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Toyota Car Recall Due To Floor Mat
If you owned a Toyota in 2009, you might still remember the massive floor mat recall that shook the automotive industry. This recall targeted a serious design flaw involving the driver-side floor mat, which could potentially cause the accelerator to become stuck. The issue led to several high-profile accidents and sparked widespread concern among drivers.
The recall impacted approximately 3.8 million Toyota vehicles across the United States, making it the largest recall in the company’s history up to that point. It affected a wide range of models, including popular sedans, trucks, SUVs, and luxury vehicles like the Lexus line.
Some of the affected models included the 2007–2010 Camry, 2007–2010 Tundra, 2005–2010 Avalon, 2004–2009 Prius, 2005–2010 Tacoma, 2004–2006 Highlander, 2004–2006 Highlander HV, 2003–2009 4Runner, and various Lexus models such as the GS 300, GS 350, IS 250, and IS 350.
The problem stemmed from the floor mat's design. In some cases, the plastic hooks on the mat could interfere with the accelerator pedal, causing it to stick in a partially depressed position. This led to sudden unintended acceleration, which was particularly dangerous at high speeds.
One tragic incident in August 2009 involved a Lexus ES 350 that crashed at over 100 mph, killing four people. Investigations later revealed that the throttle had become stuck open due to the floor mat. Toyota responded by issuing a safety advisory and encouraging owners to remove the driver-side floor mat temporarily while a permanent fix was developed.
Despite these efforts, some drivers speculated that the issue was not with the floor mat but with the electronic throttle control system. A few reported their vehicles accelerating uncontrollably, leading to congressional inquiries. However, after a thorough investigation by the NHTSA, it was confirmed that there were no issues with the electronic systems.
To address the problem, Toyota introduced Smart Stop Technology, which prevents the accelerator from overriding the brakes when both are pressed simultaneously. This innovation became standard in all Toyota models and helped prevent similar incidents in the future.
In addition, Toyota redesigned its floor mats to eliminate the risk of interference with the accelerator pedal. The company also faced a $17.35 million fine from the U.S. Department of Transportation for failing to report the defect promptly.
Later, another issue emerged: sticky gas pedals caused by a plastic component that could wear down over time. Although Smart Stop Technology helped mitigate the risk, Toyota was ultimately fined $1.2 billion for its handling of these safety concerns.
Despite these challenges, Toyota learned from its mistakes and has since improved its safety standards. Today, Toyota vehicles are widely regarded as some of the most reliable and safe on the road.
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