Toyota‘s US unit will install a brake override feature in more vehicles “to provide an additional measure of confidence”, it said in a statement. The braking system update will automatically reduce engine power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are applied simultaneously.
The move follows an earlier announcement Toyota Motor Sales USA would retrofit certain models. It has now added 2005-2010 Tacoma truck, 2009-2010 Venza crossover and 2008-2010 Sequoia SUVs to the list. It had earlier said it would fit the system to 2007-2010 Camry and 2005-2010 Avalon plus the 2007-2010 Lexus ES 350, 2006-2010 IS 350 and 2006-2010 IS 250 models.
“The brake override feature is not an integral part of the recall remedy, but is instead being added as an extra measure of confidence for Toyota owners,” TMS said. “It will be installed on Tacoma and Venza at the same time as the recall modifications are performed.”
The notification to customers regarding the brake override installation for the Sequoia would be sent separately from the current recall campaign for sticking accelerator pedals.
In addition to upgrades on existing vehicles, this feature is scheduled to be incorporated into future new production of most models sold in the United States by the end of 2010, TMS added.
“Expansion of this brake override feature underscores Toyota’s commitment to building the safest and most reliable vehicles on the road, as we have for 50 years, and to ensuring that our customers have complete confidence in the vehicles they drive,” TMS chief Jim Lentz said.
