TOYOTA DEFECTS AND RECALLS
In September 2009, Toyota acknowledged vehicle defects and linked the problem to an external issue, cautioning that floor mats were becoming stuck under the accelerator pedal.
Consumers were advised to remove the mats in their vehicles. However, after more individuals filed official complaints of injury and accidents involving Toyota model cars, Toyota had to continue investigating the issue and eventually admitted that manufacturing and design defects contributed to the gas pedal problem.
Affected Vehicles
- 7-2010 Models)
- Sequoia (2008-2010 Models)
- Toyota Rav4, Corolla, Matrix (2009-2010 Models)
- RAV4 (2009-2010 Models)
- Corolla (2009-2010 Models)
- Matrix (2009-2010 Models)
- Highlander (2010 Model)
In the 2010 recall, Toyota claimed there was a rare possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may become mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position. Toyota consumers were informed that they would have to wait three weeks to find out if their recalled vehicle was one of the defective models and then have to wait additional time as arrangements were made to repair the auto product defect.
Other Common Toyota complaints
- Accelerator pedals sticking
- Vehicles suddenly speeding forward
- Unable to stop or slow the vehicle
Toyota issued instructions on how to handle the loss of vehicle control, advising consumers to press and hold the ‘power’ switch on their autos for more than three seconds to make an emergency stop. Toyota’s safety instructions appear to have come too late for many, as federal reports showed a startling increase in the number of Toyota auto accident injuries and deaths.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that there have been at least 34 reported fatalities in the last decade involving Toyota accelerator issues and as many as 13 reported fatalities between January 27 and February 15, 2010.
People in the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles area who drive Toyotas and who have suffered injuries in accidents or, much worse, have lost loved ones are left to question if these defects have played a role. Suppose Toyota had taken proper precautions and investigated initial complaints more seriously. In that case, lives in Southern California and throughout the United States could have been spared. The emotional and financial toll on those that were needlessly injured could have been avoided.
What to Do if You’ve Experienced Toyota Vehicle Issues
The experienced Toyota recall attorneys at Mandell Trial Lawyers have been working to protect the rights of those seriously injured in accidents involving defective vehicles for many years. With our extensive legal experience and knowledge of auto product liability, wrongful death, personal injury, and auto accident litigation, our lawyers will help you obtain a successful outcome for your accident case involving a recalled Toyota vehicle.
Call Mandell Trial Lawyers today at (818) 886-6600 for a free consultation of your case.
