Toyota owners affected by the Japanese automakers’ recall of about 6 million vehicles in the U.S. since last fall are scrambling to repair their cars as Toyota executives look to rebuild the company’s reputation.
Recalls of about 2.3 million vehicles, which began in January, affect accelerator pedals and cause them to get stuck in the “open position,” causing sudden acceleration, Toyota said in a statement announcing the recalls.
Michael Kessler, business senior, said he took his 2009 Corolla to his dealer to have his car fixed despite not experiencing any of the problems sparking the recalls.
“I didn’t notice anything wrong with my car, but I didn’t want to take a chance,” Kessler said. “It was a quick and simple procedure.”
All Star Toyota on Airline Highway representatives said they have parts in stock to conduct service on recalled models, and they are working to schedule service.
Toyota President Aiko Toyoda said he takes responsibility for the uncertainty Toyota customers are feeling about the safety of Toyota vehicles in a statement before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Feb. 24.
House members criticized both Toyota and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, which oversees safety issues associated with the automaker for their response to the recalls during the Feb. 24 hearings.
Rep. Edolphous Towns, D-N.Y., said Toyota’s own internal documents indicate Toyota deliberately attempted to hamper NHTSA investigations on safety concerns regarding the vehicles.
Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., cautioned the NHTSA to be careful in how it deals with complaints because the government recently bailed out American automakers GM and Chrysler.
Toyota dealerships 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]