Toyota Motor Corp. issued a recall on Wednesday, January 26 for a variety of problems with fuel systems in some vehicles. According to The Los Angeles Times, the recall includes about 245,000 cars in the United States to inspect fuel pressure sensors. In addition, the 2006 through 2007 Lexus GS300/350, the 2006 through early 2009 Lexus IS250, and the 2006 through early 2008 Lexus IS350 are being recalled as well. According to Toyota, because of insufficient tightening of the vehicles’ fuel pressure sensors that are connected to the engine fuel delivery pipe, over time it is possible the pressure sensor could become loose. If this occurs, the fuel could potentially leak past a gasket that is used in the connection between the pipe and the sensor.
Owners of the recalled Lexus vehicles will be notified by mail. The repair of the defective fuel systems will be performed at no charge to owners. Anyone with questions should call 800-255-3987 or visit http://www.lexus.com/recall.
Additionally, the auto manufacturer is recalling about 1.3 million vehicles outside of the U.S. to repair different fuel system problems, and close to 400,000 of those vehicles have two different defects that need inspection or repair.
This new Toyota recall comes almost a year after the automaker ceased manufacturing many of its most popular vehicle models in the U.S. and stopped sales to repair gas pedal defects linked with unintended acceleration and at least 52 deaths. Over the past 18 months, Toyota has recalled over 10 million vehicles.
If you have been injured in a car crash that you believe was caused by a vehicle defect, you owe it to yourself and your family to learn more about your legal rights and options. An auto product liability attorney at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP may be able to help you obtain compensation from negligent car manufacturers and other responsible parties for your injuries. Call us at 1-877-800-1700 to schedule your free consultation today.
Separate from the continuing recall of 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles, Toyota announced a new recall on January 21, 2010 of 2.3 million vehicles for gas pedals becoming stuck without the presence of floor mats. The issue in the previous recall was attributed to loose floor mats; however, the problem with some of those vehicles may be connected to a flawed design of a computerized engine control system without emergency override. As a result of some vehicles suddenly accelerating out of control with or without a floor mat, several individuals have been killed or seriously injured. Toyota said there is an overlap of 1.7 million vehicles that are on the new and on-going recall list.
According to a money.cnn.com article, the new recall relates to certain accelerator pedal mechanisms mechanically sticking in a moderately depressed position or not returning to the idle position quickly enough. Although Toyota has said that this situation is rare, it may occur in worn accelerator pedal mechanisms or gradually over time.
As Toyota determines a solution to the gas pedal problem, owners have been told that they can keep driving their vehicles. In the event of the gas pedal sticking, drivers should apply force firmly and steadily upon the brakes instead of pumping the brakes. Vehicle owners with any questions can call the Toyota customer service line at 800-331-4331. The vehicles affected by the new recall include: 2009-2010 Toyota Rav4, Corolla, Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra and 2008-2010 Sequoia. The Camry Hybrid is not included in the new recall.
Anyone who has been injured or lost a loved one in a car collision caused by a fixed accelerator while driving one of the Toyota models mentioned above should contact the Los Angeles Toyota gas pedal recall lawyers at Panish, Shea & Boyle LLP. Their California auto product liability attorneys may be able to help you recover financial damages for your losses. Contact the California personal injury law firm of Panish, Shea & Boyle LLP today for a consultation.
Source:http://money.cnn.com/2010/01/21/autos/toyota_recall/
