WASHINGTON — Toyota said Monday its dealers should get parts to fix a sticky-gas-pedal problem by the end of this week as the automaker apologized to customers and tried to bring an end to a recall that has affected 4.2 million vehicles worldwide.
The company said in a statement it has begun shipping parts and is training dealers on the repairs.
Colorado Toyota dealerships are awaiting overnight deliveries of the new car parts approved by federal safety officials. The first priority for the sales outlets is to ensure that previously sold cars are equipped, said Tim Jackson, president of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association.
Although some news reports have said dealerships will work extra hours to make the repairs, Jackson said, most will first see what the demand is like.
“It will be probably less than a half-hour process and in all likelihood closer to 10 or 15 minutes,” he said.
No known complaints of accelerator problems in Colorado have been passed on to the dealers group.
Technical bulletins on how to install the new parts should arrive at dealers by midweek, the company told dealers in an e-mail. It was not clear exactly when repairs would start, although dealers have said they’ll begin as soon as possible.
Toyota suspended sales of the models last week, but spokesman Mike Michels said dealers can begin selling the cars as soon as they are fixed.
Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Sales, said in a statement that nothing is more important than customer safety.
In a video clip released by Toyota, Lentz said he wanted to “sincerely apologize to Toyota owners.”
“I know that our recalls have caused many of you concern, and for that I am truly sorry. Toyota has always prided itself on building high-quality, durable cars that customers can depend on, and I know that we’ve let you down,” Lentz said.
Lentz, in an interview on NBC’s “Today,” said the automaker was “confident that we have the fix” for the gas-pedal system. He said the company first developed a report on the problems in late October, and he denied that Toyota had delayed addressing the problem.
“I drive Toyotas. My family members drive Toyotas. . . . I would not have them in products that I knew were not safe,” Lentz said.
Denver Post staff writer Miles Moffeit contributed to this report.
Q&A
What you should know about Toyota’s sticky-accelerator problem:
Recalled vehicles
• 2009-10 Corolla compact*
• 2009-10 Matrix hatchback
• 2005-10 Avalon full-size sedan
• 2007-10 Camry mid-size sedan*
• 2010 Highlander crossover*
• 2007-10 Tundra pickup
• 2008-10 Sequoia SUV
• 2009-10 RAV4 crossover*
• * Some models not affected
Q: OK, my car is covered by the recall. Now what?
A: This week, Toyota is to start sending letters telling customers when and where they can have their vehicles repaired. Toyota says dealers will have extended hours.
Q: What is the problem, and what is the fix?
A: A friction device is supposed to provide the proper pedal “feel,” Toyota says. A steel reinforcement bar will be installed, reducing friction.
Q: Is my vehicle safe to drive?
A: Toyota says if you haven’t experienced the problem, you can keep driving. Otherwise, call a dealer right away.
Q: Wasn’t Toyota’s problem over floor mats trapping the gas pedal?
A: A separate recall of 4.2 million vehicles in November covered a floor-mat risk.
Online:
Phone: 800-331-4331.
