Toyota's reputation is taking a pounding in the press with all the recalls. The latest problem - a sticking accelerator -- has car owners furious with the company for its continued problems and slowness is dealing with them. Finally, the problem that causes the accelerator to stick has been discovered, according to Toyota and a fix is on the way.
Toyota presented a plan for repairing the potentially sticky pedals to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a senior official at the agency said. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The safety agency is not required to approve remedies but can reject them if it does not think they will sufficiently address defects. The agency did not reject Toyota’s remedy, the official said.
Toyota officials phoned dealers Saturday to say that a remedy was ready. "We got the call this morning," said Peter Blackstock, the owner of Victory Toyota and Lexus Monterey Peninsula in Seaside, Calif. "The parts are on their way."
Brian R. Lyons, a Toyota spokesman, said in an e-mail message that the company plans an announcement next week "that will provide clarity in regard to recall deployment. Stay tuned."
Mr. Blackstock said it was his understanding that dealers would be sent replacement accelerator pedals, which are produced for Toyota by CTS, a parts supplier based in Elkhart, Ind.
At least the replacement parts aren't made in China.
