Roswold Law Group Blog

Toyota’s Problems Are A Reminder to All To Check Their Floor Mats

Back in October of 2007, Toyota recalled 55,000 all-weather driver’s side floor mats that were an option on 2007 and early 2008 Toyota Camry and Lexus ES350 models. There was apparently a problem with the retention hooks such that the mats could slide forward and cause the vehicle to potentially accelerate uncontrollably.

Fast forward to August 28, 2009.  An off duty California Highway Patrolman and three family members were killed horrifically when the 2009 Lexus ES in which they were riding sped out of control, crashed into another vehicle, rolled over and burned.

The police report initially indicated that the driver’s side floor mat had interfered with the accelerator pedal. Later, it was reported that the car may have been fitted by the dealer with an optional all-weather floor mat that was too big for the car and could not be secured to the floor hook. It is thought that the loose mat may have become entangled in the cars pedals and caused the accelerator to stick while preventing the brake from being applied. The crash is obviously still being investigated.

As a result of this accident, Toyota launched a recall of many of its vehicles in October of 2009 due to the potential danger of floor mat entrapment. As of January 27, 2010 this recall was expanded to include additional vehicles. Toyota has also issued a massive recall of vehicles due to an accelerator pedal defect.
 
Regardless of whether the floor mat or the accelerator pedal caused the horrible accident in California, it is clear that having a loose mat or other loose items in the driver’s side foot well is a danger that needs to be addressed.

If your car has floor mats, make sure that they are hooked to the floor appropriately. If your floor mats are aftermarket or accessory items, make sure that they are not able to move around and interfere with the brake and accelerator pedal. Likewise, never stack your mats, as this might also cause unnecessary interference. Finally, keep loose items such as trash out of the foot well.