Toyota has added the Tacoma, Sequoia and Venza to the list of its cars that will be fitted with the brake override “smart throttle.” It reduces engine power when a driver simultaneously presses the brake and accelerator pedals.
Models added to the list: the 2005-2010 Tacoma pickup, 2008-2010 Sequoia and 2009-2010 Venza. Toyota says the override feature is not part of previously issued recalls for accelerator pedal repairs.
Nonetheless, the models have been added to give Toyota customers an additional measure of confidence in their vehicles. The “smart throttle” will be installed on Venza and Tacoma models when the vehicles are brought in for the pedal recall. Sequoia owners will be notified separately.
While investigation continues into possible causes for Toyota unintended acceleration issues, this override should help drivers control the vehicle during acceleration incidents, providing an intuitive throttle override.
Toyota previously announced it would install the override feature in other models including the 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, and 2007-2010 Lexus ES 350, 2006-2010 IS 350 and 2006-2010 IS 250 models.
The automaker has said it plans to include the feature on most of its new models sold in the United States by the end of 2010.
Most European cars already feature smart throttle, as well as some GM and Nissan models.
Article Last Updated: February 23, 2010.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
