A recent, massive recall by Toyota (which includes some Lexus models) highlights the importance of every tiny detail of automobile design, from the spark plugs to the cup holders. The company (Toyota/Lexus News Room) first recalled the floor mats, believe it or not, of seven models spanning from 2004 to present:
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2007-2010 Camry
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2005-2010 Avalon
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2004-2009 Prius
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2005-2010 Tacoma
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2007-2010 Tundra
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2007-2010 ES350 (Lexus)
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2006-2010 IS250 and IS350 (Lexus)
The lowly mats were at first blamed for several accidents where the accelerator pedal has gotten stuck in the "floored" position. As it turns out, however, the pedal itself is to blame, as critics of Toyota's policies have long suspected.
Critics suggested the car maker actively sought to cover up its accelerator defect. After a family of four in California crashed and burned (LA Times, republished by the Tribune) due to a stuck accelerator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a sharp rebuke of Toyota for finding "no defect" in the accelerator.
Under increased pressure after the tragically fatal San Diego accident, Toyota announced (News Inferno) it will replace the accelerators of about 4 million of the recalled cars in the United States. A design change has been implemented for new cars beginning in January.
The automaker is asking owners of the above vehicles to promptly remove the driver's-side floor mat and said it planned to start replacing the pedals in 2010. Toyota's initial floor mat recall announcement (see first link) also provides some tips on how to avoid a deadly crash should your Toyota's accelerator get stuck on full-blast. But if you've gotten that far, wouldn't it be easier to just pull the mat out?
Anyone who has experienced a stuck accelerator on any of the listed models should contact an Illinois injury lawyer immediately.
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Directory of Chicago injury attorneys (FindLaw)
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NHTSA's denial of motor vehicle defect petition, with testimonies of drivers (PDF, Department of Transportation)
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Product Liability: Background (FindLaw)
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