I was so excited — I finally bought my very first brand new car — in August 2009, I bought a 2010 Toyota Camry. Four months later, my excitement has turned into concern and  frustration.

As most of you are aware, Toyota recently issued a recall due to accelerator problems in a number of their vehicles. Originally, the vehicles were recalled due to concerns over floor mats. However, new information has come out indicating the problem is more serious than initially suspected. Toyota’s recall now covers sticking accelerator pedals.  As a new mother and a recent purchaser of a Toyota Camry, I understand the concern that numerous people have expressed. Although Toyota attempts to reassure us that there have been very few instances involving the accelerators sticking, that does not reassure me. Since they have recalled already sold vehicles, halted sales, and stopped production of new vehicles, fear seems reasonable.

I contacted the dealership to address the problem and was advised to keep driving my car for now because Toyota has not provided the new parts necessary to repair the problem yet. Although Toyota is in the process of resolving the issue, it could be a month before parts are supplied. In the meantime I was advised to just keep driving the car, and I will be notified by mail when the parts are in. The service personnel stated that the accelerator pedal problems have been rare occurrences. Naturally, I asked, “what if I am one of those rare occurrences?” He then instructed me to put the car in neutral and try to get the car to a complete stop if the accelerator sticks. That did not ease my concerns either. However, I will just follow the advice and hope that I am not the next “rare occurrence.”