Toyota Expands Its Recall, Adds Two Others

Toyota announced today that is recalling 2.17 million vehicles.  The automaker is expanding its November 2009 recall to incorporate three additional models, including:

• Approximately 603,000 2003 through 2009 4Runner 
• Approximately 17,000 2008 through 2011 Lexus LX 570; and
• Approximately 761,000 2006 through 2010 RAV4.

Similar to the previous recall, the floor mats can cause the accelerator pedal to become entrapped under the accelerator pedal causing the vehicle to increase its speed against the driver’s will resulting in serious injury or death.

In addition, Toyota has issued two new recalls to correct issues with the driver’s side floor carpet and/or the floor carpet covers and their retention clips.  Vehicles affected by the recalls are: 

• Approximately 20,000 2006 and early 2007 Model Year GS 300 and GS 350 All-Wheel Drive vehicles
• Approximately 372,000 2004 through 2006 and early 2007 RX 330, RX 350, and RX 400h vehicles; and
• Approximately 397,000 2004 through 2006 Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles.

If the carpet is not properly replaced in the correct position after a service operation, the plastic pad embedded into the floor carpet may interfere with the operation of the accelerator pedal.  In the event of the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, located in front of the center console, is not installed properly, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm.  In both cases, the accelerator pedal may become temporarily stuck in a partially depressed position rather than returning to the idle position causing the vehicle to increase its speed against the driver’s will resulting in serious injury or death.

The attorneys at Messa and Associates have successfully represented many victims of defective automobiles. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by one of the recalled Toyota or Lexus vehicles, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw.