We’ve been following the Toyota recalls here at GJEL for the past several months. We’ve reported on the recalls that were in response to runaway vehicles, and about the potential recall on the 2010 model of the Prius Hybrid because of faulty brakes. Today, there are four new developments. The first is good news, the next three items are much closer to bad news for both Toyota and Toyota drivers.
Fixes for Recalls Announced
First, Toyota announced yesterday that they have a fix for all the floor mat and gas pedal recalls that were causing vehicles to accelerate uncontrollably. The announcement came in the form of a statement on the company’s website, and a television commercial containing the same information as the statement. The text of the statement on Toyota’s website is as follows:
Here’s the latest update on the recall:
- We’re starting to send letters this weekend to owners involved in the recall to schedule an appointment at their dealer.
- Dealerships have extended their hours – some of them working 24/7 – to fix your vehicle as quickly as possible.
- Trained technicians have begun making repairs.
We’ve halted production of these models this week to focus on fixing the problem for the vehicles that are on the road.
Our entire organization of 172,000 North American employees and dealership personnel has been mobilized. And we’re doubling our quality control efforts across the company.
Ensuring your safety is our highest priority. We will continue to update you with accurate and timely information about the status of the recall in the days and weeks ahead.
Toyota Announces Prius Recall
Toyota has also announced that the company is instituting a voluntary recall of the 2010 Prius, citing faulty anti-lock brake software as the problem. According to Toyota’s press release:
“Toyota has responded to owner concerns with a running production change for 2010 Prius that was introduced last month, improving the ABS system’s response time, as well as the system’s overall sensitivity to tire slippage”
Toyota has said that the company will fix all the 2010 Prius vehciles that have already been sold, and will institute the production change for all cars produced from here on out.
Toyota Announces Camry Recall
On top of recalling the Prius for brake problems, Toyota has announced a recall of certain 2010 Camry models for a separate brake issue. This time, it’s not the anti-lock brake software, but rather the placement of a steering hose that can cause holes to form in the brake tubes, causing difficulties in braking the vehicles. From Toyota’s website:
“Separately, Toyota will conduct a voluntary safety recall on approximately 7,300 early production – 2010 model year Camry vehicles equipped with the 4 cylinder engine to inspect for a power steering hose that may be in contact with a front brake tube. This contact could lead to a hole in the brake tube and cause a brake fluid leak, increased brake pedal stroke and greater vehicle stopping distance.”
Many Were Aware of Acceleration Problems for Years
PBS News Hour is also reporting on their television program today that State Farm Insurance and NHTSA were aware of acceleration problems prior to this major recall. According to PBS News Hour, State Farm began warning people, including the NHTSA, in 2007, and NHTSA was investigating acceleration problems as early as 2003. According to the Canadian Press, both State Farm and NHTSA were made aware of the problems because both noticed an increase in complaints about the acceleration problems from these vehicle owners.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Andy is a highly recognized wrongful death lawyer in California.