TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A. Inc. announced yesterday that it is instructing Toyota dealers to temporarily suspend sales of eight models involved in the recall for sticking accelerator pedal.

“Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company,” said Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter. “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.”

Toyota announced it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models. Toyota officials said the company had investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats, but said there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.

The following vehicles were named in Toyota’s recall:

1. 2009-2010 RAV4,

2. 2009-2010 Corolla,

3. 2009-2010 Matrix,

4. 2005-2010 Avalon,

5. Certain 2007-2010 Camry,

6. 2010 Highlander,

7. 2007-2010 Tundra,

8. 2008-2010 Sequoia

Due to the sales suspension, Toyota is expected to stop producing vehicles on the following production lines for the week of Feb. 1 to assess and coordinate activities.  The North America vehicle production facilities affected are:

• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada (Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4)

• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (Sequoia and Highlander)

• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky – Line 1 (Camry and Avalon)

• Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (Camry)

• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (Tundra)

Company officials said the sticking accelerator pedal recall is separate from the on-going recall of Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats.