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In January, Toyota announced the safety recall (http://www.newsomelaw.com/blog/2010/01/22/toyota-recall-announced-more-2...) of more than 2.3 million models of their top-selling vehicles due to issues with the gas pedal that could lead to sudden unintended acceleration. At least eight Toyota models have been named in this recall, including the Camry and Corolla, and vehicles manufactured as early as 2005 through late models in 2010 are possibly capable of this highly dangerous – in some cases even fatal – design flaw.

In response to the January recall, Toyota eventually halted the production (http://www.newsomelaw.com/blog/2010/01/28/toyota-stops-production-8-mode...) of eight models – Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Highlander, Sequoia, Tundra, Avalon, and Matrix – for at least one week. As the recall continues, representatives of Toyota insist that no models of Lexus or Scion are affected by this gas pedal issue. During this cessation of production, Toyota will investigate if more models and model years are affected sudden unintended acceleration.

The January recall is unrelated to an October 2009 recall (toyotafloormatrecall.net), during which Toyota experienced the largest recall in company history when 3.8 million vehicles were recalled due to floor mat issues that were also responsible for sudden unintended acceleration cases. The 2009 recall included both Toyota and Lexus models, which were being manufactured with the wrong floor mats in some vehicles. Incorrectly placed floor mats could become lodged beneath the gas pedal and cause unexpected acceleration or eliminate the ability to decelerate.

Included in the latest recall are the 2009 and 2010 RAV4, 2009 and 2010 Corolla, 2009 and 2010 Matrix, 2005 through 2010 Avalon, 2007 through 2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007 through 2010 Tundra, and 2008 through 2010 Sequoia. In response to the recall and production stoppage, automobile rental companies including Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise are removing all Toyota vehicles that fall into the aforementioned years and models from their inventories until further notice from the manufacturer.

Both the January and October recalls, while unrelated, have had a major impact on global markets and other manufacturers. In response to January’s recall, China announced a nationwide recall of more than 75,000 RAV4 vehicles, causing Ford to stop production in the company’s Chinese facilities. General Motors also paused the production on two dozen Pontiac Vibe models due to their strong similarities in design and manufacturing as the Toyota Matrix. However, GM contends that no Vibes currently being driven are in danger of sudden unintended acceleration.

If you or a loved one has experienced a case of sudden unintended acceleration or other complications with a late model Toyota vehicle, fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with automobile recalls and sudden unintended acceleration. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.