Toyota to replace accelerator pedals

Toyota Motor Corp. said today it plans to replace accelerator pedals on 3.8 million recalled vehicles in the United States.

The recall, announced in late September, stems from a series of complaints the automaker received concerning floor mats that become jammed under the pedal causing uncontrolled acceleration.

According to news reports, Toyota will have dealers shorten the length of the pedal starting in 2010 as the company works creating new pedals that should be available in April.

“The safety of our owners and the public is our utmost concern,” Toyota said in a statement. “And Toyota has and will continue to thoroughly investigate and take appropriate measures to address any defect trends that are identified.”

- With files from The Associated Press