Massive Toyota Recall Impacts the Safety of Millions

Toyota has made national headlines with a massive product recall involving eight different models of the Japanese automaker's product line of vehicles. The recall involves approximately 2.3 million vehicles which are equipped with a specific pedal assembly that, in rare cases, sticks, causing cars to uncontrollably accelerate. The models effected by the pedal recall include:

• Certain 2007-2010 Camrys
• Certain 2009-2010 Corollas
• Certain 2009-2010 RAV4s
• All 2009-2010 Matrixes
• All 2005-2010 Avalons
• Certain 2010 Highlanders
• All 2007-2010 Tundras
• All 2008-2010 Sequoias

Toyota has also decided to briefly stop production of the affected vehicles and focus on repairing the faulty accelerators. The recall will involve an installation of a reinforced pedal assembly on the accelerator pedal that eliminates excess friction, which has been determined as the cause of the pedal to stick in the affected vehicles. The recall allows owners to return their vehicles to Toyota dealerships for this fix which takes approximately 30 minutes to install, however it is best to check with the dealer before you make the trip to ensure that they have the proper parts in stock to service your model.

The prospect of your car accelerating uncontrollably seems fitting for an action movie, but to have it happen in real life is a terrifying thought. If you own one of the cars effected by the recall and experience your gas pedal sticking, it is important to know ahead of time how you can safely control the vehicle. There have been various reports in the news about ways to control a car whose gas pedal stuck, however some stories have been providing misinformation. According to a press release from Toyota, "In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes.  The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure.  The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance."

By reviewing these safety precautions, an owner of one of the above vehicles can calmly take on an otherwise frightening experience and navigate to safety. These recalls have caused some people to think about auto accidents they and their loved ones have been involved in to consider whether their vehicle might have been a contributing cause to the accident. If you or a loved one has been in an accident that you think may have been cause by a vehicle defect, such as an accelerator that sticks, and would like to speak with an experienced attorneys at the McMinn Law Firm LLP, located in Austin, Texas, provide intelligent, resourceful and aggressive legal counsel on car accidents and Austin personal injury cases. When the outcome of your legal situation can depend on the quality of your legal counsel, it is important that you retain an accident attorney who is fully committed to safeguarding your rights and representing you in a court of law.