Toyota plans recall for Prius hybrids

SAN DIEGO (The Wall Street Journal) - Toyota said the Prius involved in a well-publicized acceleration incident in California will be the subject of a future recall to prevent floor mats from pinning the gas pedal down.

The Wall Street Journal reports that on Monday, James Sikes, 61 years old, called 911 for help after his 2008 Prius accelerated on a highway near San Diego and he couldn't slow it down.  A California Highway Patrol officer caught up to the Prius and advised the driver to apply both the brake pedal and emergency brake to slow the vehicle.

Toyota has recalled the Toyota Camry and Avalon sedans and the Lexus ES sedan to reshape the floor and gas pedals to prevent unsecured or ill-fitting floor mats from entrapping the pedal in an open position.

Brian Lyons, a Toyota spokesman, said Toyota is planning on issuing a recall for Prius hybrids from the 2004 to 2009 model years to address the same issue.

So what should you do if your car suddenly accelerates?  Here are three ways to stop the vehicle, according to Toyota:

• Step on the brake pedal with both feet using firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes.

• Shift the transmission gear selector into neutral. Use the brakes to make a controlled stop by the side of the road.

• If you're unable to put the vehicle in neutral, turn off the engine. This will cut off power assist to the steering wheel and brakes, but as long as the key is in the ignition, you will still be able to steer and brake. If you have an engine start/stop button, press it firmly for three seconds to turn the engine off. Do not tap it. If you have a conventional key ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position. Do not remove the key from the ignition.

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Information from:
The Wall Street Journal