Toyota has recently launched the largest recall in its history with over 4 million Toyota and Lexus models identified with potential safety issues. Last fall the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration received a flurry of reports that driver’s side floor mats were dislodging and causing the accelerator pedal to get stuck. The problem received national attention when a highway patrol officer and his family were killed. The officer’s Lexus crashed after traveling over 120mph as a result of a stuck gas pedal. Apparently the vehicle could not be stopped by the brakes alone. Toyota responded by issuing a safety alert recommending that Toyota and Lexus owners remove the driver’s side floor mats and not replace them until Toyota could investigate the matter further. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration also issued an alert in which they strongly urged owners of these vehicles to remove mats or other obstacles that could lead to unintended acceleration. The models with potential safety issues are:
• 2007 – 2010 Toyota Camry
• 2005 – 2010 Toyota Avalon
• 2004 – 2009 Toyota Prius
• 2005 – 2010 Toyota Tacoma
• 2007 – 2010 Toyota Tundra
• 2007 – 2010 Lexus ES350
• 2006 – 2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350
Toyota and Lexus service technicians have undergone training and are now equipped to make the necessary modifications to these models. Although it would seem to be an easy fix; just replace the defective floor mats with a more efficient design, Toyota wants to ensure the safety of their vehicles. Therefore, technicians will actually be reshaping the accelerator pedal and in some models will also install a brake override system. Beginning in April 2010 there will be accelerator pedal replacement part available for those customers that would like to have it installed. Toyota has begun issuing recall letters instructing owners to bring their vehicles in for repair and anticipates a deluge in their service departments. To help combat the inconvenience many Toyota Dealerships are offering rental cars to customers affected by the recall.
The official Toyota website offers more information about the Toyota/Lexus recall including overall safety of both Toyota and Lexus vehicles. For further information Toyota customers can contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Assistance at 1-800-255-3987.
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