More Toyota Recalls Over Accelerator Pedal Sticking Issues
Toyota is issuing its second recall amid complaints among its consumers about sudden acceleration. The New York Times reports that the recall is intended to prevent possible accelerator pedal sticking. Accelerator pedal sticking is what Toyota claims is causing sudden acceleration. This recall will cover over 2.3 million vehicles made from 2005 through 2010. This is the second in what could be a few Toyota recalls.
The first recall was supposed to fix the unintended acceleration problem by removing floor mats that could get stuck to the accelerator pedal. We wrote about the first recall on Findlaw's Common Law Blog. Toyota claimed that the floor mats can hold down the accelerator and cause deadly high speed crashes.
However, Toyota still received reports of sudden acceleration and stuck pedals even in cases where the floor mats had been removed. The most chilling was an accident the day after Christmas in Dallas. The Toyota Avalon sped off the road and into a pond which resulted in the death of four people. The police discovered that the floor mats were in the trunk of the car.
That incident along with another incident in New Jersey, has prompted Toyota to address the problem directly. “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,” said Irv Miller, a group vice president of Toyota Motors Sales U.S.A; who was quoted by The New York Times.
According to a press release issued by Toyota, the following vehicles are involved in this second recall:
- 2009-2010 RAV4,
- 2009-2010 Corolla,
- 2009-2010 Matrix,
- 2005-2010 Avalon,
- 2007-2010 Camry,
- 2010 Highlander,
- 2007-2010 Tundra,
- 2008-2010 Sequoia
The press release advises consumers who experience sudden acceleration to control the car 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.
For more information, please visit our Related Resources.
Related Resouces:
- Toyota Recall over Deadly Floor Mats to Affect up to 3.8 Million Vehicles (Findlaw's Common Law)
- Toyota Lawsuit Over Sudden Acceleration Picks Up Speed (Findlaw's Injured)
- Unintended Acceleration: Toyota to Fix 3.8 Million Gas Pedals (Findlaw's Common Law)
- Toyota Accused of Playing Down Toyota Defects in Safety (Findlaw's Injured)
- PI from Defective Products (provided by Harman, Warren & Harris, PLLP)
- Vehicle Defect Recalls (provided by Solomon & Relihan, P.C.)