Daily Finance reports that Toyota has announced a recall of over 2.2 million vehicles for unintended acceleration problems.
According to SaferCar.gov, 769,379 Lexus and Toyota vehicles are being recalled due to the potential of floor carpet covers leaning towards the accelerator pedal and causing unintended acceleration.
According to the auto manufacturer, if the forward retention clip is not properly installed, it could cause the floor carpet cover to lean towards the accelerator pedal and “interfere with the accelerator pedal arm.” The clip is located in front of the vehicle’s center console. If the clip is not installed correctly, it may cause the accelerator pedal to temporarily become stuck in a “partially depressed position” instead of returning to the idling position. If the accelerator pedal becomes stuck, it could result in unintended vehicle acceleration and make it difficult for a driver to stop the vehicle, which significantly increases the risk of an accident.
Included in the recall are the following vehicles:
- Model years 2004 – 2007 Lexus RX330
- Model years 2004 – 2007 Lexus RX350
- Model years 2004 – 2007 Lexus RX400H
- Model years 2004 – 2006 Toyota Highlander
- Model years 2004 – 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The car maker has yet to provide an owner notification schedule of the recall, but has stated that dealers will replace the defective floor carpet cover with a newly designed cover at no charge to vehicle owners.
The manufacturer has also announced two additional recalls regarding Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Toyota is recalling about 19,647 Lexus GS300 and Lexus GS350 vehicles from model years 2006 – 2007 due to the possibility that the plastic pad that is embedded on the vehicle’s floor carpet may obstruct operation of the accelerator pedal. Additionally, SaferCar.gov also reports that Toyota is recalling over 600,000 Toyota 4Runner SUVs from model years 2003 – 2009; about 17,000 Lexus LX570 vehicles from model years 2008 – 2011; and over 761,000 Toyota Rav4 SUVs from model years 2006 – 2010. These vehicles are recalled due to the potential of the accelerator pedal to get stuck in the side open position because it is trapped by an unsecured or ill suited driver’s floor mat. In total, over 2.2 million vehicles are being recalled by the manufacturer.
Consumers with questions are directed to contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Since early 2010, Toyota has recalled millions of their vehicles due to problems with unintended acceleration. The Toyota sudden acceleration recall lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP have continued their investigation into occurrences of unintended acceleration and related car crashes that involve all Toyota vehicles. If you have been injured in a car accident with a recalled Toyota vehicle, our skilled attorneys may be able to help. To schedule a free consultation regarding your potential claim against Toyota, call 1-877-800-1700 today.
