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Cars Not On Recall List Also Have Problems, Drivers Say

Gas Pedal System Maker Working On Fix

POSTED: 3:58 pm EST January 28, 2010
UPDATED: 5:20 pm EST January 28, 2010

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The company that makes gas pedal systems connected to one part of the Toyota recall says its working with Toyota on a fix.

CTS Corp. is making new, redesigned pedals meant to solve problems with condensation. It's an issue that can cause the pedals to react slowly or stick.

Additional models have also been added to the list of recalled vehicles. The Venza, Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe, which Toyota made for General Motors, have been added. The recall action has also expanded to China and Europe.

NewsCenter 5's Susan Wornick reported that just after noon on Wednesday, the driver of a Lexus GX lost control and crashed through the front window of a Dunkin' Donuts in Needham.

Because some witnesses reported that the SUV appeared to lunge forward, investigators immediately considered a problem with sudden acceleration, but they've found no evidence of mechanical failure.

Toyota included a different Lexus model as part of its recall in October when the company announced they would shorten gas pedals on nearly 4 million vehicles. But Lexus models are not on the most recent list of models having the potential of sudden acceleration.

In a statement, Toyota told Team 5 Investigates "its investigation is on-going, but this specific condition does not affect Lexus division or hybrids."

Yet Team 5 Investigates continues to get e-mails from drivers who say otherwise.

"I bought a 2005 Lexus ES330. I've had it back for service more than once for lunging," according to one e-mail.

"Our Camry hybrid accelerated without warning three different times," according to another e-mail.

Last summer, four people died when a 2009 Lexus sped out of control.

Safety experts expect the biggest automotive recall ever to grow even more.

"We strongly believe that they're going to find other causes because we're seeing evidence of those other causes," said auto safety expert Sean Kane.

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