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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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5

Toyota Will Recall 3.8M Vehicles in Floor Mat Danger

Company fears accelerator pedal in Camry, Prius, others can become trapped

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(Newser) – Toyota will issue a recall next week on 3.8 million vehicles—including many popular Camry, Prius and Lexus models—over fears that accelerator pedals can become stuck under floor mats even after drivers take their feet off. In the meantime, a company rep tells Automotive News, owners should remove the mats on the driver’s side. For a full list of vehicles involved, click the link below.

2010 Camry sedans are seen at a Toyota dealership in Centennial, Colo.
2010 Camry sedans are seen at a Toyota dealership in Centennial, Colo.   (AP Photo)
A Toyota Prius.
A Toyota Prius.   (Wikimedia Commons)
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JoeQ
Sep 29, 09 7:28 PM CDT
A floor mat can bunch up behind an accelerator pedal. Dang, I never would have guessed such a thing could happen. Thos dastardly Toyota engineers! I also gotta remember not to tilt my head back and open my mouth during a rain storm, else I drown. Reply
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WallyEFunk
Sep 29, 09 10:31 PM CDT
I had a car with those rubber winter mat, that did that to me once. Scarey. Reply
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Nwambe
Sep 30, 09 6:32 AM CDT
As with any unexpected surges in the power of your vehicle, if a brake can't handle it, shift it to neutral Reply
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radnip
Sep 30, 09 9:01 PM CDT
Since no news people have mentioned this and Toyota has not mentioned it either and the emergency people who took that 911 call also did not tell that family, shutting off the engine stops a car, as does using the parking brake (that this one might be a bit dangerous). Shifting into reverse will also stop/slow your car. Shifting into neutral also, and possibly into the lower gears. Needing a new car/engine is MUCH better than needing a whole new family. Reply
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So_Cal_Larry
Oct 1, 09 2:36 PM CDT
I have listened to the 911 recording multiple times now. I am flabbergasted that this unnecessary vehicle accident even occurred. This driver had multiple choices. First, he could have changed the gears from 'drive' to 'neutral' So what if the engine raced because the accelerator seemed stuck. Second, he could have turned the key towards off. He could not remove the key, he likely could have killed the engine. Third, he could have braked to reduce the effect of the stuck accelerator. What an unnecessary tragedy here. Reply
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