Safety Research & Strategies, Inc. reported on March 24, 2010 that Toyota has added 2008-2010 Highlander Hybrids to the list of vehicles included in its Safety Recall for potential floor mat interference with the gas pedal. According to the article, in announcing “Phase Four” of the Safety Recall, Toyota informed dealers that “the same templates and gauges provided to dealers for the Camry (Phase 1) will be utilized.” Every Highlander Hybrid automobile has a Denso pedal, which will be substituted with a new pedal that is supposed to be thinned-down and less stiff.
The article also discusses a sudden acceleration incident involving a 2008 Highlander Hybrid that took place in the Mojave Desert that appears to support the possibility that Toyota’s design defects go beyond floor mat obstruction. When the motorist in this incident accelerated to pass another car at about 75 mph, he was unable to press down the brakes and the Hybrid kept accelerating. Based on the driver’s account, he attempted to apply and let go of the gas pedal many times, but the Hybrid kept accelerating and reached speeds of up to 95 mph. Finally, after he pressed the brake pedal and emergency brake simultaneously, the car slowed down, but the engine continued to rev up. The driver’s wife then pushed the gear shift into park and their car came to a stop.
In initiating different “phases” of its Safety Recall, one is left to wonder how it is possible that Toyota has overlooked certain models having similar flaws to vehicles already recalled. Incidents of unintended acceleration and innocent people being hurt or even killed should not be what it takes for an automaker to detect a serious auto design flaw.
The list of Toyota vehicle models that are still awaiting a modified pedal and floor mat replacement include:
- 2009 – 2010 Corolla
- 2008 – 2010 Highlander (Non-Hybrid)
- 2009 – 2010 Matrix
- 2004 – 2009 Prius
- 2005 – 2010 Tacoma
- 2007 – 2010 Tundra
- 2009 – 2010 Venza
The Toyota sudden acceleration recall attorneys at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP are investigating incidents of unintended acceleration and auto accidents involving all Toyota & Lexus vehicle models, whether they have been recalled or not. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident concerning one of these affected vehicles, the skilled auto products liability and personal injury lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP are available to help. Visit our Toyota recall breaking news page at http://www.psblaw.com/toyota-2010-recall-news.html for more information or call 877-800-1700 to schedule a free consultation regarding your potential claim.
Source:http://www.safetyresearch.net/2010/03/24/roll-out-the-recalls/
