Toyota Recall

The car manufacturer claims that the latest Toyota recall was announced because of problems with the gas pedal mechanism, which can cause the accelerator to stick, regardless of whether the car has a floormat. Toyota stated that in some instances, the gas accelerator mechanism can wear down, making the pedal more difficult to press, slower to return or stuck. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that Toyota gas pedal problems are a "serious safety issue."

The following recalled Toyota models have been cited in the January recall notice:

• 2009-2010 RAV4, Matrix, and Corolla
• 2005-2010 Avalon
• 2008-2010 Highlander
• 2007-2010 Tundra
• 2008-2010 Sequoia
• Certain 2007-2010 Camrys

The latest Toyota recall is in addition to the November 2009 recall, which was issued over reports that the gas pedal could become trapped under the floormat. Some of the recalled Toyota models involved in January's recall notice were already cited in the 2009 recall. To date, Toyota has recalled nearly 7 million vehicles worldwide due to gas pedal problems.

In February 2011, continuing troubles with gas pedals led Toyota to recall an additional 2.17 million cars. This is the third time since 2009 that the car maker has made such a move. Nearly 1.38 million of the new recalls are an expansion of the Nov. 2009 Toyota recall, which was issued to fix a problem that would allow the floormat to entrap the gas pedal. The vehicles implicated in this recall include the following: 603,000 4Runner SUVs (2003-2009); 17,000 Lexus LX 570 SUVs (2008-2011); and 761,000 RAV4 compact SUVs (2006-2010).

Separately, in February 2011, Toyota issued a recall of 372,000 Lexus RX 330, RX 350 and RX 400H SUVS made between 2004 and early 2007, as well as 397,000 Highlander and Highlander SUVs model years 2004 to 2006. This Toyota recall was issued because a retention clip used to hold a piece of the car’s center console can become loose and obstruct the gas pedal. The automaker also recalled 20,000 Lexus GS300 and GS350 All-Wheel cars made between 2006 and early 2007, as the gas pedal in these vehicles could become stuck in the plastic pad part of the driver’s floormat, if the mat isn’t replaced properly after being removed.

Morgan & Morgan lawyers have extensive experience handling cases involving defective products, such as the Toyota gas pedal. Our Toyota recallattorneys are not currently seeking claims for this class action case.