Toyota’s Trio of Troubles
On Monday, Toyota issued a second recall of several popular models due to safety issues. The number of cars recalled continues to climb, and has already affected some 5.3 million vehicles.
The most recent recall, “Pedal” involves the possibility that some accelerator pedal mechanisms may mechanically stick in a partially depressed position, or return slowly to the idle position. Affected models include the following:
• Certain 2009-2010 RAV4
• Certain 2009-2010 Corolla
• 2009-2010 Matrix
• 2005-2010 Avalon
• Certain 2007-2010 Camry
• Certain 2010 Highlander
• 2007-2010 Tundra
• 2008-2010 Sequoia
Toyota’s engineers have developed a solution for vehicles currently in production, as well as vehicles already on the road, and repair kits have already begun shipping to Toyota dealers.
An earlier recall, “Floor Mat Entrapment” involves unsecured or incompatible driver’s floor mats interfering with the accelerator pad and causing it to become stuck in the wide-open position. Affected models include the following:
• 2005-2010 Avalon
• 2007-2010 Camry
• 2009-2010 Corolla
• 2008-2010 Highlander
• 2009-2010 Matrix
• 2004-2009 Prius
• 2005-2010 Tacoma
• 2007-2010 Tundra
• 2009-2010 VENZA
Toyota’s engineers have developed a solution and have been contacting customers to let them know when to bring in their vehicles to be fixed.
As a part of these recalls, new car sales of affected models has been temporarily suspended until the problem has been remedied. Production at some North American plants has also been halted in order to free up resources to fix affected vehicles.
Toyota’s commitment to creating reliable products and exercising strict quality-controls is renowned in the auto industry and beyond. However, with a third recall involving Prius looming on the horizon, one has to wonder if Toyota will be able to maintain their good reputation.