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Since January 21, Toyota announced the recall of several million vehicles worldwide. The problem: the accelerator pedal can get stuck. In the U.S. alone, where over 2 million vehicles are affected by the recall, the anomaly would have caused the deaths of five people and left two injured. In Quebec, there were no casualties, but 83 000 vehicles are affected. What if you owned a Toyota? Here is the situation in nine issues.

Q What are the recalled vehicles?

Some R RAV4 2009-2010, Corolla 2009-2010, Matrix 2009-2010, the Avalon from 2005 to 2010, the Camry from 2007 to 2010, Highlander 2010, the 2007 to 2010 Tundra and Sequoia 2008-2010.

Q How many cases of stuck accelerators have been reported in Canada?

R Domestically, at least five cases have been reported since last November, said Toyota Canada. Nobody was injured, however, provides the primary communications advisor for Toyota Canada, Donald Doyle.

Q Is that the problem can be solved easily?

A Yes. This is to insert a steel rod into the pedal mechanism. This piece will eliminate friction and, consequently, the risk that the pedal gets stuck. The mechanics of dealers in Quebec have received the necessary training. Toyota Canada says they are ready to make reparation.

Q Is it not enough to change the carpet under the pedal?

A number of Toyota vehicles were already being recalled because the floor mat could cause a malfunction of the accelerator. However, this is a separate callback. Cases of jamming of the accelerator have been reported without the carpet is involved.

Q Does the crowd there at dealerships?

A The CEO of Toyota Longueuil, Marc Daigle, says he receives no panic among its customers. He estimated that about 1,000 customers will present his address to the recall in particular. “Generally, in November, there are approximately 2,200 customers during the season tires. In February, it was usually between 800 and 900 customers. So my customers in 1000 (affected by the recall), it will be fast! We saw a lot of reminders more complicated than that. “He adds that all dealers in Quebec can receive prompt customers worried.

Q. A dealer has the obligation to provide a replacement vehicle to its customers affected by the recall?

A. No. According to the Office of Consumer Protection, dealers have no obligation to provide a vehicle for free to their customers, even if it is a reminder.

Q Is it safe to drive affected by this problem until an appointment at the dealership?

A Transport Canada is urging Canadians to take this recall seriously. “Because of the nature of the problem of the accelerator pedal, I urge Canadian drivers of Toyota vehicles affected by the recall to avoid running the risks and to repair their vehicle as soon as possible,” said Minister Transport Canada, John Baird. Toyota says that the risk of jamming is low but they increase with the passage of vehicles.

Q What if the accelerator is jammed?

R On its website, Toyota describes the procedure: “If it happens that a driver finds that his accelerator pedal gets stuck while driving, it can control the vehicle by pressing firmly and steadily pedal brake. It should not be “pumping” the brake pedal repeatedly because it could exhaust the vacuum assistance, and he would then exert more force on the pedal. “Obviously, it is strongly recommended to immobilize the vehicle if as possible and to avoid driving until the problem is resolved.

Q A new recall affects the Prius. Y is he linked with the accelerator?

R Rumors about a new recall for Toyota abounded at the time of printing. According to Associated Press, 270 000 Prius will be recalled in the United States and Japan. For now, we know what it is in Canada. The problem is the vehicle brakes Prius 2010. In a brief statement released yesterday, Toyota Canada says it learned “a few isolated cases of improper brake feel. Toyota Canada says working with Transport Canada on this matter and its management has said that “any comment would be premature” until the investigation is not complete.