This claim that some Toyotas and Lexuses go into wild and uncontrollable acceleration has been troubling everybody.
I have an Avalon and a new Solara convertible and have never had any issues at all.
I had floor mat issues in both cars and cleared that up. And Toyota claims that this acceleration has NEVER occurred in any car that did not have aftermarket "floating" floormats.
Until this is settled, the media has suggested that - if this happens - we (1) brake lightly but firmly, and (2) we shift from Drive to Neutral. I practised this maneuver today and there is no reason it wont work.
In a panic situation, I, or my wife, might have problems to do it, but it will work. And pressing the Start/Stop button for 3 seconds is supposed to kill the engine.