A new recall of 2.3 million Toyota vehicles was announced on January 21, 2010 to fix a recently confirmed problem that may cause gas pedals to stick without the presence of a floor mat. This recall is separate from Toyota’s on-going recall of 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles due to a problem with accelerator pedals becoming stuck under loose floor mats. It is important to note that Toyota has removed blame from defective floor mats being the cause of accelerators sticking in some of the vehicles included in the previous recall. There is an overlap of approximately 1.7 million vehicles on both the new and previous recall list. If you or a loved one has been harmed or killed because of a stuck Toyota gas pedal, the Los Angeles Toyota gas pedal defect attorneysat Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP may be able to be of assistance.
In the new recall, Toyota claims there is a rare possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may become mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position. Many consumers have been shocked to learn of Toyota expanding its original recall and that this danger exists even without a floor mat being present. Even more unnerving is that Toyota has taken away fault from the previously identified faulty floor mats in some of the vehicles that have already been recalled. Although Toyota reported that the stuck gas pedal issue is more likely to occur if an accelerator pedal mechanism becomes worn, usually developing gradually over time, there is no doubt that the safety and well-being of consumers has greatly been put at risk.
The vehicles influenced by the new recall include:
- Toyota Rav4, Corolla, Matrix (2009-2010 Models)
- Avalon (2005-2010 Models)
- Camry (2007-2010 Models)
- Highlander (2010 Model)
- Tundra (2007-2010 Models)
- Sequoia (2008-2010 Models)
A Toyota spokesman said that the pedals in question may become more difficult to press and may become slower to return when released. In the worst scenario, the pedal may become stuck in a partially depressed position, thus leaving a motorist with little power over controlling the vehicle. As Toyota works to quickly devise a correction remedy, owners are told that they can continue driving their cars as long as they are aware of what can be done if the potential problem arises. If the gas pedal problem occurs, drivers are being told that they should not pump the brakes, since doing so may diminish the brakes’ power assist. If the pedal becomes stuck, Toyota suggests that the vehicle can be brought under control with steady and firm application of the brakes. Then, a motorist should drive to the nearest safe location, shut off the vehicle, and call a Toyota dealer for assistance.
Before the new Toyota recall was even revealed, several innocent people were killed in auto accidents caused by stuck accelerators and numerous others endured injuries from the inability of controlling and stopping their vehicles. The Los Angeles auto product liability attorneys at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP may be able to help you if you or someone close to you has been injured or killed in a car accident caused by a stuck gas pedal with or without the presence of a floor mat. Their Los Angeles Toyota accelerator recall lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that if they take on your case, you do not have to pay any legal fees unless they obtain a recovery for you. Get in touch with the experienced California personal injury law firm Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP today to schedule a consultation of your potential case.