Toyota Gas Pedal Recall: Who Knew What? And When?
When Toyota announced last September floor mats were to blame for the unintended, sudden acceleration of some of its vehicles, there were those who questioned whether there could be more to the problem than carpet entrapment.
Toyota’s response to the questions, according to an MSNBC.com article: “Unwarranted speculation.”
But as the scope of the sudden acceleration problem widens – and the explanations offered seem to shift – Toyota’s credibility has taken a hit, with good reason.
Sudden Acceleration Accidents
In August 2009, a fiery high-speed crash in San Diego County killed four family members who were riding in a 2009 Lexus ES 350. The auto was a loaner car issued by a car dealer that was servicing the family's vehicle. The Lexus' driver called 911 to report that the vehicle had no brakes and the accelerator was stuck. The Lexus reached 120 mph before hitting a sport utility vehicle, launching off an embankment, rolling several times and bursting into flames.
In October 2009, Toyota announced that it was recalling approximately 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus autos because their floor mats could trap the gas pedal, causing sudden acceleration.
The vehicles affected by the floor-mat-entrapment recall are:
• 2007-2010 Toyota Camry
• 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon
• 2004-2009 Toyota Prius
• 2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma
• 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra
• 2007-2010 Lexus ES 350
• 2006-2010 Lexus IS 250
• 2006-2010 Lexus IS 350
• 2008-2010 Toyota Highlander
• 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla
• 2009-2010 Toyota Venza
• 2009-2010 Toyota Matrix
• 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe
In January 2010, Toyota recalled approximately 2.3 million vehicles in the United States claiming a sticky gas pedal was also causing sudden acceleration. The autos affected by the gas pedal recall are:
• 2007-2008 Toyota Tundra
• 2008-2010 Toyota Sequoia
• 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon
• 2007-2010 Toyota Camry
• 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla
• 2009-2010 Toyota Matrix
• 2009-2010 Toyota RAV4
• 2010 Toyota Highlander
• 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe
Most recently, the car maker announced it was investigating possible brake problems with its Toyota Prius Hybrid MY 2010. The NHTSA has received at least 124 reports from consumers complaining they lost the ability to brake while driving over uneven surfaces, potholes or bumps.
If you have been injured as a result of sudden acceleration in a Toyota, Lexus or Pontiac auto, or a loved one has been injured or killed, contact the attorneys at Carey & Danis. We can help. Carey & Danis is a national law firm that represents individuals injured by America's largest corporations.
