Toyota Fix for Sudden Acceleration Is Unopposed by Feds
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reviewed the Toyota fix on its sudden acceleration problem and has decided to raise no objections to the plan. Reuters reports that the Toyota fix includes installation of new parts in existing accelerator systems or an entire overhaul via replacement.
According to a press release by the NHTSA, the Toyota fix will include: an accelerator pedal that will be reconfigured by dealers, replacement pedals in the spring for certain models, new all-weather floor mats and installation of a brake override system on certain models. The brake override system will ensure the vehicle will stop if both the brake and the accelerator pedals are both engaged.
The NHTSA says that the they have no reason to object to the Toyota fix. Reuters quotes the agency as saying: "Toyota has announced its remedy and based on its current knowledge, NHTSA has no reason to challenge this remedy."
The NHTSA has notified consumers that they take out all removable floor mats on the driver’s side or ensure that any mats are properly secured. The agency has confirmed that 5 individuals, in 2 incidents, have died as a result of pedal entrapment in the recalled vehicles. We wrote about these deaths from sudden acceleration in a previous post on FindLaw's Injured blog. There have been two recalls instituted by the automaker since these reported deaths. In October, Toyota recalled 3.8 million vehicles for accelerator pedal entrapment. The recall has expanded to include another million vehicles. Toyota has also halted sales of certain makes and models of its vehicles until they can be sure that they are free from defects.
Related Resources:
- Toyota Accused of Playing Down Toyota Defects in Safety (FindLaw's Injured)
- Toyota Recall over Deadly Floor Mats to Affect up to 3.8 Million Vehicles (FindLaw's Common Law)
- More Toyota Recalls Over Accelerator Pedal Sticking Issues (FindLaw's Common Law)
- Products Liability FAQ (provided by Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd, Kinney & Wilt, P.S.C.)
- PI from Defective Products (provided by Winters & Yonker P.A.)