Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) fined Toyota over sixteen million dollars for not warning the government and the public about potential safety issues affecting Toyota vehicles. Since November 2009, Toyota has recalled more than nine million vehicles for problems ranging from sticky accelerators to computer system glitches to cable corrosion and brake problems. More than 52 car crash deaths and 32 injuries are blamed on these defects.
While they have not been recalled, federal transportation officials have opened a safety investigation into the steering of model year 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corollas.
This week, Toyota pulled its Lexus GX 460 from the market after it was rated “Do Not Buy” by Consumer Reports. The SUV was given this rating because of handling issues that could lead to rollovers.
Here is a list of the current Toyota recalls:
Floor mat recall – The floor mat in the following vehicles may get stuck under the accelerator causing unstoppable sudden acceleration. This recall involves the following Toyota models: 2007-2010 Camry, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2004-2009 Prius, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2008-2010 Highlander, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Venza and 2009-2010 Matrix. Pontiac’s 2009-2010 Vibe and Lexus’s ES350 and IS250/IS350 are also affected. The Lexus HS250h is not currently involved in the recall, but may be included soon. Over 5.3 million vehicles are affected.
Sticking accelerator recall – In these vehicles, a “sticky” gas pedal may cause unintended and uncontrollable acceleration. This recall effects 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2008-2010 Sequoia, 2009-2010 RAV4. This recall includes 2.3 million U.S. vehicles.
Power steering hose recall – Currently this recall only affects 2010 Camrys. However, it may be expanded to include Corolla. In these vehicles, a power-steering hose may be in contact with a brake tube. This defect can potentially create a hole in the brake tube leading to loss of brake fluid and longer stopping distances. Currently 7,300 vehicles are affected.
Hybrid braking recall – This is a recall of the software that controls the anti-lock braking system in 2010 Toyota Prius and 2010 Lexus HS250h. The software problem can cause the brakes of these hybrids to fail momentarily; 147,500 U.S. vehicles have been recalled.
Tacoma drive shaft recall – Eight thousand 2010 Tacoma pick-up trucks have been recalled because of possible cracks in the front drive shaft.
Cable Corrosion Recall– Potential corrosion in the spare tire carrier cable may cause the spare tire to be separated from the vehicle causing a safety hazard; 600,000 Sienna 2WD minivans in Washington, DC, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
Recalls by car model:
- Toyota 2005-2010 Avalon – Sticking accelerator recall/floor mat recall
- Toyota 2007-2010 Camry – Sticking accelerator recall/floor mat recall/power steering hose recall
- Toyota 2009-2010 Corolla – Sticking accelerator recall/floor mat recall
- Toyota 2008-2010 Highlander – Sticking accelerator recall/floor mat recall
- Toyota 2009-2010 Matrix – Floor mat recall
- Toyota 2004-2009 Prius – Floor mat recall
- Toyota 2010 Prius – Hybrid braking recall
- Toyota 2009-2010 RAV4 – Floor mat recall
- Toyota 2008-2010 Sequoia – Accelerator pedal recall
- Toyota 2005-2010 Tacoma – Floor mat recall
- Toyota 2010 Tacoma – Possible cracks in the drive shaft
- Toyota 2007-2010 Tundra – Sticking accelerator recall/floor mat recall
- Toyota 2009-2010 Venza – Floor mat recall
- Toyota Sienna 1998-2010 2WD, 1st and 2nd generation – Cable corrosion Recall
- Pontiac 2006-2010 Vibe – Floor mat recall
- Lexus 2007-2010 ES350 – Floor mat recall
- Lexus 2006-2010 IS250/IS350 – Floor mat recall
- Lexus 2010 HS250h – Hybrid braking recall
- Lexus 2010 GX 460 – Sales suspended due to handling issues
If your car is affected by a recall, call your local Toyota dealer to schedule a free repair. If you have been injured in a car crash, contact Chester Law Group. Our attorneys help those injured in car accidents throughout Ohio. Our offices are located in Cleveland, Akron and throughout Ohio. Call to schedule a free consultation and request your copy of The Insider’s Guide to Handling Ohio Accident Claims.