The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating increasing consumer complaints regarding sudden acceleration and other problems with Toyota vehicles. Since November 2009, Toyota has recalled more than eight and a half million vehicles for problems ranging from sticky accelerators to computer system glitches and brake problems. More than 34 car crash deaths and 22 injuries are blamed on these defects.
Here is a list of the current Toyota recalls:
Floor mat recall – The floor mat in the following vehicles may get stuck under the accelerator causing unstoppable sudden acceleration. This recall involves the following Toyota models: 2007-2010 Camry, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2004-2009 Prius, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2008-2010 Highlander, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Venza and 2009-2010 Matrix. Pontiac’s 2009-2010 Vibe and Lexus’s ES350 and IS250/IS350 are also affected. The Lexus HS250h is not currently involved in the recall, but may be included soon. Over 5.3 million vehicles are affected.
Sticking accelerator recall – In these vehicles, a “sticky” gas pedal may cause unintended and uncontrollable acceleration. This recall effects 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2008-2010 Sequoia, 2009-2010 RAV4. The recall includes 2.3 million U.S. vehicles.
Power steering hose recall – Currently this recall only affects 2010 Camrys. However, it may be expanded to include Corolla. In these vehicles, a power-steering hose may be in contact with a brake tube. This defect can potentially create a hole in the brake tube leading to loss of brake fluid and longer stopping distances. Currently 7,300 vehicles are affected.
Hybrid braking recall – This is a recall of the software that controls the anti-lock braking system in 2010 Toyota Prius and 2010 Lexus HS250h. The software problem can cause the brakes of these hybrids to fail momentarily; 147,500 U.S. vehicles have been recalled.
Tacoma drive shaft recall – Eight thousand 2010 Tacoma pick-up trucks have been recalled because of possible cracks in the front drive shaft.
Recalls by car model:
1. Toyota 2005-2010 Avalon – Sticking accelerator recall/floor mat recall
2. Toyota 2007-2010 Camry – Sticking accelerator recall/floor mat recall/power steering hose recall
3. Toyota 2009-2010 Corolla – Sticking accelerator recall/floor mat recall
4. Toyota 2008-2010 Highlander – Sticking accelerator recall/floor mat recall
5. Toyota 2009-2010 Matrix – Floor mat recall
6. Toyota 2004-2009 Prius – Floor mat recall
7. Toyota 2010 Prius – Hybrid braking recall
8. Toyota 2009-2010 RAV4 – Floor mat recall
9. Toyota 2008-2010 Sequoia – Accelerator pedal recall
10. Toyota 2005-2010 Tacoma – Floor mat recall
11. Toyota 2010 Tacoma – Possible cracks in the drive shaft
12. Toyota 2007-2010 Tundra – Sticking accelerator recall/floor mat recall
13. Toyota 2009-2010 Venza – Floor mat recall
14. Pontiac 2006-2010 Vibe – Floor mat recall
15. Lexus 2007-2010 ES350 – Floor mat recall
16. Lexus 2006-2010 IS250/IS350 – Floor mat recall
17. Lexus 2010 HS250h – Hybrid braking recall
Are there more recalls on the way?
Federal transportation officials say they plan to open a safety investigation into the steering of model year 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corollas. Consumers report problems with steering and lane changes. Both Toyota and the NHTSA are trying to determine the cause of this latest problem.
What should you do if your car is affected by the recall?
Call your local Atlanta Toyota dealer to schedule a free repair.
What should you do if you have been in an Atlanta-area accident because of a defective vehicle?
Call a lawyer. Contact the Law Offices of R, Shane Smith. Attorney Shane Smith can help get compensation for all your injuries and losses. Call (980) 246-2656