Toyota Recall

In January, 2010, consumers learned about a Toyota safety recall that affects approximately 2.3 million vehicles. The Toyota recall is reportedly due to an issue in which accelerator pedals on specific Toyota models become stuck.

Toyota also recalled approximately 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles due to the risk of pedal entrapment from incorrect or out-of-place accessory floor mats. Although the two Toyota safety recalls are separate, approximately 1.7 million Toyota vehicles are subject to both recalls .

Toyota Accelerator Pedal Recall

Approximately 2.3 million Toyota vehicles have been recalled due to sticking accelerator pedals. Toyota has also said that it was halting sales of the vehicles included in the recall.

Those vehicles are:

• 2009-2010 RAV4
• 2009-2010 Corolla
• 2009-2010 Matrix
• 2005-2010 Avalon
• 2007-2010 Camry
• 2010 Highlander
• 2007-2010 Tundra
• 2008-2010 Sequoia

The Los Angeles Times (02/04/10) reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received reports about unintended acceleration in the Toyota Tacoma and those complaints increased after electronic throttles were included on the truck. The Tacoma has a different accelerator pedal assembly than the recalled vehicles and has so far not been included in the recall.

No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by this recall action. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids.

Toyota Floor Mat

On September 29, Toyota issued a news release asking owners of specific Toyota and Lexus models to take out any removable driver's floor mat and NOT replace it with any other floor mat. On January 27, 2010, Toyota sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration amending Toyota's Defect Information Report of October 5, 2009, regarding the potential risk for floor mat entrapment by accelerator pedals in certain Toyota and Lexus models. Toyota has now decided to include certain other models in the recall. This action is separate from the recall of select Toyota vehicles for sticking accelerator pedals.

The specific model names and years of vehicles recalled due to floor mat pedal entrapment:

• 2007 – 2010 Camry
• 2005 – 2010 Avalon
• 2004 – 2009 Prius
• 2005 – 2010 Tacoma
• 2007 – 2010 Tundra
• 2008 - 2010 Highlander
• 2009 - 2010 Corolla
• 2009 - 2010 Venza
• 2009 - 2010 Matrix
• 2009 - 2010 Pontiac Vibe

Toyota Accidents and Injuries

According to the Los Angeles Times (11/29/09) at least 19 deaths were attributed sudden acceleration in Toyota vehicles since the start of the 2002 model year. During the same time, all other automakers had a combined total of 11 deaths related to sudden acceleration.

The August 28, 2009, death of a California Highway Patrol officer and his family was initially blamed on floor mat entrapment. However, safety experts and motorist accounts point to issues with electronic throttles.

Meanwhile, other Toyota drivers say they pleaded with the company to fix the problem. One Toyota owner appeared on Good Morning America saying her car suddenly accelerated three times. The problem was never fixed and four people died when the car was in an accident.

Furthermore, according to the Times, at least 1,000 incidents of sudden, unintended acceleration were reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the past eight years.

Toyota Lawsuits

Lawsuits have now been filed against Toyota, alleging the company knew about the issue with the accelerator but did not warn the public or regulatory agencies. At least one lawsuit alleges Toyota intentionally made false statements to sell vehicles and committed fraudulent concealment by not informing consumers about defects in the vehicles.
Last updated on Apr-21-10