TORRANCE, California — Saying it wants to provide an "additional measure of customer confidence," Toyota on Monday said three more of its models will get a brake override feature to prevent unintended acceleration. They are the 2008-'10 Sequoia, 2005-'10 Tacoma and 2009-'10 Venza.
They join the 2007-'10 Camry, 2005-'10 Avalon, 2007-'10 Lexus ES 350, 2006-'10 IS 350 and 2006-'10 IS 250, which are already in line to receive the new system.
Toyota emphasized that the brake override feature "is not an integral part of the recall remedy, but is instead being added as an extra measure of confidence for Toyota owners."
However, this new tally of eight models still falls short of the 15 models involved in the sticky-accelerator-pedal recall, the improperly fitting floor-mat recall and the recall of the Toyota Prius and Lexus HS 250h hybrid for faulty braking systems.
Toyota said in a statement that the feature "is scheduled to be incorporated into future new product of most models sold in the United States by the end of 2010."
The brake override system automatically reduces engine power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions, according to Toyota's description of the feature.
Inside Line says: Toyota takes another step toward making amends with its customers, but some are still shut out of the upgraded braking feature. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
jepontiac says:
09:11 PM, 02/23/2010
Are trying to reassure us, or precent another crisis.