Toyota floor mat problem goes back 2 years
Last Updated: Thursday, October 8, 2009 | 10:07 AM ET
CBC News
Toyota recommends customers remove these floor mats from certain models. (Toyota U.S.A.) Toyota this week said it would advise owners to remove floor mats from their cars, but has been aware for two years that the mats could jam the accelerator pedal and cause an accident.
The widow of a man killed in a 2007 crash blamed on that problem is afraid the Japanese automaker isn't moving fast enough to solve the problem.
"I just want Toyota to fix the problem now. Don't wait," Melodie Bohuchot, 30, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview from Sacramento, Calif. "How many people have to die before they take this seriously?"
Earlier this week, Toyota informed the U.S. government it will send letters by first-class mail to owners of the best-selling Camry, the Prius hybrid and other models to remove floor mats on the driver's side and not replace them.
Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco said it takes time to reach every customer. "There are a lot of customers involved. Our objective is to contact them as soon as possible," he said.
The latest recall — Toyota's biggest in the U.S. and Canada — followed a high-speed crash in August involving a 2009 Lexus ES350 that killed four family members.
Toyota says floor mats on the driver's side must be removed from:
- 2007-2010 model year Toyota Camry.
- 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon.
- 2004-2009 Toyota Prius.
- 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra.
- 2007-2010 Lexus ES350.
- 2006-2010 Lexus IS250/IS350.
Toyota said the gas pedal may get stuck when the floor mat is unsecured or incompatible, making it difficult to stop and potentially causing a crash that could result in serious injury or death.
The Japanese automaker recalled floor mats for the 2007 and some 2008 Lexus ES350s and Toyota Camrys following the 2007 crash that killed Troy Johnson.
Johnson's Honda Accord was hit from behind on a highway near San Jose, Calif., by a 2007 Toyota Camry, whose accelerator had become jammed by a Toyota-supplied floor mat, according to court documents.
The Camry was speeding out-of-control at up to 190 kilometres per hour, and slammed into Johnson's vehicle, killing him instantly, say court records.
Bohuchot sued the car company and reached a settlement last year. Bohuchot and her lawyers declined to disclose the amount. Toyota declined comment on past litigation.
With files from The Associated Press
