Massive Toyota recall looks to address unintended acceleration issue

Toyota first issued a safety advisory acknowledging the issue on September 29 and recalled the floormats. In the interim, negative media coverage put the unintended acceleration problem in the spotlight, and detailed additional claims that faulty electronics, not the floormats, caused the unintended acceleration experienced by a number of drivers. For its part, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was never able to substantiate any such claims, even after conducting multiple investigations into the specific matter of unintended acceleration in certain Toyota models over the past several years, according to ABC News.

The problem has now been escalated to the point where a new, more significant recall is being issued, and it will involve nearly four million Toyota and Lexus vehicles across North America. The affected cars will receive redesigned accelerator pedals, which Toyota says will not interfere with the floormats, even if older, improperly-installed all-weather mats are being used. Vehicles recalled that have Toyota factory equipment all-weather floormats installed will also have them replaced with new, redesigned versions. Finally, all affected vehicles will have a brake override system installed, which will cut power to the car's engine when both the accelerator and brakes are applied simultaneously. Toyota will also begin making the brake override system standard equipment throughout the Toyota and Lexus lineups next year, with the expectation that it will be employed in most of its new vehicles by the end of 2010 .

If you drive one of the affected models listed below, be certain to follow up and participate in the recall once you receive your official notice. Complete details are available at Toyota's online U.S. newsroom.

The Toyota and Lexus models involved in the safety recall are as follows:

• 2007 to 2010 Toyota Camry
  
• 2005 to 2010 Toyota Avalon
• 2004 to 2009 Toyota Prius
• 2005 to 2010 Toyota Tacoma pickup
• 2007 to 2010 Toyota Tundra pickup
• 2007 to 2010 Lexus ES350
• 2006 to 2010 Lexus IS250
• 2006 to 2010 Lexus IS350