Toyota mandates safety inspection of floor mats

Posted September 17th, 2009 by Laura Impastato

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.

Filed Under

Gas & Autos Automobiles -

Tags: fatal crash - floor mats - gas pedal - Lexus - safety inspection - Santee - Toyota -

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Trade in

On January 12th, 2010 Fernandez McPherosn (not verified) says:

I when to the car dealership and I trade in my Honda Pilot for a 2010 Chevy. The trade was made 01/08/2010 and the selling of my car was made the same day according to the salemans conversation the same night. I return the new Chevy and I was given portion of the money because they charged me for mileage used on the car. On the Contract it stated I have 5 day to cancel Mr. scott the Sale Manager say it cant be reverse its a done deal. This happen in Silver Spring MD Sport Chevy Dealer. Can I get my Honda back since I cancel.

Lexus floor mat

On September 29th, 2009 Carlos (not verified) says:

Are you going to demand a refund from Lexus for selling you a lemon?

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