The automaker Toyota recalled a reported 3.8 million vehicles on September 29, 2009. It was the largest recall from Toyota to date and affects Toyota and Lexus models.http://www.freep.com/article/20090929/BUSINESS01/90929057/1318/Toyota-recalls-vehicles-over-acceleration-problem The recall was expanded on January 21, 2010, to include an additional 2.3 million vehicles.http://www.marketwatch.com/story/toyota-to-recall-additional-23-mln-vehicles-2010-01-21-1630220
The initial concern was over the floor mats on the driver's side, which can stick to the accelerator and cause the cars to accelerate unintentionally. When the recall was expanded, it included instances where the accelerator could stick without the presence of floor mats.http://money.cnn.com/2010/01/21/autos/toyota_recall/
On January 27, 2010, an additional one million cars were added to the list of recalled vehicles. The cars affected in this recall include the 2008-2010 Toyota Highlander, the 2009 and 2010 model year Toyota Corolla, Toyota Venza, Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe. As of the third week in January, Toyota stopped selling the Highlander, Corolla and Matrix models due to this recall and other issues.http://www.freep.com/article/20100127/BUSINESS01/100127076/1318/Toyota-recalls-another-million-vehicles-over-mats
On February 17, Toyota President Akio Toyoda indicated that he has no plans to appear before members of Congress to discuss the recent troubles facing the car manufacturer.http://www.cnn.com/2010/BUSINESS/02/17/japan.toyota.press.conference/index.html?hpt=T1
Since the initial recall was announced, numerous complaints of sudden acceleration, including cases where drivers and passengers were reportedly injured or killed as a result, have soared. In one case, a Toyota Prius sped our of control to 94 MPH in California, with the brakes doing little to slow the vehicle. The car was eventually stopped with the help of the California Highway Patrol after the driver phoned 911. According to reports, the driver James Sikes attempted to have the car serviced at the dealership two weeks before the incident, but he was turned away by dealership staff.http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503983_162-20000234-503983.html
Toyota Recall Under LaHood
On February 3, 2010, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on transportation and advised owners of any Toyota vehicle subject to their recall to, "...stop driving it."http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100203/ap_on_bi_ge/us_toyota_recall
LaHood went on to reiterate what he had told reporters prior to giving his testimony, that Toyota cars subject to the recall should, "take it to a Toyota dealer because they believe they have a fix for it.
Toyota Recall Affected Models
- 2007-2010 Camry
- 2009-2010 Corolla
- 2005-2010 Avalon
- 2004-2009 Prius
- 2005-2010 Tacoma
- 2007-2010 Tundra
- 2007-2010 ES 350
- 2006-2010 IS 250 and IS 350
- 2009-2010 RAV4
- 2009-2010 Matrix
- 2010 Highlander
- 2008-2010 Sequoia
- 2008-2010 Highlander
- 2009-2010 Corolla
- 2009-2010 Venca
- 2009-2010 Matrix
- 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe
Toyota Recalls Gas Pedals
Toyota began a voluntary recall of more than two million vehicles in January 2010 due to an accelerator malfunction causing it to stick to the floor. CBS' Susan Koeppen reports on how to avoid this problem and prevent a devastating accident.
References
Fast Facts
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Issued
September 29, 2009, then expanded on January 21, 2010
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Fact:
Toyota recalled 3.8 million cars originally, plus an additional 2.3 million later
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Fact:
Largest U.S. recall from Toyota
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Fact:
Affects select Toyota and Lexus models
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Fact:
Driver's side floor mat may stick to the accelerator, causing it to accelerate without notice
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Fact:
Toyota issued a similar recall in 2007
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Fact:
Customers are advised to remove the mats completely, rather than replacing them
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Fact:
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