Toyota to Recall 3.8 Million US Vehicles - Potential Accelerator Problem Identified
Some Toyota Vehicles Suspected to Have a Potential Problem with Accelerator Pedal
It has been reported by Kyodo news agency that Japan's Toyota Motor is planning to recall approximately 3.8 million vehicles in the United States because of a potential problem affecting the accelerator pedals. This involves the risk of loose driver-side floor mats slipping forward and jamming the accelerator pedal.
Associated Press reported that Toyota, the world's largest automaker, is expected to provide more details about the recall today (25 November 2009).
The Toyota Camry, the top-selling passenger car in America, and the Toyota Prius, the best-selling petrol-electric hybrid, are purported to be part of the recall.
Toyota Canada could join recall
Toyota Canada has indicated it may announce a recall today (25 November 2009) of about 200,000 vehicles to fix problems involving accelerator pedals that become stuck in floor mats.
A Toyota Canada spokesperson said this morning the company could release more information later today after the company's parent announced a massive recall of 3.8 million vehicles in the U.S. to replace pedals.
Toyota models that could be affected are:
2007-10 model year Camry
2005-10 Toyota Avalon
2004-09 Prius
2005-10 Toyota Tacoma
2007-10 Toyota Tundra
2007-10 Lexus ES350
2006-10 Lexus IS250/350
The Japanese automaker announced the massive recall in late September 2009 and told owners to remove the driver's side floor mats to prevent the accelerator pedal from potentially becoming jammed. The vehicle recall will be Toyota's largest ever in the US.
Crash victims could do nothing to release stuck accelerator pedal
Sadly, this recall has been prompted by a high-speed crash in August 2009 involving a 2009 Lexus ES350 that killed a California Highway Patrol officer and three members of his family near San Diego. It has been reported that the Lexus hit speeds exceeding 190 km/h, struck a sport utility vehicle, launched off an embankment, rolled several times and burst into flames. A family member in the runaway Lexus made a frantic call to authorities moments before the crash, telling emergency responders that the accelerator was stuck and the driver couldn't stop the car. The call ended as someone was overheard urging others to hold on and pray, followed by a woman's scream.
US Government involvement in recall
The US government has attributed at least five deaths and two injuries to floor mat-related unintended acceleration in the Toyota vehicles. The government has also received reports of more than 100 incidents in which the accelerator could have become stuck.
The automaker and US Government regulators have been discussing a potential fix for several weeks.
It is hoped there will be no more accidents, let alone fatalities, before all Toyota vehicles affected by this problem have been inspected and any faults corrected.
Sources:
http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,1,26402648-5005361,00.html
http://www.thestar.com/wheels/article/730557--toyota-canada-expected-to-join-u-s-recall
To view more of my content - CLICK HERE
Published by Susan Jane
I am an Australian professional writer with with 28 years of commercial experience. In 2003, I became full-time carer for my mother (now 91) who has a form of dementia. I was recently appointed as a Featured... View profile
- How the Chevrolet Malibu Stacks Up Against Honda, Toyota and NissanWhen comparing the new Chevy Malibu with its top competition - the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima - it looks like Chevrolet has a winner with the Malibu's sleek redesign, stylish features, impressive fun...
- Toyota Sales Down .6 Percent Year over YearCar sales overall for Toyota Motor Sales was down six tenths of a point from the same month last year. The news was not all bad though as the Lexus Division saw an increase in sales over September 2006, while the Toyo...
Trading Our Toyota Tundra Truck for a Toyota RAV4 Crossover SUVOur 20-year love affair with pickup trucks ended when we bought a Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV. - Toyota Tacoma Review: Small Truck with Monstrous Good Looks and PowerIf you are searching for a great small size truck, look no further than the Toyota Tacoma. Both sporty and masculine in appearance, men love it for its power and women love it for it's cool styling.
- 2006 Toyota Corolla Consumer ReviewWith a phenomenal resale value, virtually nonexistent maintenance issues other than the standard upkeep, and a most virtuous attitude toward gasoline consumption, you cannot go wrong with the 2006 Toyota Corolla!
- Toyota Recall September 2009 List Includes 3.8 Million Vehicles with Faulty Floor...
- Is Your Car Part of the Toyota Recall Over Gas Pedal Safety?
- 1996 Toyota Camry Consumer Review
- Car Reviews: 2007 Toyota Prius
- Toyota Said to Be Responsible for the Burning Death of Raminder Singh
- 2010 Toyota Prius Has Hybrid Car Classic Look but Updated Features
- Used Hybrid Spotlight-(2004-2009 Toyota Prius)
- Toyota to recall 3.8 million vehicles to check for potential accelerator problem
- List of Toyota models that could be affected
- US government regulators in talks with Toyota after more than 100 accelerator incidents reported
8 Comments
Post a CommentPeggy - I have always bought Mazda cars. I have never had a problem. You should go to your dealer and get them to sort out the problem for you.
Ilive in King N.C. I purchased a 2008 Camry and traded it for a rav4 because ihad reported trouble with the gas pedal. I was told there was no problem. Well I did not like the Rav4. So I traded it for a2009 Camry . I was told they had fixed the gas pedal problem. Well I have had my Camry for a year and yes ihave had problems with the accelerator sticking. I was told again that it was simply the way the car was made. I love Camrys! So what are you going to do about it?
Thanks for the list of recalled vehicles. My husband has a Toyota truck.
Cars go nearly that speed on the San Diego freeways anyway. Must be heavy shoes on the accelerators. Still, very sad.
I so against Ford, I said Ford in error - Toyota.....
I think the number is over 4 million. Ford has a serious problem there. Their floor mats are incorrect along with the gas pedal.
Execellent coverage on this, so important~ I saw the video on TV of the man who couldn't stop from this problem.
My model isn't on the recall list but I'm glad to know of the info so that I can inform others who might have affected cars. Thanks!