I am not an automotive engineer but I do have common sense. Finally today Toyota has stopped production of 8 different models due to a mechanical problem with the accelerator pedal.
In today's Sharp Report you heard the horrific 911 call made by Chris Lastrella just moments before he, off-duty CHP Officer Mark Saylor, his wife, Cleofe, and his daughter Mahala, 13 were killed while driving a loaner Lexus ES 350.
Initially Toyota was making the claim that the defect was related to the use of an improper floor mat that pinned the accelerator down. It appears that the all-weather mat was not designed for that vehicle and may have slid forward. What confuses me is how does a stuck accelerator pedal cause the breaking system to fail as you heard in the 911 call?
I am not with the anti-corporate crowd that believes corporations intentionally ignore fatal flaws in their products purely because of greed. I do believe however, that company's keep problems quiet too long for fear of lowered stock value, potential lawsuits and loss off market share in an extremely competitive market.
If you own a Toyota that is on one of the lists, bring it back immediately. It isn't worth the risk that Toyota took, hoping that they would come up with a solution before it cost an entire family their lives.
Stay Sharp!
RELATED STORIES AND RECALL INFORMATION:
The models that will be recalled or subject to a sales suspension include:
• RAV4 (2009-10 models)
• Corolla (2009-10)
• Camry (2007-10)
• Matrix hatchback (2009-10)
• Avalon large sedan (2005-10)
• Highlander crossover (2010)
• Tundra pickup (2007-10)
• Sequoia large SUV (2008-10)
Toyota stops production, sales of 8 models for gas pedal problem
Toyota Press Release and FAQ
Toyota's response to accusations that they covered up known problems and settled lawsuits quietly
