Updated at: 01/29/2010 12:20 PM | KSAX.com
By: Megan Matthews

Toyota Recall Models Affected: Brainerd Dealership Reacts, Responds

BRAINERD, MINN. - A major toyota recall has many dealerships double checking inventory, including Lake Country Toyota.

Toyota issued the recall last week, but they are now voluntarily halting production of new cars because of faulty gas pedals in some of the maker's best-selling models.

Four people died in Texas this past December when the sticking accelerator in the Toyota they were traveling in may have caused the crash.

"Toyota is more concerned about the customer base out there driving their vehicles right now...They're going to halt their business to take care of those customers," Robert Ebert said.

Ebert is the general manager and co-owner of Lake Country Toyota. Workers there are physically looking at all possible models to see whether they're affected by the recall or not. If they find faulty gas pedals they're pulling those models from the sales floor.

"Rest assured that Toyota doesn't want these vehicles driving around any more than you want to be driving them," Ebert said.

The recall list isn't definitive yet, but Toyota will have the recall narrowed down to specific vehicle ID numbers in the next couple days. They have determined that ID numbers starting with the letter "J" aren't affected. The serial number is on the inside of the car door.

Ebert advises this if a customer has a problem with their gas pedal: "Just hold steady pressure on the brake pedal, and when it's safe turn the ignition off or put the vehicle into a neutral position," he said.

This hasn't happened to any of this dealership's customer, but it could and customers are calling to double-check.

"They're questioning, 'is my car affected or isn't it?' But it's refreshing to know they say, 'it's a toyota they'll take care of me,'" Ebert explained.

Once the list of recalled serial numbers is released, Toyota will fix the part free of charge. Any customer affected by the recall will receive a letter stating their vehicle has been recalled.

The following is a preliminary list of makes and models Toyota has recalled: the 2009-2010 RAV4, the 2009-2010 Corolla, the 2007-2010 Camry, the 2009-2010 Matrix hatchback, the 2005-2010 Avalon large sedan, the 2010 Highlander crossover, the 2007-2010 Tundra pickup and the 2008-2010 Sequoia large SUV.

Written for the web by Megan Matthews

megan@ksax.com