The local pace of an international Toyota recall seems to be stuck in the slow lane.
The recall, which was made to fix faulty gas pedals in more than 7.6 million Toyota models made in the last six years, has come as a surprise to local Toyota owners.
“I don’t think it’s a big deal,” said Gene Branch, a retired grocer who recently bought a 2009 Tundra pickup truck from Gatorland Toyota in Gainesville. “I haven’t had any problems at all.”
Service personnel at Gatorland Toyota, who repair about 2,500 cars each month, have not heard any recent complaints about the recall, said Robert Hurlbert, Gatorland Toyota service and parts director.
“I’m certain there are some [problems], though,” he said.
However, since the announcement of the recall, Hurlbert has tried to reassure Toyota customers they will be properly taken care of.
“My biggest job right now is preparing the staff to deal with the massive influx of jobs we’re going to be having,” he said.
Meanwhile, other Gainesville mechanics who will not be involved replacing pedals and mats are left wondering what the fuss is all about.
“There have always been problems with vehicles just like this, but you never heard nothing about it,” said J.L. Tyson, owner of JL’s Auto Repair in Gainesville and a Toyota owner. “It’s blown out of proportion.”
As far back as Tyson can remember, no Toyota owners have come to the garage complaining of gas pedal problems.
The large amount of attention put on Toyota in the last week may not be a conspiracy, he said, though he estimated the situation was certainly political.
“Some are just jealous because Toyota’s always made a good vehicle,” Tyson said.
Those affected by the recall should bring their cars to Gatorland Toyota, located at 2985 N Main St.
