Toyota Recalls Another 1.1 Million Autos Over Floor Mat - Gas Pedal Defect

Expanding upon its auto recall from last November of 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles, the automaker announced that it is including another 1.1 million vehicles to the recall list. The recall was issued because of the possibility that the gas pedal could get caught on the removable floor mat, causing the vehicle to accelerate to the highest speeds and making it impossible to stop the car even when stepping on the brakes.
Added to the original list of vehicles that were recalled are the:

  • Pontiac Vibe: 2009, 2010 models
  • Matrix: 2009, 2010 models
  • Venza: 2009, 2010 models
  • Corolla: 2009, 2010 models
  • Highlander: 2009, 2010 models

A floor mat that jammed a gas pedal was the cause of a deadly car crash last August that left one motorist unable to stop the vehicle he was driving. The driver, his wife, daughter, and brother-in-law all died in the Toyota runaway car crash.
The expansion of last November’s recall comes one week after Toyota announced a separate recall, this one involving 2.3 million vehicles because of a problem that can cause the accelerator pedal to stick after its mechanisms become worn (a deterioration that usually occurs gradually). In the event that it does happen, however, the gas pedal may become harder to step on and it may take longer to return to its original position when released. There is also the possibility that it can get stuck in a partially depressed position. Following the recall, the automaker called on its dealers to temporarily stop selling and making 8 of its models until a solution is found.
Bob Carter, Toyota USA group vice president, issued a statement declaring that it was important to the car manufacturer that customers are kept safe and their confidence in the company is restored. Meantime, Toyota has extended its recalls to include vehicles in Europe and China.
Gas pedal and accelerator defects can cause serious personal injury and wrongful death. When a motorist cannot stop a vehicle that accelerates out of control, the chances the auto will drive into oncoming traffic, off the road, or into the vehicle in front of it goes up dramatically.
With Recall Expanding, Toyota Gives an Apology, The New York Times, January 29, 2010
Toyota recalls top 5.3 million vehicle, CNN Money, January 28, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Toyota Motor Corp.
Safecar.gov

Our auto products liability lawyers are not afraid to take on an auto manufacturer giant whose negligence when designing, manufacturing, or distributing a vehicle contributed to causing a deadly car accident.

Categories

We Want to Hear aBOUT yOUR cASE

Schedule a Free Consultation Today 
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.