Toyota issues huge recall due to floor mat safety issue

UPDATE: Toyota recalls 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles, according to Channel 10 News.

A fatal crash in Santee, California, that killed four people, has prompted Toyota to issue a mandatory inspection alert of all Lexus and Toyota vehicles. The vehicle involved in the accident was a 2009 Lexus ES 350.

Toyota is ordering mandatory inspections of all Toyota and Lexus vehicles after an improperly installed floor mat was linked to a crash that killed four people last month near Santee, California. One of the victims was a California Highway Patrolman, who was driving the vehicle.

A frantic passenger in the car told a dispatcher that the car was traveling at 120 mph and that the accelerator was stuck.

According to an article in the Union-Tribune, Toyota recommends that vehicle owners should check their floor mats to make sure that either the carpet or rubber mat is properly secured and clipped to the floor.

In 2007, Toyota issued a recall for some of its mats due to complaints about the mats slipping forward and trapping the gas pedal.

Consumers may take their vehicles to dealers for inspection and cars will be inspected when brought in for service as well.

"We urge all other automakers, dealers, vehicle owners, and the independent service and car wash industries to assure that any floor mat, whether factory or aftermarket, is correct for the vehicle and properly installed and secured," said officials of Toyota Motor Sales USA in a statement.

 

 

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Gas & Autos Automobiles -

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