Owners of Toyota-manufactured vehicles, whether or not subject to recall, are encouraged to visit the automaker's Web site or call their dealer for assistance. Toyota has made information on its current recall programs available at www.toyota.com and www.lexus.com. In addition, owners with questions or concerns are asked to contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center (800-331-4331) or Lexus Customer Assistance Center (800-255-3987).

Over the past several months, the media has inundated consumers with stories about trapped floor mats and sticky throttle pedals producing reports of unintended acceleration, brake system software problems, and most recently potential electric steering issues on millions of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. While there are many rumors and misconceptions as a result, the facts are that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched two major recalls centered on vehicles manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation-the automaker that manufactures Toyota, Lexus and Scion models and, in a joint venture with General Motors Co., the Pontiac Vibe. In addition to the NHTSA recalls, Toyota Motor Corporation has voluntarily recalled a number of its Toyota Prius and Lexus HS 250h vehicles to address problems with the braking system on those vehicles.

The Toyota, Lexus and Pontiac Floor Mat Recall
In October 2009, the NHTSA launched a recall campaign (09V-388) notifying Toyota and Lexus owners about potential conditions that could lead to unintended acceleration. The recall was designed to prevent the driver's floor mat from trapping the accelerator pedal, thereby resulting in high vehicle speeds and the potential for a crash. As early investigations pointed to problems with unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mats interfering with the accelerator pedal, the NHTSA and Toyota (the manufacturer of Toyota, Lexus and the Pontiac Vibe, a mechanical clone to the Toyota Matrix) warned vehicle owners to immediately remove-and not replace-all driver-side floor mats.

The following models are affected by the Floor Mat Recall:

• 2007-2010 Toyota Camry
• 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon
• 2004-2009 Toyota Prius
• 2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma
• 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra
• 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla
• 2008-2010 Toyota Highlander
• 2009-2010 Toyota Matrix
• 2009-2010 Toyota Venza
• 2007-2010 Lexus ES 350
• 2006-2010 Lexus IS 250 and IS 350
• 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe

Toyota has been working closely with the NHTSA on the matter and is educating consumers via its Web site (www.toyota.com/recall) about the proper way to stop a vehicle with a stuck accelerator pedal.

According to Toyota, in the event that the vehicle should continue to accelerate rapidly after releasing the accelerator pedal-a possible indication of floor mat interference-it is recommended that the driver take the following actions:

• First, if it is possible and safe to do so, pull back the floor mat and dislodge it from the accelerator pedal; then brake, pull to the side of the road, and stop the vehicle.
• If the floor mat cannot be dislodged, then firmly and steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet. Do NOT pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to slow the vehicle.
• After braking is initiated, shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.
• If you are unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF, or to ACC (back one notch). This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.
• If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off the engine. Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button.
• If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do NOT remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.