Toyota Recalls 55,000 Floormats, Yes, Floormats

This has got to be the easiest-to-fix recall notice we can remember, even though the problems caused can be severe. Toyota is recalling 55,000 all-weather floormats because they can stick underneath the gas pedal, causing unwanted acceleration. It seems that complaints arose about the unintended acceleration in 2007 Lexus ES 350 sedans, but we’ve also heard similar complaints regarding the Toyota Prius.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is highlighting the recall because of the number of reported accidents — eight in the Lexus ES 350 alone. So what’s the problem? The all-weather mats are made of rubber, and if they aren’t properly clipped into place they can slide below the pedals and become stuck when the gas pedal is pressed. One owner reported reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph due to the problem. There were also incidents of owners and dealers “installing” the all-weather mats over the standard floor mats instead of replacing one with the other.

In total, 30,500 mats for the 2007 Lexus ES 350 and 24,500 mats for 2007 and 2008 Toyota Camrys will be recalled in November, with replacements given free of charge. There’s no word on other Toyota and Lexus models included in the recall. NHTSA suggests owners check to make sure their current mats are secured properly and are not resting on top of the standard mats.

Toyota Recalls 55,000 Floor Mats (The Detroit News)