San Diego Auto Defect Lawyers Concerned About Toyota and Lexus Floor Mat Defects

Fatal Santee Accident Prompts Toyota Motor Corp’s Largest Recall in Company’s History

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 - In what is being called an “urgent matter,” Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling nearly 3.9 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles due to the dangers of the driver-side floor mats causing the accelerator to become stuck. Both Toyota and Lexus have posted a safety advisory notice on their websites, saying  “Recent events have prompted Toyota (and Lexus) to take a closer look at the potential for an accelerator pedal to get stuck in the full open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.  A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.”

More Than 100 Confirmed Accidents Caused by Stuck Accelerators

A four-person-fatality crash in Santee, CA on August 28, 2009, was very likely caused by the floor mat on a 2009 Lexus – a Lexus dealer loaner vehicle – becoming stuck on the accelerator. Witnesses reported they saw fire coming from the wheels of the Lexus ES 350 just before it crashed. The driver of the Lexus was an off-duty veteran California Highway Patrol officer, who called 911 just moments before the fatal crash. According to a Sheriff’s investigator, the fire coming from the wheels was a sign of “long, constant, heavy braking.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has confirmed 102 incidents involving 2004-2009 model year vehicles relating to floor mats and stuck accelerators. Forty-two of the incidents involved a 2007 Lexus ES 350.

Toyota and Lexus Floor Mat Recalled Vehicles

The following vehicles are subject to the recall. If you own or drive any of these vehicles, you are advised to remove your driver’s side floor mat and not replace with any other floor mat until Toyota has provided a replacement.

• 2007 – 2010 Toyota Camry
• 2005 – 2010 Toyota Avalon
• 2004 – 2009 Toyota Prius
• 2005 – 2010 Toyota Tacoma
• 2007 – 2010 Toyota Tundra
• 2007 – 2010 Lexus ES350
• 2006 – 2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350

A recall was issued in September 2007 for similar problems, but only involved an accessory all-weather floor mat sold for use in some 2007 and 2008 Lexus ES 350 and Toyota Camry vehicles.

Government Issues “Urgent” Warning to Toyota and Lexus Owners

On September 29, 2009 U.S. government Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood stressed the dangers of the floor mats to Toyota and Lexus owners, saying that the recall was an “urgent matter.” NHTSA spokesman Rae Tyson also said, “Consumers should take this seriously.” Some of the vehicles involved in the recall are equipped with keyless ignitions, which further complicates shutting down an out-of-control vehicle.

San Diego Auto Defect Product Liability Attorneys

If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident that you believe to be caused by a stuck accelerator or any other defective automobile part, contact the product liability attorneys at Estey & Bomberger for a free legal consultation. You may be entitled to compensation from the vehicle manufacturer for your injuries or a family member’s death. Estey & Bomberger attorneys have handled numerous auto accident cases caused by dangerous or defective auto parts, and have recovered more than $30 million in verdicts and settlements this year. To speak with a San Diego auto defect attorney at Estey & Bomberger about your potential case, call (619) 543-1391. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, and do not charge any fees unless we win your case.