Toyota recalls 2.3M cars in U.S.

Toyota is recalling 2.3 million U.S. vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals, the latest in a string of quality problems that have plagued the Japanese automaker.

The recall includes the 2009-10 RAV4, the 2009-10 Corolla, the 2009-10 Matrix, the 2005-10 Avalon, the 2007-10 Camry, the 2010 Highlander, the 2007-10 Tundra and the 2008-10 Sequioia.

Toyota Motor Corp. spokesman Brian Lyons said the recall is due to the vehicles' pedal mechanism becoming worn and, in some cases, getting stuck.

The recall comes just months after Toyota issued a larger 4.2 million-vehicle recall because of pedals getting stuck due to insecure floor mats.

That problem was blamed for several crashes, including an accident involving a Lexus that accelerated to more than 190 kilometres per hour before crashing in San Diego, killing four people.

But Toyota said Thursday's recall is due to potential problems with the actual gas pedal mechanism, causing the accelerator to become stuck regardless of whether the vehicle contains a floor mat.

Toyota said in certain rare cases, the gas pedal mechanism wears down, causing the accelerator to become harder to press, slower to return or, in some cases, stuck.

In a letter to federal safety officials dated Thursday, Toyota said the problem appeared to be related to the potential build-up of condensation on sliding surfaces in the accelerator system that helps drivers push down or release the gas pedal.

Toyota spokesman John Hanson said the automaker does not yet have a solution to the latest problem but is working to develop one.

Hanson said the company is unaware of any accidents or injuries due to the gas pedal problems associated with Thursday's recall, but could not rule it out for sure.