Nice New Toyotas

The car manufacturer Toyota is not having a good year so far is it? And it’s only February! Several million Toyota cars had been warned and then recalled about a floor mat issue that caused the gas pedal to get caught. Then the recall was expanded to more models and years plus the public was informed it was more than a floor mat issue; it was mechanical.

Why did Toyota wait so long to tell the public the truth? By waiting to divulge that it wasn’t floor mats, but a mechanical part in the gas pedal they may very well have caused more injuries and lives to be lost. At least now they seem to be doing the right thing by getting all the cars in and fixed. But does this action come too late to restore the public’s confidence in Toyota?

By first saying the problem was a floor mat, and then identifying the problem as the gas pedal while expanding the recall, many Toyota owners have to be wondering if their car is safe or will it be recalled as well. Is Toyota sitting on another mechanical failure without telling anyone?

Well, it’s not looking to good because the Toyota Prius is the next Toyota car with problems showing up. There have been rumors and stories floating around the Internet that the new 2010 Toyota Prius has braking issues. Toyota states they have already fixed the problem in the cars on the production line, but they aren’t ready to do a recall yet. Why aren’t they doing a recall? Are they waiting for fatalities to pile up, as the case with the sticking gas pedal?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration isn’t very amused by Toyota’s handling of these recalls, and has issued a formal inquiry in to the 2010 Toyota Prius braking issues. The N.H.T.S.A. has only received 124 complaints but that number will no doubt climb much higher once more Prius owners realize that the braking system is indeed faulty and they aren’t crazy.

This is really turning into a public relations nightmare. Toyota has always been known for safety and reliability, but that is now turning rapidly into distrust and fear. The completely lack of concern over consumer’s lives, consumer’s that bought their cars, is chilling. Yes you’ll lose money in a recall, but aren’t human lives more important than money? I shudder to think at the answer Toyota would give at the moment.

The problems first arrived with a single, car crash that took place in southern California last August. Toyota has this week called two separate recalls covering over 7.5 million cars! Now they are forced to stop all sales of eight of Toyota’s best selling models which will cost the company and its dealers a minimum of $54 million a day in lost sales. Toyota is known for its great quality, and wonderful reputation. How did the worlds largest and most profitable automaker find itself at the center of the biggest recall since the Firestone Tire recall in 2000.

The first recall, covers 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus models, owners are to remove the floor mats from their cars and place them in the trunk, or to have the floor mats zip-tied in place by a Toyota dealer. The recall covers many models and year including:

* 2005 to 2010 Avalon
* 2007 to 2010 Camry (not including Camry Hybrid)
* 2008 to 2010 Highlander
* 2009 to 2010 Matrix
* 2004 to 2009 Prius
* 2005 to 2010 Tacoma
* 2007 to 2010 Tundra
* 2009 to 2010 Venza
* 2007 to 2010 Lexus ES350
* 2006 to 2010 Lexus IS250
* 2005 to 2010 Lexus IS350
* 2009 to 2010 Pontiac Vibe

The second recall covers 2.3 million cars which together account for over 50% of Toyota’s sales. Affected models include:

* 2005 to 2010 Avalon
* 2007 to 2010 Camry
* 2009 to 2010 Corolla
* 2010 Highlander
* 2009 to 2010 Matrix
* 2009 to 2010 Rav4
* 2008 to 2010 Sequoia
* 2008 to 2010 Tundra

In addition, all 2009 and 2010 Pontiac Vibes, which are mechanically identical to the Matrix and built in the same plant, are also affected.

America is a nation on wheels. Car ownership is built into the fabric of America: most Americans are completely dependent on their vehicles for getting to work and running errands. For that reason, when a safety issue comes to light with a company’s vehicles, it should be taken very seriously. This is all the more true when America’s largest automobile supplier begins a massive series of recalls for vehicles that can accelerate out of control.

Understandably there has been a massive backlash against Toyota over these concerns. Sudden acceleration has led to a number of deaths and serious injuries. Although reports have trickled in over the years of drivers losing control when their vehicles suddenly accelerate out of control, it has taken Toyota until very recently to issue a series of recalls. The most recent series of recalls has extended beyond accelerators to braking issues as well.

Initially they blamed the unintended acceleration on faulty pedals that get stuck under floor mats. Since then, new information has come to light that suggest both mechanical and computer errors as the culprits. The braking issues, so far restricted to their Prius model, is reportedly caused by a computer problem. Having so many different problems, with so many different causes, will not help Toyota rebuild its reputation.

Toyota is one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers, holding a significant market share in every part of the world. Even in America, it holds a larger share of the market than any other brand. In addition, it is the largest contributor to Japan’s economy: the largest contributor of taxes and the largest single employer. A massive blow to Toyota’s wellbeing will be felt across the entirety of Japan’s economy.

Nonetheless, any company that puts its consumers at risk should have to pay the price. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured because of sudden unintended acceleration or braking problems with a Toyota vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering and losses.

The compassionate sudden acceleration injury lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier are here to help you win the battle against reckless, profit-centric car manufacturers. To discuss your case with a lawyer, contact Habush Habush & Rottier today.

Joseph Devine