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Toyota recall impacts local drivers, dealership
Affects some models back to 2005
BARSTOW • Stacy Depue’s red Toyota Tundra won’t be putting on many miles for the next several weeks. The Barstow resident’s pick-up truck is one of the eight models recalled by Toyota Motor Corporation this week. Toyota recalled 4.2 million vehicles, including popular cars like the Camry and Corolla.
Depue and her husband, Steve, bought the 2007 Tundra as their second vehicle for heavy-duty tasks like hauling or towing, or for going out of town. When she found out about the recall, which involves models where the gas pedal will sometimes get stuck or depress slower than normal, it raised a flag for Depue.
“That makes me worry,” she said. While Depue said she hasn’t experienced any problems with the Tundra’s gas pedal, she’s avoiding driving her truck just to be safe.
According to the Toyota Motor Sales Web site the “instances of sticking pedals are rare and generally do not occur suddenly.” If a driver experiences a sticking gas pedal, Toyota recommends pressing the brakes with both feet (do not pump), shifting the gear into neutral, or if unable to shift to neutral, turning the engine off.
Depue is among millions of drivers who banked on the manufacturer’s previously pristine reputation when purchasing their Toyota.
“I always felt that Toyota was one of the excellent quality vehicles you could get,” said Depue, who noted that their other car is a Prius. “That’ll definitely be a factor in whether I buy another Toyota.”
The recall also affects dealerships across the country like Soutar’s Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Toyota on West Main Street. Owner Clint Soutar said his dealership was told to suspend sales of the eight recalled models via conference call from Toyota officials Tuesday.
“We can keep them on our lots — we just can’t sell them or drive them,” he said. Sixteen of the dealership’s vehicles now bear signs taped to the windows that say “Not For Sale.”
“It does reduce our inventory,” said Soutar. Based on information from the manufacturer, Soutar said he expects to receive the replacement gas pedals near the end of February. The manufacturer is covering the repair cost for recalled vehicle pedal replacements and Toyota owners will not be charged, he noted.
Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4122 or elee@desertdispatch.com
Recalled models
• 2009-10 Corolla
• 2007-10 Camry
• 2007-10 Tundra
• 2009-10 RAV4
• 2008-10 Sequoia
• 2009-10 Matrix
• 2005-10 Avalon
• 2010 Highlander
Source: Toyota Motors Sales Web site
