Tulsa Toyota Dealer: No Reason To Worry About Recall

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- More than two million vehicles fall under Toyota's recalls which stem from a problem with sticky gas pedals. 

Toyota is offering up a fix and now it's up to local dealers to repair what's wrong. 

The recall affects eight models of cars and trucks dating back to 2005, but Tulsa dealers say the problem is easy to fix and is mostly a preventative measure.

"We have a lot of phone calls, a lot of concerned people," said Jim Norton, Jim Norton Toyota owner.

Tulsa Toyota dealership owner Jim Norton says they are ready to tackle the sticky pedal problem. Norton says Toyota owners shouldn't worry.

"There is no reason to panic about it at all," said Jim Norton.

The world's biggest automobile manufacturer stopped production of the models on the recall list. Norton's service department is full and busy making the necessary repairs.

Read more about the pedal recall.

Read more about floor mat recall.

Norton says he hasn't had anyone come into the dealership who has experienced the sticky pedal malfunction.

However, Toyota owners are urged to bring their vehicles in anyway.

So what is wrong with the gas pedal? Toyota says wear and environmental conditions may over time begin to cause the pedal to stick and release on its own instead of operating smoothly.

"It wasn't that there was sudden acceleration, it just wasn't returning to an idle position so it was still accelerating," said Shane Wohl, Jim Norton Toyota Service Manager.

"This is a very rare situation. Actually the sticky pedal would only come about if the pedal has a lot of wear on it, probably quite a few miles on it," said Jim Norton.

Here's how it's fixed – a reinforcement bar slides into the pedal.

"It basically provides more tension on the spring, so it doesn't allow it to stay in a certain position," said Shane Wohl.

"Toyota is very, very interested in safety. We all are. Like dealers are as well. But Toyota wants to make sure the cars are fixed and out on the road and safe," said Jim Norton.

Norton says the dealership will have extended hours and plenty of technicians to fix your vehicles, which should take 30 minutes. He also says you should make an appointment.