.com provide these answers to key questions that are currently on the minds of Toyota owners and shoppers:
How do I know my car has a problem now?
The accelerator might feel a little balky or stiff or rough when you depress it. The pedal may be slow to return to its original position after you let up on it. It won't spring back like it used to. If you notice any of these symptoms contact your dealer immediately. The problem is progressive, meaning if you feel a slight change, it likely will get worse over time.
Is there a fix for the problem?
Toyota has yet to announce how they will fix the problem. If owners experience any sort of unusual feedback from the accelerator pedal they should call their dealer immediately for a diagnosis and repair.
What if my dealer can't or won't fix the problem?
Toyota has told Cars.com that dealers have been instructed to take vehicles on a case-by-case basis, and if owners are concerned that their vehicle wasn't properly treated by the dealer, they should call Toyota Customer Service.
Are all the vehicles in the recall prone to unintended acceleration?
Each car is equipped with the faulty system, but the recall is the result of a wear issue, meaning it takes a certain amount of use before problems arise. Toyota has not given a time frame or mileage driven that owners can look for to know if their car is at risk. The vehicles known to have the issue vary in those regards, which is one reason it took so long to diagnose the problem. If you just bought a new Toyota, it will likely take time for a problem to occur, but, again, there is no known mileage or time because climate and daily use can impact the amount of wear.
Are new cars with the faulty system still being sold on dealer lots?
No, Toyota announced it has stopped selling all models included in the recall yesterday.
Is Toyota still building new models involved in the recall?
Yes, but production will halt on Feb. 1. Those vehicles assembled before then will not go on sale.
What cars are affected?
The 2009-10 RAV4, 2009-10 Corolla, 2009-10 Matrix, 2005-10 Avalon, 2007-10 Camry (excluding the hybrid), 2010 Highlander, 2007-10 Tundra and 2008-10 Sequoia.
When will more information be available about a fix?
Developing a solution may take some time, but more information about the process will likely be announced in a few weeks. Toyota said they are working "rapidly" to develop a fix.
For more information and up to the minute news about the Toyota recall, visit Cars.com's blog - KickingTires
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