Personal Injury
Toyota Accelerator Recall
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Recall of Toyota: Certain models taken off the market due to possible defects in brakes and floor mats
Our attorneys are currently investigating the recall of some Toyota cars. If your vehicle caused a crash--or you were the victim of a defective Toyota--contact us via the form below for a free lawsuit review.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has informed owners of certain Toyota, Lexus and Pontiac Vibe vehicles about the actions they should take if their accelerator gets stuck or is slow to return under certain conditions.
The advisory comes on the heels of continued reports of consumer concern and confusion about two separate safety recalls Toyota announced over the past week involving accelerator pedals.
Each recall has a different root cause – pedal entrapment and sticky pedal.
Pedal Entrapment Recall
In October, Toyota announced the recall of 3.8 million vehicles for accelerator pedal entrapment by the floor mat.
That recall was recently expanded to include another million vehicles.
When an accelerator pedal is depressed to or almost to the floor, as is done during attempts to merge onto a freeway or pass another vehicle at highway speeds, it can become trapped in the fully open position by an out of position or unsecured floor mat.
Toyota has begun to notify owners of the availability of a remedy for this entrapment recall. The accelerator pedal will be reconfigured by dealers.
At the same time, Toyota will develop replacement pedals for these vehicles, which will become available for some models in April 2010.
Owners who first choose to have the pedal reconfigured can also receive the brand new pedal when it becomes available. New all-weather floor mats will also be provided.
In addition, Toyota will install a brake override system on certain models. The brake override system would ensure the vehicle would stop if both the brake and the accelerator pedals are simultaneously applied.
Until consumers receive the remedy, it is imperative that they take out all removable floor mats on the driver’s side or ensure that any mats are properly secured.
The agency has confirmed that 5 individuals, in 2 incidents, have died as a result of pedal entrapment in the recalled vehicles.
Failure to follow this advice with regard to removing or securing the floor mats could lead to additional deaths and injuries.
At such time as Toyota has the recall remedy for these vehicles owners will receive a letter instructing them to go to their dealer for the repair.
Toyota, Lexus and Pontiac vehicles affected by the entrapment recall are:
Sticky Pedal Recall
In January 2010, Toyota announced the recall of 2.3 million vehicles for a problem internal to the accelerator pedal that causes it to be harder to depress, slower to return to the closed position or get stuck in some partially depressed position.
Some of the vehicles included in this recall are also included in the pedal entrapment recall.
Toyota has announced a remedy repair that will be available right away. The company is also having new pedals manufactured.
Owners who first choose to have the pedal repaired may later receive a new pedal when it is available.
Toyota, Lexus and Pontiac vehicles affected by the sticky pedal recall are:
If you were in an accident and sustained a serious injury due to one of these defective Toyota models, please complete the form on this page for a free review of your possible lawsuit.
A lawyer from our personal injury department may be able to help you file a claim and seek compensation for your injuries.
The negligence attorneys of Weitz & Luxenberg are committed to justice: a driver or passenger’s safety is at risk when a manufacturer is negligent.
see also:
Third Recall
Toyota Brakes and Car Floor Mats | Recall News from Weitz & LuxenbergToyota Brakes subject of third recall. Get a free lawsuit review
Recall News
Recall of Toyota and Possible Lawsuits | Weitz & Luxenberg AttorneysRecall of certain Toyota cars due to defects. Free legal review
TSA Press Release
Toyota Cars Recall | Weitz & Luxenberg Accident Injury Lawsuits Traffic Safety Admin press release on Toyota cars. Free lawsuit review
