Toyota Voluntarily Recalls 2.3 Million Vehicles With Defective Gas Pedal

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.”

Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:

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

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.
The condition is rare, but can occur when the pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in certain conditions, the accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position.  Toyota is working quickly to prepare the correction remedy.

In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.

Toyota will continue to investigate incidents of unwanted acceleration and take appropriate measures to address any trends that are identified.

Toyota owners who have questions or concerns should contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

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.

Copyright © 2010 The Filutowski Law Firm, PLLC. This post is intended for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinions on any specific facts or circumstances. An attorney-client relationship is not created or continued by reading this post. If you would like further information regarding the matters discussed herein, you may post a comment. If you need a consultation on a legal matter, contact Alexandra Filutowski.

Posted January 22, 2010 by Alexandra. Comments and trackbacks are open. Follow the comments feed.
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