NHTSA Statement Concerning The Safety Recall of 3.8 million Toyota Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a statement today correcting inaccurate and misleading information put out by Toyota concerning a safety recall involving 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles:

A press release put out by Toyota earlier this week about their recall of 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles inaccurately stated NHTSA had reached a conclusion "that no defect exists in vehicles in which the driver's floor mat is compatible with the vehicle and properly secured." NHTSA has told Toyota and consumers that removing the recalled floor mats is the most immediate way to address the safety risk and avoid the possibility of the accelerator becoming stuck. But it is simply an interim measure. This remedy does not correct the underlying defect in the vehicles involving the potential for entrapment of the accelerator by floor mats, which is related to accelerator and floor pan design. Safety is the number one priority for NHTSA and this is why officials are working with Toyota to find the right way to fix this very dangerous problem. This matter is not closed until Toyota has effectively addressed the defect by providing a suitable vehicle based solution.

NHTSA constantly monitors consumer complaints and other data. This comprehensive recall focuses on pedal entrapment by floor mats, but NHTSA will fully investigate any possible defect trends in these vehicles.

TIMELINE OF EVENTS

- On September 29, 2009, NHTSA issued a Consumer Alert warning owners of Toyota and Lexus vehicles about "conditions that could cause the accelerator to get stuck open." As an interim measure, NHTSA "strongly encouraged" owners of specific models to take out the removable driver's side floor mats and not to replace them any other type of mat. NHTSA warned consumers "a stuck accelerator may result in very high vehicle speeds and a crash, which could cause serious injury or death."

- On the same day, Toyota issued a voluntary recall of 3.8 million vehicles to address problems caused when removable floor mats push the accelerator pedal to the floor.

- NHTSA officials are meeting with Toyota to hear their action plan for redesigning the vehicles and correcting this very serious defect.

RELATED NEWS ARTICLES

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/safety-agency-rebukes-toyota-over-floor-mat-issue/

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-toyota-recall5-2009nov05,0,7645994.story

http://www.mnn.com/transportation/cars/blogs/runaway-toyotas-investigation-of-sudden-acceleration-eerily-recalls-deadly
 

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-fi-toyota-recall8-2009nov08,0,6120294.story

<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <![endif]-->http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09323/1014601-185.stm

RECALLS AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGNS

- 1982 Cressida, Celica, Supra Recall 86V-132 (See EA85-045)
- 1983-84 Camry, 1984 Corolla Recall 90V-040 (See PE90-021)
- 1998-01 Camry Recall 01V-012
- 2007-08 Camry, Lexus ES350 Recall 07E-082 (See EA07-010)
- 2004 Sienna Safety Improvement Campaign 09V-023 (See EA08-014)
- 2005-10 Avalon, Tacoma; 2004-09 Prius; 2007-10 Camry, Tundra, Lexus ES 350; 2006-10 Lexus IS 250/350 Recall 09V-388 (Preliminary Recall Report)
 

DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS

- 1975-78 All Models - Investigation EA80-074
- 1979-83 All Models - Investigation EA83-020
- 1981-84 Cressida - Investigation EA85-045 (See Recall 86V-132)
- 1983-84 Camry, 1984 Corolla – Investigation PE90-021 (See Recall 90V-040)
- 1987-89 Camry, Celica - Investigation PE92-065 (See EA92-044)
- 1987-89 Camry, Celica - Investigation EA92-044 (See PE92-065)
- 2002-03 Camry, Solara, Lexus ES 300 – Investigation PE04-021 (See DP04-003)
- 2007-08 Camry, Lexus ES 350 – Investigation PE07-016 (See EA07-010, Recall 07E-082)
- 2007-08 Camry, Lexus ES 350 – Investigation EA07-010 (See PE07-016, Recall 07E-082)
- 2004 Sienna – Investigation PE08-025 (See EA08-014, Safety Improvement Campaign 09V-023)
- 2004 Sienna – Investigation EA08-014 (See PE08-025, Safety Improvement Campaign 09V-023)

DEFECT PETITIONS
- 1983-84 Camry – Defect Petition DP86-08 (See PE90-021, Recall 90V-040)
- 1997-00 Lexus LS, GS 400 – Defect Petition DP03-003
- 2002-03 Lexus ES 300 – Defect Petition DP04-003 (See PE04-021)
- 2002-05 Camry, Solara, Lexus ES – Defect Petition DP05-002
- 2002-06 Camry, Solara – Defect Petition DP06-003
- 2006-07 Tacoma – Defect Petition DP08-001
- 2002-03 Lexus ES 300, 2007 Lexus ES 350 – Defect Petition DP09-001

TOYOTA DOCUMENTS
- Toyota Dealer Floor Mat Advisory 9-29-09

CONSUMER REPORTS

- What to Do if Your Car Accelerates Out of Control (VIDEO)