Toyota to Replace Gas Pedal in 4 Million Toyota & Lexus Models
Earlier this month, we reported on the problem involving sudden acceleration in certain Toyota and Lexus models. In the past, the manufacturer was blaming the issue on floor mats, but after more than 2,000 instances were reported by the National Highway Traffic And Safety Administration, there was no doubt plenty of fear in many drivers’ minds. It is almost certain that the situation would also affect future sales of one the country’s strongest automotive brands.
As you can expect, Kimmel & Silverman is quite aware of the situation, having already represented quite a few consumers who had complained of sudden acceleration in their Toyota and Lexus models to their dealers.
The Associated Press is now reporting that Toyota will replace the accelerator pedals on roughly 4-million recalled vehicles. Models affected include 2007-2010 model year Toyota Camry, 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon, 2007-2009 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle, 2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma, 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra, 2007-2010 Lexus ES350, and 2006-2010 Lexus IS250 and IS 350 models.
The recall was prompted by a high-speed crash involving the death of a California Highway Patrol Officer and his family when the loaner vehicle they were driving exceeded speeds of 120 mph, struck a sports utility vehicle, rolled off an embankment and exploded in flames. A 911 call was placed as the incident was occurring where a passenger made reference to fact that the accelerator was stuck. This recall is the largest in the manufacturer’s history.
We are very happy to hear that Toyota is taking responsibility for this issue, but at the same time, we remind consumers that if you have repeatedly complained of this problem to an authorized Toyota or Lexus dealer, you should take a look at State Lemon Laws and Federal Warranty Laws to see if you are entitled to recourse even if the car is permanently fixed. For more information, contact us or call 1-800-LEMON-LAW (1-800-536-6652).
May 19th, 2010 at 4:46 am
i won’t be buying another car by toyota after returning my car to the garage 2 times!
January 26th, 2011 at 9:34 pm
To Whomever can help me,
I am writing to inform the public of the worst lemon lexus ever. I bought a 8 month used 2007 ES 350 thinking I was purchasing a quality car that would last 10 years. Well was I fooled! It was previously owned by a lexus dealer. First, my car sped up frightening me half to death. Thankfully there were no vehicles on the street as the Lexus sped up on.
That was the first recall. I went to Lexus, they replaced the mat. Later, I learned that it was the accelerator that was the problem and the dealership replaced it.
Then, when I was leaving my son off to school. I smelled burnt oil. My son instructed me to go to the dealership immediately, where upon my arrival the car spilled out all its oil. That time a hose was replaced.
I could have been in an accident, were it to have happened on the highway.
I ask God why did I have to buy this particular car.
It gets worse. The next recall was the brake, no problem it was replaced.
Then, the air bag recall. All this time I thought my son was safe in the passenger seat only to find out the air bag didn’t work at all. They replaced that at no cost.
Then, when I arrived home I found that the drivers air bag wasn’t working either and had to return to replace that.
Wait, this is the last straw! I take my Lexus ES 350 in to the shop because I hear a knocking noise. I religiously have changed the oil on or before the time it is due. I have spent a good fortune on tune ups, new wheels,oil change, ignition starters …etc. Only to be told, did someone else tamper with the oil cap? I responded I have only come to your dealership to change the oil. I was then told that basically it was an engine problem and that the oil had been leaking for some time. My daughter tells me she first heard the knocking at the end of summer 2010. The representative tells me my engine is more than likely no good and that the dealership will not pick up the cost of taking the engine apart to look into it and that most assuredly the engine is no good.
The dealership initially lost my warrenty earlier in the process of buying this vehicle and I got so upset that I canceled it and had my money returned. Bad move in retrospect.
The VVT hose was replaced. I ask how could the oil leak have occured without the dash board lighting up or the dealership detecting this. I again am told there was one quart of oil in the tank and that the light only comes on when its empty.
What can I do??? I want Lexus to take back and buy back this Lemon Lexus and I never want to see,drive, ride in, purchase, or walk into another Lexus Dealership ever again!
Help me someone. Give me some advice.
Signed Single Mom, future ex owner of Lemon Lexus
February 12th, 2011 at 9:42 am
Hello Mercedes: I am hopeful you received the e-mail I sent with lemon law contact information in your state.