Only five Toyota vehicles in Taiwan need to be recalled, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) said on Saturday amid reports that the world’s largest automaker has recalled more than 7 million cars in the US, Europe and China because of a sticky accelerator and floor mats that can get caught in the gas pedal.
The ministry said it followed the list of Toyota car models announced by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Feb. 5 that were affected by the sticky pedal and found only five vehicles listed in the registration database that will need repairs.
They are two Avalon-model sedans, two Sequoia SUVs and one Tundra pick-up truck.
The owners have been notified by the Vehicle Safety Certification Center to have their automobiles inspected at the customer service centers of Hotai Motor, Toyota’s local agent.
The ministry called a meeting with automobile experts on Saturday and confirmed that the remedy for the sticky pedal was to install reinforced piece of steel on the gas pedal assembly, the tactic adopted by the US and other countries.
As for reports of a brake problem with Prius hybrids, the ministry has asked Hotai Motor to look into the matter with Toyota as soon as possible.
If Toyota announces a recall of Prius, Hotai will have to make a free customer service line available on its Web site and send owners written notifications of the announcement.
There are 629 registered Prius nationwide, the ministry said.
The NHTSA has also announced the recall of Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1 because they use pedals designed by US-based CTS Corp.
While Hotai had told the consumers on Jan. 22 that the Toyota vehicles it imported used gas pedals manufactured in Japan, the ministry said it wanted to ensure the safety of the vehicles by seeking advice from experts. No local agent imports the Peogeot 107 and Citroen C1, the ministry said.
Also See: Toyota to announce Prius action plan
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