Safe, reliable vehicle design and manufacturing are expected by all consumers of vehicles. When this standard is violated by the manufacturer, lawsuits will arise and car manufacturers lose customer loyalty.
Such violation of customer trust has occurred twice for Toyota. Toyota’s ineffective quality control and/or research and design teams have led to two, independent recalls of millions of vehicles in the past three months.
Toyota is recalling 2.3 million cars and trucks in response to the increasing reports of its cars suddenly speeding out of control due to a sticking accelerator pedal. On December 26 four people died in Texas when the accelerator stuck and sped the Toyota Avalon into a pond.
The recall covers certain cars and truck models from 2005-2010. Toyota states:
“In recent months, Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats,” said TMS Group Vice President Irv Miller. “Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position. Consistent with our commitment to the safety of our cars and our customers, we have initiated this voluntary recall action.”
• 2009-2010 Corolla,
• 2009-2010 Matrix,
• 2005-2010 Avalon,
• 2007-2010 Camry,
• 2010 Highlander,
• 2007-2010 Tundra,
• 2008-2010 Sequoia
This is Toyota’s second recall in less than three months. Last Fall, over 3.8 million cars were recalled following reports of the gas pedal sticking behind the driver’s floor mat.
Both recalls included Toyota’s best-selling model, the Camry.
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