Toyota Halts Sales of Some Models Due to Faulty Gas Pedals

Problems with accelerator pedals that may stick and cause vehicles to speed out of control have prompted Toyota Motor Corp. to temporarily halt sales of eight of its car and truck models.

The popular Corolla and Camry models are included in the unprecedented move, which comes on the heels of reports of fatal and serious traffic accidents caused by gas pedals that stick or become pinned beneath ill-fitting floor mats.

According to a Los Angeles Times report, sales of the following models and years of Toyota vehicles have been halted due to the safety concerns: 2009 and 2010 RAV4, 2009 and 2010 Corolla, 2009 and 2010 Matrix, 2005 to 2010 Avalon, 2010 Highlander, 2007 to 2010 Tundra, 2008 to 2010 Sequoia, and certain 2007 to 2010 Camry sedans.

Earlier Toyota and Lexus Recalls

Earlier this month, 2.3 million of the same vehicle model years were ordered recalled due to concerns about the faulty gas pedals. Also, in November 2009, the car maker recalled 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus model vehicles because gas pedals might become pinned beneath improperly fitting floor mats.

The eight Toyota models which are no longer for sale represented more than half (57 percent) of U.S. sales last year of all Toyota brands, including Lexus and Scion, according to the Times.

When Will Toyota Sales Resume?

The halting of sales, known in the car industry as a “stop sale,” applies to both new and used vehicles of the affected models. A small number of vehicle models manufactured outside North America are not affected by the halted sales because they have a different gas pedal assembly, officials said.

Toyota said it is unclear when dealers will resume selling the affected cars and trucks, in part because the extent of the faulty gas pedal problem has not been determined.

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