“ In the event that the floor carpet around the accelerator pedal is not properly replaced in the correct position after a service operation, there is a possibility that the plastic pad embedded into the floor carpet may interfere with the operation of the accelerator pedal,” the company explains in an official statement.
In addition, Toyota will also voluntarily recall approximately 372,000 2004 through 2006 and early 2007 RX 330, RX 350, and RX 400h vehicles, and approximately 397,000 2004 through 2006 Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles to replace the driver's side floor carpet cover and its two retention clips. Owners to be notified in the near future and will receive a second notification once the replacement covers are available.
“If the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center console, is not installed properly, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm,” the statement adds.
The direct consequence of both problems would be that the accelerator pedal may become temporarily stuck in a partially depressed position rather than returning to the idle position.
Also, Toyota has amended its recall from November 2009, adding three models to address the potential for unsecured or incompatible floor mat entrapment of the accelerator pedal. The models added include approximately 603,000 2003 through 2009 4Runner, approximately 17,000 2008 through 2011 Lexus LX 570, and approximately 761,000 2006 through 2010 RAV4. Owners will first receive an interim notification, while a second notification will be made once the recall preparations are complete.
However, the British division of Toyota announced the recalls do not affect right hand drive Toyota or Lexus models sold in the UK, as these have a different floor carpet set-up and do not have the same potential issue.
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