Toyota may have halted production at five plants and suspended sales of some models following a recall of about 2.3 million vehicles, but at least one Harford County dealer is holding up well under the circumstances.

“We’ve been very fortunate at Jones,” Stephen Smeltzer, vice president and general manager of Jones Junction in Fallston, said Thursday. “We still have a lot of cars we can sell.”

Because of the recall, which was issued Jan. 21 for sticking accelerator pedals on some newer models, Jones Junction is offering a free safety check on Toyotas to the general public.

“It will only take a few moments,” Smeltzer said. “We can tell by looking at the gas pedal whether it’s involved or not.”

Early Monday, Toyota announced it will begin fixing accelerator pedals on recalled vehicles.

“The solution involves reinforcing the pedal assembly in a manner that eliminates the excess friction that has caused the pedals to stick in some instances,” according to Toyota’s Web site.

Toyota also said it has developed an effective solution for vehicles in production.

Following the latest announcement, The Aegis attempted to contact Smeltzer Tuesday, but he was out of town.

The recall includes the following vehicles: 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, certain 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander except hybrid models, 2007-2010 Tundra and 2008-2010 Sequoia.

“In rare instances, there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position,” according to the Web site.

Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are not affected and neither are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.

Parts to reinforce the pedals are already being shipped for use by dealers and dealer training is under way, according to the Web site.

“A precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the assembly that will reduce the surface tension between the friction shoe and the adjoining surface,” the Web site said. “With this reinforcement in place, the excess friction that can cause the pedal to stick is eliminated.”

Smeltzer said last week that his dealership, which sells multiple car franchises, has never had a sticking accelerator complaint for its Toyotas.

“I don’t know why this all started, but we are going to stand behind our customers and Toyota,” he said.

Smeltzer described Toyota as a “very, very fine company with a long-standing quality reputation.”

“I don’t think just one recall is going to hurt,” Smeltzer said.

Toyota, not the government, made the decision to temporarily cease sales for certain models, Smeltzer noted.

“It’s a voluntary thing from Toyota. It will definitely hurt sales and production,” Smeltzer said. “But their main concern is the customer as always. They want their customers to be safe and satisfied. That’s the whole operation of Toyota and what their mission statement says.”

About three-quarters of Jones’ Toyota inventory is still for sale, Smeltzer said, adding the dealership sells 500 to 700 cars per month.

“There’s a misconception there’s a stop sale on all Corollas or Camrys, which is not true,” Smeltzer said. “It’s only certain types of gas pedals on cars. We have a good portion of inventory on sale that’s not involved in the recall.”

In the long haul, Toyota’s top priority is its customers.

“The purpose is to make sure the consumer knows Toyota is fully involved and will do whatever it takes to make the car safe and reliable for the customer,” Smeltzer said. “That’s the main thing... Toyota’s not going to abandon its image and long-standing quality history over one recall.”

Representatives from Thompson Toyota in Edgewood declined to comment when contacted last week.

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