University students and local Toyota dealers are scrambling to solve problems caused by the Japanese auto maker’s recalls in January.
Toyota Motor Co. said it was suspending the sale of eight models and recalling more than 2 million cars because the gas pedals could become harder to press, slower to spring back or stuck.
The recalls were a blow to Toyota Motor Co., the largest automaker in the world, which built its reputation on quality.
All Star Toyota on Airline Highway has received lots of phone calls expressing concern, but the recall hasn’t affected the dealership, which plans to do everything possible for its customers.
Toyota said in a statement Wednesday that owners who experience difficulties should contact their Toyota dealer without delay, but the company was confident owners who were not experiencing difficulties with their pedal had safe cars.
“I plan to take my car in and make them fix it,” said Mike Kessler, business senior who drives a 2009 Corolla. “I haven’t experienced any problems yet, but I don’t want to take any chances.”
Ben Tuminello, biochemistry sophomore, said he was relieved when he realized his 2001 Tundra was not on the list of affected models.
“It was a bit disheartening to hear about the recalls because I bought my Toyota so I could perform multiple tasks while not having to worry about [it] needing constant service,” Tuminello said.
Toyota said the vehicle could be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes in the rare case when a problem occurs.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told Toyota owners to take their affected models into the dealership because Toyota believes it has the proper repair.
Toyota said it will fix the problem by installing a precision-cut steel reinforcement bar into the accelerator pedal assembly, which would eliminate the excess friction causing pedals to stick in rare instances.
Toyota has 172,000 employees in North America. Toyotadealerships in the Baton Rouge area include Team Toyota on O’Neal Lane and Price LeBlanc Toyota on Airline Highway.
Cars recalled include recent models of the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra and VENZA.
——Contact Jacob Most at [email protected]