Toyota expands acceleration recall

Toyota said last night it was expanding an upgrade of brake software that overrides accelerator pedals in emergencies to three additional models, on the eve of two congressional hearings into sudden acceleration in its vehicles.

The Japanese automaker said while the so-called brake override system is “not an integral part" of a recall over floor mats that could trigger sudden acceleration, it was offering the upgrades as an “extra measure of confidence."

It has said the system, which shuts off the accelerator if it senses both the gas and brake pedals pressed at the same time, would be standard on all new models by the end of the year.

The additional vehicles Toyota will offer the upgrade in include the 2005-2010 model year Tacoma pickups, the 2009-10 Venza wagons and the 2008-10 Sequoia SUVs.

The automaker had previously said it would install the system in 2007-10 Camry, Lexus ES350 and IS250/350 models and 2005-10 models of the Avalon. Toyota had told Congress earlier this month it was considering expanding the number of vehicles it offered the system for.

Several experts have said such technology should prevent unintended acceleration regardless of cause. Detroit Free Press