Toyota Accelerator Defect Results In Voluntary Recall
Vehicle safety is an issue that many motorists take for granted. We trust that auto manufacturers have rigorously tested their products, ensuring the safety of consumers as a consequence. However, as the most recent safety recall issued by Toyota illustrates, faulty design is not always caught by auto manufacturers before its products are introduced and sold to the public.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that between 2006 and 2009, 13 Toyota vehicles have been involved in fatal accidents stemming from gas pedal sticking. Due to statistics such as these and additional reports of serious accidents involving Toyota’s accelerator defects has resulted in Toyota recently recalling over 2.3 million vehicles, specifically the 2009-2010 RAV4, Corolla and Matrix models; the 2005-2010 Avalon; 2010 Highlander; 2007-2010 Tundra and the 2008-2010 Sequoia; and some 2007-2010 Camrys . This recall comes after an earlier recall that was announced in November 2009 of floor mats that Toyota had indicated were at risk of becoming lodged underneath gas pedals, causing them to accelerate uncontrollably.
A Toyota press release explains that "customers who have any questions or have experienced any issues with their accelerator pedals should visit Toyota.com, contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331, or call their local Toyota dealer." While it is certainly noble of Toyota to take the initiative in voluntarily recalling its vehicles, it does not change the fact that Toyota released a product to the public that was ultimately found to be unsafe during typical usage. The facts surrounding this auto product liability issue need to be carefully scrutinized, particularly by victims and families of victims who were in accidents that could have been attributed to the sticking gas pedal defect.
Here at Wingate Russotti & Shapiro, LLP, our New York defective auto part attorneys will continue to monitor this situation as it unfolds and keep readers up-to-date on new developments. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of what you believe to be an automotive defect, please call our office at 212-986-7353 to set up an appointment to discuss your case.
Source Articles: http://money.cnn.com/2010/01/29/autos/toyota_recall_faq/; http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx?srchid=K610_p277898818
