On Wednesday, Toyota announced that it is replacing the accelerator pedals on at least 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus autos to prevent future accidents involving unintended acceleration. The car manufacturer announced its largest recall ever in September following growing evidence that catastrophic car crashes can occur if the floor mat jams the gas pedal.
At least five deaths have been linked to this defect, which claimed the life of four members of a Southern California family last August. Bloomberg.com reports that the sudden acceleration has led to over 2,000 complaints by Lexus and Toyota owners and that these incidents have involved 243 injuries and 16 deaths.
Now, Toyota says it is going to install a "brake override" that will sharply lower engine power if the brake pedals and accelerator are pressed at the same time to make sure that drivers can stop any vehicle that is out of control. Toyota says that temporary, shorter gas pedals will replace the current ones until replacement pedals are developed.
On Tuesday, Toyota also announced that it is recalling 110,000 Tundra pickup trucks due to concern that frame corrosion can cause spare tires to dislodge or damage brake lines. The recall affects 2000 - 2003 Tundra models in Northern states where de-icers are used treat roads during the winter.
Auto Products Liability
Auto defects can cause multiple injuries and deaths, which is why it is so important that defects be remedied and identified immediately. If you've been injured in an Orange County, California car accident that you believe was caused by a defective or malfunctioning auto part, you may be entitled to auto products liability compensation for personal injury or your loved one's wrongful death.
Brake defects, engine failure, defective seat belts, faulty airbags, roof defects, rollover-prone autos, defective door latches, faulty power windows, and defective window glass can cause catastrophic injuries and deaths during a collision.
Toyota Recalls Tundra Pickups for Frame, Bloomberg.com, November 24, 2009
Pedals to be replaced in Lexus, Toyota recall, Newsday, November 25, 2009
Toyota Sued by Consumers Over Sudden Acceleration of Vehicles, Bloomberg, November 7, 2009
Related Web Resources:
Toyota
Toyota Recall September 2009 Affects 3.8M Vehicles Crash Due To Gas Pedal Stuck On Floormats, Device Mag, September 30, 2009
Based in Anaheim, our Orange County, California auto products liability lawyers represent car accident victims and their families in cities all over Southern California.
