Toyota suspends sales of 8 models

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. Tuesday said it has instructed dealers to suspend sales of eight of its models involved in a safety recall announced last week.

The company said Jan. 21 it was recalling 2.3 million vehicles to fix gas pedals that can stick, causing vehicles to accelerate. The recall came about two months after a separate recall of 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles because gas pedals could become stuck under a loose floor mat.

About 1.7 million vehicles were subject to both recalls.

"Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company," Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter said in a release. "This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We're making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible."

The company has ordered a temporary suspension of sales of 2009-2010 RAV4; 2009-2010 Corolla; 2009-2010 Matrix; 2005-2010 Avalon; Certain 2007-2010 Camry models; 2010 Highlander; 2007-2010 Tundra; and 2008-2010 Sequoia.

No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by the recall or the suspended sales, the release said. The Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, will be available for sale.

The sale suspension will likely result in a one-week shutdown of production, beginning Feb.1, at plants in Canada, Indiana, Kentucky and Texas, the company said.